Your Comments About Your Favorite Teachers at Grover Cleveland High School
DR. RODOLFO ACUNA (History) by Gloria Dorcy
The first day of U.S. History Class in 1964, our teacher Mr. Acuña (now Dr. Rodolfo F. Acuña) said "Hello" and wrote on the blackboard in very large print...HIS STORY. He went on to explain that History was mostly opinion-based and we each need to have opinions based on back-up facts. We did not just memorize---we learned to think. Dr. Acuña was the first teacher in my life who allowed us to have opinions that mattered. His essay exams were actually a joy to to me and he started me on the path to being the Liberal person (and actively involved in Politics person) that I am today. He went to be the founder of Chicano Studies at CSUN (then San Fernando Valley State College) and to this day leads the country in his continued fight for justice for all. We were so lucky to have been led by Dr. Acuña (Even if I did argue in class with Larry Wolf daily).
DR. RODOLFO ACUNA (History) by Dixie Reinhardt
My favorite teacher was Mr. Acuña (now Dr. Acuña who founded the Chicana/o Studies Department at CSUN. He made both Spanish class and politics living breathing subjects for me. I'll never forget his promise to us that he'd give a better grade to any student who became involved in something political. He didn't require that we agree with his politics---he merely wanted us to become more informed, responsible citizens. He is partially responsible for me studying political economy in college, which has been a lifelong passion!
It was late in the second semester of our senior year and I wanted to sign up for summer school at UCLA. It was the last day to do so, so I asked during class if I could leave to go register. Of course, Mr. Acuña said "no"---he couldn't have done otherwise. But I walked out of class and immediately knew that I had done a very dumb thing! I was already on thin ice with Ms. Rakestraw for numerous infractions. I managed to work myself out of that scrape and graduate. I have never forgot this important teacher! I'm happy to stay he's still stirring things up at Cal State Northridge where he has been teaching for many years. We are incredibly lucky to have had him at Cleveland!
Thank you Dr. Acuña!!
VICTORIA FRANCIS (Drama) by Louis Kraft
Miss Victoria Francis brought great credentials from Ohio University and USC when she began her teaching career at Cleveland in fall 1962. Sometime in the mid-1970s, I saw her briefly, but that was the last time until 2012 at the 65th GCHS birthday party. That night she confided to me that she was nervous about the beginning of her career (which coincided with the beginning of our high school years), and especially when she directed her first play, The Diary of Ann Frank. I thought that it was a good production when I saw it and my memory tells me that this is still my belief. Back to Miss Francis: Let me tell you that if she was nervous during her first years of teaching that it never showed, for I never saw it during my time with her.
I can't remember how many times I took her acting class (three, four, five?). She always appeared confident and cool and best she was always open to a conversation. She worked individually with me, encouraging me at all times (no matter how bad of an actor I was). Miss Francis pushed me to perform in a Shakespeare competition at USC (at that time the great playwright's works scared the hell out of me). Later she used her skills to pull a decent performance out of me in Teach Me How to Cry (Judy Perkins played the good girl, Conrad Irving played the good boy, Nora Lishness played the bad girl, and I played the bad boy). This was the only play that I tried out for in high school (and in the future I would only try out for plays that I liked). I had learned how to handle a sword when I trained with a master while in junior high school. My character had a pantomime duel in the play. Whatever I was doing with the imaginary sword wasn't very good. Miss Francis took me aside after a rehearsal. "You said you knew how to fence," she said. "Show me that you can or I'll cut the scene." Good directors do and say whatever is necessary to get the most out of an actor's performance. The scene wasn't cut. …
About this time Miss Francis was the driving force behind me running for Boys' League President. She knew what I needed—to be pushed into another uncomfortable zone. It was almost as if she challenged me. In a weak moment I agreed. At that time I worked weekends and nights at a restaurant. On one night the three other candidates (friends) ate at separate tables. All told me that it was too bad that I'd lose my first election. Luckily Teach Me How to Cry gave me free publicity. Believe it or not, I came up with risqué election cards that my friends could pin to their shirts, but this earned me a visit to the vice principal's office. Nothing happened (actually he chuckled while telling that I was a bad boy and needed to collect my “cards”). I hoped that Miss Francis never learned what I wrote on those cards.
