OUR ALUMNI
IMPACTING OUR COMMUNITY AND WORLD FOR MORE THAN 125 YEARS
1897
Our Alumni
In 1897, the year Placer High School was established with only 17 students, William McKinley was inaugurated as the 25th president of the United States. Fifteen men competed in the first Boston Marathon. The Library of Congress Building opened in Washington, DC. The Klondike gold rush began. And several renowned Americans were born, including aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart, Nobel Prize winning author William Faulkner, and baseball player Lefty O’Doul.
For more than 125 years, Placer High has stood on the hill as witness to modern history. From the horrors of war to the promise of peace…economic depressions to dot-com booms… horse drawn carriages to space travel… and everything in between, Placer
graduates have been an integral part of local and world history. Graduates have gone on to serve in congress, as WWII aces, cutting-edge scientists, distinguished judges, professional athletes, media stars, business leaders, and so much more.
1930-1936
The Engle Era
Dr. John F. Engle became principal of Placer High School in 1906 and began a long and illustrious 30-year career in which the school expanded from five teachers in one rickety wooden building to an 800-student faculty boasting five buildings and the creation of a junior college. At the same time the high school developed a reputation throughout the state as one of the finest secondary institutions of the Placer High School District which extended from Loomis to Lake Tahoe.
Several landmark buildings were added during Engle’s stay as principal. During the 1906-07 school years the original Sierra College wooden building was torn down and replaced
1906 Upper Campus Building
by a $40,000 building. The new building was a substantial brick structure consisting of 22 rooms on four levels, including a basement, and a large tin dome. Heating was by an automatic system which regulated both temperature and ventilation in every room. Within a few years statuary, pictures, and potted plants were added to beatify the interior of the school. The library was considered one of the finest in Northern California and the collection of American history in the History department was the best in Northern California.
In 1909 shower baths and lockers for the Athletes were installed downstairs in the new building. In the next few years tennis courts were finished on the site of the old wooden building and a football field and track were installed. By 1918 the school showcased a large wooden gymnasium with sideline seating and a stage. The year 1926, however marked the beginning of a new era for Placer when the music/auditorium and science wings were added and the brick building was plastered over to match the architectural style of the two new wings. The auto shop and bus shed building along Agard Street were also constructed at this time. Ten years later, building began on Placer Junior College buildings, gym and athletic field during the final year of Engle’s administration, 1936.
Athletics began to have an impact on the school during Engle’s tenure as well. In addition of a young coach from the University of California, Earl Crabbe, enabled the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams to create a dynasties of legendary significance. Between 1916 and 1920 his girls’ basketball team went 41-1 winning 37 games in succession at one point, compiling four straight undefeated seasons. Beginning in 1923 his boys’ basket ball teams won 16 out of 17 league championships, including 12 in a row. Crabbe also coached his men to eight Central California titles in 13 appearances.
Engle was at the helm as a student endured the tragedy of World War I when a junior Red Cross Club was organized on campus with girls learning to make surgical dressings and the entire school donating over $500 to a war drive. The Engle years also saw the formation of the first high school cadet corps in the State of California under the direction of Captain Fred S. Roumage, a National Guard officer and later captain in France in World War I.
The year 1914 marked the birth of the Placer High School district, thus again changing the names of the school to Placer High School. That same year college level classes were revived after having disappeared several years earlier. However, due to the enrollment drain caused by World War I, the junior college was abandoned by 1920.
Certain ceremonies were now becoming traditional such as the Freshman Reception, the Christmas Jinx, the Junior Prom, the Senior Ball, Senior Picnic, and the Graduation and Alumni Dance. Participation in clubs and organization also grew, beginning with the Agricultural Science Organization which became the Future Farmers of America, the oldest club in existence. During the period of time the Placer Band came into prominence under the guidance of Otto Fox, entertaining the school and the community at various concerts and public performances.
Academics also took on prominence during the Engle principalship. A four year curriculum became the norm with students tracked into Classical, Scientific, or Commercial fields of study. All paths were stiffly challenging with semester finals a dreaded period of time for the students. Miscreant students were dealt with severely and Detention became an unwelcome punishment. Still, Engle and his vice-Principal E.F. Waldo were highly respected by the students and could be seen attending various cultural, social and Athletic events at the school.
OUR FOCUS
FOUNDATION FOUCS: OUR IMPACT AREAS
ACADEMICS
We empower students, faculty, and staff for enhanced learning through grants, tech initiatives, and scholarships, propelling them into a successful future beyond high school.
ATHLETICS
Hillmen Foundation fuels athletic achievements through grants, enhancing safety, facilities, and community fitness.
ACTIVITIES
We foster holistic education by supporting diverse activities through grants, enriching students' experiences beyond the classroom.
ALUMNI
Placer High's rich history shines through alumni activities, fostering a strong network connecting generations and the community.
SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
Placer High's prime Auburn location fuels community growth, enhancing facilities and programs through strategic grants.
