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"CLASSMATE NEWS"
ARCHIVE JANUARY 2002- JUNE 2002
The Continuing Adventures of the 'Original' Mighty Mustangs
JOHN JAY HIGH SCHOOL
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, U.S.A.

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JUNE 2002
JAMES BAUM ('70) Floresville, TX [E]sent me a copy of the e-mail that he sent to PETER JENNINGS the news anchor at ABC TV. Seems that Jennings has the final say on who will or won't perform at the July 4th TV Special. Country music star Toby Keith was orginally invited to appear, but, Jennings didn't like the lyrics of the song that Toby was going to perform and Jennings cancelled Toby's appearance on the program. Jennings, who is a CANADIAN, has no damn business censoring anyone! At least that's the way James feels. Here's his letter to ABC... "Mr. Jennings: Unfortunately, one never knows when they are getting the truth. However, I do trust the local radio stations to give it to me straight much more than major media outlets. A story I heard only yesterday goes something like this. ABC has a July Fourth Special planned and had scheduled Toby Keith to appear. Per this story you objected to Mr. Keith's song "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" because of its angry tone. As a result of your objection Mr. Keith will not appear and sing this wonderful patriotic song. Well, Mr. Jennings if you are not angry shame on you and the rest of your politically correct cronies. I am not one to join in every little "boycott" that is fashionable at the time. In today's world of huge monopolies, oligopolies and who knows what other "opolies" it is extremely difficult to avoid the long arm of ABC but I am going to try. Sincerely, James C Baum." ---Way to go, James! I guess you've heard by now that PBS has also censored Charlie Daniels Band and now Charlie refuses to perform his song on the PBS July 4th Special. (6/30/02)

GLENN BURCHARD ('69) Austin, Texas [E]sent me a nice e-mail with encourgement about keeping this web site going... "Dennis, I see from the web site that you've decided to try to breathe some life into the web site and see if it still has legs. I know you've wrestled with keeping it going and I admire you and whatever's in your heart that makes you hang in there. I've shared my thoughts with you before about what you've given to so many people, so, I won't get into it again. I just know that deep down you'll never know the full impact you've had on people. Obviously we're not talking about world peace or a cure for cancer, but the linkage you've provided to our past has pulled a few heartstrings, given us a few chuckles, and reconnected us to people and events that many of us hold dear. Let's hope we can help you keep it going. Melba and I just had our last young 'un gragitate frum hi skuul. Starting in the fall we'll have all four of them in college at the same time. As you can imagine, we'll be real happy in five (hope) years. We will have two at UT, one at Tech, and one at SWT. Our tax dollars at work! My oldest son, Wade, has his own band, Subject:Defect and they play in the SA-San Marcos-Austin area. It's pretty heavy stuff, but if anyone gets a chance, check them out. I have to wear ear plugs so I can hear them better-seriously. Wade's the drummer. My financial services business is growing, even during the current economy. In fact I'm looking for some good folks in Austin or San Antonio who would be interested in getting into the business on a part time basis. I find that a good number of folks our age are looking to transition into another career or need some extra income. We help people make their money work harder-who doesn't need some help there??? So if anyone reads this and is interested please shoot me an e-mail and we can discuss it. Take care of yourself-the check's in the mail!" -- Thank you for your kind words, my friend. I really do appreciate it! Thanks also for the check! (6/14/02)

MELANIE MILLER ('75) Hondo, Texas [E] sent me a cute card with a donation to the web site and a photo of herself and her son. I can barely express how wonderful it always makes me feel to hear from her. In her card, she writes- "Dear Dennis, I know that you've been having a rough time with the web site. I support whatever decision you make.... I hit the web site almost every day. It's been a wonderful window for me. I hope that you keep it. LOVE IS ALL AROUND, Love, Mel..."-Wow, what can I say to answer that? It's gonna take me another week or two to get my bearings with this web site, again. But I'm gonna try! Thanks for the card, the photo, and the donation, Melanie! Love you, too!!! By the way, I hope I got your graduation year correct! (6/14/02)

LINDA DUPRIEST ('71) San Antonio, Texas [E]as of this writing, is on her way to Disneyland in California with her husband, Pete Padron, and daughters April and Katie. Pete just joined the Northside ISD as a teacher at the new Earl Warren High School, where his daughter, Katie, is on the varsity cheerleading squad and will be a sophmore there. The school will open this August. (6/14/02)

EUGENE BARNARD ('70) Fort Worth, Texas [E] has a new e-mail address: eabarnard@prodigy.net (6/14/02)

CONNIE REED ('72) [E]has a new e-mail address: creed.breed@verizon.net (6/14/02)

VALERIE HARDISON ('71) Adkins, Texas [E] dropped me a line by e-mail to let me know that she and her husband celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary this month. Way to go! (6/14/02)

MAY 2002
Not a damn bit of news to report! 

