Guestbook

428 posts from classmates going back to 1997, kept exactly as they were written. Newest first. The ‘Likes’ feature is new, which is why there are so few likes :-)

Highlights: 14 favorite posts

The very first note: looking forward to the 20 year reunion · Anonymous, 1997

Looking forward to the 20 year reunion

Anonymous · Saratoga, CA · Friday, May 9, 1997 at 8:02am

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A BHS science teacher (class of '78) offers a tour: the new G and H buildings · Lee Trampleasure, 1997

well, actually I'm an imposter. I'm from the great class of '78. But I'm now teaching science at BHS, and would like to offer a tour of campus to any folks returning for the renuion. We opened the completely remodeled G building last year, and are opening the new H building this summer. Lots has changed since we were students. I'm also working on the BHS web page, and we are trying to create an online alumni database. If any of you have CGI experience and would like to help with this project, please drop me an email. Good luck with your reunion. Let me know if a group wants a tour (we'll only hit you up lightly for contributions!!) Lee Trampleasure

Lee Trampleasure · Berkeley, CA · Saturday, June 7, 1997 at 11:50pm

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Will Bernard: twenty years of jazz, and an album on Verve · Will Bernard, 1997

Hey! cool to see all the familiar names!Short 20 year synopsis stayed in Berkeley played music, recorded lots of albums (mostly jazz)..I'm getting my own out finally on Verve/Antilles records. Look forward to seeing everybody tomorrow! I'll bring my green suede platform shoes....not!

Will Bernard · Berkeley · Friday, October 17, 1997 at 9:30pm · email hidden

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Brian Hardy, “exiled” to East Campus and graduating early · Brian Hardy, 2001

I was having a melancholy flashback and decided to put my search engine to work. 1977 seems so long ago. Actually, I graduated in 1976 by virtue of my exile to East Campus and an accelerated graduation (I still chuckle at my 10 credits to stop smoking), but I was originally a 1977 student before my favorate counselor Irene Obera dropped the boom on me for excessive truancy. Life's had its ups and downs but nowadays I'm fat and happy in Marin, growing old like the rest of you, but trying to stay young at heart. After BHS I worked as a disc jockey for a couple years in Monterey, then went back East for a spell and dug graves for a living, before finally coming home and falling into technology like everyone else. Today I'm a Systems Engineer and for whatever reason tonight decided to take my foray into the past and pay you a visit. I often think to myself that Berkeley in the 70's was so totally unique that we were all lucky to live the times. At any rate, thought I'd surface and say hello.

Brian Hardy · Marin County, CA · Wednesday, March 7, 2001 at 10:28pm · email hidden

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Zerda Paige-Dargan remembers the wall, the track and the gym · Zerda Paige-Dargan, 2002

oops, I forgot! Yes, Kim [Burgess-Duckett]. I do remember the wall, the track, and the gym (gymnastics). We had good times. Renita, Annette, and I talk about them all the time. Big shout outs to people that I haven't heard from in years: Manjit, Storrie, Aleso, Yvonne Hester (has anyone seen her?), Mary Conyers, Rhonda Aubrey, Lynda Fenton-Foster, and James Foster

Zerda Paige-Dargan · Jacksonville, AR · Thursday, June 13, 2002 at 11:58pm · email hidden

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Jim McKinney on the 30th - and why Lafayette? · Jim McKinney, 2007

I've been looking forward to the 30th Reunion for some time, especially since I missed No. 25. I very much appreciate the work of the Committee to put this event together for the rest of us. Thank You! That said, am I the only one who thinks it's WIERD for a BERKELEY HIGH SCHOOL class reunion to be held in the suburban town of LAFEYETTE? How did this happen? Is there no Berkeley restaurant able to host a party for several hundred? I mean, why stop in Lafayette? Come up to Davis and have it here! Clearly some very thoughtful people have worked hard to find a good venue. And I'll show up in Lafeyette if that's where it's at. But I think BERKELEY is where the BERKELEY HIGH SCHOOL REUNION otta be. Now - For entertainment. Can we get Tower of Power to play? Earth Wind and Fire? Donna Summer? I heard she sang at a Governor's gig earlier this year. Oh - And please be sure to make the name tags with BIG print so that those of us with failing eyesight don't have to embarrass ourselves by squinting at someone's lapel trying to remember who in the heck they are - because they sure LOOK familar - even after 30 years of wear and tear and good livin'. Looking forward to this event. Cheers - Jim McKinney

