Faculty Spotlight

MR. CLAY BEALE by Kirk Silsbee (’73)

In 1957, Boston-reared Clay Beale heard that California needed teachers.  He came west with his wife Sabrina and considered Beverly Hills High.  He found that the kids had too much money and privilege, and remembered an opening at a new school in a place called Inglewood.  At age 90 (in 2010), Clay looked back on his 15 MHS years as “a wonderful time.”  Anyone who passed through his classroom on the quad had a singular class experience.  Beale was a singular teacher.  He made every kid, no matter how hardened, feel important.  “I tried to give everyone their space,” Clay offers, “and let them follow their passions.”  Dave Hill (’69) said Beale was Principal’s Boyd’s son Ramon Boyd’s (’61) favorite teacher.  Mr. Boyd was surprised because Ramon didn’t have Beale as a teacher.  “You’re right,” Ramon replied, “but I spend lunch with him and his lunch group every day.”  That large contingent met for years.  Clay’s prodigy included “Eugene” Robert Ryan (’62), whose subject matter centered on bullfighting.  He also became a bullfighter.  Craig Reardon (’70), renowned special effects engineer, and interior designer Stephen Shadley (’64) are two more of Beale’s successes.  But not all of his students had an interest in art.  During the tumultuous years (he left MHS in ’71), Beale acted as a calming influence on the campus, defusing many a tense situation.  He gave respect, and unfailingly received it in return.  His teaching philosophy?  “You have to give someone hope,” Beale stressed.  “And that’s what I’ve done with my life.” 

Craig Reardon (’70) describes Mr. Beale.
He was one of those phenomena that we must all count ourselves privileged when we experience even one such in our lives.  It wasn’t just the antic personality, which he laid on pretty thick, but his spirit of goodwill and affection in which all the posturing and playfulness were expressed.  He concealed it and wore it lightly but he clearly enjoyed being the center of attention.  And that meant he valued that attention.  He dressed for work like a Beverly Hills businessman, chic and elegant.  He always “credited”  ‘Miss Moneybags’ and, as we all know, that was his wife. She was always just off stage like Phyllis Diller’s husband ‘Fang’.  I never before and never again encountered an art instructor more hip, broad-minded, insightful and invigorating as he.  He encouraged our interests, hobbies, obsessions, fascinations and enthusiasms.  He made art fun, the way it was for Picasso, for Renoir, and for the great free spirits.  Like life, the art is in the doing.  Beale was an artist in living, one of the greatest artists most of us will ever meet in one short lifetime.  

We were honored and proud that Mr. Beale attended the July 19th, 2008 Mane Event and was voted favorite teacher spanning three decades, the 50’s, the 60’s and the 70’s.

MR. JOSEPH BENEZRA by Ileen Basch Vance ('67).
Joseph taught Spanish at MHS for ten years, when he left us for Inglewood High (boooo, hissssss), where he was the Head of the Language Department.  Then, he taught at a private school for a short time but decided he needed to enjoy life, so he retired.  He lives in Marina Del Rey with his wife of sixty-three years (in 2010), Roz.  He has a son and two daughters, and beautiful and accomplished grandchildren. They have taken a family cruise together to share old memories and make new ones.  He keeps in touch with Mr. Woodson and has visited Judy and Don in South Carolina.  He remembered one student at MHS who complained to his parents that Mr. Benezra had given him a "D."  Mr. B said, "No, son, I didn't give you a 'D', you earned it!"  Joseph is happy to be on the website and would love to hear from any former students or faculty.  Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Benezra both attended the July 19th, 2008 Mane Event and were the very first to financially support the Morningside High Monarchs Alumni Association.

DR. GEORGE BLEK by Sherrie Basch Stelik (’72).
George taught English from 1960 to 1966.  He also coached "C" football and Varsity golf.  When he left MHS he became an administrator, first as Vice Principal in Mission Viejo, Corona, and Lake Elsinore, then as Principal in Camarillo, and El Centro, and finally Superintendent of Schools in El Centro, and in Bakersfield where he currently resides. In 1973, he lured Mr. Woodson away from MHS.  In 1975, he received his Doctorate in both Elementary and Secondary Administration.  Although technically he retired in 1998, Dr. Blek continues to keep busy doing interim administrative assignments.  He and his wife of fifty years, Jane, have three children.  Craig is a college Economics professor, married to a high school counselor.  Scott is an attorney married to a Doctor of Psychiatry, and Alicia is a first grade teacher, married to a minor league baseball manager.  In his spare time Dr. B. plays golf, reads, travels, and, most recently, thanks to Scott, has been enjoying his seven-month-old twin grandsons.   The good Doctor attended the Mane Event in July, 2008.

MR. TOM BRANIGAN by Sherrie Basch Stelik (’72).
Mr. Branigan was born in Seattle and attended Preparatory High where he was inducted into their football Hall of Fame in 2004.  He attended Washington State University on a football scholarship where he received a degree in Physical Education.  He enlisted in the Marine Corps and was stationed in the Philippines during WWII.  Before shipping out, he married Annabel, his high school sweetheart.  After his tour of duty, he taught in Oregon and Washington before landing at MHS in 1956 where he remained until his retirement in 1987.  For over thirty years he taught various sports, including football and wrestling.  As our State Requirements and Drivers’ Education teacher, he taught many of us how to drive.  Mr. Branigan was active in the Catholic Church and served as a Eucharist minister.  He was also a volunteer for All Life Charities.  He passed away on November 2, 2009 in Torrance.  Services were held at St. Lawrence Martyr Church in Redondo Beach.  He is survived by his wife, Anabel their many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

