Fred Hutch Fundraiser  Honoring Walt and Bob

Fred Hutch Fundraiser  Honoring Walt and Bob

Mar 19, 2026 | Announcements, In Memoriam

50th Anniversary Football Team Memorial

This is a reminder and invitation to join us on Sunday, May 17. Doors open at 1pm, music starts at 2pm until 6pm to honor these two incredible men at Future Primitive Brewing Company (9832 14th Ave. SW) in White Center and raise money for cancer research at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center. There will be plenty of refreshments available for purchase, plus entertainment from the Uncle Ernie Band as we come together to honor the legacy of Walt Gary and Bob Jones. Each is remembered for their lasting contributions to the greater good—one through a commitment to scientific research and enrichment, the other through a dedication to developing leaders.

If you are unable to make the event or would like to donate sooner, please consider making a donation in memory of Walt and Bob.

Donate to Fred Hutch in Honor of Walt and Bob

We trust and support Fred Hutch because they’ve been advancing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cures for 50 years. Their early work led to the development of bone marrow transplantation: one of the first immunotherapies and a treatment that can cure some cancers. Today, they are unlocking how cancers start and spread, harnessing the immune system to fight disease, working to increase health equity, and giving more people and their families more time together.

Your presence matters. By coming together, we honor our brothers and sisters not only in remembrance, but by strengthening the bond that connects us and supporting the ongoing fight against cancer. Please share and forward this link to others about our event and foundational support of Fred Hutch that will prevail in the battle against cancer.

Many of us are now in our seventh decade of life, and this gathering may be one of the few remaining opportunities to unite as a generational force. In that spirit, the program will also include a tribute to classmates we have lost to cancer.

Walt Gary (Mr. Reliable, HHS Class of ’74) and Bob Jones (Mr. Auburn, HHS Class of ’75) anchored the HHS football offensive line during the 1973–74 season. Both went on to become respected leaders in corporate and educational circles, inspiring countless coworkers and student-athletes to value teamwork and public service above self-interest. They are remembered for their courage, strength, and the generosity of spirit they shared in every moment.

Walt Gary and Bob Jones

“It’s great to be a Pirate.”

Focus on Today — Bob Jones
A Little Band of Pirates Pre-Reunion Party

A Little Band of Pirates Pre-Reunion Party

Jul 13, 2025 | 50-Year Reunion

“It is really a fun trip down memory lane!
Part of our reunion journey,
looking back, while reconnecting in present time.”

 

Left to Right: Jim Pray, Kitty Jo Larson Pray, Dan Ervin, Mary Ellen Watson Lomax, Phil Isernio, Kurt Stick, Ron Tilden, Ginger Hayes, Vicky Sanford Fisher, Lynn Peters Kase, Dan Moore, Bonnie Berryman Townsley, Maureen Hoffmann.

A Preview of Reunion Fun

Jim and Kitty Jo Pray invited 11 classmates over for a “Little Band of Pirates Party” on the lake yesterday, July 12, 2025.

Easy, relaxed, fun conversation catching up with classmates! A pleasant preview of the wonderful time we’re all anticipating for the reunion weekend.

We ate delicious sliders and salads, including a purple-and-gold chopped salad.

At this time in life, it’s comfortable and casual hanging out with friends from long ago. Come to the Reunion and enjoy the reconnections. 

Reunion Weekend Activities

Reunion Weekend Activities

Jul 7, 2025 | 50-Year Reunion

So… You’ll be here in town for our Big Reunion on Saturday, August 23…
What else is there to do? LOTS! Read on…

And if you arrange other gatherings or events, let us know: reunion@highlineclassof75.com

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

HHS Alumni Foundation Golf Tournament

Friday, August 22, 2025, starting at 7:30 AM at the Auburn Golf Course. Proceeds support scholarships for graduating HHS seniors. Those interested in participating or sponsoring the event can download the full details HERE, and/or contact Cathy Low at cathylow@comcast.net. More info about the HHS Alumni Foundation is HERE.

Reception for Laurie Burchill, Drama and English Teacher

Friday, August 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the home of Betsy Wildish McQuinn. Read more HERE. To RSVP and get more information, contact Betsy.

Highline Heritage Museum

The Museum is open Thursday – Sunday, 1:00 – 5:00 PM. Did you know we have our very own (fantastic!) Museum here in town? (At the SW corner of Ambaum and SW 152nd.) Plan a visit and check out the Highline School District Timeline, plus the many other exhibits that will tug at your heartstrings. Read more HERE.

(While you’re there, consider making a donation to the Museum. They add SO MUCH to our community! Thanks. – Maureen)

Calling All Pirate Pickleball Players!

Have you become a part of the pickleball craze? If so, it would be fun to get fellow Pirates together for a few games, either on Friday afternoon, Aug. 22, or Saturday morning, Aug. 23 of the reunion weekend. Read more HERE. Please respond to reunion@highlineclassof75.com

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Tour the Brand New HHS School

Saturday, August 23, 2025. Meet in front of the school at 2:00 PM. You can also take a visual tour of the school HERE.

Burien Uncorked Wine Walk

Saturday, August 23, 2025, 1:00 – 6:00 PM. Burien Uncorked Wine Walk is a fun, community event that takes place in Downtown Burien where our own local businesses host great wineries for you to taste and enjoy. You’ll have a chance to explore local retailers and taste wines with the option to buy and take home your favorites!

The wine walk takes place in Downtown Burien at participating businesses (map will be available when you check-in for the event). Tickets to Burien Uncorked are purchased online on our website HERE, before the event. No tickets will be sold in person or at the event and there are no refunds.

THE BIG EVENT! Our 50-Year Reunion!

Saturday August 23, 2025, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Normandy Park Community Club: “The Cove”
1500 SW Shorebrook Dr., Normandy Park
We’re talkin’ relaxed. Nothing formal for this class after 50 years away. Come comfortable and come with your stories to tell. Make new memories at this casual dinner together. Enjoy good food, rich conversation, your favorite 70s music and more. Reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Most of all, just come and have a blast! There’s still plenty of time to register HERE.

Reception for Laurie Burchill, Drama and English Teacher

Reception for Laurie Burchill, Drama and English Teacher

Jul 6, 2025 | 50-Year Reunion

A reception for Drama and English teacher Laurie Birchill will be held at the home of Betsy Wildish McQuinn in Burien on Friday, August 22nd, 2:00 PM.

Laurie produced many of the class plays such as I’ll Never See Another Butterly, Wonderful Town and Tom Jones.

Laurie would love to see her former students of all classes so please share this event with family and friends of different classes.

To RSVP and get more information, contact Betsy.

Laurie Burchill and Ronni Weiler Bernhard

Pirates Tee Off on Friday August 22

Pirates Tee Off on Friday August 22

Jun 29, 2025 | 50-Year Reunion

With thanks to the B-TOWN BLOG STAFF
June 27, 2025

The Highline High School Alumni Foundation will host its annual golf tournament on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025 starting at 7:30 AM, at the Auburn Golf Course. Proceeds support scholarships for graduating Highline seniors. This is the day before our Reunion! What a great way to meet up with friends.

Organizers say there are still spots available for players and encourage community members to sign up.

The event brings together alumni, families, and supporters to raise funds for local students pursuing higher education.

Those interested in participating or sponsoring the event can download the full details HERE, and/or contact Cathy Low at cathylow@comcast.net.

More info about the HHS Alumni Foundation is HERE.