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SHS Alumni Message Board Archive
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From: Joe P ('63) on Wed Oct 31 21:26:07 2001
To James K. You are right about Dad being the best teacher. Mine passed on in '67 when I was 22. You never know how much you miss them until they are gone. Joe
From: James Kalinski (1980) on Wed Oct 31 03:59:28 2001
I am glad so many of us have fond memories of our HS teachers. But (if you know me you knew this was coming)I have one question concerning Mr. Granada? Is it really an inspiration to leave one's family to research your family tree? Just a question.
From: Steven Fischer (1965) on Tue Oct 30 19:04:31 2001
I agree with Veli (class of '73) about Russell Granata. I knew him well in the 1960's, especially after I graduated in 1965; my wife was in his history class and, since his wife Doris was also German, like my (later) wife Dagmar, we often visited them at home. I came to appreciate his intense passion for, and profound comprehension of, recent European history. I last saw him when he visited my wife and me at our (then) home at Meersburg, Germany, in 1991. We have since learned that he left the US, and his family, to live, write and research in Italy, where his family originally came from. He had told me he could identify best with Italians and, no longer recognizing what American society was becoming, felt ever more comfortable in old European settings. May his scholarship--and his published titles--thrive there for many years to come. Here's to Russell Granata, a friend and inspiration to many!
From: Veli (73) on Mon Oct 29 23:44:30 2001
While I was at SHS, Mr.Granata was one of the most memorable teachers that come to mind. He was out of his element and misunderstood by most. I had the pleasure of knowing him and I enjoyed his company due to our mutual intrest which was modern european history. He was frustrated by the fact that the students did not understand the importance of recent history. What happened in the last 100 years has shaped the world into what it is today. He used unconventional methods to keep order in his classes probably because of his extensive military career. In my opinion, he was one of the most qualified teachers to teach at SHS during my years there. I very much respect the man and wish him all the best, wherever he is today.
From: THS () on Mon Oct 29 18:05:29 2001
LOL BIG DOGS HERE!!!!
From: YLG (81) on Mon Oct 29 17:52:32 2001
Im thinking one word here...EBONICS?
From: Marc Longboy (2005) on Mon Oct 29 12:19:22 2001
hi south... im from weset HIGH!!!!! we beat you guys in football. im on the freshamn team. well i gave one of your guys a concussion and i feel bad for him bye...
From: Kim (1989) on Mon Oct 29 11:05:15 2001
Does anyone know the email address for Tisa Herring? I've been trying to contact her and haven't had any success.
From: Joni (Melim) Honore (1980) on Sun Oct 28 23:15:46 2001
Sue, It's GOOD to know that at least you and James Kalinski missed me! I thought that I had somehow fallen through the cracks.I'm on bedrest with my right foot propped up...I did something stupid in the kitchen. Nick had to fend for himself on the boat. LOL Joni
From: john dalton (82 ) on Sun Oct 28 18:14:06 2001
Dave Thayer, how ya doing? How'syour knee? Did we have Mrs. Satt together for Spanish 2? I seem to remember you and Dave Bennett in my class, maybe it was Spanish I with Peterson. Anyway, good to see your name.
From: Jon Lopez (2000) on Sun Oct 28 16:14:54 2001
Sup all. Back here at New Mexico Military Institute for a second year. Hey Geoff Mclellan, I'm not far from ya. If anyone knows how to reach him, drop me an email eh? We gotta get together some weekend an party.
From: Sue Fullmer Collinsworth (1971) on Sat Oct 27 16:36:39 2001
OOPS! I shouldn't have put those brackets in there. They were SUPPOSED to contain Joni's post so it'd be clear what I was replying to. I'll leave 'em out and try again.. The post I was replying to was: From: Joni Honore (Melim) (1980) on Sun Oct 14 00:58:47 2001 I'M BAAAACK !!!! Did anyone miss me???
