Volume 9 Issue:
Bulldog Bulletin
56
South High School Alumni Association P.O. Box 12214
Bulldog Bulletin
South High School Alumni Association
Spring 2019 Jim Driggs (’68)
This Issue Passing the Torch!
P.1
President’s Message
P.2
Spring Fling
P.3
Scholarship Awards
P.4
In Memoriam
P.6
Journey to the Tourney P.7
www.SHSAA.Family
Announcements
P.11
Sponsors’ Corner
P.12
Alumni Spotlight
P.14
Save the Dates
P.16
Bulldog Bulletin - Volume 9 - Issue Spring 2019
South High School Alumni Association Save the Dates PICNIC/CAR SHOW Date: September 15, 2019 Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Place: Hoover Y-Park 1570 Rohr Road Lockbourne, Ohio 43137
ANNUAL MEETING Date: October 19th, 2019 Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Place: Plank’s on Parsons
SHSAA PICNIC AND CAR SHOW This year is the LAST year Y-Park is available for the SHSAA Picnic and Car Show. Join us as we say farewell to Y-Park, a place that holds fond memories for so many of us. Our menu this year is exceptional and we will have great music and many classic cars. Buy your tickets now!
SHS Reunion News Class of 1964 - 55th Class of 1969 - 50th Classes 60, 61, 62 picnic at Van Gundy’s See page 11 for details
SHSAA ANNUAL MEETING Our annual membership breakfast for 2019 is set for Saturday, October 19th, 2019. Our breakfast meeting will include great food and conversation as well as our annual business meeting. We will also be electing four Directors for the SHSAA Board. See you then!
Visit Our website! www.SHSAA.Family
Larry Latt (’72)
Passing the Torch! Nearly 20 years ago, Jim Driggs (’68) was instrumental in helping to revitalize the South High School Alumni Association. Since then, he has held the position of president of the association - twenty years of uninterrupted volunteer support of the SHSAA. At the March 2019 SHSAA Board of Directors’ meeting, Jim announced his resignation as president. He informed the board that he wanted to step back, take a deserved rest, and pass on the leadership torch to the vice president Larry Latta (’72). Although the announcement was a surprise, the board voted unanimously to accept his resignation as president, asked him to remain as a board member, and accepted his recommendation to elect Larry as the new president. The board also elected Sharon Selby (’64) as the new vice president filling the position Larry held.
Jim’s tenure as president saw the organization grow from less than 20 members to a membership of nearly 450 members with an array of events and services that carry on the traditions and values of South High School. They also provide unique opportunities for members to stay connected, direct resources to the school through various donations and volunteer support, and most importantly provide scholarship support to qualified SHSAA applicants. This year the association awarded $11,000 in scholarships to 10 students the single largest amount for a single year in the past twenty years. When asked about the future of the association Jim said, “Larry is perfect for the job. His commitment, hard work, personal skills, and history with SHSAA make him a perfect leader for the next stage of SHSAA.” Jim said, “Don’t worry! I’m going to remain involved. I just think fresh ideas and new leadership energy are what we need.”
President’s Message
And the Band Played On… SHSAA Donates Special Equipment to the South High Band
Larry Latta (’72) This being my inaugural President’s Message I thought it best to begin with a brief bio. I am a product of the South Side having received my primary education at Southwood Elementary and secondary at Barrett Junior and South High Schools (’72). I proudly wear Blue and Gray on both sleeves.