Jim McKinney · Davis, CA · Monday, August 6, 2007 at 6:04pm · email hidden

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A play about Berkeley High: “Yellowjackets” at UC Berkeley · Mark L. Williams, 2007

A play about Berkeley High!? Apparently so. I'm having quite the Berkeley afternoon, here in sweltering L.A. - watching Cal ahead (so far) of Tennessee in football, and as I go through mail, I open some U.C. stuff, to find out that a Berkeley High-reared playwright named Itamar Moses is getting a play called 'Yellowjackets' workshopped on the U.C. campus. This 'young man' was *born* in '77, and went to BHS, and then points east, became a playwright of some growing renown, and now has written a play about Berkeley High. And it's free! Sept. 15 at 8, or Sept. 16 at 2, in the Durham Studio Theatre at Cal. Did I say free? Q&A afterwards! There's more info online on the Cal Drama Dept's website (tho' I can't link from here...) You folks still on the auld sod, let us know how it is! Or what it is!

Mark L. Williams · Pueblo of Angels, CA · Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 7:14pm · email hidden

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Willa Barber Johnson: a first kiss at Longfellow · Willa Barber Johnson, 2007

It's been wonderful reading these messages! Kent McQue...my first kiss...Longfellow School! Was experiencing a bit of trepidation around coming to the reunion and I'm showing up! Been working on situps for the past several weeks hoping to flatten and firm up the stomach, oh well..... know I'll firm it up through my work on the dance floor! Showing up single so looking for dance partners! Thanks again to the committee for all of your work. Looking forward to enjoying the fruits of the labor with you all! p.s. Tony (BB) Summers thinks I should get the 'most changed award' this year! Am completing my first year in ministerial school....gonna be a 'new thought/metaphysical' minister. What a trip!!! Love and blessings, Willa Barber Johnson

Willa Barber Johnson · albany, ca · Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 10:56am · email hidden

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Kevin Vance, the day of the 30th reunion picnic at Lake Anza · Kevin Vance, 2007

Hi Everyone! I'm glad I saw all of you at Lake Anza today. I suppose the shy & awkward me didn't walk up and say Hello to each of you, but it was a delight to see how we're all doing. I'm for a 35th. I don't care how big or small it is. My 11 year old broke out his little game computer and was a good sport being dragged to his dad's 30th year high school reunion. Keep the Cheetos and the Pepsis. best, Kevin Vance, the guy in the green, black & red frog shirt, recovering Willard stoner and BHS class-cutter (to work at KPFA)

Kevin Vance · Berkeley, CA · Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 10:12pm · email hidden

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A Facebook page for Berkeley High alums, 1974-1978 · Andrea Pappas, 2009

Hey all, there's a FaceBook page for Berkeley High alums, 1974-1978. Check it out!

Andrea Pappas · San Jose, CA · Friday, February 20, 2009 at 3:50pm · email hidden

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Mei Kobayashi writes from IBM Research in Tokyo · Mei Kobayashi, 2009

I found this site while looking for the e-mail address of Colleen White (Staggers) who logged on to Classmates.com. I am at IBM Research in Tokyo (over 21 years!). Luckily Japanese labor laws make it difficult to lay off regular employees and we have great national health insurance. I go home to Berkeley now 5 times or so a year since my parents are getting old. It'd be a blast to go to one of the reunions if it coinicdes with one of my trips.

