DONATE

1930-1936

The Engle Era

Dr. John F. Engle became principal of Placer High School in 1906 and began a long and illustrious 30-year career in which the school expanded from five teachers in one rickety wooden building to an 800-student faculty boasting five buildings and the creation of a junior college. At the same time the high school developed a reputation throughout the state as one of the finest secondary institutions of the Placer High School District which extended from Loomis to Lake Tahoe.

Several landmark buildings were added during Engle’s stay as principal. During the 1906-07 school years the original Sierra College wooden building was torn down and replaced

1906 Upper Campus Building

by a $40,000 building. The new building was a substantial brick structure consisting of 22 rooms on four levels, including a basement, and a large tin dome. Heating was by an automatic system which regulated both temperature and ventilation in every room. Within a few years statuary, pictures, and potted plants were added to beatify the interior of the school. The library was considered one of the finest in Northern California and the collection of American history in the History department was the best in Northern California.

In 1909 shower baths and lockers for the Athletes were installed downstairs in the new building. In the next few years tennis courts were finished on the site of the old wooden building and a football field and track were installed. By 1918 the school showcased a large wooden gymnasium with sideline seating and a stage. The year 1926, however marked the beginning of a new era for Placer when the music/auditorium and science wings were added and the brick building was plastered over to match the architectural style of the two new wings. The auto shop and bus shed building along Agard Street were also constructed at this time. Ten years later, building began on Placer Junior College buildings, gym and athletic field during the final year of Engle’s administration, 1936.

Athletics began to have an impact on the school during Engle’s tenure as well. In addition of a young coach from the University of California, Earl Crabbe, enabled the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams to create a dynasties of legendary significance. Between 1916 and 1920 his girls’ basketball team went 41-1 winning 37 games in succession at one point, compiling four straight undefeated seasons. Beginning in 1923 his boys’ basket ball teams won 16 out of 17 league championships, including 12 in a row. Crabbe also coached his men to eight Central California titles in 13 appearances.

Engle was at the helm as a student endured the tragedy of World War I when a junior Red Cross Club was organized on campus with girls learning to make surgical dressings and the entire school donating over $500 to a war drive. The Engle years also saw the formation of the first high school cadet corps in the State of California under the direction of Captain Fred S. Roumage, a National Guard officer and later captain in France in World War I.

The year 1914 marked the birth of the Placer High School district, thus again changing the names of the school to Placer High School. That same year college level classes were revived after having disappeared several years earlier. However, due to the enrollment drain caused by World War I, the junior college was abandoned by 1920.

Certain ceremonies were now becoming traditional such as the Freshman Reception, the Christmas Jinx, the Junior Prom, the Senior Ball, Senior Picnic, and the Graduation and Alumni Dance. Participation in clubs and organization also grew, beginning with the Agricultural Science Organization which became the Future Farmers of America, the oldest club in existence. During the period of time the Placer Band came into prominence under the guidance of Otto Fox, entertaining the school and the community at various concerts and public performances.

Academics also took on prominence during the Engle principalship. A four year curriculum became the norm with students tracked into Classical, Scientific, or Commercial fields of study. All paths were stiffly challenging with semester finals a dreaded period of time for the students. Miscreant students were dealt with severely and Detention became an unwelcome punishment. Still, Engle and his vice-Principal E.F. Waldo were highly respected by the students and could be seen attending various cultural, social and Athletic events at the school.

OUR FOCUS

FOUNDATION FOUCS: OUR IMPACT AREAS

ACADEMICS

We empower students, faculty, and staff for enhanced learning through grants, tech initiatives, and scholarships, propelling them into a successful future beyond high school.

ATHLETICS

Hillmen Foundation fuels athletic achievements through grants, enhancing safety, facilities, and community fitness.

ACTIVITIES

We foster holistic education by supporting diverse activities through grants, enriching students' experiences beyond the classroom.

ALUMNI

Placer High's rich history shines through alumni activities, fostering a strong network connecting generations and the community.

SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES

Placer High's prime Auburn location fuels community growth, enhancing facilities and programs through strategic grants.

WE CANNOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

Your Financial IMPACT

Every donation, regardless of size, will positively impact Placer High students, our community, and life on the Hill. All contributions to

the Hillmen Foundation are tax deductible in accordance with state and federal tax laws

$900,312

TOTAL IMPACT AS OF JUNE 30, 2023, INCLUDING...