That final semester at Cleveland as Boys' League President taught me a lot. It forced me to think and make decisions and then run with them. It also made my final months at GCHS a pure joy. If not for Miss Francis, this would have never happened. … But best, Miss Francis took a scared kid and instilled in him a massive lesson: If you want something, you must risk failure and go for it. Miss Francis was the first key player in what would become my future. That was then. Today, I'm thrilled to call "Vicky" my friend.
Miss Victoria Francis brought great credentials from Ohio University and USC when she began her teaching career at Cleveland in fall 1962. Sometime in the mid-1970s, I saw her briefly, but that was the last time until 2012 at the 65th GCHS birthday party. That night she confided to me that she was nervous about the beginning of her career (which coincided with the beginning of our high school years), and especially when she directed her first play, The Diary of Ann Frank. I thought that it was a good production when I saw it and my memory tells me that this is still my belief. Back to Miss Francis: Let me tell you that if she was nervous during her first years of teaching that it never showed, for I never saw it during my time with her.
I can't remember how many times I took her acting class (three, four, five?). She always appeared confident and cool and best she was always open to a conversation. She worked individually with me, encouraging me at all times (no matter how bad of an actor I was). Miss Francis pushed me to perform in a Shakespeare competition at USC (at that time the great playwright's works scared the hell out of me). Later she used her skills to pull a decent performance out of me in Teach Me How to Cry (Judy Perkins played the good girl, Conrad Irving played the good boy, Nora Lishness played the bad girl, and I played the bad boy). This was the only play that I tried out for in high school (and in the future I would only try out for plays that I liked). I had learned how to handle a sword when I trained with a master while in junior high school. My character had a pantomime duel in the play. Whatever I was doing with the imaginary sword wasn't very good. Miss Francis took me aside after a rehearsal. "You said you knew how to fence," she said. "Show me that you can or I'll cut the scene." Good directors do and say whatever is necessary to get the most out of an actor's performance. The scene wasn't cut. …
About this time Miss Francis was the driving force behind me running for Boys' League President. She knew what I needed—to be pushed into another uncomfortable zone. It was almost as if she challenged me. In a weak moment I agreed. At that time I worked weekends and nights at a restaurant. On one night the three other candidates (friends) ate at separate tables. All told me that it was too bad that I'd lose my first election. Luckily Teach Me How to Cry gave me free publicity. Believe it or not, I came up with risqué election cards that my friends could pin to their shirts, but this earned me a visit to the vice principal's office. Nothing happened (actually he chuckled while telling that I was a bad boy and needed to collect my “cards”). I hoped that Miss Francis never learned what I wrote on those cards.
That final semester at Cleveland as Boys' League President taught me a lot. It forced me to think and make decisions and then run with them. It also made my final months at GCHS a pure joy. If not for Miss Francis, this would have never happened. … But best, Miss Francis took a scared kid and instilled in him a massive lesson: If you want something, you must risk failure and go for it. Miss Francis was the first key player in what would become my future. That was then. Today, I'm thrilled to call "Vicky" my friend.