From: Sue Fullmer Collinsworth (1971) on Sat Oct 27 16:34:20 2001
<> ABSOLUTELY!! This is the first place I came looking for you whent you went MIA on the Delphi board. I'm SO glad to see you've returned. Don't DO that again, okay? Love ya! Sue
From: Doug Thayer (78) on Sat Oct 27 12:04:27 2001
I had the distinct pleasure to be Mr. Granada's teachers assistant in '78. He just wasnt into the students. George Ice was. Rische was awesome, so was Mr. Smith in Wood shop. I ran into Mr. Smith back in 87 while travelling through a small town in Northern Cal. He retired and lives in Willits. FLORA SATT gets my vote for the most ignorant, clueless and WORST teacher. Beezhold was a pervert...always "dropping the pencil".. Jackman was a screem! Dont forget Mr. Lorenz (economics) and Mr. Cochran (math)...cool guy!
From: jmq (1980) on Fri Oct 26 23:33:12 2001
mr.peterson, spanish. any teacher who understands the value of a friday morning walk to the donut shop gets my vote. all teachers have something worthwhile, even if it is comic relief. I once saw a student light Tal Wilson's trash can on fire, and it took some time for him to notice it and put it out. on the other hand, he did encourage me to read several books that still linger in my mind, so it wasn't a total waste. i enjoyed the teachers who symbolized the narrow provincialism of Torrance as much as I enjoyed the few firebrands who were destined to crash and burn.
From: RDOG (80) on Fri Oct 26 20:49:25 2001
Anybody remember a "sub" by the name of Mrs. Benfer? She was usually at the middle schools, but on occasion at SHS. Talk about "OLD SCHOOL"!!!!!!
From: Jerrie (71) on Fri Oct 26 10:03:51 2001
MC..was Mr. Ruffel one of the drivers Ed teachers? The name is familiar. If hes who I remember...Oh, yeah! And...can I just say, the WORST teacher EVER, for many reasons..Mr. Beezhold. Another great guy was Mr. Tuxford. I saw him a couple of years ago at a restaurant and he still looked the same! I learned a lot from all my art teachers at South.
From: Perrius Maximus (1984) on Fri Oct 26 09:03:49 2001
Wow, how could I have forgotten all about Mr Pickard. He was a good guy. I took his animation class and it was a blast. I don't really have a "worst teacher" vote, really, as none of mine were really bad teachers. Complaints yes, but "bad teachers", no. Mr Carr was very interesting, though. Nice guy.... a little strange at times.
From: VBA (81) on Fri Oct 26 06:15:08 2001
Ooh- Doggy, don't forget Russel Granada!
From: RDOG (80) on Thu Oct 25 19:35:50 2001
WORST Teacher: Mr. Jackman, Gvmt.
From: MC (92) on Thu Oct 25 16:46:32 2001
Secret teacher crushes: Mr. Morrow and Mr. Ruffel!
From: Jerrie (71) on Thu Oct 25 11:06:55 2001
Mr. James Russell. He was (and probably still is) a great teacher and a really good man. I know he has done some metal sculptures in some famous places. Also Mr. Hershey was the coolest and nicest guy. I never had Mr. Ice, but everyone who did, loved him. My only high school teacher-crush? Mr. Pickard, commercial art, senior year. Did anyone else ever have a secret crush on a teacher at South? (Now, is this mundane, or what?!)
From: VBA (81) on Thu Oct 25 07:05:34 2001
My vote? George Ice. Coolest teacher ever. We're still in touch. He's a genius.
From: Perrius Maximus (1984) on Wed Oct 24 16:27:28 2001
Mr Martin was the coolest teacher I ever met. Period.
From: Perrius Maximus (1984) on Wed Oct 24 16:26:41 2001
The only complaint I ever really had about any teacher at SHS was the way Mr. Seidel (Algebra) used to constantly make an example out of me in his class. Nevermind the fact that I wasn't paying attention half the time...it still sucked.