$639,587

GRANTS PROGRAMS, INCLUDING...

$180,386

ACADEMICS

$83,105

ATHLETICS

$46,551

ACTIVITES

$24,736

ALUMNI

$304,809

SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM*

$260,725

TOTAL AWARDED

23

CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

$30,000

FOR 2022 GRADS

*Scholarships include Foundation-sponsored and Endowments with the Hillmen Foundation

What We Do: Faith In Action Programs

FAITH

● Weekly Rosary

● Mass Service

● Youth Vocation Retreats

● Deus Vocat

Life

● Sacramento Life Center 

● Auburn Renewal Center 

● Bishop Gallego’s Maternity Ward

FAMILY

● School Monthly Lunch

● School event support

● School garden support

● Scholarships

COMMUNITY

● Homeless Shelter Meals

● Food Donations

● Coats for Kids

● Disabilities Drive

Annual ID or “Tootsie Roll” Drive. Benefitting the Intellectually Disabled, Supporting The Arc of Placer County.

This donation is tax decidable through the Columbian Foundation. We will email you a receipt.

Student Welding

FOUNDATION - SPONSORED & ENDOWED:

Scholarships

Each year, thousands of dollars are granted to graduating seniors to help further their post-high school pursuits. The Hillmen Foundation manages several endowments established by alumni and community members to provide scholarships that honor or memorialize those who have made an impact on the school and community.

We also raise funds for three scholarships sponsored by the Hillmen Foundation:

The Hillmen Foundation Covich Johnson Founders Scholarship awarded to an outstanding senior in honor of our founders, Jug Covich and Tom Johnson; andTwo Hillmen Foundation scholarships for exceptional graduating students who have excelled in at least one of our focus areas of academics, athletics and activities.

​2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Hillmen Foundation Covich Johnson Founders Scholarship — Madelyn Labrecque

Hillmen Foundation Scholarship — Lachlan Ryan, Calista Schroeder

Alonzo Hazen Memorial Scholarship, Science — Jamie Ranlett, Lachlan Ryan

Bill Francis Memorial Scholarship, Sierra College — Ashley Perez

Max Herlehy Memorial Scholarship, Passion for Life — Lachlan Ryan

Jason Rhodes Memorial Scholarship, Art — Milo Hake

Jean Coppedge Joye Memorial Scholarship, Art — Eliana Merck

Vern McCann Memorial Award, Journalism — Kaya Moore

Ruth Johnston Memorial Scholarship — Alex Belles

Thomas & Jill Schroeder Scholarship, Health Science — Ashley Perez

William “Bill” Kirby, MD, Memorial Scholarship, Medical Field — Jordan Everette, Aurora Hanrihan, Mercedes Kelley Stephenson

Mauel Family Scholarship, First-Generation College Student — McKenzie Pueschel-Liddel

William Lawrence Greene Memorial Scholarship — Lachlan Ryan, Shannon Woodland

Chris Reams Honor Scholarship — Joseph Garrett — Del Oro HS, Madelyn Labrecque — Placer HS

AHOF Scholarships

Kirby — Garrett Dutro, Julian Doak, Lachlan Ryan and Cameron Staton

2023

Awards Ceremony

Photos by Dr. Mark Vaughan

ESTABLISH A SCHOLARSHIP

INTERESTED IN ESTABLISHING A SCHOLARSHIP

nterested in establishing a scholarship for Placer High School students? Please contact us at
info@hillmenfoundation.org
for more information.

Copyright © 2018 BINGO Auburn - All Rights Reserved. Copyright © 2019 Auburn KofC - All Rights Reserved.

PRIVACY AND USAGE

DONATE

JOIN US

NEWS AND EVENTS

Fresh Updates Await Your DISCOVERY

Explore Placer High School's vibrant academics, activities, and athletics, keeping you connected to the staff, students, and valued alumni, uniting a passionate community supporting the school.

No blogs found

$825,375

TOTAL IMPACT TO DATE, INCLUDING...

$594,650

GRANTS PROGRAMS, INCLUJDING...

$160,469

ACADEMICS

$70,105

ATHLETICS

$34,531

ACTIVITES

$24,736

ALUMNI

$304,809

SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM*

$230,725

TOTAL AWARDED

17

CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

$29,750

FOR 2022 GRADS

*Scholarships include Foundation-sponsored and Endowments with the Hillmen Foundation