VICTORIA FRANCIS (Drama) by Gloria Dorcy
My first day of high school, September of 1962 and I was placed in the Advanced Drama Class by Mr. Stinson, my Guidance Counselor. He felt I had enough experience and it fit my schedule better. All older students and myself . One of the "older students" turned out to be our teacher, a very young Miss Francis, who was having her first day of teaching high school. (We were both scared). I loved all that we did in the Drama Department for the next three years. Miss Francis brought National Thespians to our school and I had enough points to be a charter member. Now how I got those points is a somewhat sad tale. Never to be cast in the major productions, always the understudy ("you came close"), I would usually help and then I became her Assistant Director. I do not to this day know how Miss Francis saw my true calling some 52 years ago. I have spent my adult life directing theatre and loving every moment. I have seen Miss Francis regularly throughout the years at so many drama festivals . She also was the leader of my daughter Katie's first tour of NYC. Miss Francis has inspired thousands of young actors throughout her long and award-winning career. I hope she knows how much she means to all of us. I so look forward to seeing her again at our 50th event in October. Thank You, Miss Francis.
My first day of high school, September of 1962 and I was placed in the Advanced Drama Class by Mr. Stinson, my Guidance Counselor. He felt I had enough experience and it fit my schedule better. All older students and myself . One of the "older students" turned out to be our teacher, a very young Miss Francis, who was having her first day of teaching high school. (We were both scared). I loved all that we did in the Drama Department for the next three years. Miss Francis brought National Thespians to our school and I had enough points to be a charter member. Now how I got those points is a somewhat sad tale. Never to be cast in the major productions, always the understudy ("you came close"), I would usually help and then I became her Assistant Director. I do not to this day know how Miss Francis saw my true calling some 52 years ago. I have spent my adult life directing theatre and loving every moment. I have seen Miss Francis regularly throughout the years at so many drama festivals . She also was the leader of my daughter Katie's first tour of NYC. Miss Francis has inspired thousands of young actors throughout her long and award-winning career. I hope she knows how much she means to all of us. I so look forward to seeing her again at our 50th event in October. Thank You, Miss Francis.
NEIL ANSTEAD (History) by Dick Eyster
Mr. Anstead is one of my top favorite teachers from my three years at Cleveland High School.
He taught history. Maybe that is an understatement. He made history come alive. I always enjoyed his classes and they ended too soon.
Had I not followed my dreams to become a pilot with studies in Math/Science and engineering, I would have gone after a teaching credential with history as my focus.
Mr. Anstead is that good!!! He opened my thinking to History as a live subject that was and is happening all around us.
What will be written about our current days and times???
Thank you Mr. Anstead ,
He taught history. Maybe that is an understatement. He made history come alive. I always enjoyed his classes and they ended too soon.
Had I not followed my dreams to become a pilot with studies in Math/Science and engineering, I would have gone after a teaching credential with history as my focus.
Mr. Anstead is that good!!! He opened my thinking to History as a live subject that was and is happening all around us.
What will be written about our current days and times???
Thank you Mr. Anstead ,
DIANE ELLIOTT (English) and LINDA SEU (Business) by Pamela Olin
I would like to express who two of my favorite teachers were at Grover Cleveland High School back in 1965 and prior. Miss Diane Elliott for English. She was wonderful and young spirited with her students.
My other favorite teacher was Mrs.Linda Seu for Business. She was a fabulous typing teacher. Since I had gone into Business Administrative work for a 27 year career with Rockwell International and retired in 2002 from Boeing Company, I feel I learned alot from both of these teachers.
I would like to express who two of my favorite teachers were at Grover Cleveland High School back in 1965 and prior. Miss Diane Elliott for English. She was wonderful and young spirited with her students.
My other favorite teacher was Mrs.Linda Seu for Business. She was a fabulous typing teacher. Since I had gone into Business Administrative work for a 27 year career with Rockwell International and retired in 2002 from Boeing Company, I feel I learned alot from both of these teachers.
RALPH HYDE (Journalism) by Pete Senoff
I was fortunate to be involved in the field of Journalism very early in life, as the editor of our school paper, Le Sabre. And I wouldn't have been in that position (and would not have achieved what I have in my career) if it wasn't for the initial guidance and wisdom of Ralph Hyde, my Journalism and English teacher. Mr. Hyde was genuine in every sense of the word...in his knowledge, in his feelings about journalism as a great career and in the way he led his life in such an ethical and moral direction. He was very good with people and helped create a true sense of teamwork with our large and diverse newspaper staff. I think everyone who was involved in our school newspaper, for all of the years that Mr. Hyde was our advisor, took away a great deal of wisdom and respect from Mr. Hyde (lessons we have utilized throughout our lives).