From: Joni (Melim) Honore (1980) on Wed Oct 24 11:51:44 2001
Thanks, James. It feels good to be back. Long story, if you REALLY want to know, send me an e-mail, and I'll tell the whole sordid story
From: Steven Fischer (1965) on Tue Oct 23 20:04:50 2001
Carol, thanks so much for recalling Meadow Park. Maybe others might join us with their recollections. As for the current discussion on teachers, I cannot recall a single poor teacher; they were all dedicated and enthusiastic, as I recall. Certain names and faces do spring to mind, though. Barbara Hawkins inspired generations; her creative writing class was my crucible in 1964-65, and I have gone on to become a professional scholar and writer, perhaps because of her. Mr Muse was wonderful with acting and the plays, from "Our Town" in 1962 to "Mr Crane of Sleepy Hollow" in 1964. Old Mr Moore inspired all budding mathematicians, who then fully blossomed under John Conway, who also supervised us in Apollo. Then there was Miss Caddell, who guided us through speech class and all the state speech and debating tournaments. One of my favourites was Mrs Johnson, the French teacher, who inspired me to become a French major at university. And then Mrs McBride, the wonderful linguist, who taught us Russian between 1961 and 1962 in South's only Russian class, and who knew so much of the world (then shortly died afterwards of cancer). Dr Lucas, who received his doctorate just then in 1963 and was so proud of it, was a guiding light (how sad he drowned in a sailing accident off San Francisco years later). So many wonderful people. If only they knew how much we now cherish and treasure their memory....
From: James Kalinski (1980) on Tue Oct 23 11:12:49 2001
Hi Joni, long time no hear. The best teacher I have ever had would have to be my Father. Unfortunately he died early so he could not finish the job but he instilled in me then morals, values and responsiblity. As for the teachers at SHS, they are all good and from my view point, 21 years after the fact. They all did the best job they could given the kids they had to deal with. Just my thoughts
From: Carol H. (74) on Tue Oct 23 05:50:00 2001
My best teachers were Mr. Sweet, Barbara Hawkins and Mr. Peterson. The first two because they told me things I still remember and believe in today. And Mr. Peterson because I'm a good driver and get the insurance discounts. My funniest memories I'd rather not repeat to the world. My favorite quote form Mrs. Hawkins is: "you can sleep when you're dead."
From: Joe P. ('63) on Mon Oct 22 20:04:05 2001
Never really had a bad teacher at South. Those folks wanted me to learn and were "hard" on me. LOL But you know today we all can read and write and do math, so the mission was a sucess. And I might add, that some of us were not easy to teach, myself included in that group.
From: john dalton (82) on Mon Oct 22 19:16:21 2001
best teacher was Mr. S second best was Mrs. Wickstrom. I had both teachers for all 4 years. the most negative was probably mrs. Satt, spanish II when I was a freshman. Ken Peterson was my driver's ed teacher. that was convenient since his son and i were best friends and he taught me at home before i took his class anyway.
From: Joni (Melim) Honore (1980) on Mon Oct 22 17:23:32 2001
I was fortunate enough to have the BEST teachers while attending South, so I would have to say that all of them had a hand in molding me.I guess my funniest moment was at the end of my Freshman year Dr. Rische , sponsor of The Sword & Shield (Newspaper)presented me withthe award of "Best Freshman Writer" I was the ONLY Freshman writer that year, so I HAD to be the best. =)
From: Joe P. ('63) on Mon Oct 22 14:15:25 2001
Mr. S taught drivers ed back in '61 or '62 when I took it. He was a really great guy and worked hard at teaching us how to drive. One day a girl driving the Corvair broke the shifter off at the floor. (it was a stick shift). Undaunted , Mr. S. found some vice grips in the car and attached them to the stub on the shifter and we drove back to SHS.
From: rich (81) on Mon Oct 22 10:50:09 2001
Q: What teacher at South High School had the most positive effect on your life? Which had the most negative? Q: What was your funniest moment during School?
From: RW (81) on Mon Oct 22 10:48:37 2001
Q: What teacher at South High School had the most positive effect on your life? Which had the most negative? Q: What was your funniest moment during School?
From: VBA (81) on Mon Oct 22 06:29:00 2001
Carol- you made me think of something.. When we first came to Torrance on vacation in April 1968, we stayed at The Jumping Jack, and ate at The Parasol. I remember the huge slide across the street from Del Contes and the go-cart track. Also, my dad made notes that the condos by Rat Beach were currently selling for 34k then. How things have changed, eh?