CHUCK OGIER ('70) Here, There and Everywhere [E] is a pilot and sent me this e-mail... "Dennis...once again I am in the Middle East....hauling all kinds of stuff in support of the military effort in Afghanistan and else where in this theater. Dubai continues to be most interesting....you can see the subtleties of the different Arab cultural dress...and I have become very good in picking out Taliban and Al Queda dressed folks. This is like a free area..no one bothers each other here...but recognition of each other is readily apparent. Just thought I would drop a line.....will be "based here" until the 19th of April...no telling where to next. Take care." --- Chuck-ster! You hang in there, my friend. Your safety is always in our prayers! (4/1/02)

NATHAN WILLIS ('70) San Antonio, Texas [E]is a grandfather, again! His daughter, Stephanie gave birth to a daughter out in San Diego. Mother, dad, grandparents, and baby are all doing fine. (4/1/02)

MARCH 2002
SHIRLEY WHARTON ('73) Baltimore, Maryland [E] sent me an interesting e-mail today... "Hello, Dennis, I try to keep up with things and I appreciate the updates from you. My son is starting out on his own as an artist/illustrator and has opened up his own website and is very excited about it. I thought I would pass it on and hope that you enjoy and feel free to send it to anyone who you feel would be interested. He's in Columbus, Ohio and right now is a starving artist....lol....waiting to hit the big time. He has sold a few paintings so far and is excited about the web site. Here is the website:http://www.santillan.cc/Tepper.htmlthanks." --- Hey, everyone check it out! (3/20/02)

DEAR DENNIS: Hello,my name is Cassie (Bass) Smith. I am trying to find out a little more about my father's past. You see, my father, CLYDE BASS ('7?), was a student at John Jay and I was just interested in seeing if there was any way that I could maybe have a copy of the yearbook from when he attended your school (if that even exists) or anything (a picture or whatever). If you knew him....I would be very honored to talk with you....if you know someone who might have known him, please let me know. Oh,one more thing....I think that he said something about a guy who possibly went to school with him.....I believe his name was...WAYNE BATEY ('73). Well, as anything in life, it's worth a try. I thank you for your time in reading this and hope to hear from you very soon. Thanks, Cassie Bass Smith anakin@sbcglobal.net---I have sent copies of this e-mail that I received to 300+ people on my mailing list. If anyone has any information to share with this girl, please do so. Is Wayne beaty the brother of Randy "Paul" Beaty ('70)?? (3/7/02)

RANDY OLSEN ('71) O'Fallon, Illinois [E]is doing great!! I just talked with him last weekend and I couldn't believe how great he sounded!! After a recent round of surgeries, Randy has lost a tremendous amount of weight and has regained a lot of strength. He still has a ways to go, and his biggest situation deals with his heart, but Randy is doing fantastic! We joked around on the phone and had a few laughs. By the way, Randy has a new e-mail address: rolsen71@hotmail.com .Well, anyway, I just wanted to let ya'll know, Randy's doing better. He has a way to go, but the dude is gonna' do just fine. Hell, he HAS to! I won't let him make a liar out of me! Oh, yeah... he also sent in a check to keep this web site going. He's one-of-a-kind! (2/1/02)

JANUARY 2002
DANNY PADRON ('69) San Antonio, Texas [E]has been named the new Head Football Coach of O'Connor High School in the Northside Independent School District in San Antonio. Danny has worked very hard for this and is excited about this fantastic opportunity. He is currently at Clark High School and will transfer to O'Connor in February. I spoke with him tonight and you can really hear his "smile" over the phone! He was also featured on TV sportscasts, tonight. On behalf of all his John Jay classmates and friends, we wish Danny the best of luck as he takes on this new phase of his coaching career. GO GET 'EM, DANO! He can be reached at: Coog312@aol.com or call (210) 699-0983. Way to go! (1/25/02)

THE FOLLOWING NEWS ARTICLE APPEARED IN THE SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2002...

"O'CONNOR FOOTBALL COACH IS ALWAYS A TEACHER FIRST" by David Flores

Being the exemplary teacher that he is, Danny Padron never misses an opportunity to be a mentor to the students in his three Algebra II honors classes at Clark High School. That's why Padron's good works extend beyond the classroom, standing as a testament to his passion for education.

"He's an excellent teacher who is dedicated to his students," Clark principal Don Schmidt said Thursday. "He will do anything to help them."