I was fortunate to be involved in the field of Journalism very early in life, as the editor of our school paper, Le Sabre. And I wouldn't have been in that position (and would not have achieved what I have in my career) if it wasn't for the initial guidance and wisdom of Ralph Hyde, my Journalism and English teacher. Mr. Hyde was genuine in every sense of the word...in his knowledge, in his feelings about journalism as a great career and in the way he led his life in such an ethical and moral direction. He was very good with people and helped create a true sense of teamwork with our large and diverse newspaper staff. I think everyone who was involved in our school newspaper, for all of the years that Mr. Hyde was our advisor, took away a great deal of wisdom and respect from Mr. Hyde (lessons we have utilized throughout our lives).
BARBARA HOPPER (Science) by Milton Rouse
I came to Cleveland with one clear goal: to study physics! But Mrs Hopper changed that in a hurry. Her total commitment to biology -- and to the TEACHING of biology! -- were a joy and an inspiration. And I truly believe that it HAD to be that way, because so much of the subject matter was, frankly, just plain icky! She truly personified the life and the energy that was her chosen science. As I remember her, she never walked, but always ran, head down, her small arms pumping like mighty pistons! Dear Mrs Hopper, wherever you are, I dedicate this performance of the song you taught us to your fond memory:
"O chlorophyll! O chlorophyll!
How green is thy material!
The photon quanta enter thee,
And yield abundant ATP!"
Still music to my ears.
I came to Cleveland with one clear goal: to study physics! But Mrs Hopper changed that in a hurry. Her total commitment to biology -- and to the TEACHING of biology! -- were a joy and an inspiration. And I truly believe that it HAD to be that way, because so much of the subject matter was, frankly, just plain icky! She truly personified the life and the energy that was her chosen science. As I remember her, she never walked, but always ran, head down, her small arms pumping like mighty pistons! Dear Mrs Hopper, wherever you are, I dedicate this performance of the song you taught us to your fond memory:
"O chlorophyll! O chlorophyll!
How green is thy material!
The photon quanta enter thee,
And yield abundant ATP!"
Still music to my ears.
JAMES GANNETTE (Foreign Language) by Scott Brown
I had Mr Gannette for Spanish, and he had the greatest sense of humor of all time. I was not the best student when it came to the grammar ( conjugation?), but I picked up the vocabulary quite well. Well, Mr G was a live wire, full of scintillating quips and witticisms; he liked to "comb" his bald head with a hanky, "have to get this just right", he would smile with a wink.
He could take the slowest student ( like me), and laughingly put us at ease and guide us thru the exercise, while standing in front of class, the self consciousness leaving us; and soon we actually had learned the lesson, all the while laughing uproariously along with the rest of the class, at each other and ourselves.
He taught me it was OK to be less than perfect, just give the challenge our best, and to use our laughter as an expression of love, acceptance, and forgiveness. He was a great teacher.
I had Mr Gannette for Spanish, and he had the greatest sense of humor of all time. I was not the best student when it came to the grammar ( conjugation?), but I picked up the vocabulary quite well. Well, Mr G was a live wire, full of scintillating quips and witticisms; he liked to "comb" his bald head with a hanky, "have to get this just right", he would smile with a wink.
He could take the slowest student ( like me), and laughingly put us at ease and guide us thru the exercise, while standing in front of class, the self consciousness leaving us; and soon we actually had learned the lesson, all the while laughing uproariously along with the rest of the class, at each other and ourselves.
He taught me it was OK to be less than perfect, just give the challenge our best, and to use our laughter as an expression of love, acceptance, and forgiveness. He was a great teacher.