DR. DAVE BROWN by Sherrie Basch Stelik (’72).
David graduated from MHS in 1959.  He was a track star, coached by the late Norm Lumian.  He received his B.A. at Occidental College and his Master’s and PhD in German Literature from USC.  He taught at Cal State University at Long Beach and at USC, and apparently he had not had enough of our old campus, because in 1970 after he came back to MHS to teach History and German and coach track.  He was also the Student Council Advisor from 1970 to 1974, and in 1975 and 1976 he was the Activities Director.  He left MHS in 1976 to become Principal of La Cañada High, and then served as the Superintendent of Schools in San Marino, Irvine, and Napa Valley.  Dr. Brown now lives in Napa but commutes to Burlingame where for the last five years he has been Executive Director of WASC, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.  With this position has come “loads of opportunity for travel.”  He has been to the Pacific Islands, the Far East, South Africa, and Australia.  David travels to the Philippines often and has taken that opportunity to visit Coach Ron Jacobs.  When not traveling, he loves to spend time with his wife of over forty years, Ilse, and their five children and thirteen grandchildren.  Dave is active in his church and would love to have more time to golf.  He attended the Mane Event in July 2008.  He is on the Board of Directors of the Morningside High Alumni Association.

MRS. BERNICE BUTLER by Marilyn Wolski Basaker (’71).
Bernice was born September 14, 1913 in Modesto, California.  Her natural father left early on and her mom re-married.   She and her sister were farmed out to their grandma, a very strict and stern woman.  Her home life was not always pleasant, so Bernice threw herself into school and piano and saw education as her path.  While attending to Modesto Junior College, she met Bob Butler.  They started a relationship that has lasted over 75 years.  From working at her sister’s sandwich shop for over 2 1/2 years, she saved enough money to go to San Francisco State where she majored in education and music. Although she was the first person in her family to graduate from college, no family member attended her graduation.  She and Bob married in Reno on August 1, 1938.  Times were tough but Bernice landed a teaching job in Modesto.  A few years later she and Bob moved to Los Angeles.  During the war she taught school while Bob worked at Lockheed.  They lived in Toluca Lake near Bing Crosby and other stars.  Bob’s job transferred him to Iowa where Bernice gave birth to two sons.  There was one more family move to Indiana and then finally they came back to California in 1954 because Mrs. Butler did not like the cold, and she shuddered at the thought of it.  The family settled in Ladera Heights near Inglewood around 1956. When the kids got old enough, Bernice went back to work as a fourth grade teacher at Warren Lane Elementary School.  The rest, as they say, is history.  Upon retirement, the Butlers traveled the world and helped out their children.  Bernice worked tirelessly to give her family the love and support she never had growing up.  Bob died in 2002 at the age of 91, and Bernice moved to Camarillo to be close to her family.  She has outlived everyone on both sides of the family by several years.  In summer, 2008, Steve Silverman, Connie Cashin (both ’71) Sherrie Basch Stelik (’72) and I had the honor of lunching with Bernice, her son, and her daughter in law.  Sadly, just one year later she passed away on October 31, 2009, at the age of 96. There is so much to say about this fine lady.  The fact that she still kept in touch with some of her Warren Lane students pretty much says it all.

MR. GEORGE BUTTERFIELD.
In 1968, George replaced Ken Green as the MHS band, jazz band and orchestra instructor.  He is remembered fondly.  George was more than just a teacher.  He took a student shopping for marching shoes when his family could not afford them, and he got a 15 year-old drummer his first paying gig.  In the mid-1970’s Mr. Butterfield left the Music Department and went on to teach World Culture and State Requirements until the mid-1980’s when he left the teaching profession and went into sales.  He passed away some 15-20 years ago, after leaving MHS.  Cause of death is unknown.  

MR. KLAIR BYBEE.
In 1966, at age 27, Klair replaced Jacques La Certe as the MHS Drama teacher.  Principal Boyd excused Klair’s first week of teaching absence so Klair could finish filming a historical drama about Pancho Villa and the Mormons in Mexico.  Mr. Boyd’s caveat to Klair was:  when the film is completed, it must be shown to the MHS student body.  A little over a year later, the 55-minute film was shown in the auditorium all six periods.  Producing six plays each of his four years at MHS was a challenge and joy.  “How To Succeed In Business” (‘67) and “West Side Story” (‘69) were triumphs.  Michael Bennett, who later won a Pulitzer and several Tonys for “A Chorus Line” and “Dreamgirls,” conducted the first four rehearsals.  Student dedication made each production possible.  Bybee was associated with the Glendale Centre Theatre and often took bus-loads of students to see theatre-in-the-round, even casting students in some of their productions, including Michael Jacobs (’70) as his brother in “Come Blow Your Horn,” and Cindy Irwin Bullock (’71) as the lead in “Up The Down Staircase” with Bob Holland (’66).  After leaving MHS in 1969, trying to get into the movies was his next goal, while he worked part-time as a substitute teacher at Inglewood High.  He changed movie marquees at South Bay Cinemas, Old Towne Mall, and other theatres, and drove a truck delivering poultry to KFC and Sizzler, and printed and displayed cue cards for game shows (meeting again several times with Vicki Lawrence (’67), who played Lady Macbeth at MHS).  It was while he was delivering frozen cases of poultry that he met a woman whose son was a talent agent.  A subsequent introduction led to speaking parts on “The Doris Day Show,” “General Hospital,” “Fireball Forward,” “MacArthur” (where he made up names for dead soldiers’ tags and even included the name of Pete Mills (’66), who had been killed in Viet Nam).  After that he could be seen in Mae West’s “Sextette” (as Ringo Starr’s cameraman), “Forrest Gump,” (as JFK’s Chief of Staff), “Clear and Present Danger,” (as the President’s Chief of Staff),” “Jerry Maguire” (as an NFL guest), “Deep Impact” (as a member of the White House Press Corps), plus hundreds of other TV shows and films in minor roles.  Being a Gemini and happy doing multi-tasking, Klair is enjoying retirement while still performing regularly on stage.  He recently was a doting actor in “Inspecting Carol” at the Lonny Chapman Group Repertory Theatre in North Hollywood (www.lcgrt.com), and he was pictured in the December 25, 2009 issue of L.A. Weekly.  He substitute teaches in the LAUSD San Fernando Valley high schools, loves attending reunions, supports his former students, teaches a class the fourth Sunday of each month at church, answers emails, and he reads every word of the monthly MANELINE.  Klair attended the Mane Event in July, 2008, the Class of ’68 reunion in 2008, the Class of ‘69 reunion in 2009, and also attended the 1st annual Alumni Day in September, 2009, on the MHS campus which was sponsored by the Morningside High Monarchs Alumni Association.  

