Got this info. from Karen Ewing Mason yesterday (While tribe was down... )

Event is 4-8pm...bring music to play, a lawn chair, memories for a video, bottle of water or juice, and maybe a donation for your favorite DeAnza program etc. I painted over a sign late today to spread the word and there should be an article in Chris Treadway's column in the Times Thurs. Whooppppppieieie! Love, Karen
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Gymnasium is being torn down in July, so this is your last chance to say goodbye!


Here's an article by Chris Treadway from June 18th:
( origin.contracostatimes.com/educ...26302 )

Calling all Dons
By Chris Treadway
West County Time
Article Launched: 06/18/2008 04:06:07 PM PDT

The demolition of the DeAnza High School gymnasium — the first phase of reconstruction at the 53-year-old Richmond campus — is just weeks away, and Dons of all ages are being encouraged to celebrate the original school at a first-ever alumni reunion and dance Saturday.

The newly formed DeAnza Alumni Association extends an invitation to "Bring your lawn chairs, a snack, memories, old and new friends and your families to celebrate all those wonderful memories of 'dear old DeAnza High,' as we used to sing."

Along with picnicking and reminiscing, the afternoon will include a Last Chance Dance in the gym and activities such as volleyball, tours of the school's new, state-of-the-art football field and a chance to see plans for the new DeAnza, projected to open in two or three years.

Tables will be set up in the quad, where attendees can sign up to be on the all-alumni contact list being compiled in part to notify everyone about the dedication ceremonies for the new school. A video of the last "Hello-Goodbye Rally," held June 11, will be shown at the reunion and will be followed by a cheer for the old school; time capsules dating from the original construction will be opened.

Alumni also can consider making a small monetary donation to the school's athletic, drama, art, public service or any other favored program that day.

Saturday's dance in the gym is themed "From Sock Hop to Hip Hop," and its music — provided by
the leadership class — will reflect the many styles that have been popular since DeAnza opened in the fall of 1955.

The area was far less densely settled when the school opened, recalled Karen Ewing Mason, an alumna of the class of 1964 who is helping organize the dance and heads the effort to archive the school's history.

DeAnza, which had an award-winning architectural design, originally opened as a combination middle and high school that served the outlying portion of Richmond and El Sobrante as well as Pinole until the opening of Pinole Valley High School, said Mason, who returned to DeAnza as a teacher for 31 years.

"It's a lot of work, but I have a lot of history here, and it's fun working with the kids," said Mason, who came out of retirement to help when the school had a shortage of teachers this year.

IF YOU GO
What: DeAnza High School alumni reunion and Last Chance Dance
Where: DeAnza High School, 5000 Valley View Road, Richmond
When: 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday
More Information and donations: To donate memorabilia or other items for a new trophy case, or photos or similar material for a video about the school, call Karen Ewing Mason at 510-222-1774, or mail in care of the DeAnza Alumni Association to DeAnza High School, 5000 Valley View Road, Richmond, CA 94803.