Mei Kobayashi · Tokyo, Japan · Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 5:57pm · email hidden

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Peggy Judge: the library's Berkeley desegregation stories · Peggy Judge, 2010

Hello Yellow Jackets! Thought some of you might be interested in this project recently done through the Berkeley Public Library: Digital Stories - Berkeley Desegregation Personal stories told by students and teachers about the BUSD in late '60s. this site won't allow me to include link - go the the library's site or youtube.

Peggy Judge · kensington, ca · Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 2:41pm · email hidden

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The all-years Berkeley High alumni picnic · Sheryl Rachal, 2011

Berkeleyhighalumni.com posted its scheduled 3d ANNUAL picnic! for AUGUST 20, 2011 sounds like a LOT of FUN!!!!!! Go to the website for more info! All are welcome including our '77!

Sheryl Rachal · Merced, CA · Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 9:01pm · email hidden

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Lynda Foster: planning for the 50th begins · Lynda Foster, 2026

We’ve officially kicked off planning for our 50th YEAR REUNION — yay! Let’s show that Yellowjacket pride by showing up and showing out for this once‑in‑a‑lifetime celebration. More details are coming soon… stay tuned!

Lynda Foster · Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 5:43pm · email hidden

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Read all the highlights →

Newest first Oldest first Add your own

Thanks Dennis Brown, for keeping me informed of all the future plans for the 30th, witch are now going to take place in two days, but unfortunately I can't get away from work, but I will make it to the picnic. I hope I could 'hook up' with some o'l buddies there. It's funny, my brother came up from LA to attend his 50th just this past summer,BHS re-union, and my older son had just started BHS, freshman, this year 'How Time Flies' It's amazing the places I have ran into BHS alumnis over the years, Las Vegas AV area during an Electronics convention, small town near North Shore, Hawaii, my wife's classmate in Japan, and the less fortunate in the streets of our neighboring city. We truly have a diverse class. Thanks again to the reunion committee for all their time and effort to make this happen.

Steve Chew · USA · Thursday, September 27, 2007 at 10:39pm · email hidden

Hey Class of '77! Congrats on your 30th!! I remember many of you, as I am from the Class of '78. With a son in the class of '09, I am now the co-president of the BHS Development Group , a 501(c)3 nonprofit group of parent volunteers who raise and distribute money for Berkeley High. We fund or contribute to after school tutoring by teachers, 1st Step scholarships for students who are the first in their families to go to college, the Ultimate Frisbee team, the Mountain Bike team, the cheer squad and MANY other activities/field trips/projects. The Class of '47 had their 60th reunion this year and raised $4600 for us--I challenge you to better them and set the standard for my class to try to beat next year! BHS is in the process of regaining its national reputation (we moved up almost 100 spots in 1 year on the top 1,500 high schools list in Newsweek Magazine. Please support BHS! Hope to see you at the picnic!

Jenny Burroughs · Berkeley, CA · Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 8:12am · email hidden

Hello everyone. I'm also looking forward to Saturday's event. I was the 'other Michelle,' the real shy and quiet one who was voted Shyest during our senior year (and Most Likely to Succeed). So many of you may not have known anything about me. I probably won't remember very many faces, so i hope those of you who recognize me (and i'm still quite tall) will come up and say hello. And to reiterate the general sentiment, can you believe it's been 30 years??? Cheers. Michelle

Michelle Smith-Johansen · Monterey, ca · Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 3:46pm · email hidden

Miss Mindy, thanx much for the kind words...likewise i'm sure :-))...btw: did we EVER break up???...if not why bother now, eh?...2-old 4 games anymore...gonna miss you an Miss Becky WAY!...EW&F, KOOL, O'JAYS it is... Hey Wei...good grief!...best memories ever with you, bro...maybe i will attend the picnic...also julian henkin and i were wondering what Kent was up to the other day?...now we know...Willa Barber?...man!...berkeley is simply amazing...

John Laetsch · berkeley, ca · Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 7:44pm · email hidden

How heartwarming it is to read all of your connections. Thanks again, James, for making this possible. Looking forward to a great week-end. Yes, it has been a lot of work for the committee but I'm sure it will be well worth it. Glad to hear you all are doing some cool things ... surviving significant health challenges, giving back to the community, raising families and being good parents, moving about the country and the world, professionals doing your thing ... it's super! I'm proud that Berkeley is a part of my heritage. Those that can't come, you're with us in spirit and thanks for sharing.