MR. ART CALLEN by Sherrie Basch Stelik (’72).
Art attended the University of Florida on two scholarships, one for track and one for boxing.  After graduating, he became Physical Education Department Head and Athletic Director at Bronson High in Florida.  Lucky for us, Gator left three years later and took over the P.E. Department at the newly built Monroe Jr. High.  President Eisenhower recognized him for his design of Monroe’s obstacle course.  In 1968, he went to MHS as Dean of Students and Athletic Director.  While maintaining his position as Athletic Director, he was promoted to Assistant Principal.  Art was also Principal of Summer School, 1980 to 1982.  In 1982, he retired and began "climbing the walls" until he was hired as a sports reporter on Torrance City Cable.  After impressing the hierarchy, Art was given carte blanche to host his own show.  "The Senior Scene" was born, covering activities involving seniors in the South Bay.  For 28 years (in 2010), he has held the position of Torrance City Commissioner on Aging.  If you do not get Torrance City Cable you can check out Mr. Callen’s acting debut in “Hardwood Dreams” (along with Mr. Slocum).  His professional and private life is full.  He has been married for 59 years (in 2010) to wife, Bobbie, and they have three daughters.  Candy is a teacher at Monroe, Dawn is a domestic goddess, and Heidi is an office manager.  He has three grandkids.  Kelly works with the Special Olympics, Kevin manages an Albertson's and their youngest, Kari, is disabled.  Kevin and wife Michelle have also blessed them with a great-granddaughter, Maddison.  At age 89 (in 2010), Art works out daily and is an active volunteer for Golden Retriever Rescue.  On July 19, 2009, Art was featured on Faces of Torrance for all his contributions to the community, his involvement with the Council on Aging, and for his cable show, “The Senior Scene.”  He talked about his childhood, his college days, time in the military, and yes, Monroe and Morningside too!  He was described as a gardener, world traveler, avid fisherman, sports caster and TV host.  In 2008, Bobbie and Art attended the Mane Event gathering.  In 2009 Mr. Callen not only attended the John Arrillaga jersey retirement event, he called the winning game against Beverly Hills High.  As an active member of the Morningside High Monarchs Alumni Association he also attended the on campus Alumni Day in September 2009. 

MR. MIKE CAMPAGNA by Sherrie Basch Stelik.
Mike was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin and moved to California in 1953.   He received an A.A. degree from El Camino College and a Bachelors degree from George Pepperdine College where he played Varsity tennis.  His Masters in Education is from U.S.C.  Mike has a total of 3 California credentials, in General Elementary, General Secondary and General Administrative.  He taught grades 4 thru 6 at Warren Lane from l959 to 1963.  He left Lane for Monroe JH where he taught Science from 1963 to 1966.  In 1966 he headed to MHS where he taught typing and business law to grades 9 thru 12, coached Varsity tennis and “B” basketball until 1967.  He eventually went back to Monroe to teach P.E. from 1967 to 1969 and then again back to Warren Lane from 1969 to 1974 where he was assistant principal under Mr. Henry Popko.  In 1974 he was promoted to principal at Worthington Elementary, formerly Center Ave. or Center Park Ave. Elementary (whichever you prefer).  He was there for 2 years until he accepted a position of principal back at Warren Lane.  In 1979 he left the classroom for the courts.  He was lead tennis instructor for City of Torrance Parks and Recreation until 1983 when he began giving private tennis lessons for the City of Hermosa Beach and continues to do so as I type this.  It’s a job he has loved for the past 27 years.  Mike will celebrate his 75th birthday on April 26, 2010.  He belongs to the Los Angeles Swing Dance club and still enjoys dancing every week.  Mike continues to cut a rug at various MHS related gatherings.  He danced his socks off at the Mane Event in July 2008 and at Class of ’68 and Class of ‘69’s reunions.  Mike shared that during his teaching career he has made wonderful lifelong friends and has been blessed with many wonderful students.  And after 50 years, he still enjoys teaching.