SHSAA has sponsored 17 all-class picnics hosting more than 5,100 alumni and friends of SHS; raised and granted over $60,000 in student college scholarships to more than 60 students; disseminated more than 1200 newsletters annually; acquired more than 25 paid sponsors; assumed responsibility for all concessions for football and basketball games at South donating all profits to the school for special projects; conducted I have been involved with the SHSAA for over a the annual Southside tradition of an Oldies Dance; and decade. I am honored to have been chosen to assembled an South High School archives containing take over the helm from Jim Driggs to succeed as hundreds of memorabilia dating back to 1900. only the second president of this great SHSAA. And just this past year we became a not-for-profit Some of you may not be aware of the long and 501(c)3 association which enables tax-deductible rich history of South High School. South High contributions. Booyah! opened in 1900 as the 4th Columbus City Schools’ high school at 345 E. Deshler Avenue And now for me the real work begins as I try to fill the (the current Barrett Building). Since 1900 there big shoes left to me by Jim Driggs as the SHSAA have been several alumni associations that have Board, our members, and I work to fulfill our mission: come and gone. Provide Support to South High School and to its alumni by: In 2000 a group of SHS alumni organized a weekend Centennial Celebration that consisted • Preserving and supporting the tradition of of a Friday “Sock Hop” at Barrett, Saturday excellence of the school formal dinner at Beulah Park and concluded with • Building and maintaining relationships among the a Sunday breakfast at South High in the school’s alumni and friends basement cafeteria. • Raising funds for activities of both the school and the Association The Centennial Committee had a balance of • Enhancing the educational experience of current approximately $1,700 and pondered for a short students at the school while on what to do with the remaining funds. The answer was simple; restart the South High I’m looking forward to all the challenges! Go Dawgs! School Alumni Association. An organization meeting was held at Plank’s on Parsons in (’72) September, 2000 and from that meeting officers and Board members were elected: Jim DriggsPresident, Dave Fleming-Vice President,
VLD Grading, Inc. employees 35 people out of its headquarters in Pataskala, Ohio where Valerio and his wife also live. Both of his children live across the street from their farm. He sees his grandsons everyday. Over the past 65 years, Valerio has always supported the Southend, South High School, and the South High Alumni Association. He has stayed in contact with many of the friends he grew up with and has many ties to the South End. The memories of the neighborhood, the people, and places like St. Stephan’s Community Center and the Crystal Pool are as fresh as if they happened yesterday.
2
Recently Carolyn and SHSAA Vice President Sharon Selby (’64) visited the school and personally delivered an assortment of equipment to Tony Thomas SHS Band Director. The equipment included: • • •
4 - Drum Heads 7-Sets of Marching Drum Sticks 25-Samson Over Ear Stereo Headphones
After all of these years he proudly confided, “Living in the neighborhood and experiencing the camaraderie of the people coming from different ethnic backgrounds was a great experience. It was a wonderful way to grow up and the bonds of friendship have stayed with me throughout my life. It is an important part of who I am.” SHSAA is proud to have Valerio Dalicandro as a supporter and friend of South High School!
Larry Latta
From this humble beginning, the current South High School Alumni Association (SHSAA) has grown.
Carolyn (Lilley) Lowe (’64) made a generous $500 donation to SHSAA with a special designation for the South High Band/Music program.
Valerio Dalicandro
Thanks to Carol for providing this equipment. Any members wishing to donate for a special purpose can do so by going online to www.SHSAA.Family. Select the DONATE button in the Main menu bar at the top of each web page. All donations are tax deductible.
15
Spring Fling
SHSAA Alumni Spotlight Common Experiences - Common Bonds!
Spring Has Sprung! By: Larry Latta (’72)
By: Danny Sells (’64) & Jerry Driggs (’69)
The South Side of Columbus has always been a haven for immigrants to this country. Some of us had immigrant parents or grandparents. Most of us remember friendships that were formed as we grew up with kids with very different backgrounds than our own. We shared experiences where we were introduced to families, customs, and traditions different than ours. In spite of attending different churches, social clubs, and even schools, we established friendships based on the common values learned growing up on the South Side. Dan Sells and Valerio Dalicandro’s friendship covers more than 60 years. Dan brought it to our attention that some of SHSAA’s strongest supporters are people who didn’t actually attend South. For that reason, our Alumni Spotlight this issue shines on Valerio Dalicandro. Val graduated from Hartley High School in 1964 but he has been a lifelong supporter of South High School, the alumni association, and of the Southside because of the many friendships he made and maintained since he arrived on South Side in 1954. Here’s his story. Valerio’s parents, Loreto and Vittoria Dalicandro left Italy in 1954 with their three children - Gina, Valerio and Tony. They were a family seeking new opportunities and a new life in the United States. The family sailed on the USS Constitution arriving nine days later in New York City on Thanksgiving Day. They boarded a train to Columbus and went directly to the South End where they moved in with Val’s aunt and uncle at 125 Barthman Avenue, between Parsons and High Street. Within a week Val’s mother was working at Omar Bakery and his father at OSU on the grounds crew. Val was 8 years old at the time, and like everyone in his family except for his mother, could only speak Italian. Over the years the family learned English in order to make progress in their lives. Education was always important to them. In 1955 the family moved to their own house at 344 Hinman Avenue just west of Parsons. They lived there until 1963. It was a good fit for the family. The neighborhood was very diverse.
