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.
$1,069,484
TOTAL IMPACT AS OF JUNE 2025, INCLUDING...
$736,759
GRANTS PROGRAMS, INCLUDING...
$211,630
ACADEMICS
$110,540
ATHLETICS
$82,694
ACTIVITIES
$27,086
ALUMNI
$304,809
SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM*
$332,725
TOTAL AWARDED
31
CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
$41,000
FOR 2025 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
Copyright ©2023 All rights reserved
NEWS AND EVENTS
Fresh Updates Await Your DISCOVERY
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.
Meet the 2025 Hillmen Foundation Scholarship Awardees
Every year, the Hillmen Foundation awards three scholarships to graduating Placer High School seniors who exemplify the Hillmen spirit — leadership, resilience, service, and a drive to make a difference. These awards are made possible through the generosity of our donors and are a key part of our mission to enrich the student experience at Placer High.
This year’s recipients include the winner of our highest honor, the Covich-Johnson Founders Scholarship, and two Hillmen Foundation Scholarships for outstanding students. Each of these scholarships recognizes graduating seniors who not only excel academically but also embody the character and commitment that define Placer’s legacy.
We asked each of our 2025 scholars to share reflections on their time at Placer High and their goals for the future. We’re proud to share their stories with the supporters and friends who help make these scholarships possible.
Hillmen Foundation Covich-Johnson Founders Scholarship: Belle Fallis
1. What part of your Placer High experience are you most proud of, and why?
Of all the experiences I’ve endured throughout my time at Placer High School the one that I am most proud of would be the influence that I believe to have had within the agricultural sector of Placer. I believe that I was able to exert a positive influence on many of my peers within the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program.
2. Placer High is known for its strong spirit and traditions. What does being a Hillman mean to you?
To me, being a Hillman is about carrying a sense of pride and responsibility to tradition and community while cultivating a new path for future generations of Hillman to follow.
3. What does receiving this Hillmen Foundation scholarship mean to you, and how will it help you pursue your goals?
Receiving this scholarship is so incredibly meaningful to me because it helps allow me to pursue my goal of higher education and becoming a first generation college graduate. With this higher education I plan to cultivate my passion for the agricultural industry and to truly make a difference within this field.
4. What are your future plans and what inspired you to take that direction?
As for my future plans I will be attending California Polytechnic State University majoring in Agriculture Communications. Throughout my four years at Placer High School I was heavily involved within the FFA. Having the opportunity to attend countless events and leadership development experiences as well as serving two years within a leadership position truly inspired me to find my passion for agriculture.
5. When you look back at your time at PHS 10 years from now, what do you think will be your fondest memory or most meaningful experience?
Looking back, I believe my fondest memory of Placer High School will be each connection and friendship that I had formed throughout my time there. Whether it be with a teacher or a peer, every connection I made helped lead me to the place I am today and I could not be more grateful for that.
Hillmen Foundation Scholarship: Abbie Labrecque
1. What part of your Placer High experience are you most proud of, and why?
I’m most proud of how much I grew personally during my time at Placer. I came in feeling very unsure of myself, but through so much growth and refinement throughout high school, I can finally say that I’ve truly found myself, for me. Not trying to fit in, not trying to be like others, but really understanding who I am, what I care about, and what makes me feel proud to be me. A big part of that growth is thanks to the support and opportunities I found through my teachers, sports, leadership, and other campus activities, which played a huge role in helping me grow into the person I am today.
2. Placer High is known for its strong spirit and traditions. What does being a Hillman mean to you?
To me, being a Hillman means being part of a tradition that has stood the test of time, and knowing you’ve added your own chapter to it. With this, I truthfully could not feel luckier to have walked the same path as so many before me who loved this school as much as I do. There’s something really special about knowing i’ve shared the same experiences, halls, and spirit as so many before me!
3. What does receiving this Hillmen Foundation scholarship mean to you, and how will it help you pursue your goals?
I am so humbled and truly honored to have received this Hillmen Foundation scholarship. It means so much more than just financial support. To me I see it as a way of knowing that the Foundation, made up of people who genuinely care about this school and its students, chose to invest in my future, which is incredibly meaningful. Although I know that’s the purpose of the scholarship, receiving it feels like such a gift! And of course, beyond the encouragement and recognition, this support will also help ease the financial challenges of college, allowing me to focus on more fully on pursuing my goals. And for that, I am so thankful.
4. What are your future plans and what inspired you to take that direction?
I will be attending Point Loma Nazarene University in the fall, studying Health Science. I’m not completely sure yet what I want to pursue a career in, however I am currently thinking somewhere in healthcare. I’ve always had a deep love for serving others and a heart to help in meaningful, genuine ways. My biggest hope is to be a light for people during their healing and recovery, and make a real difference in others lives when they need it most. I do not know exactly where life will take me yet, but I do know I want to use my heart for something good, to help others feel seen, heard, and cared for.
5. When you look back at your time at PHS 10 years from now, what do you think will be your fondest memory or most meaningful experience?
Ten years from now, I am certain I will look back and remember the way Placer made me feel more than anything else. I’ll remember sitting in classrooms that felt like home, seeing familiar faces every day, and feeling proud to be part of something so rich in traditions. It’s not one big event that stands out, I would say it’s the little things - Singing the Alma Mater, going to sporting events, decorating for spirit days, sitting on the senior lawn, or just walking to class on a sunny day. All of it added up to something so unforgettable, and I’ll always look back on it with so much love for each sweet memory Placer so graciously gave me.
Hillmen Foundation Scholarship: Laura Lee
1. What part of your Placer High experience are you most proud of, and why?
During my 4 years, Placer High School has enriched me with many wonderful opportunities, one of them being the RedStar Drumline. I was a part of this competitive team from Freshman to Senior year, and we worked from November to April. Putting in over 6 hours a week, our team vigorously worked together to try and achieve our common goals; learning life skills and leadership along the way.
2. Placer High is known for its strong spirit and traditions. What does being a Hillman mean to you?
Being a Hillmen has meant so much to me, especially considering my own families history at Placer High School. Being a 5th generation Placer graduate, I grew up showing my school spirit at Football and Basketball games at a young age. Being able to carry on the traditions that my grandparents and those before them taught their classmates is such a big part of my love and dedication for the school; because after all, Hillmen pride is the appreciation and respect for the history and culture that the school has given to the Auburn community.
3. What does receiving this Hillmen Foundation scholarship mean to you, and how will it help you pursue your goals?
Being selected as one of the scholarship recipients, meant the world to me and has given me such a great deal of support to explore my ongoing education and career opportunities. Wanting to go into Education myself, this generous scholarship has given me the ability to take classes that not only teach me about my future profession, but will also give me field experience in different classrooms. With the help of this wonderful foundation, I can begin my path to become an Elementary School Teacher. Thank you Hillmen Foundation.
4. What are your future plans and what inspired you to take that direction?
Becoming a teacher has always been my dream! My parents both work at Placer High School, and my extended family also has been working employees of School Districts in our small community. This ongoing inspiration from my loving family has given me such a passion for the job and will guide me throughout my teaching career.
5. When you look back at your time at PHS 10 years from now, what do you think will be your fondest memory or most meaningful experience?
Being an active leader of the Golden Hillmen Band will always be the first thing I think about when reminiscing about high school. The instant connection to the GHB family and dedication to the program was very inspirational and taught me so much about myself. Dedicating my life to the band, gave me more then fun memories: it gave me lifelong friends and mentors, yearly trips with my peers, and leadership skills.
$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