MR. ROBERT DOYLE.
Bob taught English and Speech at MHS from 1956 to 1986.  He was one of the original guides at Hearst San Simon State Historical Monument, serving from June 1958 until 2001.  Bob was recognized for his 43 years of outstanding service at the "Castle" as a guide and a spokesman on tv, radio, and in lectures by the California State Assembly.  He died of heart disease on July 21, 2007, at his home in Cayucos, Calif.  He was 79.  Per his wishes, his ashes were spread at sea, as were his wife's three years earlier, in front of their house in Cayucos.  He is survived by sons Stephen and Greg, and daughter Margaret.

MR. ROBERT ERIKSEN by David Lynn-Hill (’69).
Üuber-MHS history instructor, Bob Eriksen, is among faculty mentioned if you read the message boards on classmates.com with postings like:  “Mr. Eriksen was one of the best (and toughest) teachers I ever had.”  Those that continued their education after graduating learned that Bob prepared us beyond the typical expectations of most high school students.  After a 4-year stint in the navy (signature crew-cut) and graduating from UCLA in ‘57, he chose his 1st (and only) teaching post at MHS.  Coincidentally, his Dad had taught English at MHS for a couple years before Bob was hired.  He was inspired to come to MHS in part by balmy sea breezes wafting up from El Porto and Dockweiler.  That lured him and his wife to settle in Torrance.  There, they raised 3 children, now all in their 40’s. During his last 20 years at MHS, he filled his passion for cycling by biking back and forth from home to Morningside to teach every day!  Bob’s 1st year was a combination of history and civics classes, as well as pitch hitting in Spanish for another faculty member on maternity leave.  After 3 years of the combined history/civics assignment, he decided history was his forte.  He felt as if he were asking for the world, but when he met with Assistant Principal, Dave Reiss, inquiring if he could make his assignment all American history courses; the rest, they say, is history.  Bob instructed, cajoled and inspired juniors to learn about American history until his retirement in ‘89.  Given all those years of historical service at MHS maybe Mr. Eriksen should be made the Monarch historian emeritus!  Sadly, Charlotte his wife of 55 years and the “love of his life” passed away on January 29, 2009 of pancreatic cancer.

MR. KEN GREEN by Ileen Basch Vance (’67).
Ken was born and raised in Utah.  After graduating from Brigham Young University in 1964, he began his two-year tenure teaching music at MHS.  Ken, Mr. Fontana and Mr. Bybee produced two musicals together:  How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and The Plight of Pegora.  He started the MHS Jazz Concert Series and worked with the Miss L.A. County and Miss California pageants.  After MHS Ken joined the US Air Force as a band musician in 1967, he passed the Band Commander's test and an officer.  In 1970, Ken was assigned to the music service group, “Airmen of Note,” in Washington, DC, and he played at the White House.  Later, when he was stationed in Panama, he performed for President Carter.  While in Illinois, he obtained his Master’s degree in 1980. He then headed for Mississippi where his Keesler Chorale performed at Mardi-Gras and The Worlds Fair.  He was a charter member of the Gulf Coast Jazz Society and helped re-establish the New Orleans Jazz Society.  Although he left the Air Force Band for a few years to care for his mother, he returned in 1985 and worked with Danny Thomas, Bob Hope, and Sarah Vaughn.  Ken performed on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, (which you can see on YouTube by typing in "Airmen of Note").  After retiring from the Air Force, he returned to Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Imelda.  He taught at East High in Salt Lake City (where Disney's “High School Musical” was filmed) until he retired in 2008.  Ken directs the Utah State Prison Choir, plays for the Salt Lake City Jazz Orchestra, and is the jazz pianist for the Utah Symphony.  He has played for Steve Allen, Donald O'Connor, Jewel, and Bernadette Peters.  He has four children and seven grandkids ranging in age from ten months to ten years.  He and Imelda travel in their motor home, ski, golf, and fish.  Ken also holds a private single-engine pilot’s certificate, and he rides a very noisy Harley.  In his words, “I have had a wonderful, fulfilling life.”   Ken is an active member of the Morningside High Monarchs Alumni Association. 

MR. AL GREENLEAF.
Al graduated from Inglewood High School.  He received his BA from Pepperdine and his MA from USC.  When he first came to MHS in ‘51, he taught World History and Typing, and he coached Varsity Baseball and Varsity Basketball.  As the teaching staff, grew he was able to concentrate strictly on coaching.  MHS was a new campus, with no gym, not even an outdoor basketball court so practice was held at Inglewood High starting at 7:00 p.m., after the Sentinels were done practicing.  His career took him from coaching a team that looked “like something out of a Will Ferrell movie” in 1951 (a former player’s words, not Al’s) to winning the CIF championship in 1955.  In a game that MHS alumni will never forget, nothing seemed to go right for the Monarchs in the first half.  They were out scored by a big margin.  Trailing late in the third period by 16 points, MHS trimmed the deficit to eight by the end of the third quarter.  But, with just one minute, eight seconds to go in the game, MHS still trailed 62-56.  The Monarchs put on a late run, and, at the end of the fourth quarter, the game was tied 62-62.  The first overtime period was a scoreless tie.  The game then entered a second, “sudden death,” overtime period where the first team to win by two points would take the title.  Less than one minute after the period, began John Arrillaga (’55) was fouled.  He sank both charity tosses and the game was over.  We had beaten previously undefeated Beverly Hills High in one of the most exciting games imaginable.  John was named CIF Player of the Year, and Coach Al Greenleaf will forever be remembered for having created the first big MHS athletic program.  Many students who knew Al still feel that the MHS gymnasium  (although not built prior to his leaving) should have been named after him.  Al accepted a position in El Camino’s Physical Education Department, eventually becoming the Director of Athletics and Golf Coach until he retired in 1988.  Funny thing is, even though he retired, he continued coaching the golf team for ten more years.  In February 2009, Coach Greenleaf and 6 or 7 members of “his” MHS team spent a long weekend in Tucson at the Stanford/Arizona basketball game.  We are honored to have Coach Greenleaf join our website.