14
At the time. most of the children Valerio knew in the neighborhood attended St. Ladislas Elementary on Reeb Avenue. His brother Tony attended St. Mary’s High School. His sister Gina attended Barrett Junior High and South High. Valerio attended Barrett for 9th grade and South for summer school before enrolling at Hartley High School where he graduated in 1964. In 1963 Valerio’s father built the family a new home at 1380 Koebel Road, still on the South Side and down the street from Marion Franklin High School. Valerio continued to attend Hartley until graduation although by his own admission he actually wanted to attend South because all of his best friends were going to South. Practicality, however, won the day. He wanted to play football and he concluded that with South in the City League it would take a Hail Mary for him to make the team. So Hartley it was! Following graduation Valerio worked with his father in the family’s construction business. In 1967, Uncle Sam called with an invitation to serve. Shortly afterwards, Valerio and four South High friends, Donald James, Cameron “Cammy” Roberts, Robert Vick, and Joel Schwartz decided to join the Marine Reserves. Their decision was made at the 3Lads Bar on Livingston Avenue after several pitchers of beer. After six years of service, all five friends returned home after receiving honorable discharges. Valerio quickly transitioned back into civilian life. In 1972, Valerio built his first Parade of Homes in the Foxboro subdivision in Gahanna. One of the 75 homes he built during this time was for a couple who had a daughter, Linda, who he met and married. They started a new life together, had two children, and are now the proud grandparents of 3 grandsons. Strong family ties have been instrumental in the success of the family construction business and a trucking and excavating business which Valerio now operates.
By everyone’s account, the 2019 Spring Fling was a success. More than 75 people attended the annual scholarship fundraiser at the Shamrock Club. This annual event is a sure sign spring has arrived. Sharon Selby (’64) was able to get the hall free of charge which added to our earnings for the evening. A $5 donation at the door plus the 50/50 drawing were the main sources of revenue. Chuck Sailor won the 50/50 drawing and graciously donated his winnings to the Scholarship Fund. Thanks Chuck! Dana Jenkins (’64) minded the door, collected donations, and greeted each guest. Thanks Dana! Our DJ was Frank Baldwin, a SHS alum (’65). He donated his services and was by everyone’s review GREAT! Keep him in mind for any events where a DJ is needed. Good music, good food, and plenty of laughs made the evening a wonderful way to put the cold and gloom of winter behind us.
3
2019 Scholarship Awards Alumni Donations
The South High School Alumni Association is pleased to present our 2019 Scholarship award selections. This year's class has ten winners who represent graduating South High School seniors as well as qualified students who are related to members of SHSAA.
SHSAA is proud to offer tax deduc2ble opportuni2es for you to support our Scholarship Fund and our Member Services. Please consider a gi@ to SHSAA in any amount. Our members suggested several unique ways your gi@ can be provided.
This class consists of excellent individuals who display qualities of academic achievement, service to others, a strong work ethic, and personal potential.
A Designated Gi-: SHSAA is able to direct dona2ons to support specific purposes at South (the band, choir, art projects, etc.). A Memorial Scholarship: SHSAA is able to establish a scholarship in the name of an alumnus to be awarded according to the family’s wishes.
This year's awards of $11,000 are our single highest single-year total. SHSAA has now provided more than $70,000 in scholarships to more than 50 young people. Thank you to all SHSAA members who make this service possible.
In Lieu of Flowers… Some members arrange to have SHSAA designated as a recipient of memorial dona2ons in lieu of flowers at funerals of loved-ones who are alumni. Estate Planning Gi-: Some alumni consider including SHSAA as a beneficiary in their will our insurance policies.
Carol Wolfenbarger (’61)
Sustaining Gi-: These gi@s are m a d e w i t h a n d e s i g n ate d payment automa2cally made from your credit card each month. This type of gi@ can be directed to our Scholarship Fund or to Member Services. Donate online. Select the DONATE buPon on the Main Menu.