The fact that Padron, 49, is also a good coach shouldn't be a surprise. The best teachers on campus usually can be found in the boys and girls gyms, working long hours after school.

"Danny is a teacher from the word 'go'" Clark head football coach Mike Robbins said.

Unfortunately, Padron won't be in the classroom much longer. He was named last week head football coach and athletic coordinator at O'Connor, where he begins working full time Feb. 15. Until then, he will split his weekdays between the two schools.

"I'm going to miss my students," Padron said.

After getting passed over for head-coaching jobs at Jay H.S., Marshall H.S. and O'Connor H.S. over the past 15 years, Padron seemed destined to be a perennial assistant if he stayed in the Northside School District. But he persevered and finally got his chance after Darryl Hemphill, who was 8-30 in four seasons as O'Connor's first coach, resigned Jan. 8. Padron, a 1969 John Jay High School graduate, has drawn on his personal experience with setbacks in his coaching career to connect with students.

"I tell them that you have to have your goals and keep working toward them, even if you get knocked down a few times," he said. "You have to turn negatives into positives. I tell them that adversity makes you stronger."

Padron had two different coaching stints at Clark, totaling 19 football seasons. He joined Mike Honeycutt's staff in 1978, when the school opened, and was promoted to offensive coordinator three years later when Robbins succeeded Honeycutt. He moved to Judson H.S. in '87 and was on D.W. Rutledge's staff when the Rockets won the Class 5A Division I state title five years later. Padron rejoined Robbins at Clark in 1993, remaining with the Cougars as offensive coordinator until getting the O'Connor job. For years, Danny Padron was arguably the best assistant football coach in the Greater San Antonio area, developing a reputation as a solid offensive tactician. One little-known fact about Padron's career is that he was a head coach for one season at St. Gerard, going 5-5 in 1975. He left the Royals the next year for a two-year stay at Alamo Heights.

"I've been fortunate that I had a great chance to work with good people and great coaches," Padron said. "That meant a lot more to me than being a head coach. My ambition was to be a head coach at a 5A school, and I wasn't going to settle for anything less. Not getting those jobs earlier in my career was a humbling experience. But I wanted to be at a Northside school, because that's where my heart has always been. That's why I came back to Clark from Judson."

Falling short of landing the O'Connor job in 1998 was especially tough on Padron.

"I wasn't very good for two years after that, but my faith in God helped me a lot and I learned a lot about humility and loyalty," he said. "I'm a better coach for it now and I'm more prepared than before. Perseverance is important in anything you try to do."

All of us, regardless of where we work, can take something from this wise teacher's experience.

JOHN CONOVER ('73) [E]sent in this e-mail after reading the story on Danny Padron (shown above)... "Parents should thank God for a teacher that passes along life's lessons as well as Mr. Padron has. A mentor and teacher that passes along setbacks, as well as, sucesses rounds out the vision for the student. Keep up the great work!" (2/2/02)

BILL CHEEK ('71) Houston, Texas [E]discovered my webs ite and e-mailed... "Dennis: First allow me to compliment your web efforts to be the glue binding the alumni of the first Mustangs together. I must say that I admire your enthusiasm. I found your website while doing some research on the internet. I decided to plug in John Jay High School into Google Search, and ended up at the school site -- which led me to you. You have done so much work to build the site and gather all of the information. I will be sending you a little something to assist in the expense of your efforts. I know how much work it can be to maintain a website. I will inform you that the e-mail address for Bob Moyer is incorrect. He was a neighbor of mine from 2nd grade to graduation, and I had hoped to get in contact with him. But, I am glad I found all of the information on the site. As far as my life after John Jay...I can't say it makes for very exciting reading, but here are some of the highlights: I went away to Huntsville to study at Sam Houston State University. My parents moved from San Antonio to Gonzales, where they now live in retirement. That is probably why I lost touch with my High School friends in S.A. After university I moved to Houston, where I now live. I have spent the years since 1975 working in Engineering and Architectural Design. After climbing the corporate ladder for about 16 years, I grew weary of the game and began a modest consulting business. I also teach Computer Assisted Drafting at Houston Community College. Teaching is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. It seems to be my niche. During my time in Houston, for fun, I produced a jazz radio program for 10 years, and performed in a local rock band for a couple of years (yes, we played some Beatles tunes). I also like to perform volunteer duties (i.e. acting as docent for the Cockrell Butterfly Center at the Museum of Natural Sciences) to fuel my passion for learning (which would probably shock many of my former teachers at Jay). So, as you can see, I have a pretty unexciting life these days, but I get great personal satisfaction from it. What more can anyone ask? Keep up the good work on the Site. It is a great thing you are doing.I am very glad you have made the effort to keep the website. I do recognize your picture from the yearbook. I hope things are well for you.Would you please add my email address to the list of the 1971 mustangs? I would appreciate it very much. I agree with your sentiment about the 'In My Life' lyrics. Thank you." --- Bill, it's always great to welcome back an ORIGINAL Mustang to the gang! Thanks for sending in an update on your life. Sorry about the outdated e-mail address on BILL MOYER. All I can do is list what I have. A lot of people just forget to send in their new e-mail addresses when they switch services. (1/26/02)