Sunshine Michelle Coleman · Hercules, CA · Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at 8:59pm · email hidden

Thanks to everyone on the committee for putting this together. Not only can I not believe it's been 30 years, but what happened to the last 10? I would have loved to join all of you, but I just found out about the reunion today, from Tina Amidon(budding famous artist) Alas, I already have a plane ticket to British Colombia for 1 week. Please send me info on any upcoming get togethers.... I don't think Tracy Barker Bigelow knew about this either.... I'm sure the 35th will be here before we know it! Y'all have a great time and boogie on down for me!!

Lisa Braude Cannelora · alameda, ca · Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 5:20pm · email hidden

hi everyone. mmm what to say... i remember alot of you fondly, and some of you i still know.. (nancy carlin's daughter and my daughter are close friends) which has a certain symmetry to it...:) peace. wendy

Wendy Wellbaum Brooks · berkeley, ca · Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at 5:58pm · email hidden

I won't be able to make the dinner, but may swing by Lake Anza for the picnic.

Avi Rappoport · Berkeley, CA · Monday, September 24, 2007 at 8:58pm · email hidden

Hey everybody, Glad to read so many familiar names in the guestbook. I can't believe I knew so many people. Saturday is bad as I am the organizer and gopher for my company party on Saturday. I do plan to bring the family to the picnic on Sunday and hope to see a lot of old friends and (un?)familiar faces. I hope we can do name tags on Sunday as well (with big letters)! Cheers, Kent

Kent McCue · ElCerrito, CA · Monday, September 24, 2007 at 11:40pm · email hidden

I am excited about attending the reunion. I have not attended any in the past, so I definitely don't want to miss this one. Thanks to the committee members for putting this together. I had a blast looking at all the pictures from the past reunions and regret not making more effort to attend. I look forward to see you all again.

Wanda W. Williams · Berkeley, CA · Friday, September 21, 2007 at 8:27am · email hidden

Hello to the class of 77 (plus 76 & 78)! I don't think I can make this one due to a conflicting work schedule. I hope life is good for everyone as we begin to hit the half century mark. The great thing about the 25th reunion for me was that it triggered memories that have been buried and pack away for a long time. Of course, through the lens of time, the memories have taken on a more favorable tone. I still recognize a lot of the names - Larry Becker, John Latesch, Matt Watson and his lovely wife, Mindy Scharlin, Joseph Lindholm, et al. Many of these people probably also attended Malcom X and Williard (remember West Campus?) but it does start to get blurry the further back I go. Well, my daughter and son are in high school now and I guess I get live it over again but from the perspective of my parents (the irony of it all). Mindy Scharlin, I am glad to hear you are doing well. I think we go back as far as Malcom X? Play Earth Wind and Fire for me (That's the way of the world) and I will thinking of all you in spirit! Take care,

Wei Huey · PIEDMONT, Ca · Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 1:19pm

Thanks very much to you folks on the committee --I know organizing something like this is non-trivial. My husband, Stephen Carroll (also '77), and I will be there! Erin D., our couch has your name on it!!! Lucy F., if you are out there, I hope we get to see you. Looking forward to lots of dancing! ---Andrea

Andrea Pappas · Santa Clara, CA · Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 2:32pm · email hidden

Hi, Hadn't been to a 77 reunion yet, thought I'd look up to see if there was one. Well I'll be in Ireland while this one is happening, so have a good time and maybe I'll see you in another 5 or 10 years.

Annelise · Santa Clara, CA · Sunday, September 16, 2007 at 10:38am

Hi Everyone, I won't make the Saturday night event but I will drag my 11 year old with me kicking and screaming to Lake Anza the following Sunday Afternoon. (it IS Lake Anza, right?) Funny thing, I was in the underground papers talking about Kid's Liberation when I was his age. We can all laugh about the old days, and the new days, as well as how much grey hair and weight we've gained or lost, and the beach is a perfect place for that. luv, Kevin PS: if interested, write me for a link to my myspace thing. No, I'm not selling anything.