OEW Recycling
www.SHSAA.Family Contact Jerry Driggs for more informa2on. 412.680.1602
4
13
Farewell to Y-Park This is the last year we will be able to hold our annual picnic and car show at YPark. The YMCA has other plans for the park and it will not be available to rent after this year. So on Sunday September, 15th, SHSAA is going to host our biggest and best picnic yet to say farewell to Y-Park and to toast all the good memories of times gone by. Mark your calendar now. Don’t worry. A new venue is being secured for 2020. Tickets are still only $20 per person for food, beverages, and the car show. We also will have a great DJ with an improved sound system for your pleasure. Order your tickets online at www.SHSAA.Family or keep your eyes pealed for a reservation postcard we will be sending to all members in late June. Join us for this wonderful event. Contact Larry Latta with any questions. Latta1013@aol.com
12
5
In Memoriam
Milestone Reunions
Announcements
Class of 1964 - 55th Reunion
SHSAA Attends South High Dinner Honoring 2019 Seniors
The class of ’64 has planned a mixer at Planks on Parsons Ave for Friday September 13th at 6:00PM until we drop. We have reserved the downstairs for our mixer.
Carol Wolfenbarger distributed certificates to four graduating seniors who received Scholarship awards from SHSAA for 2019. Principal Edmund Baker looks on. The students are:
We invite the classes of ’63 and ’65 to join us for this event. Everyone will be responsible for his or her purchases.
• • • •
Elizabeth Doerue Katie Somphanthabasouk Serina Dweh Jordan Yeck
Class of 1969 - 50th Reunion The class of 1969 has planned an entire week-end of events to celebrate its 50th reunion. The festivities start on Friday September 13th with an icebreaker at Planks on Parson in the upstairs room 5:00 to 11:00 PM. Dinner and dance at the Berwick Party House on Saturday the 14th. $35 person. RSVP. Sunday the 15th SHSAA picnic at Y-Park. Contact Judy Stritt Nolan for more information and reservations. 740.929.4033
Classes of 1960, ’61 and ’62 Condolences: SHSAA offers our condolences to the families and friends of alumni who have passed on. We honor their memories, their live accomplishments, and their unique impact on this world. Correction: We missed posting the death notice for Richard “Chico” Howard (’64) when he passed away in 2018. We regret this oversight and have listed him in this issue. Our apologies to the Howard family.
6
Summer picnic at the home of Jack and Jane Van Gundy 4539 STONE QUARRY ROAD JOHNSTOWN OHIO 43031 August 24th, 2019 3 PM Meat and soft drinks provided Bring a potluck dish and BYOB RSVP the week before 740-281-6559
SHSAA Picnic and Car Show The annual car show and picnic at Y-Park is right around the corner. The date is Sunday, September, 15th at 12:00 to 5:00. Get tickets online at www.SHSAA.Family $20 per person
11
Journey to the Tourney! The South High School Bulldogs’ boys basketball team had a remarkable 2019 season. With an ove r a l l re c o rd o f 2 8 victories and only 2 loses, the Bulldogs made it to the OHSAA Division II state championship game. Their bid for the state title fell short by just 4 points in an exciting and hard fought game at the OSU S h o t t e n s t e i n C e n t e r. However, the journey they took us on was memorable. They won the Columbus City League Championship and the OHSAA Central District 1 championship on their journey to the tourney. S H S a l u m n i p ro v i d e d unwavering support for the team, turning out in large numbers for each tournament game.
Journey to the Tourney! Ohio State Semi-Finals - March 23, 2019 Boys Division II Thornville - Sheridan - 55 Columbus South - 77
Thanks to the photography of 1970 SHS graduate Richard Thomas, we are able to share some of the highlights of three key tournament games.
Photos Compliments of: Richard Thomas (SHS Class 1970)
South’s victory in this game put them in the OHSAA Division II 2019 State Championship Game
10
Thank you Coach Spears and the entire team for your fine examples of skills, determination, and sportsmanship. Go Dawgs! Larry Latta (’72)
Journey to the Tourney!
