HILLMEN

FOUNDATION

Enriching Placer High for the Greater Auburn

Community…and Beyond

HILLMEN

FOUNDATION

Enriching Placer High for the Greater Auburn

Community…and Beyond

WELCOME

THIS IS HILLMEN COUNTRY

Nestled in the heart of downtown Auburn is one of the most historic and beautiful high schools in California. For more than 125 years, Placer High School – home of the Hillmen – has been an integral part of Greater Auburn. It is exceptionally woven into the very fabric of our community – educationally, culturally, socially, and economically. ​

Providing the margin of excellence between state funding and an outstanding learning environment is the Hillmen Foundation, an independent, all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Supported by generous alumni, businesses, civic groups, and community donors, the Hillmen Foundation benefits all students in the areas of academics, athletics and activities. It also serves as the alumni association for Placer High, connecting generations of graduates with those who shaped their most memorable teen years.

WELCOME

THIS IS HILLMEN COUNTRY

Nestled in the heart of downtown Auburn is one of the most historic and beautiful high schools in California. For more than 125 years, Placer High School – home of the Hillmen – has been an integral part of Greater Auburn. It is exceptionally woven into the very fabric of our community – educationally, culturally, socially, and economically. ​

Providing the margin of excellence between state funding and an outstanding learning environment is the Hillmen Foundation, an independent, all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Supported by generous alumni, businesses, civic groups, and community donors, the Hillmen Foundation benefits all students in the areas of academics, athletics and activities. It also serves as the alumni association for Placer High, connecting generations of graduates with those who shaped their most memorable teen years.

HIDDEN HILLMEN

JOIN THE HUNT FOR HIDDEN HILLMEN!

"Have you heard of 'Where's Waldo'? Well, now it's time to play 'Hidden Hillmen' on our website!

We've hidden our mascot in different corners of five unique pages. Some easier than others, so keep your eyes peeled!

Find all five Hidden Hillmen and then make your way to our 'Hidden Hillmen' page to complete the submission form. For each correct answer, you'll earn an entry into our fantastic prize draw. A total of six entries are up for grabs - one for submitting the form and one for each of your correct findings.

Just remember, the Home Page and the 'Hidden Hillmen' Page are not where our mascots are hiding. Good luck and happy hunting!"

If you need any hints you can find some fun riddles on the Hidden Hillmen Page. Click the bottom below to find the hints.

OUR FOCUS

IMPACT AREAS

ACADEMICS

Ensuring students have an exceptional learning environment that propels them into successful futures beyond high school is at the heart of the Hillmen Foundation’s mission.

ATHLETICS

Promoting athletic achievement and life-long health are important legacies of Placer High, the Auburn community, and the Hillmen Foundation.

ACTIVITIES

Advancing a well-rounded education requires enrichment beyond the classroom, including programs supporting at-risk youth, student clubs, campus activities, leadership opportunities, and so much more.

ALUMNI

Connecting generations of alumni with the Auburn community and those who shaped their formative teen years at Placer High is an important objective of the Hillmen Foundation.

SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES

Enriching Placer High through modernized equipment, improved facilities, strategic programs and special projects helps our school and community thrive.

IN THEIR WORDS

THE IMPACT OF YOUR GENEROSITY

The Hillmen Foundation has provided the music program countless instruments that we would otherwise have been unable to provide our students. Vibraphone, Marimba, Marching snare drums, professional Bach trumpets and more have given our students the opportunity to excel and bring up the quality of our program. The Foundation has been incredible to work with for my 17 years at Placer. I have never seen an organization that does more for a school.

Dave Lawrenson

Music Director

Last term I had the pleasure of taking Mrs. Gardetto’s marine biology class, which was very exciting for me as I am taking up a career in this field. This class gives me a head start and an idea of where I want to work towards. This Marine Biology class has provided us with a unique opportunity to explore and understand the captivating world beneath the ocean's surface. One of the most significant aspects of this class is the hands-on experience it offers. Through field trips, laboratory experiments, and interactions with marine experts, we have been able to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Amazingly, the Hillmen Foundation's support has allowed for chartering a bus to see the Northern Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Park. Hiking with a ranger volunteer in close proximity to so many of these unique marine mammals was truly inspiring and life-changing. Thank you Hillmen Foundation for making this experience possible for Placer High School Marine Biology students.