Kevin Vance · Berkeley, CA · Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 2:53pm · email hidden

H A P P Y 30TH R E U N I O N !!!! W E ' V E COME T H U S FAR B Y FAITH!!!! ~ GOD BLESS EVERYONE, MZ. DEBBY

Debby Burgess · alameda, CA · Friday, September 14, 2007 at 8:44am · email hidden

I'm Looking forward to another surreal class of 77 BHS reunion. Go Bears.

Matt Watson · Morgan Hill, CA · Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 4:00pm · email hidden

I can't believe it's been 30 years... well, for me it's only been 29, since I am authentically from the class of 1978. However, I have been adopted into the class of 1977 by marriage! Earth, Wind & Fire came on the radio this morning and I found myself looking forward to reconnecting with y'all. The spirit of Berkeley never leaves us. Thank you to the committee for all their effort and time in organizing this event. Namaste, Marie

Marie Parker Watson · Morgan Hill, CA · Thursday, September 13, 2007 at 8:46pm · email hidden

Since I will not be able to attend the 30th reunion, I wanted to say HELLO to my BHS friends! Although I have lived in western Nevada for 25 years, Berkeley (the verb) remains in my heart. It was a special time in history and a special school that has affected the arc of my story, for sure. My degree in nutrition from UCB has served me well and I continue to work in and study the field. I have become somewhat of a nutrition advocate and all around pacesetter in these parts. My husband and I are still in the midst of raising teenagers, a full experience. One son decided to attend a the Davidson Academy of Nevada, a new public high school for profoundly gifted students. Families are moving here from around the country to attend this school, so I thought I would put this out, just in case anyone is looking into this. I am happy to be here now and send my blessings to you.

Lisa Hill · Reno, NV · Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 8:41am · email hidden

Great to see all the names from the past - 'glad to hear that so many are able to make it on the 29th - should be a blast to catch up with everyone.

Brad Allen · Alamo, CA · Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 12:35pm · email hidden

It's hard to believe it's 30 years already! Looking forward to seeing everyone. A special Thanks to the committee for making this happen!

Josie Genievich · Berkeley, CA · Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 7:57pm · email hidden

I don't think I will make the Saturday dinner, but I am planning on the Lake Anza picnic on Sunday with the kids. Lot's of memories of cutting class and heading to Anza back in the day... I look forward to seeing lots of you there!

Nick Gibbens · San Rafael, CA · Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at 10:04pm · email hidden

I too find it hard to believe it's been 30 years! I remember when we were 'living for the weekend'! I look forward to going 'back down memory lane' with you all and to having a good time! Thanks to the committee for all of your dedication and hard work! Willa Barber Johnson

Willa Barber Johnson · Albany, Ca · Monday, September 10, 2007 at 8:54pm · email hidden

I was glad to find out that the 30th reunion is happening in September, because in October I am moving to Asheville, NC. So happy that I don't have to miss this. I had an eventful year in that I have (so far) survived esophageal cancer. I am very grateful to be alive to come to this reunion, since last December I was told that my chances of survival were slim.

Julie Sherman · Berkeley, Ca · Monday, September 10, 2007 at 10:12pm · email hidden

Looking forward to meeting all. It's been 30 years already. Thanks for making this possible.

Manjit Birdi Plahey · martinez, CA · Sunday, September 9, 2007 at 11:43am · email hidden

Ok, figured Id maybe try again..wont be able to make the dinner, but still want to try to get to the picnic Sunday-- only problem I (still) have is, w/o a car and since the bus stopped running to Tilden as of Labor Day, is there anyone that can maybe meet me in Berkeley Sunday somewhere to get a ride to the picnic? Thanx again :)

Robin Kanstein · Davis, Ca · Thursday, September 6, 2007 at 6:48pm · email hidden

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