MR. RON JACOBS by Sherrie Basch Stelik (’72).
Coach Ron Jacobs taught typing, baseball, and basketball at MHS from 1969 to 1976.  Thereafter, he coached basketball for five years at El Camino, 1974-79, and one year at Loyola-Marymount, where he was named Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year.  On May 1, 2008, Ron was inducted into the El Camino College Hall of Fame.  He is one of the few inductees who was both an ECC star athlete and a title-winning Coach (while he was a student at El Camino in 1961 and 1962, he ran track and cross country). The dinner and ceremony were held at the Palos Verdes Country Club.  I was seated with Jim Harrick and Dave Brown (both MHS Faculty), and other MHS alumni including Ben Haxton (’62) and Jack Rumbaugh (’61).  The award was presented by one of Ron’s players, Steve Shaw, a 1997 ECC Hall of Fame inductee and was accepted by Jim Harrick on Ron’s behalf.  After his stint at Loyola, Ron was recruited by the Ambassador of the Philippines to the USA to overhaul the national basketball program of the Philippines.  While coaching in the Philippines, he engineered his team’s first-ever four-game sweep in a best-of-seven titles series in the Philippine Basketball Association.  On December 22, 2001, just five days before his 59th birthday, Coach Jacobs suffered a massive stroke.  He is wheelchair-bound and his movements are severely limited, but he communicates fairly well and he continues to make progress.  On April 8, 2007, he was inducted into the Philippines Basketball Association Hall of Fame for revolutionizing coaching in the Philippines.  He currently resides in Pasig, the Philippines.  Former MHS faculty member, Dave Brown, went to Manila in October 2008 to visit Ron.  Ron was very pleased when Dave presented him with his El Camino Hall of Fame plaque, awards program, and his Hall of Fame t-shirt.  Dave also presented Ron with an MHS Favorite Coach plaque.

MR. JACQUES (JACK) LACERTE.
Born May 24, 1928 in Arkansas.  Received his Associate Bachelors and Masters Degree from USC. He was married but later divorced Erika LaCerte. They had one son, Lance who as of this writing is a Doctor of Psychology in Colorado.  Jack started at MHS in 1961 replacing Ken Ton as Drama Coach.  Through the years he also taught Stage Crafts, English and Humanities.  He left MHS in 1966 to go on sabbatical but returned again in 1969 where he remained until 1972.  He left to concentrate on writing and directing his first feature length film “Love Me Deadly”, starring Lyle Waggoner and Christopher Stone.  He died November 3, 1988 in Los Angeles.        

MR. LARRY LAWRENCE.
Larry graduated MHS in 1954, in the first MHS graduating class.  He attended Occidental College for his B.A. and Columbia University's Teachers College where he received his M.A.  At the urging of Mr. Dave Reiss (MHS faculty), Larry returned to MHS and taught Advanced Math from 1959 to 1966.  He was lured away to enter a doctoral program at UCLA and to teach at the Laboratory Elementary School.  He received his doctorate in 1975.  He was Director of Curriculum for the Turlock School District.  In 1976, he married a 1970 Inglewood High grad.  He left Turlock for Antioch but then came back to southern California, where he was Principal of an elementary school in Upland.  In 1982, he returned to the Lab School at UCLA where he stayed until 1990.  After being a stay-at-home dad for 3 years, Larry took a position with a software company in San Diego where his son Kevin, now attends San Diego State University.  He did not stay away too long from the academic world.  He continues to act as a math education consultant and this past year did another stint at, you guessed it, UCLA, although he now lives in Carlsbad, California in San Diego County.  Mr. Lawrence attended the Mane Event held in July 2008.

MR. ROGER LAWSON by Kirk Silsbee (’73).
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Roger Lawson.  He graduated from MHS in 1957 but didn’t stray far from his roots.  Lawson taught English at Monroe Jr. High in the late 60’s.  Those who were lucky enough to make it into his 8th grade accelerated English classes probably received their first encounter with critical thinking; in most cases, it was like a bucket of cold water in the face.  Lawson’s teaching philosophy was, roughly: go hard or go hungry.  His class was rigorous, but he administered it with a sly smile and amusing anecdotes.  This was not a course to be taken lightly and he had demanding expectations.  Lawson navigated the florid, archaic language of “Cyrano deBergerac” and acted as a guiding beacon in the shadows of the Gothic novel via “House of the Seven Gables.”  His classroom was where most students were first asked to grapple with serious expository writing.  If they did their part, his charges had a running start on high school English.  Lawson later taught at Inglewood High School.  He lost his battle with cancer on December 29, 2008.  

MR. NORM LUMIAN.
Norm taught English and coached track from 1953 to1960. He passed away recently. Prior to his death, several of his devoted former MHS track students were able to spend a weekend with him in Oregon where he had retired.

MR. WILLIAM MARVEL.
Bill taught music, math, and golf at MHS from 1954 to 1978.  He was the musical director and arranger for Triple Trio, the prestigious nine-girl a capella singing group. The group spanned eleven years, performing for more than 150 charitable organizations each year. Bill passed away on May 23, 2007.  He is survived by his beloved wife, Lois and devoted son, Scott.  He had a wonderful life and he touched many students with his talents and his kindness.

