HILLMEN
FOUNDATION
HILLMEN
FOUNDATION
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.
AUBURN STATE THEATRE
Join us for a fun-filled family evening as the Hillmen Foundation and the
State Theatre team up for a special screening of the classic hit Footloose!
This isn't just a movie night—it's a chance for the Placer High School community, alumni,
and the greater Auburn area to come together, reconnect, and support a great cause.
Whether you’re an alum looking for a nostalgic night out, a current student ready to dance along,
or a community member who loves supporting local initiatives, this event is for YOU!
Proceeds benefit the Hillmen Foundation, supporting Placer High School
students through academics, athletics, activities, and alumni initiatives.
So grab your friends, wear your best ‘80s attire if you’re feeling festive, and
let’s dance the night away—Kevin Bacon style!
👟 Let’s hear it for the Hillmen! 👟
Location: Odd Fellows Lodge #7, 12261/2 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA
OUR FOCUS
IMPACT AREAS
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.
Promoting athletic achievement and life-long health are important legacies of Placer High, the Auburn community, and the Hillmen Foundation.
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.
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.
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.
$1,069,484
TOTAL IMPACT AS OF JUNE 2025, INCLUDING...
$736,759
$211,630
$110,540
$82,694
$27,086
$304,809
$332,725
31
$41,000
FOR 2025 GRADS
EVENTS
THE HILLMEN HAPPENINGS
Explore The Hillmen Foundation's coming events, uniting a passionate community supporting
Placer High School.
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.
Dr. Clay Redfield: A Musical Journey Rooted in Placer High
I graduated from Placer High School in 1978, and the education and experiences I gained there laid a strong foundation that significantly influenced my career path. The curriculum, the friendships, and the life lessons I gained there were invaluable, shaping both my personal growth and future career path.
I went on to build a rewarding career in music education—first as a public-school music teacher and now as a college professor. I owe much of that success to the foundation I received at Placer. The impact of the teachers, coaches, staff, and administrators was profound. Their guidance and example laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
One educator, in particular, made a lasting impression: Mr. Clyde Quick, our beloved band director. Mr. Quick wasn’t just a gifted music educator—he was a mentor, a role model, and a compassionate leader who truly cared about his students. He created a close-knit, supportive environment that allowed us to thrive musically and personally. Through his encouragement, I found both my passion and my calling in music education—a debt of gratitude I carry with me to this day.
Even decades after graduation, Mr. Quick remained a mentor and friend. We often served together as adjudicators at music festivals, sharing laughs and fond memories of our days at Placer. His passing left a profound void, felt deeply by a generation of students he had inspired.
Since 2008, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a professor of music at my alma mater, Sacramento State, where I direct the music education program and mentor future teachers. One of the highlights of my job is supervising student teachers at Placer—it’s a surreal and joyful experience that always brings back memories. I’m continually impressed by the outstanding students and the enduring strength of the music program, now under the leadership of Mr. Lawrenson.
In my visits to schools across the country, one thing is clear: successful schools thrive because of community support. I encourage all alumni, parents, and friends of Placer to get involved—whether it’s donating to fundraisers, volunteering time, mentoring students, or simply celebrating their achievements. Every contribution, big or small, makes a lasting difference.
Placer High shaped who I am, and I’m proud to be part of its legacy.
Dr. Clay Redfield is the Coordinator of Music Education in the School of Music at California State University, Sacramento. From 2008 to 2020, Redfield also directed the Sacramento State Marching Band. Prior to joining the Sacramento State faculty in 2008, Redfield served as the Fine Arts Division Chairman and Director of Bands at Eastern Arizona College in Thatcher, Arizona. Redfield began his teaching career in 1984 in Reno, Nevada, where he taught instrumental music at Robert McQueen High School, Darrell C. Swope Middle School, and several elementary schools. Some of Redfield’s credits include the Northern Nevada Outstanding High School Educator Award, the Washoe County Teachers Association Distinguished Service Award, a four-time Nevada State Marching Band Champion, and the UNLV Graduate Teaching Assistantship. Redfield is a frequently invited conductor, clinician, adjudicator, presenter, and contest director.
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
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