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FOUNDATION FOUCS: OUR IMPACT AREAS
We empower students, faculty, and staff for enhanced learning through grants, tech initiatives, and scholarships, propelling them into a successful future beyond high school.
Hillmen Foundation fuels athletic achievements through grants, enhancing safety, facilities, and community fitness.
We foster holistic education by supporting diverse activities through grants, enriching students' experiences beyond the classroom.
Placer High's rich history shines through alumni activities, fostering a strong network connecting generations and the community.
Placer High's prime Auburn location fuels community growth, enhancing facilities and programs through strategic grants.
SCHEDULED EVENTS
Hillmen Happenings is your gateway to upcoming events and activities, connecting you to
Placer High School and the Hillmen Foundation's exciting engagements throughout the year.
There’s something special about fall in Auburn— the crisp evening air, the buzz of excitement, and the undeniable energy that comes with football season. But on Friday, September 13, 2024, we cranked that feeling up to 11 with our annual Tailgater! If you were lucky enough to join us at School Park Preserve, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
Our Tailgater isn’t just about football (although, let’s be honest, we were all pumped to see the Hillmen take on the Antelope Titans). It’s about celebrating the heart of what makes Placer High so special—our community. From alumni to parents, local businesses to die-hard fans, this event brought together the very people who make Auburn feel like home.
The night kicked off at 5:00 PM, and boy, did it set the tone! With tables full of familiar faces and the savory scent of barbecue filling the air, it felt like one giant family reunion. Special shoutout to Local Heroes for the mouth-watering BBQ dinner! Those burgers and homemade potato chips? We’re still dreaming about them.
And thank you to Raley’s for donating a gift card for bottled waters, and Save-Mart for a generous gift card to cover the cost of their yummy cookies.
We also want to tip our hats to Vina Castellano Winery and Crooked Lane Brewery. Their local wines and craft beers were the perfect complement to the evening. It was also great to have former board member and Vina Castellano owner Teena Mendez Wilkins and her hubby pouring their wines and continuing to support the Foundation’s efforts to enrich Placer High.
Speaking of special moments, it was amazing to welcome back the Class of 1994 as they kicked off their 30th Class Reunion with us. To all the ‘94 grads: you sure know how to get the party started! It was heartwarming to see them reconnect, swapping stories and laughter that felt like no time had passed at all. It’s a beautiful reminder of how deep Placer’s roots go.
But this Tailgater had even more reason to celebrate! This year marked the 35th anniversary of the Hillmen Foundation, and we partied like it was 1989. We honored the legacy of our founders, Jug Covich and Tom Johnson, whose vision back in ’89 created this incredible organization. Through their foresight—and the generosity of our community—our foundation continues to provide that extra "margin of excellence" that keeps Placer High thriving in academics, athletics, and activities.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support from our community. Whether you were a sponsor or major donor, or attended the event to share in the fun, you made this night one for the books. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed—especially our Tailgater Partners who went above and beyond. You truly helped make this evening unforgettable.
Special Friend of the Hillmen Foundation
Claire Haydon Christensen & Family
FAMFest/Creative Music Services
Kathy Sands & Family
Auburn Medical Group: Mark Vaughan, MD & G. Gawayne Vaughan, MD
Gold Country Stoves
Friends of Alice Dowdin Calvillo for Auburn City Council
Shana Fain McDonald & Family
Re-elect Supervisor Cindy Gustafson
Alicia Kellie
Lightfoot Truck Repair
David & Nancy Odom
Peters Engineering
Collins & Collins
Bob Haydon & Family
And to all who came out to celebrate? You are the heartbeat of the Hillmen Foundation. Without your spirit and support, we wouldn’t have the vibrant, thriving community that we do. It’s evenings like these that remind us how lucky we are to be a part of something bigger—something that’s been going strong for 127 years and counting.
No fundraising event is complete without fun and fabulous raffle prizes. Thank you to our raffle donors for helping support our grants program at Placer High, including: Roper’s Jewelers, Getaway Travel Specialists, Monkey Cat, Boisset Wines by Renee Reale, Twisted C’s Jewelry, Dutch Bros, Hair by Jenny Menchinella Kyle, Norway by Jen Russell, Holt of California, Alice Dowdin Calvillo, and Friends of Placer High School.
As we wrapped up the evening and turned our attention to the big game (Hillmen vs. Antelope Titans), there was no denying the sense of pride we all felt. We weren’t just cheering for a football team; we were celebrating the very essence of Placer High, the Auburn community, and everything they stand for.
Whether you’re a Hillmen alum, parent, or a newcomer to our events, we hope you felt the magic in the air that night. Here’s to many more Tailgaters, more touchdowns, and more unforgettable memories. Go Hillmen!