MR. LEE MORTENSEN (Industrial Arts) by John Copeland
Industrial Arts teacher Lee (Mr. to me) Mortensen was my favorite teacher without a doubt. He gave me a reason to go to school. He probably did not realize it, as I believe he gave most of the students in his classes the same type of attention he gave me, but he inspired me and made me realize I might have a real world skill that I could go forward with in my life. He was my teacher for drafting and technical illustration. He let me draw car parts that excited me and even entered one of my illustrations of an exploded view of an American Racing mag wheel in some city competition. I received an honorable mention certificate. Everyone entered probably received one, but it was still a highlight for me.
I joined the Army to be technical illustrator... but they decided they needed map draftsmen in Vietnam a bit more and that was where I ended up. It worked out well because that was where I got into photography which I still do as my profession today.
I really feel the "pats on the back" and "good work" comments I got from him helped me get through a tough time in my life and sent me out in the real world with a bit more confidence that I otherwise would not have had. Thank you, Mr. Mortensen.
I joined the Army to be technical illustrator... but they decided they needed map draftsmen in Vietnam a bit more and that was where I ended up. It worked out well because that was where I got into photography which I still do as my profession today.
I really feel the "pats on the back" and "good work" comments I got from him helped me get through a tough time in my life and sent me out in the real world with a bit more confidence that I otherwise would not have had. Thank you, Mr. Mortensen.
STAN OKEN (Physical Education) by Ron Garland
Playing basketball for Coach Oken was a life-changing event for me. Prior to making his basketball team, I was a sophomore in high school, wandering aimlessly and not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. Playing basketball for him made me want to continue in the sport, and the only way I could do that was to go to college. It was his influence which motivated me to get my college degree, and it was that college degree which provided me with the lifestyle I have today.
LEON CAZES (Homeroom and Social Studies) by Pete Senoff
I have always been aware of the old axiom, “a good start to the day helps make it a good day”. And that plays into exactly why most of my days at Cleveland were good. Because they started well. And the reason for that great early-in-the-day start was my homeroom teacher, Mr. Leon Cazes.
Mr. Cazes, himself, started at Cleveland in 1962…the same year all of us Class of 1965 graduates first entered the hallowed halls of GCHS. And he started there at age 26…just young enough to be able to identify with the students in his classes (he also taught social studies). His positive energy and real sincerity was infectious and helped a lot of us become much more enthusiastic about our classes and day ahead. Students also had a sense of trust in him and often approached him after homeroom time to discuss some of their personal (non-school issues). Thank you for being there, Mr. Cazes.
And I’ve been lucky enough to re-connect with Mr. Cazes in the lead-up to our GCHS65 “Fifty Year Celebration” event. And he will be at the event, along with six other teachers from our days at Cleveland. How fortunate can we be?
Mr. Cazes, himself, started at Cleveland in 1962…the same year all of us Class of 1965 graduates first entered the hallowed halls of GCHS. And he started there at age 26…just young enough to be able to identify with the students in his classes (he also taught social studies). His positive energy and real sincerity was infectious and helped a lot of us become much more enthusiastic about our classes and day ahead. Students also had a sense of trust in him and often approached him after homeroom time to discuss some of their personal (non-school issues). Thank you for being there, Mr. Cazes.
And I’ve been lucky enough to re-connect with Mr. Cazes in the lead-up to our GCHS65 “Fifty Year Celebration” event. And he will be at the event, along with six other teachers from our days at Cleveland. How fortunate can we be?
CONSTANTINE THOMAS (English) by Jeff Davis
I had Mr. Thomas for English Literature. I was a problem child for him, because I kept walking my girlfriend to her class, which would make me late for his class. He was forced into taking steps (talking to my parents) to correct my behavior. Despite that, he was my favorite teacher. He would read Shakespeare's "Hamlet" to us. He didn't just read it, though. He interpreted it. He was so good, I would hang on every word and was disappointed every time the bell rang ending class. Of course, at the time, I didn't really appreciate how much I Iearned from him and how he made me understand and appreciate Shakespeare. Thank you, Mr. Thomas.