OHSAA Central District 1 Championship - March 9, 2019 Boys Division II Bishop Watterson - 44 Columbus South - 50 Photos Compliments of: Richard Thomas (SHS Class 1970)
7
Journey to the Tourney! Ohio State Finals - March 23, 2019 Boys Division II Trotwood - Madison 77 Columbus South - 73 Photos Compliments of: Richard Thomas (SHS Class 1970)
8
9
Journey to the Tourney! Ohio State Finals - March 23, 2019 Boys Division II Trotwood - Madison 77 Columbus South - 73 Photos Compliments of: Richard Thomas (SHS Class 1970)
8
9
Journey to the Tourney! The South High School Bulldogs’ boys basketball team had a remarkable 2019 season. With an ove r a l l re c o rd o f 2 8 victories and only 2 loses, the Bulldogs made it to the OHSAA Division II state championship game. Their bid for the state title fell short by just 4 points in an exciting and hard fought game at the OSU S h o t t e n s t e i n C e n t e r. However, the journey they took us on was memorable. They won the Columbus City League Championship and the OHSAA Central District 1 championship on their journey to the tourney. S H S a l u m n i p ro v i d e d unwavering support for the team, turning out in large numbers for each tournament game.
Journey to the Tourney! Ohio State Semi-Finals - March 23, 2019 Boys Division II Thornville - Sheridan - 55 Columbus South - 77
Thanks to the photography of 1970 SHS graduate Richard Thomas, we are able to share some of the highlights of three key tournament games.
Photos Compliments of: Richard Thomas (SHS Class 1970)
South’s victory in this game put them in the OHSAA Division II 2019 State Championship Game
10
Thank you Coach Spears and the entire team for your fine examples of skills, determination, and sportsmanship. Go Dawgs! Larry Latta (’72)
Journey to the Tourney!
OHSAA Central District 1 Championship - March 9, 2019 Boys Division II Bishop Watterson - 44 Columbus South - 50 Photos Compliments of: Richard Thomas (SHS Class 1970)
7
In Memoriam
Milestone Reunions
Announcements
Class of 1964 - 55th Reunion
SHSAA Attends South High Dinner Honoring 2019 Seniors
The class of ’64 has planned a mixer at Planks on Parsons Ave for Friday September 13th at 6:00PM until we drop. We have reserved the downstairs for our mixer.
Carol Wolfenbarger distributed certificates to four graduating seniors who received Scholarship awards from SHSAA for 2019. Principal Edmund Baker looks on. The students are:
We invite the classes of ’63 and ’65 to join us for this event. Everyone will be responsible for his or her purchases.
• • • •
Elizabeth Doerue Katie Somphanthabasouk Serina Dweh Jordan Yeck
Class of 1969 - 50th Reunion The class of 1969 has planned an entire week-end of events to celebrate its 50th reunion. The festivities start on Friday September 13th with an icebreaker at Planks on Parson in the upstairs room 5:00 to 11:00 PM. Dinner and dance at the Berwick Party House on Saturday the 14th. $35 person. RSVP. Sunday the 15th SHSAA picnic at Y-Park. Contact Judy Stritt Nolan for more information and reservations. 740.929.4033
Classes of 1960, ’61 and ’62 Condolences: SHSAA offers our condolences to the families and friends of alumni who have passed on. We honor their memories, their live accomplishments, and their unique impact on this world. Correction: We missed posting the death notice for Richard “Chico” Howard (’64) when he passed away in 2018. We regret this oversight and have listed him in this issue. Our apologies to the Howard family.
6
Summer picnic at the home of Jack and Jane Van Gundy 4539 STONE QUARRY ROAD JOHNSTOWN OHIO 43031 August 24th, 2019 3 PM Meat and soft drinks provided Bring a potluck dish and BYOB RSVP the week before 740-281-6559
SHSAA Picnic and Car Show The annual car show and picnic at Y-Park is right around the corner. The date is Sunday, September, 15th at 12:00 to 5:00. Get tickets online at www.SHSAA.Family $20 per person
11
Farewell to Y-Park This is the last year we will be able to hold our annual picnic and car show at YPark. The YMCA has other plans for the park and it will not be available to rent after this year. So on Sunday September, 15th, SHSAA is going to host our biggest and best picnic yet to say farewell to Y-Park and to toast all the good memories of times gone by. Mark your calendar now. Don’t worry. A new venue is being secured for 2020. Tickets are still only $20 per person for food, beverages, and the car show. We also will have a great DJ with an improved sound system for your pleasure. Order your tickets online at www.SHSAA.Family or keep your eyes pealed for a reservation postcard we will be sending to all members in late June. Join us for this wonderful event. Contact Larry Latta with any questions. Latta1013@aol.com
12
5
2019 Scholarship Awards Alumni Donations
The South High School Alumni Association is pleased to present our 2019 Scholarship award selections. This year's class has ten winners who represent graduating South High School seniors as well as qualified students who are related to members of SHSAA.