MR. VINCENT MIGLIAZZO by Judy Wood Bains (’57)
A local boy, Vincent attended Mt. Carmel High School, Loyola University, and graduate school at USC.  His first teaching position found him back on the campus of Mt. Carmel.  After a couple of years, the higher income of the public school system beckoned.  MHS was hiring.  Principal, A. John Waldman, interviewed him and the following day he was offered a teaching position.  Tall, slim, with movie star good looks and a winning personality, Vincent was soon a favorite among the students, becoming known as “Mr. Mig” (and “Mig” to faculty and administrators).  Aside from his chemistry classes, he participated in campus activities and enjoyed the interaction with students.  Mig became President of the Faculty, Counselor, Vice Principal in charge of Discipline and Counseling Services, and, finally, Principal.  In 1967, Mig was asked to develop a program for a Continuation High School that the state had just mandated for every school district in California.  The first classes were held in church classrooms on Crenshaw then moved to Hudnall and eventually to a site on Hillcrest, which I believe is still occupied for the same purpose.  Under Superintendent Francis Worthington, Mig moved to the District Office where he worked as Assistant to the Superintendent, Director of Public Relations and Personnel, and Liaison to the Board of Education.  Retirement came in 1983.  Mig's interests were not all academic.  He became well known in the South Bay for his involvement in Horology. He is a Journeyman Clockmaker and is sought after in southern California for his expertise in the construction and repair of antique and valuable timepieces.  Antique automobiles have also been his interest.  He has rebuilt Model A Fords, and a 1931 Ford truck which is in a museum at the Inglewood Park Cemetery. His automobile collection can be viewed at the Centinela Adobe during their celebration events. Mig has said many times that his fondest memories, professionally, were the days he was honored to spend teaching chemistry at MHS--that those days were a joy, and they fulfilled a dream beyond imagination. The Migliazzos continue to reside at their family home in Westchester.  They are the proud parents of three children, Marlene, Larry and Dennis, and delight in the company of their seven grand-children.  On Sunday, July 12, 2009, Mr. and Mrs. Migliazzo along with about 95 family and friends, celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary. Vincent and his wife, Beverly, are always invited to MHS reunions Mig is an active member of the Morningside High Monarchs Alumni Association and serves on it’s scholarship committee.

MR. JIM NEWKIRK.
Jim was a Science teacher at Monroe Jr. High.  He passed away in September 2007.  

MR. ROBERT OLSON by Jane Upton Sinclair (’72).
Bob taught Auto Shop at MHS since 1971.  After several attempts, 36 to be exact, Mr. Robert Olson, finally passed English IV and, on June 23, 2007, he actually “walked” the aisle with the graduating class and received his high school diploma.  He also attended the Senior Prom with his lovely wife.  He retired later that same year. 

MR. WALLY OPSTAD.
Born in Los Angeles, Wally attended Budlong Elementary, John Muir Junior High and Fremont High Schools.  He earned his BA at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, and while there, he participated in running track, playing football, and student government.  He obtained his Master’s degree from Los Angeles State University (now Cal State Los Angeles).  Wally taught for two years in El Monte, than became an administrator at Woodworth and Warren Lane Elemenatry Schools, Monroe Junior High, and, finally, MHS.  He remembers his 19 years in Inglewood as some of the most rewarding of his life.  He says MHS was a beautiful school with many of the finest teachers he has ever known, among them Mr. Fontana, Mr. La Certe, and Mr. Marvel.  In 1971, he left MHS to become Principal at Highland Elementary and later Kew/Bennett Elementary in the IUSD.  In 1974 he moved to Poway, California, and in 1990 he opened the brand new campus of Rancho Bernardo High School.  On a personal note, Wally has been married to Nancy (also an educator) for 45 years (in 2010).  In 2008, they celebrated their wedding anniversary in October. Wally and Nancy have 6 children and 5 grandkids.  Two of their 6 children are also teachers.  Nancy is an avid quilter and Wally spends time reading, gardening, playing pinochle, being with the grandkids, and doing volunteer work.  Wally is also part of his own high school class’s reunion steering committee.  His class held their 60th reunion recently at Knott’s Berry Farm.  Wally attended the Mane Event in July, 2008.

MR. HENRY POPKO.
After earning his teaching degree from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, in 1953, Henry came to Los Angeles with his wife, Pauline, and their 2 sons.  The family moved to Inglewood and he began teaching at Monroe Junior High, eventually becoming Principal at Warren Lane Elementary.  After retiring, he remained active in the Inglewood community until 2003, when he moved to Fallbrook, California to be closer to his family.  He died on February, 20, 2009 at the age of 94.  Several Mariners/Monarchs attended his memorial service, including Becky Escobedo Coffey (’67), Rene Escobedo Blyleven (’72), Mike Campagna and Vincent Migliazzo (Faculty).

MR. CARL RYDINGSWORD.
Carl taught U.S. History.  He passed away in 2005 after suffering a heart attack.

