As a third-generation graduate of Placer High School, my connection to this place runs deep. I’ve lived my whole life in Auburn, and the stories, lessons, and friendships from my time at Placer are woven into the fabric of who I am. Today, as a proud new board member of the Hillmen Foundation, I get to give back to the school that has given so much to my family and me. But every now and then, life throws you a moment that makes you pause, reflect, and appreciate what Placer High means not just to its alumni, but to our entire Auburn community.

This story starts with soccer. My 10-year-old son Tyler played for the Auburn Youth League this year, coached by someone who wasn’t a parent but a passionate volunteer. This coach, Jeremy, is the JV coach for Colfax High—yes, the Colfax High, one of Placer’s historic rivals. Jeremy’s love for the game and the community is undeniable, and at the end of the season, he invited us to watch a Colfax vs. Placer match at LeFebvre Stadium. It was an invitation I couldn’t pass up, even if it meant cheering on a rival team… sort of.

That evening, I had just wrapped up a Hillmen Foundation board meeting. These meetings are always inspiring, filled with discussions about how we can continue to support Placer High and its students. This quarter was especially exciting—we’d just surpassed one million dollars in giving back to the school. It’s a milestone that highlights the passion of our all-volunteer board past and present, each member driven by their unique “why.” For me, it’s simple: three generations of Chenowiths and Lipsmeyers have walked those halls, cheered in those bleachers, and carried the spirit of Placer High into the world. My kids, Isa (13) and Tyler (10), will likely do the same in just a few years.

With the board meeting adjourned, I called my wife and urged her to bring the kids to the game. We arrived at LeFebvre Stadium on a cold, misty night—the kind of weather that makes the field lights shimmer like something out of a movie. The Placer boys were in their green and gold, ready to defend their home turf, while Colfax, in their white and green, came ready to fight.

It was a surreal experience. For the first time in my life, I found myself standing on the visitors’ side of the field, looking back at the iconic Placer bleachers. I’ve spent countless nights in those stands, from my days as a student to cheering on teams as an alumnus, but this perspective was new. The game itself was intense—Placer played with the grit and determination that makes us proud to call them Hillmen. The Colfax team, despite their best efforts, couldn’t keep up. By the end, it was 6-0, Placer.

Jeremy, ever the gracious coach, invited us to stand with him on the sidelines, which added an extra layer of magic to the night. Watching Placer from this vantage point gave me a newfound appreciation for our school and what it represents. It’s more than just a place where classes are taught or games are played. Placer High is a cornerstone of Auburn—a beacon of pride, tradition, and community.

As the final whistle blew, I couldn’t help but smile. I’d rooted for Placer in secret that night (sorry, Jeremy), but the experience reminded me why my heart beats green and gold. It’s not just about wins and losses; it’s about the memories made under the lights, the friendships forged in the hallways, and the enduring impact this school has on all of us.

So here’s to Placer High, to the students who are building their own stories, and to the community that keeps the Hillmen spirit alive. Whether it’s through cheering at a soccer match, volunteering on the Hillmen Foundation board, or simply sharing our love for this incredible school, we’re all part of something bigger. And I, for one, wouldn’t trade it for anything.