LINDA (KIEBLER) FAULKNER ('70) San Antonio, Texas [E] sent in this e-mail..."Dear Dennis, I am sponsor for our yearbook at Westwood Terrace Elementary school. We are celebrating 40 years of community service and would like to include pictures from our past. I am sending out a call asking anyone who attended Westwood Terrace if they would check their photos and be willing to share them. If you have a photo you can send it to me at Westwood Terrace Elementary School, 7615 Bronco Lane, 78227. Please do not write on the back of the photo. On a separate piece of paper give me your name, address, phone and a brief description of the photo. You can also send it to me via email at west154@nisd.net. Dennis, is there a database you have where you can send this out to as many people as possible. I would really like to put something special together for our 40th year. Hope everything is going well for you." ---Linda, I will send out an email to everyone this weekend. Hope some photos come through! (1/18/02)

REBECCA WILLIS ('71) Gatesville, Texas [E]recently found this web site as writes... "Hi Dennis, I have spent most of this day reading through your web site. I am amazed. It is so strange the feelings we receive when we touch base with our past,for better or for worst. It is what makes us. I always tell people those were the best of times. I made friends that have kept in touch with and friends that I wished I had kept in touch with. I will be watching your web site to see if there is another reunion planned. I doubt you remember me I always felt invisible in High School, but I loved the experience. It has been a great day just scrolling through all the names and having memories flood my mind. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being willing to take the time and the engery to put this all together. Thanks for the memories. More people might remember my younger sister, WANDA WILLIS. I believe she was the class of '73 or maybe '74. I am sad to say that she passed away two years ago from a brain hemorahage. She would have loved your web site as well. My email address is luckyj1212@aol.com if there is anyone out there who might remember me. I was married to PAUL WEBB ('72) for a short time .I have two grown sons. I remarried and have been married for almost 20 years. I visit San Antonio about once a year more like a drive through on my way to Corpus or ConCan, I alway take a side trip down Marbach ,boy has it changed. Thanks again for all that you do." ---Becky, it's wonderful to hear from you!! A quick look in the yearbook and I do remember you! Our condolences to you on Wanda passing away. Keep checking out my web site. It's like Disney World- "You can't see everything in just one day!" (1/7/02)

GLENN BURCHARD ('69) Austin, Texas [E]e-mailed me... "Dennis, I have to say, once again, that what you've done and what you'll continue to do in terms of keeping us connected is truly a blessing. When I was in New Jersey for five years I totally lost touch and quite frankly didn't try very hard to stay connected-even though I was upset at missing the 25-year reunion. Finding the web site allowed me to reconnect. The reunions the last two years were wonderful. You'd be surprised how many people I talk to who are envious of what we have--as well they should be. So, when you get to the point of wondering if all the effort is worth it, remember that there are a lot of folks like me who would probably have no link to John Jay without you and the others who care enough about us and what we built and experienced. It was, and continues to be, a very special time. Thanks for all you do. I Me Mine"---Thank you for those thoughts, Glenn. And thanks for the 'I Mean Mine' reference to George Harrison's auto biography! (1/3/02)

WARREN WHITAKER ('70) Austin, Texas [E]writes... "Dennis, guess what? Rita and I are getting married next month. Small ceremony (just family). When? 02/02/02 of course!! Where? By a beautiful river. Wish me luck my friend, I'm gonna try it one more time..........GULP. I understand about the SHINDIG, Dennis, and thanks for all that you have done. You've gone far and above the call for us all these years. I wish you the best of luck with your opportunities!! I hope Santa was real good to you. Wishing you a peaceful and successful new year! Go get 'em!!"---Warren, you're the best! Thanks for your friendship and I wish you and "Lovely Rita" (had to sneak a Beatles reference in there) all the happiness in the world!! (1/2/02)