SHSAA is proud to offer tax deduc2ble opportuni2es for you to support our Scholarship Fund and our Member Services. Please consider a gi@ to SHSAA in any amount. Our members suggested several unique ways your gi@ can be provided.
This class consists of excellent individuals who display qualities of academic achievement, service to others, a strong work ethic, and personal potential.
A Designated Gi-: SHSAA is able to direct dona2ons to support specific purposes at South (the band, choir, art projects, etc.). A Memorial Scholarship: SHSAA is able to establish a scholarship in the name of an alumnus to be awarded according to the family’s wishes.
This year's awards of $11,000 are our single highest single-year total. SHSAA has now provided more than $70,000 in scholarships to more than 50 young people. Thank you to all SHSAA members who make this service possible.
In Lieu of Flowers… Some members arrange to have SHSAA designated as a recipient of memorial dona2ons in lieu of flowers at funerals of loved-ones who are alumni. Estate Planning Gi-: Some alumni consider including SHSAA as a beneficiary in their will our insurance policies.
Carol Wolfenbarger (’61)
Sustaining Gi-: These gi@s are m a d e w i t h a n d e s i g n ate d payment automa2cally made from your credit card each month. This type of gi@ can be directed to our Scholarship Fund or to Member Services. Donate online. Select the DONATE buPon on the Main Menu.
OEW Recycling
www.SHSAA.Family Contact Jerry Driggs for more informa2on. 412.680.1602
4
13
Spring Fling
SHSAA Alumni Spotlight Common Experiences - Common Bonds!
Spring Has Sprung! By: Larry Latta (’72)
By: Danny Sells (’64) & Jerry Driggs (’69)
The South Side of Columbus has always been a haven for immigrants to this country. Some of us had immigrant parents or grandparents. Most of us remember friendships that were formed as we grew up with kids with very different backgrounds than our own. We shared experiences where we were introduced to families, customs, and traditions different than ours. In spite of attending different churches, social clubs, and even schools, we established friendships based on the common values learned growing up on the South Side. Dan Sells and Valerio Dalicandro’s friendship covers more than 60 years. Dan brought it to our attention that some of SHSAA’s strongest supporters are people who didn’t actually attend South. For that reason, our Alumni Spotlight this issue shines on Valerio Dalicandro. Val graduated from Hartley High School in 1964 but he has been a lifelong supporter of South High School, the alumni association, and of the Southside because of the many friendships he made and maintained since he arrived on South Side in 1954. Here’s his story. Valerio’s parents, Loreto and Vittoria Dalicandro left Italy in 1954 with their three children - Gina, Valerio and Tony. They were a family seeking new opportunities and a new life in the United States. The family sailed on the USS Constitution arriving nine days later in New York City on Thanksgiving Day. They boarded a train to Columbus and went directly to the South End where they moved in with Val’s aunt and uncle at 125 Barthman Avenue, between Parsons and High Street. Within a week Val’s mother was working at Omar Bakery and his father at OSU on the grounds crew. Val was 8 years old at the time, and like everyone in his family except for his mother, could only speak Italian. Over the years the family learned English in order to make progress in their lives. Education was always important to them. In 1955 the family moved to their own house at 344 Hinman Avenue just west of Parsons. They lived there until 1963. It was a good fit for the family. The neighborhood was very diverse.