From: Carol (1978) on Sun Oct 21 22:04:03 2001
Steve: I live (and lived) near Meadow Park since 1974. When we moved here it was closed as a school. My girlfriends and I used to sneak into the restrooms and smoke cigarettes. we'd take the heavy-duty hand towels and blow the smoke through them and see how 'brown' the paper would be! YUCK! If we only knew then. . . I later got sick one night on Sherman cigs and haven't smoked since then. . . but I digress - I remmeber the cow pastures, my parents stayed at the Driftwood Motel on PHC in 1961 right when this area was starting to develop we had moved here from Chicago. Even though I haven't lived right in this neighborhood 'forever' I still am amazed at the changes that have taken place in the last 10 - 15 years!
From: Zack Wolk (2000) on Sun Oct 21 15:53:06 2001
Congratulations are in order to Tina Jones (the fastest volleyball player I've ever seen) and Zack Resnick (One of the funniest guys I know) for coping the Homecoming King/Queen titles last night at the Homecoming Bash. congrats peepoles.
From: elissa (o2) on Fri Oct 19 21:09:36 2001
waz up every one out there (hi david,fly)
From: The Coach (?) on Thu Oct 18 14:55:40 2001
Ok all you fantasy football fans out there. Did you know there is a game tonight? If your team is on Sandbox, you need to update your rosters by 5:30 pm PST or your playing last week’s players. I would imagine other leagues work the same way. PS. Remember not every player plays each week, so update those rosters.
From: RW (81) on Thu Oct 18 12:10:34 2001
Nope!
From: liberace (()) on Thu Oct 18 11:36:29 2001
Is that a "lisp" I detect sweety ?
From: RW (81) on Thu Oct 18 11:16:04 2001
You Silly!
From: YLG (81) on Thu Oct 18 11:10:18 2001
What's work ?
From: RW (81) on Thu Oct 18 11:08:41 2001
Val, Anne I put my comments on the roundtable for you to read.
From: RW (81) on Thu Oct 18 10:51:19 2001
We should move this conversation to the roundtable because I now feel compeled to comment on Anne's post and I think it might lead to a great discussion. Anne, were do you and your husband work?
From: Anne ('90) on Thu Oct 18 09:20:04 2001
Hey VaLori, I just moved to that place! We just moved to Murrieta, right next to Temecula, and my kids play in the front yard (and up and down the street)with no problems. I'm still looking to see where Beaver Cleaver lives, cuz I know he's here somewhere... AND! There is a Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor at 'The Promenade', the big mall right down the street. We haven't been there yet, but it's in the plans. It was a bit strange leaving Torrance, since I was born and raised there, but I'm finding myself really liking it here. As for the 'coffee clatch' with the neighbors, I've been going to Starbucks with a few other moms from my kids' school. And we have a coffee/espresso/milk steamer machine that my folks gave us so that's a treat. (just thought I'd add my two-bits here....)
From: VBA (81) on Thu Oct 18 04:14:42 2001
Everyone is makig me heartsick remembering the world of our long forgotten youth. Do you suppose there is anywhere that still ofers the tranquilty and security that we grew up with? Any place where your kids can ride off on their bikes and you don't have to wonder and worry? Any place where people still drink coffee with their neighbors in the morning?
From: john dalton (82) on Wed Oct 17 19:26:25 2001
dave dalton are you there?
From: Steven Fischer (1965) on Wed Oct 17 12:25:10 2001
It is reassuring to hear someone does indeed recall Meadow Park. We affectionately called it "Manure Pile" in the 50s and early 60s, because of the dairy farm opposite with its pungent morning odours. Daniel Boone Kirk was our Principal then, a direct descendant of Daniel Boone: yet he was a tiny, warm, high-voiced fellow, ever ready with a helping, kind word. It is sad to hear that Meadow Park was shut down. It was a good school. The teachers were dedicated, the schoolmates were unforgettable. It was a special, safe world back then. For me, Meadow Park was life itself between 1958 and 1961, when I then set off to the Grand World of South High School. Anyone else out there recall Meadow Park? Joni, thanks so much for memorializing the water tower: it inspired hundreds of us.