Anna Wilson

Class of 2025

The Hillmen Foundation has played a vital role in supporting Placer High School Athletics. Like everything else, the cost of maintaining a high-quality athletic program is rising. The Hillmen Foundation has helped us maintain the standard of excellence in athletics that has become the norm here at Placer. From upgrading our scoreboard in Lefebvre Stadium to providing new golf bags for our boys and girls; golf programs and helping to defray the cost of replacing safety equipment for football, the Hillmen Foundation has supported Placer High School Athletics for decades. I have been a teacher and coach at Placer for 31 years, and the impact of the Hillmen Foundation can be seen in all aspects of Placer High School. I do not know of another community-based organization that does as much for its school as the Hillmen Foundation does for Placer.

Mike Sabins

Athletic Director/Class of 1984

Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics has been an experience and one that I don't think I will forget. I get to learn and hear about different ways people were taught. I get to see their point of view and everyone has a voice. I personally, as well as my classmates, get to know each other better and that helps us learn. When I go to other classes I hope I can have the same amazing experience.

Kaylee Woodland

Class of 2028

WE CANNOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

YOUR FINANCIAL IMPACT

Every donation, regardless of size, will positively impact Placer High students, our community, and life on the Hill. All contributions to

the Hillmen Foundation are tax deductible in accordance with state and federal tax laws.

$900,312

TOTAL IMPACT AS OF JUNE 30, 2023, INCLUDING...

$639,587

GRANTS PROGRAMS, INCLUDING...

$180,386

ACADEMICS

$83,105

ATHLETICS

$46,551

ACTIVITIES

$24,736

ALUMNI

$304,809

SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM*

$260,725

TOTAL AWARDED

23

CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

$30,000

FOR 2023 GRADS

*Scholarships include Foundation-sponsored and Endowments with the Hillmen Foundation

EVENTS

THE HILLMEN HAPPENINGS

Explore The Hillmen Foundation's coming events, uniting a passionate community supporting

Placer High School.

No blogs found

BLOG

THE HILLMEN HUB

Explore Placer High School's vibrant academics, activities, and athletics, keeping you connected to the staff, students, and valued alumni, uniting a passionate community supporting the school.

A New Era at Placer High School: Jaime Jackson Assumes Role as Principal

A New Era at Placer High School: Jaime Jackson Assumes Role as Principal

Embarking on a new era, Placer High School welcomes Jaime Jackson as its first female Principal in 126 years. With 17 years of teaching experience and a commitment to student success, Jaime, a devoted... ...more

Shana Fain McDonald ,Placer High School

November 22, 20231 min read

The Hillmen Foundation: Enriching Placer High School and our Community for 35 Years.

The Hillmen Foundation: Enriching Placer High School and our Community for 35 Years.

Placer High, a community pillar for 126 years, thrives with the Hillmen Foundation. Since 1989, this nonprofit unites alumni and community to boost academics, athletics, and student activities. With $... ...more

Hillmen Foundation ,Shana Fain McDonald

November 22, 20234 min read

My Unique Vantage Point: The Evolution of the Hillmen Foundation

My Unique Vantage Point: The Evolution of the Hillmen Foundation

Join us in celebrating 35 years of the Hillmen Foundation's impactful journey with Placer High School. From overcoming funding cuts to enriching education, we've shaped a legacy that endures. ...more

Bob Burge ,Hillmen Foundation

November 16, 20236 min read

In the best of times, in the worst of times, at all times… It’s great to be a Hillman!

OUR MISSION

The purpose of the Hillmen Foundation is to support Placer High School in the areas of academics, student activities, and athletics, including the staff, students, and alumni endeavors of the school; to stimulate gifts of service, endowments, and bequests; and to maintain an association of persons interested in Placer High School.

FOCUS

Academics

Athletics

Activities

Alumni

Special Projects & Initiatives

HAVE A QUESTIONS?

P.O. Box 6115 Auburn, CA 95604

Tax ID #68-0168995

Copyright ©2023 All rights reserved