MR. GIL ST. LEON by Kirk Silsbee (’73).
Gil St. Leon considers his MHS tenure ('56-'75) the most memorable part of his 42 yr. career.  He was a demanding English and French teacher who was nonetheless beloved by students.  His first year teaching jitters were so bad that he considered leaving.  That changed in the fall of '59.  At the last minute he was given a Sr. Honors Eng. class that had its heart set on another teacher. Gil came on like a Marine sargeant-had them reading Proust in French-but the class rose to his expectations.  "They warmed to me", he smiled, "and it was the greatest year of my life."  From that point, teacher, students and curriculum all clicked.  He was born in Chicago and raised in Okla.  After serving in the 4th Marine Div. in WW II, he studied Drama at the University of Washington in Seattle on the GI Bill.  St. Leon's fascination with France had been stoked by the romance of Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises."  After working in the post office, he went to Paris and lived there for a year.  He returned to L.A. with a French wife and got his teaching credential at USC. Next stop MHS.  Gil could be counted on to lend polished acting to Mr. LaCerte's drama productions.  After MHS, he went to Santa Monica College, where he met his current wife, Shirley.  After dating 3 years, she was still undecided about marriage.  Gil promised her a trip to Paris and that closed it.  They've been to Paris 22 times.  He's been retired from teaching for 10 years now but Gil and Shirley recently returned from Italy, where they were part of a volunteer program to teach English.  Some habits die, hard.  Both he and Shirley attended the Mane Event in 2008.

MR. BARRY SLOCUM by Sherrie Basch Stelik (’72).
Barry started at MHS in the 1969-1970 school year.  He taught English and coached various sports including football for nearly 34 years until he retired in 2003.  Yes, 34 years!  In 2007, he and wife, Christy, left the South Bay and retired to South Lake Tahoe.  He has taken up golf again but admits he is not quite ready for the PGA.  Both of them are involved in a number of volunteer activities.  They have made great friends and love that there is so much to do, including hiking, fishing, tennis, biking, and snowshoeing.  Even though their 2 daughters and 4 grandkids live in southern California, they get together regularly throughout the year.  Their youngest daughter, Shawna, is a teacher in Torrance.  Their oldest grandson, Chase, attends El Toro High where he plays football and baseball.  It looks like sports are in the genes.  Barry and Christy keep in touch with the Bobs, Paulson and Eriksen.  He has fond memories of MHS and says not a day goes by when he does not think about all the great times, wonderful students, and terrific faculty at MHS.

MR. JOE SMITH by Ileen Basch Vance (’67).
Mr. Smith, aka Marcello Mastrioanni, taught water polo, swimming, and biology at MHS beginning in 1958.  Nancy Lookofsky ('67) can attest to his unique teaching methods.  Along with Mr. Lee Smelser, Joe also taught State Requirements.  As if that were not enough, he was a Counselor with Mr. La Ferla, Ms. Mullins, Mrs. Cobb, and Mrs. Ernaga.  In 1968, he left MHS to become Vice Principal at Rim of the World High in Lake Arrowhead until 1971.  But, the South Bay called him back.  He joined Mr. La Ferla at the Southern California Regional Occupational Center in Torrance as a Counselor and Registrar, where he remained for 10 years.  With 25 years of teaching and mentoring under his belt, Joe left the education field to join the Prudential Insurance Company until the early 1990's. He has now settled into a beautiful retirement community in Camarillo.  There, he gardens with his lovely wife, Dorothy, and continues to fulfill his passion for golfing.  He also still parties with the best of them, having attended the Mane Event in July 2008. 

MRS. LOIS STEGEN by Vincent Migliazzo, with contributions by Terry Sue Aikens, Mike Giglia (’68) and Dave Lynn-Hill (’69).
Mrs. Stegen began her career teaching Special Education at Inglewood High.  Early on, the administration saw her talent and skill in developing and forming specialized programs.  She was selected as the first Girls’ Vice  Principal for the new, yet to be developed, Morningside High School.  It was in this position that she, along with the principal and select staff were responsible for planning the curriculum and forming the structure for the new school.  The formation of the school was to be such that it would serve the youth and the community for many years to come.  In between her many chores, she raised two fine sons, John and Kurt.  In speaking with Lois, Dave Lynn-Hill (’69) learned she wanted to empower the students with a sense of involvement.  She accomplished this in two ways:  by developing “clubs” that focused around groups of students with shared interests; and by giving Student Council as broad autonomy as possible.  Few are aware of the many nights she spent not only forming the school but, later, dealing with the change in demographics of the school and community.  Those were difficult times but with Lois at the helm and the loyalty developed within the staff, the success of the programs became a reality.  It is hard to describe the feeling of belonging, of loyalty, and the unity of purpose the staff had because of Lois’ leadership.  Her refrain was, “I’m just so proud, so proud of the students, of the faculty, and of MHS.”  Lois was selected to become Principal at Inglewood High.  She was then selected to serve as Principal for the Adult Education Program.  It was here again that her talent was evident by expanding the Adult program beyond expectations.  Many community members received citizenship credentials, diplomas, and completed language classes, trade and job placement programs.  When her husband retired she decided it was time for something different.  Lois also retired but continued to serve the community in many ways.  She and Kermit traveled the world over and over again, and she has slides of their travels.  But most significant, she left a mark on the history of the City of Inglewood that very few can claim or duplicate.   Lois T. Stegen is HISTORY!

FROM HER STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE... Mike Giglia (’68) recalls that Mrs. Stegen and Mr. LaFerla were the most approachable educators at MHS.  “As the advisor for Student Council, she gave the students a considerable amount of leeway and trusted us.  Because she was such a nice person we tried not to abuse her trust.  At the end of every semester’s Council, Lois would open her home for a “kidnap” breakfast, after she picked up each and every council member in her flashy red convertible, top down. Thanks to Lois for being the contact person and for encouraging faculty to attend Reunions.  She has stayed in touch with a huge number of the students spanning over half a century and she still enjoys spending time with the “kids” she helped guide through their formative years.