From: Joni (Melim) Honore (1980) on Tue Oct 16 11:12:38 2001
Meadow Park?? I LOves Meadow Park. I lived on Anza, and I remember walking to school on Lomita, next to the field. A few years later, they started building houses, and I couldn't fly my kites there anymore. I also remember in 1973 when Meadow Park shut down for good, and we all got separeted, the younger ones went to Arnold, and the older ones to Calle Mayor. I still have pictures in my mind of the old water tower across the street from the school. I used to stare at it and daydream
From: yaya (2002) on Tue Oct 16 09:56:07 2001
the grass is pretty and greeeeeeen!!!!!!!!
From: anita watson (2002) on Tue Oct 16 09:55:23 2001
we finally have grass! yea!
From: Sweetums (Muppets '81) on Tue Oct 16 05:22:39 2001
Happy Birthday Miss Piggy! (Muppets '82) Trust you're doing well.
From: john dalton (82) on Mon Oct 15 16:56:04 2001
Mr. S. -- forever in mine
From: John Shirley (80) on Mon Oct 15 16:23:07 2001
I still smile at the thought of Mr. S. and his tall tales. The image of Mr.S. being chased by Hoop Snakes rolling down a hill at break neck speeds is as clear to me today as the day he first told the story. Uncoiling at the last moment flying prone throuhg the air with sharp fangs leading the way, they just missed him as he round the corner of an old barn. The doomed snakes ended up sticking to the side of the barn unable to free themselfs. The tips of the fangs he said could be seen from the in side of the barn sticking through the two inch thick wood boards. Now I don't know what that had to do with Western Civ. and all but 21 years later I still remembered it, wich is a lot more than I can say about other parts of my South education. ( I guess that would account for my shitty spelling. ) In any event it was great to hear that he is still in the memories of other folks as well as my own.
From: Steven Fischer (1965) on Mon Oct 15 15:06:59 2001
Does any ancient one out there remember Meadowpark Elementary School? Do the names Allen Luger, Bob Taniguchi, Dennis Welsh, Jimmy Hayes, Dave Bardick, Tom Slingerland; or Judy Remington, Linda Marsh, Joyce Corsi, Karen Trowbridge and so many more evoke any memories? Anyone remember standing in the playground looking two miles over open fields towards a rising South High School in 1958? If so, please contribute some thoughts and recollections.
From: ??? () on Mon Oct 15 13:09:40 2001
HUH?????
From: PORSCHEA (2002) on Mon Oct 15 12:43:20 2001
Dear MRS.Lemer how are I doing find in school I doing well in school my is proud of me she said keep the good work well go keep in tonch FROM: PORSCHEA HAWKINS.
From: Aric Parent (1971) on Mon Oct 15 07:11:50 2001
Does anyone know how to get in contact with Kris Nelson from the class of 1971, if so please let me know how or give her my email address (afp66@yahoo.com)
From: Joni Honore (Melim) (1980) on Sun Oct 14 00:58:47 2001
I'M BAAAACK !!!! Did anyone miss me??? Well, I didn't think so.
From: art g (66) on Fri Oct 12 05:55:25 2001
ooo...ooo...ooo............ooo...ooo...ooo...ooo
From: jmq (80) on Thu Oct 11 21:28:31 2001
well, to be fair to your students, the fascination with the abhorent that makes your students run to watch the fight is the same desire for risk-free danger that fuels the non-stop deluge of "America at War" news footage. as far as what makes people vent and rage at each other in the school cafeteria, the freeway, or the local little league game is either a mystery or all too clear. too many rats in the cage? I know one thing, it sure is mellow in Oahu-even the rap songs are about being positive in the face of poverty. More pineapples, fewer grenades, I say. Finally, maybe teenagers attack each other because it gives them a sense of control and power at a time when many of them feel that they have little of either one. Where's the multi-screen, Styx-soundtrack, feel-good, self-esteem building assembly for today's youth, that's what I want to know (Where have you gone Joe Rotchero, a campus turns it's lonely eyes to you)
From: RDOG (80) on Thu Oct 11 19:31:51 2001
Steve, you're right. A bit presumtuous on my part. And therefore, I apologize. I also want and encourage the current Spartans of South High to contribute wherever possible. I do, however want to know, what it is in a "school fight" that is the BIG ATTRACTION? The excuses I hear at the school that I work at is, "He/she was looking at me.". O.K., nobody is alowed to look at anybody again, even by accident. Or, "She was look'n at my man", is another good one. Then there is the "He said, she said that he said that he/she did"; and no one really knows who said what to whom. Anywho, no excuses.......Sorry this was not on the round table. I'm doing much better now.