14
At the time. most of the children Valerio knew in the neighborhood attended St. Ladislas Elementary on Reeb Avenue. His brother Tony attended St. Mary’s High School. His sister Gina attended Barrett Junior High and South High. Valerio attended Barrett for 9th grade and South for summer school before enrolling at Hartley High School where he graduated in 1964. In 1963 Valerio’s father built the family a new home at 1380 Koebel Road, still on the South Side and down the street from Marion Franklin High School. Valerio continued to attend Hartley until graduation although by his own admission he actually wanted to attend South because all of his best friends were going to South. Practicality, however, won the day. He wanted to play football and he concluded that with South in the City League it would take a Hail Mary for him to make the team. So Hartley it was! Following graduation Valerio worked with his father in the family’s construction business. In 1967, Uncle Sam called with an invitation to serve. Shortly afterwards, Valerio and four South High friends, Donald James, Cameron “Cammy” Roberts, Robert Vick, and Joel Schwartz decided to join the Marine Reserves. Their decision was made at the 3Lads Bar on Livingston Avenue after several pitchers of beer. After six years of service, all five friends returned home after receiving honorable discharges. Valerio quickly transitioned back into civilian life. In 1972, Valerio built his first Parade of Homes in the Foxboro subdivision in Gahanna. One of the 75 homes he built during this time was for a couple who had a daughter, Linda, who he met and married. They started a new life together, had two children, and are now the proud grandparents of 3 grandsons. Strong family ties have been instrumental in the success of the family construction business and a trucking and excavating business which Valerio now operates.
By everyone’s account, the 2019 Spring Fling was a success. More than 75 people attended the annual scholarship fundraiser at the Shamrock Club. This annual event is a sure sign spring has arrived. Sharon Selby (’64) was able to get the hall free of charge which added to our earnings for the evening. A $5 donation at the door plus the 50/50 drawing were the main sources of revenue. Chuck Sailor won the 50/50 drawing and graciously donated his winnings to the Scholarship Fund. Thanks Chuck! Dana Jenkins (’64) minded the door, collected donations, and greeted each guest. Thanks Dana! Our DJ was Frank Baldwin, a SHS alum (’65). He donated his services and was by everyone’s review GREAT! Keep him in mind for any events where a DJ is needed. Good music, good food, and plenty of laughs made the evening a wonderful way to put the cold and gloom of winter behind us.
3
President’s Message
And the Band Played On… SHSAA Donates Special Equipment to the South High Band
Larry Latta (’72) This being my inaugural President’s Message I thought it best to begin with a brief bio. I am a product of the South Side having received my primary education at Southwood Elementary and secondary at Barrett Junior and South High Schools (’72). I proudly wear Blue and Gray on both sleeves.
SHSAA has sponsored 17 all-class picnics hosting more than 5,100 alumni and friends of SHS; raised and granted over $60,000 in student college scholarships to more than 60 students; disseminated more than 1200 newsletters annually; acquired more than 25 paid sponsors; assumed responsibility for all concessions for football and basketball games at South donating all profits to the school for special projects; conducted I have been involved with the SHSAA for over a the annual Southside tradition of an Oldies Dance; and decade. I am honored to have been chosen to assembled an South High School archives containing take over the helm from Jim Driggs to succeed as hundreds of memorabilia dating back to 1900. only the second president of this great SHSAA. And just this past year we became a not-for-profit Some of you may not be aware of the long and 501(c)3 association which enables tax-deductible rich history of South High School. South High contributions. Booyah! opened in 1900 as the 4th Columbus City Schools’ high school at 345 E. Deshler Avenue And now for me the real work begins as I try to fill the (the current Barrett Building). Since 1900 there big shoes left to me by Jim Driggs as the SHSAA have been several alumni associations that have Board, our members, and I work to fulfill our mission: come and gone. Provide Support to South High School and to its alumni by: In 2000 a group of SHS alumni organized a weekend Centennial Celebration that consisted • Preserving and supporting the tradition of of a Friday “Sock Hop” at Barrett, Saturday excellence of the school formal dinner at Beulah Park and concluded with • Building and maintaining relationships among the a Sunday breakfast at South High in the school’s alumni and friends basement cafeteria. • Raising funds for activities of both the school and the Association The Centennial Committee had a balance of • Enhancing the educational experience of current approximately $1,700 and pondered for a short students at the school while on what to do with the remaining funds. The answer was simple; restart the South High I’m looking forward to all the challenges! Go Dawgs! School Alumni Association. An organization meeting was held at Plank’s on Parsons in (’72) September, 2000 and from that meeting officers and Board members were elected: Jim DriggsPresident, Dave Fleming-Vice President,
VLD Grading, Inc. employees 35 people out of its headquarters in Pataskala, Ohio where Valerio and his wife also live. Both of his children live across the street from their farm. He sees his grandsons everyday. Over the past 65 years, Valerio has always supported the Southend, South High School, and the South High Alumni Association. He has stayed in contact with many of the friends he grew up with and has many ties to the South End. The memories of the neighborhood, the people, and places like St. Stephan’s Community Center and the Crystal Pool are as fresh as if they happened yesterday.