MR. KEN TON.
He was one of MHS's most popular teachers.  Funny and outgoing, he taught Drama from 1953 to 1962.   He MC'd faculty events and because of his many Hollywood connections, he brought celebrities to the drama gatherings.  Several of the 1962 Drama Awards were presented by Betty White and Milton Berle.  When Ken left MHS he was replaced by Mr. Jack LaCerte. 

MR. ALBERT DAVID TYSON, III, aka Grampy Tyson.
Born in Niagara Falls, New York, during the depression Al moved to California at the age of 12.  He attended elementary school and junior high in Hawthorne and graduated from Leuzinger High in 1949. He then went to El Camino College where he played JV and Varsity Football, all while MHS was no more than just a bunch of wild oat fields.  He joined the Air Force in 1952, during the Korean War.  After spending 2 years in Alaska, prior to its becoming a state, he returned to El Camino College to obtain his AA degree.  Then it was on to the University of California at Santa Barbara where he earned his BA and Junior High teaching credential.  For 5 years beginning in 1959, Monroe Jr. High was lucky to have him teaching 8th grade Social Studies, English, Math and Photography.  Al made everlasting friendships with Mr. Krislock, Bobbie and Art Callen, and several of “his kids” including Stan Love (’67) and Jim Kurtz (’65), even being invited to a BBQ by Jim while Jim was stationed in Germany.  For 3 years, Al commuted to Monroe from Huntington Beach, with three other faculty members including Coach Van who he later reconnected with at the Mane Event.  The drive finally got to him, plus he wanted a chance to coach, so he transferred to Marina High in Huntington Beach, then to Fountain Valley High where he coached football and had 2 championship teams.  He also coached baseball and progressed from Frosh-Soph to JV to Varsity Coach in 3 years.  In 1960, his life took on a different direction after he responded to a summer employment ad for a seasonal ticket agent with TWA.  That part-time job led to a position as Staff Manager of Sales Training for Saudi Arabian Airlines.  In 1972, he was promoted and for the next four and a half years he conducted management-training sessions in Rome, London, Cairo, Beirut, Istanbul and numerous other eastern and middle-eastern locales.  He returned to the US and to TWA in 1977.  He met and married his second wife, Sharon.  Al took an early retirement from TWA and returned to teaching with the Los Angeles Unified School District, first at the Junior High level and then at Van Nuys High where he taught US History and coached B football, JV Baseball, and Co-ed Golf.  In 1995, Al and Sharon retired and moved to the Summerlin area of Las Vegas.  He and Sharon spend lots of time with son Albert (“Ty”), daughter, Chris, grandkids Albert, “TJ,” Alison, Lauren, and Leslie and great granddaughter, Beckah Rae.

MRS. MIROSLAVA VUKELICH submitted by Richard Chambers (’67).
Mrs. Vukelich taught German 1,2,3,4 at MHS from 1963 thru 1969.  She was well loved by all of her students, and taught all students thoroughly in the subject.  She was very athletic and played on the women’s national tennis team in Yugoslavia before coming to the U.S.  She actually taught the MHS Men’s Varsity Tennis Team in 1966.  Annually, Mrs. V. took her German Club students to visit the Hofbrau Haus for German food, and then later to see a German movie.  Mrs. Vukelich seems to be healthy and doing well with her husband in Los Angeles.  She is currently working on an Internet language translation tool.  Dick Chambers (’67) is in touch with Mrs. Vukelich (not to be confused with Mrs. Frances Marie Vuknic).  Contact Dick directly if you would like to hear more about or perhaps even get in touch with Mrs. Vukelich.  His email address is: fkmlite@gmail.com

MRS. FRANCES MARIE VUKNIC.
Many of us remember Mrs. Vuknic from Monroe Junior High where she taught English.  But did you know that up until a couple of years ago she was still teaching at MHS?  She has spent her entire 43 years teaching for Inglewood Unified.  She attended Wayneburg College where she received a Bachelor’s degree.  She received her Master’s in Education at the University of West Virginia.  She chose teaching because at the time it was one of the few fields open to women.  Mrs. Vuknic learned her teaching technique from a former student.  She calls the story her “Charlie Brown story.”  Charlie was a young student very proficient in the art of cursing.  When she asked why he could not learn English like he had learned cursing, he replied, “English isn’t written on the walls.”  From that day Mrs. Vuknic tried to create an atmosphere of making English an understandable subject, something students could identify with.  She recently retired and plans to travel and indulge her hobbies.

MR. DON WOODSON.
We all know Don as a terrific teacher and a great friend. After graduating Pepperdine, he taught English III at MHS from 1962 to 1973. When his moustache grew too large for our campus he moved to Port Hueneme and joined Mr. Blek at a Camarillo middle school.  Again at the urging of Mr. Blek, Don left and taught high school and college Speech and English for the next thirteen years.  He spent twelve years as a Guidance Counselor prior to his first retirement in 1998.  He returned to teaching at Hancock College from 1998-2005 but finally, in 2005, he retired with his wife, Judy, to Georgia to be near their daughter, Stacey, who, with help from her husband, Dean, gave birth to Peyton Woodson Shepard on August 15, _____, making Don a grandfather for the first time.  This time, when Mr. Woodson said "I retire," he meant it:  he does not have email or even a computer.  He welcomes Snail Mail. Contact Sherrie at sstelik@socal.rr.com for his mailing address.  Don noted, on reflection, that he would have been nothing, with no direction and no profession and most likely homeless, if it were not for George Blek.

Return to the ManeLine home