From: Rich (81) on Thu Oct 11 07:51:07 2001
I can Live with that.
From: jmq (80) on Wed Oct 10 20:08:29 2001
wading into the alumni/current student dispute, I, for one, would welcome news from Spartania, as long as it doesn't degenerate into a sophomoric gossip page or poison pen sheet for attacking peer/faculty "enemies." As I roll lethargically past the median line of middle age, I've lost my appetite for snappy insults and fits of rage against machines, phonies, or the beautiful people, but I would be open to the views of the best writers and minds that SHS has to offer. dullards and downers need not apply.
From: VBA (81) on Wed Oct 10 17:25:25 2001
Ha! Resistance is futile! You will be assimilated!
From: The collective (South) on Wed Oct 10 16:39:19 2001
Ok Steve, scroll to the top and read the header. South High Alumni Message Board! Not current students, and when did we become Borg?
From: Steve (1999) on Wed Oct 10 09:16:03 2001
RDOG - That seems a bit presumptuous of you to attempt to speak for the collective. Danny’s post was ON POINT for a board such as this which is for the alumni, AND current students. Why don’t step back and think before you hit the Enter key. Danny – who was fighting and why – do you know? Steve
From: RDOG (80) on Tue Oct 9 16:35:02 2001
Nope Danny, didn't see it. Oh, so sorry, I haven't been to SHS in a while. I'm not really sure if anyone on the board cares much if there was a fight at SOUTH either.
From: Danny (2001) on Tue Oct 9 16:04:15 2001
Any one that knows Danny Haywood press 01
From: Danny (2001) on Tue Oct 9 15:58:41 2001
Whats up? Did any one see the fight today?
From: Pam (81) on Tue Oct 9 08:46:28 2001
Yes, I think Karen Morgan was in the same class that I was in. Did she have medium long brown hair and brown eyes and a beautiful smile? We had to have had that class together. Teri Bailey and Lynne Stevenson and I always sat on the bus together. We all disliked Mrs. Drayton too as she was always yelling! And did she ever get up from her chair??? Do you remember having to perfect the spit curl? I think that was what it was called. So, whazzup with you and Lynne? Why did you not like her? Sounds so funny as it was such a long time ago!
From: VBA (81) on Tue Oct 9 07:08:01 2001
Beth~ Judi sent me her photos and as soon as she lets me know who everyone is in them, I'll post them. I totally drew a blank on some of those faces.. I feel terrible about that! Anyway, they'll probably be up tomorrow! And thanks!

Pammy~ Yes to Mrs. Drayton.. and I couldn't stand her! Was Karen Morgan in your class? She was in mine.. And a girl named Alina Tuerro.. she was so beautiful and sweet. Oh- and Sunnie was a friend of mine too.. I think I met her when she was about 9. She has an older sister Cheryl who was also a friend of mine.
From: jerrie ('71) on Mon Oct 8 09:21:54 2001
Hi, all! I'm looking for Phil (66 or 67)or Marianne Holst(sometime before Phil). If anyone has heard where they might be, please email me or post a message. Thank you, so much!
From: Pam (81) on Mon Oct 8 07:52:54 2001
Hi VBA! Yes, you are correct! Sunnie Pulvers.
From: CLASS of 96 (96) on Mon Oct 8 00:32:04 2001
CONGRATS to new weds Noel and Janel
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