I had Mr. Thomas for English Literature. I was a problem child for him, because I kept walking my girlfriend to her class, which would make me late for his class. He was forced into taking steps (talking to my parents) to correct my behavior. Despite that, he was my favorite teacher. He would read Shakespeare's "Hamlet" to us. He didn't just read it, though. He interpreted it. He was so good, I would hang on every word and was disappointed every time the bell rang ending class. Of course, at the time, I didn't really appreciate how much I Iearned from him and how he made me understand and appreciate Shakespeare. Thank you, Mr. Thomas.
JAMES ANDERSON (Counselor) by Kirk Lamb
James Anderson is a beloved teacher not only by our GCHS alumni but also by those who attended Sutter Junior High prior to becoming Cavaliers! Mr Anderson arrived about the same time as we did to Cleveland. He quickly became involved in Student Activities and headed up The Yearbook staff! He still acts as Sponsor to our Senior Honor Societies, Knights & Ladies.
In June of 1995, Jim Anderson—teacher, friend, counselor and mentor to so many Cleveland High students for the prior 37 years—retired from full-time teaching. It is impossible to summarize the many ways his friendship, humor, love and advice has impacted thousands of students since 1963.
At his retirement gathering, the seeds of a scholarship in his honor were planted. Letters went out to past Cleveland Cavaliers, many of whom you would remember. Pledges came back in, followed by contributions. Then as now, every contributed dollar goes towards the scholarship. All administration and fund raising is done by volunteers.
The scholarship is designed to aid two economically disadvantaged Cleveland students who would not, without The Scholarship, be able to attend a four-year college or university to which they have been accepted. Today our contributor list numbers 60 former students (their pledges range from $100 to $1000 per year.)
It is the desire of all the contributors to honor Mr. Anderson's legacy at Cleveland High School with this scholarship. It is Jim's wish and our intention that the scholarship be awarded annually to students who have the academic ability but not the financial resources to go directly to a four-year college or university.
The first James C. Anderson Scholarship was awarded in 1996. Since then, the award has gone every year to one boy and one girl senior. So far, The Scholarship has enabled 30 very worthy Cleveland students to attend the college of their choice. Additionally, seven of these students have become contributors themselves.
James Anderson is a beloved teacher not only by our GCHS alumni but also by those who attended Sutter Junior High prior to becoming Cavaliers! Mr Anderson arrived about the same time as we did to Cleveland. He quickly became involved in Student Activities and headed up The Yearbook staff! He still acts as Sponsor to our Senior Honor Societies, Knights & Ladies.
In June of 1995, Jim Anderson—teacher, friend, counselor and mentor to so many Cleveland High students for the prior 37 years—retired from full-time teaching. It is impossible to summarize the many ways his friendship, humor, love and advice has impacted thousands of students since 1963.
At his retirement gathering, the seeds of a scholarship in his honor were planted. Letters went out to past Cleveland Cavaliers, many of whom you would remember. Pledges came back in, followed by contributions. Then as now, every contributed dollar goes towards the scholarship. All administration and fund raising is done by volunteers.
The scholarship is designed to aid two economically disadvantaged Cleveland students who would not, without The Scholarship, be able to attend a four-year college or university to which they have been accepted. Today our contributor list numbers 60 former students (their pledges range from $100 to $1000 per year.)
It is the desire of all the contributors to honor Mr. Anderson's legacy at Cleveland High School with this scholarship. It is Jim's wish and our intention that the scholarship be awarded annually to students who have the academic ability but not the financial resources to go directly to a four-year college or university.
The first James C. Anderson Scholarship was awarded in 1996. Since then, the award has gone every year to one boy and one girl senior. So far, The Scholarship has enabled 30 very worthy Cleveland students to attend the college of their choice. Additionally, seven of these students have become contributors themselves.