2
Recently Carolyn and SHSAA Vice President Sharon Selby (’64) visited the school and personally delivered an assortment of equipment to Tony Thomas SHS Band Director. The equipment included: • • •
4 - Drum Heads 7-Sets of Marching Drum Sticks 25-Samson Over Ear Stereo Headphones
After all of these years he proudly confided, “Living in the neighborhood and experiencing the camaraderie of the people coming from different ethnic backgrounds was a great experience. It was a wonderful way to grow up and the bonds of friendship have stayed with me throughout my life. It is an important part of who I am.” SHSAA is proud to have Valerio Dalicandro as a supporter and friend of South High School!
Larry Latta
From this humble beginning, the current South High School Alumni Association (SHSAA) has grown.
Carolyn (Lilley) Lowe (’64) made a generous $500 donation to SHSAA with a special designation for the South High Band/Music program.
Valerio Dalicandro
Thanks to Carol for providing this equipment. Any members wishing to donate for a special purpose can do so by going online to www.SHSAA.Family. Select the DONATE button in the Main menu bar at the top of each web page. All donations are tax deductible.
15
Volume 9 Issue:
Bulldog Bulletin
56
South High School Alumni Association P.O. Box 12214
Bulldog Bulletin
South High School Alumni Association
Spring 2019 Jim Driggs (’68)
This Issue Passing the Torch!
P.1
President’s Message
P.2
Spring Fling
P.3
Scholarship Awards
P.4
In Memoriam
P.6
Journey to the Tourney P.7
www.SHSAA.Family
Announcements
P.11
Sponsors’ Corner
P.12
Alumni Spotlight
P.14
Save the Dates
P.16
Bulldog Bulletin - Volume 9 - Issue Spring 2019
South High School Alumni Association Save the Dates PICNIC/CAR SHOW Date: September 15, 2019 Time: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Place: Hoover Y-Park 1570 Rohr Road Lockbourne, Ohio 43137
ANNUAL MEETING Date: October 19th, 2019 Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Place: Plank’s on Parsons
SHSAA PICNIC AND CAR SHOW This year is the LAST year Y-Park is available for the SHSAA Picnic and Car Show. Join us as we say farewell to Y-Park, a place that holds fond memories for so many of us. Our menu this year is exceptional and we will have great music and many classic cars. Buy your tickets now!
SHS Reunion News Class of 1964 - 55th Class of 1969 - 50th Classes 60, 61, 62 picnic at Van Gundy’s See page 11 for details
SHSAA ANNUAL MEETING Our annual membership breakfast for 2019 is set for Saturday, October 19th, 2019. Our breakfast meeting will include great food and conversation as well as our annual business meeting. We will also be electing four Directors for the SHSAA Board. See you then!
Visit Our website! www.SHSAA.Family
Larry Latt (’72)
Passing the Torch! Nearly 20 years ago, Jim Driggs (’68) was instrumental in helping to revitalize the South High School Alumni Association. Since then, he has held the position of president of the association - twenty years of uninterrupted volunteer support of the SHSAA. At the March 2019 SHSAA Board of Directors’ meeting, Jim announced his resignation as president. He informed the board that he wanted to step back, take a deserved rest, and pass on the leadership torch to the vice president Larry Latta (’72). Although the announcement was a surprise, the board voted unanimously to accept his resignation as president, asked him to remain as a board member, and accepted his recommendation to elect Larry as the new president. The board also elected Sharon Selby (’64) as the new vice president filling the position Larry held.
Jim’s tenure as president saw the organization grow from less than 20 members to a membership of nearly 450 members with an array of events and services that carry on the traditions and values of South High School. They also provide unique opportunities for members to stay connected, direct resources to the school through various donations and volunteer support, and most importantly provide scholarship support to qualified SHSAA applicants. This year the association awarded $11,000 in scholarships to 10 students the single largest amount for a single year in the past twenty years. When asked about the future of the association Jim said, “Larry is perfect for the job. His commitment, hard work, personal skills, and history with SHSAA make him a perfect leader for the next stage of SHSAA.” Jim said, “Don’t worry! I’m going to remain involved. I just think fresh ideas and new leadership energy are what we need.”