JON DAVIS ('70) Eugene, Oregon [E]"Hi Dennis, It's been too long since I touched base with you, but, I wanted to express my support in recognizing your own needs and acting on some future opportunities for yourself. Way to go. Take care. Wishing you success in all your endeavors and thanking you for all the great work you did for all the reunion organizing. This year has provided, perhaps, more than the usual amount of challenges. I don’t know if the year seemed to go by faster or that looking back, in general, gives me the feeling of being slingshot through life at rocket speed. It catches my attention to think I will be 50 years old soon. I have to state the obvious in saying all the assailing trauma this year has had an impact. It’s incredible how we can, as a species, display profound inhumanity to each other as well as rise selflessly, at sainthood level, to the occasion in response. If aliens are observing us you have to wonder what they must be thinking.... I remember talking to a student employee at the time I gave up my regular job [career] at the University of Oregon. I was anxious to pursue a purpose more under my own power and confident that I could do so. The choice would bring more meaning to my life etc. It’s been about 3 years of a mountain climb...I mean I thought it would be a little easier than this! It’s a comfort to think I am in good company knowing people like Jesus, Mohammed, Moses etc. were also mountain climbers. I found finding opportunities of membership with prestructured business models to be unsuccessful and stifling for me, no matter how strong my positive intentions. Plus a constant effort to recognize hype when it occurred and how to process it was draining. I am enjoying my independence as I continue to pursue life even if I hope to have a feeling of a little more security as time goes on.... I hope to see my sister [Ellen] and special [high school girlfriend] friend [Marilyn] who contacted me shortly after our 30 year high school reunion. We have stayed in touch with an occasional letter or phone call ever since. I stay in touch with my sister on a regular basis too. She is still in San Antonio. I recently received an invitation for yet another high school reunion this coming summer [also San Antonio]. The organic farm I apprenticed at when I first moved to Oregon will have it’s 30 year reunion sometime in July. This was a place I gave a couple of, perhaps, the most robust years of my life. I seriously hope to attend this. My most creative outlet continues to channel through my evolving guitar tunes. Eventually, I want to make an up-to-date recording, but, I would like to be able to produce it as independently as possible. Anyway it’s kind of a fun fantasy for me to be ambitious with. This was the first winter that I didn’t have access to my own personal garden. Putting a garden in at my new place will be among the early Spring agenda. I’m also considering experimenting more with indoor gardening. The "furnace utility room" that I have direct access to should be a helpful environment. I continue to work out regularly and getting more of a real kick out of being in way above average good shape while anticipating my 50’s. I haven’t missed a beat, giving up on a 24 Hr Fitness membership, due to all the home equipment I have kept over time. I still think a Bowflex is best in it’s class. That sums things up for me for this time around. I appreciate staying in touch with all who receive this, even if it took me longer to get my act in gear this year. May we all find what we need in our circle of life and what that will evolve to. I hope it proves great people like George Harrison had a few significant clues about it all and feeling the resulting inspiration, along the way, is very special indeed." ---Thanks for the update, Jon! I wish more classamtes kept us as informed as you do. It makes for great reading! Your support is greatly appreciated. Happy New Year! (1/2/02)

ROSS RAYMOND ('69) Katy, Texas [E]"Dear Dennis, Great to hear some opportunity has come your way, I am sure you deserve it. Hope you have a terrific year and when you get to the Houston area, look me up. I can buy you a pizza and a beer. Take care. All of us appreciate your keeping the communication system up and running. Although I have not checked the site for a while, I know it is up to your high standards. Having said that, I will confirm the quality this week. Have a great year and life." ---And you have a great year and life, as well, my buddy! (1/2/02)

NATHAN WILLIS ('70) San Antonio, Texas [E]expresses himself, in an e-mail, concerning my decision not to organize SHINDIG II... "Dennis, Many a night I sit here and read what has been sent to you and frankly, I don't see how you keep up with everyone. I do know this though, if you quit, your life will slowly slip away. Keep it up and many more good things will come. Enjoy life and make many more friends because without either, you're 'NOWHERE MAN.' Now, on a lighter note, play that song."---Interesting point-of-view, there, Nathan. (1/2/02)

MIKE LOVELL ('72) Texas[E] sent me the first e-mail of 2002-"Happy New Year Dennis. Sorry to hear about Shindig, as we know it. But, I want to thank you for all the work that you have done for us in the past. I am greatful to you for gathering us together again. Through you site, I have reconnected with an old friend very dear to me way back when and have made many new friends. To the finest Mustang I know, Thank you Dennis."--- Thank you for your friendship, Mike, and for your words of praise. Happy New Year to you and yours. (1/1/02)

SANDY (WOODS) DUNN ('70) North Richland Hills, Texas [E]sent me a New Year's e-mail as well... "Dennis, As always, I love your updates. Take care & have a blessed New Year." (1/1/02)