If you missed out this year, don’t worry—there’s always next time. Be sure to keep an eye out for more Hillmen Foundation events, and let’s keep this community spirit rolling all year long.
Until next time, let’s go Hillmen!
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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.
There’s something special about fall in Auburn— the crisp evening air, the buzz of excitement, and the undeniable energy that comes with football season. But on Friday, September 13, 2024, we cranked that feeling up to 11 with our annual Tailgater! If you were lucky enough to join us at School Park Preserve, you know exactly what we’re talking about.
Our Tailgater isn’t just about football (although, let’s be honest, we were all pumped to see the Hillmen take on the Antelope Titans). It’s about celebrating the heart of what makes Placer High so special—our community. From alumni to parents, local businesses to die-hard fans, this event brought together the very people who make Auburn feel like home.
The night kicked off at 5:00 PM, and boy, did it set the tone! With tables full of familiar faces and the savory scent of barbecue filling the air, it felt like one giant family reunion. Special shoutout to Local Heroes for the mouth-watering BBQ dinner! Those burgers and homemade potato chips? We’re still dreaming about them.
And thank you to Raley’s for donating a gift card for bottled waters, and Save-Mart for a generous gift card to cover the cost of their yummy cookies.
We also want to tip our hats to Vina Castellano Winery and Crooked Lane Brewery. Their local wines and craft beers were the perfect complement to the evening. It was also great to have former board member and Vina Castellano owner Teena Mendez Wilkins and her hubby pouring their wines and continuing to support the Foundation’s efforts to enrich Placer High.
Speaking of special moments, it was amazing to welcome back the Class of 1994 as they kicked off their 30th Class Reunion with us. To all the ‘94 grads: you sure know how to get the party started! It was heartwarming to see them reconnect, swapping stories and laughter that felt like no time had passed at all. It’s a beautiful reminder of how deep Placer’s roots go.
But this Tailgater had even more reason to celebrate! This year marked the 35th anniversary of the Hillmen Foundation, and we partied like it was 1989. We honored the legacy of our founders, Jug Covich and Tom Johnson, whose vision back in ’89 created this incredible organization. Through their foresight—and the generosity of our community—our foundation continues to provide that extra "margin of excellence" that keeps Placer High thriving in academics, athletics, and activities.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support from our community. Whether you were a sponsor or major donor, or attended the event to share in the fun, you made this night one for the books. We are so grateful to everyone who contributed—especially our Tailgater Partners who went above and beyond. You truly helped make this evening unforgettable.
Special Friend of the Hillmen Foundation
Claire Haydon Christensen & Family
FAMFest/Creative Music Services
Kathy Sands & Family
Auburn Medical Group: Mark Vaughan, MD & G. Gawayne Vaughan, MD
Gold Country Stoves
Friends of Alice Dowdin Calvillo for Auburn City Council
Shana Fain McDonald & Family
Re-elect Supervisor Cindy Gustafson
Alicia Kellie
Lightfoot Truck Repair
David & Nancy Odom
Peters Engineering
Collins & Collins
Bob Haydon & Family
And to all who came out to celebrate? You are the heartbeat of the Hillmen Foundation. Without your spirit and support, we wouldn’t have the vibrant, thriving community that we do. It’s evenings like these that remind us how lucky we are to be a part of something bigger—something that’s been going strong for 127 years and counting.
No fundraising event is complete without fun and fabulous raffle prizes. Thank you to our raffle donors for helping support our grants program at Placer High, including: Roper’s Jewelers, Getaway Travel Specialists, Monkey Cat, Boisset Wines by Renee Reale, Twisted C’s Jewelry, Dutch Bros, Hair by Jenny Menchinella Kyle, Norway by Jen Russell, Holt of California, Alice Dowdin Calvillo, and Friends of Placer High School.
As we wrapped up the evening and turned our attention to the big game (Hillmen vs. Antelope Titans), there was no denying the sense of pride we all felt. We weren’t just cheering for a football team; we were celebrating the very essence of Placer High, the Auburn community, and everything they stand for.
Whether you’re a Hillmen alum, parent, or a newcomer to our events, we hope you felt the magic in the air that night. Here’s to many more Tailgaters, more touchdowns, and more unforgettable memories. Go Hillmen!
If you missed out this year, don’t worry—there’s always next time. Be sure to keep an eye out for more Hillmen Foundation events, and let’s keep this community spirit rolling all year long.
Until next time, let’s go Hillmen!
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WHAT YOU GET FROM ENDURANCE MEMBERSHIP
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.
A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.
CELEBRATE
HILLMEN HISTORY
Below is a series of monthly historical articles leading up to the Community Celebration of Placer's 125th year on
October 1st 2022 written by Hillmen Foundation Chair Bob Burge for The Auburn Journal. Click on the title links.
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.
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A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia. It is a paradisematic country
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