GET INVOLVED
Grants
Students, faculty and staff apply for and receive educational grants for a wide range of needs that are typically not covered by state funding. Every year, thousands of dollars are granted to enrich academics, athletics and activities that directly benefit students, our feeder schools, and community. Examples of these grants include support for:
ACADEMICS
Art Equipment and Materials
3-D Printers
Math Materials, including Specialized Calculators
Band Instruments & Uniforms
Programs for At-Risk Students
DNA Lab Materials
Science Equipment
Field Trips
Microprocessor Kits
Music & Drama Materials
Performing Arts Sound & Lighting Equipment
Journalism Dept. Materials
Special Education Enterprise Programs
Photo Lab Equipment, including Cameras, Lenses, and Filters
AVID Program
Special Curriculum & Materials for Every Department
Career Tech Equipment, including Welding Machines
World (Foreign) Language Programs
Peer Counseling Program
VAULT Program
Faculty Continuing Education
ATHLETICS
General / Multi Athletic Teams
Soccer
Basketball
Tennis
Track & Field
Wrestling
Football
Cross Country
Ski / Snowboard
Volleyball
ACTIVITIES
Assemblies
Grad Night
Enrichment Events
Dance Team
Campus Clubs
Special Programs for Middle & Elementary School Students
Eagle Scout Projects
Community Service Endeavors
Career Day Projects
ALUMNI
Grants for alumni programs help highlight distinguished graduates and their impact in the community and world, as well as connect Hillmen of all ages to their alma mater. These grants include:
- Alumni Bricks Courtyard
- Alumni Center
- All Class Reunion
- Centennial Celebration
- Placer Hall of Fame
- Athletic Hall of Fame
- Central Square Tiles in Memory of our Founder Jug Covich and Long-time Board member/Distinguished Alumni Ty Rowe
SPECIAL CAPITAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
Special grants for capital improvements or other major initiatives that enhance both the school and community are a significant hallmark of the Foundation’s work over the past three decades. Here are examples:
- Campus Gateway Centennial Arch
- Iron Hillmen Sculpture Base
- Athletic Complex Campaign
- All Weather Track
- Stadium Scoreboard
- Stadium Sound System & Speakers
- Stadium Lights
- Stadium Snack bar Roof
- Sherbina Water Fountain Restoration
- Press Box Renovation
- Track Walkway
- Earl Crabbe Gym Snack Shack
The Hillmen Foundation strives to connect our alumni with their classmates and the school that launched the lives of generations of Auburn teens.
● The new Alumni Center in the Earl Crabbe Gym reminds visitors of the Hillmen legacy of achievement in our community and world.
● We are proud supporters of the Placer Hall of Fame and the Placer Athletic Hall of Fame, honoring distinguished graduates, faculty, staff, and coaches.
● Grants to the widely-attended All-Class Reunions and Centennial Celebration united Hillmen of all ages and brought economic benefit to the entire community.
Clarence "Bud" Anderson and Dean "Diz" Laird
● Our special events, such as the popular Hillmen Tailgater in Central Square, have honored Hillmen Heroes like WWII fighter aces Clarence “Bud” Anderson and Dean “Diz” Laird (both class of 1939), and served as a mini-reunion for graduates and friends.
● Individual class reunions are also supported by The Hillmen Foundation, including maintaining a master list of graduates by class.
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.
$983,444
TOTAL IMPACT AS OF JUNE 30, 2024, INCLUDING...
$691,719
GRANTS PROGRAMS, INCLUDING...
$198,560
ACADEMICS
$99,004
ATHLETICS
$64,610
ACTIVITIES
$24,736
ALUMNI
$304,809
SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM*
$291,725
TOTAL AWARDED
23
CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
$31,000
FOR 2024 GRADS
*Scholarships include Foundation-sponsored and Endowments with the Hillmen Foundation
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
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A Night to Remember: Tailgater 2024
A Night to Remember: Tailgater 2024
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.
It’s More Than Just a Game – It’s Community
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.
Raise a Glass to Good Times!
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.
Celebrating 35 Years of the Hillmen Foundation
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.
A Huge Thank You to Our Tailgater Partners
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.
Champion
Special Friend of the Hillmen Foundation
Gold
Claire Haydon Christensen & Family
FAMFest/Creative Music Services
Kathy Sands & Family
Green
Auburn Medical Group: Mark Vaughan, MD & G. Gawayne Vaughan, MD
Gold Country Stoves
Boosters
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
Fans
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.
Prizes Galore!
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.
Here’s to Many More Tailgaters!
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!
Stay Tuned for More Fun!
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!
$825,375
TOTAL IMPACT TO DATE, INCLUDING...
$594,650
GRANTS PROGRAMS, INCLUJDING...
$160,469
ACADEMICS
$70,105
ATHLETICS
$34,531
ACTIVITES
$24,736
ALUMNI
$304,809
SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM*
$230,725
TOTAL AWARDED
17
CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
$29,750