Monday Morning Memo 11/23/15
What is Happening This Week at Los Al?

MON. (11/23)    Los Alamitos PTA Council (9:30a)

  LAHS Choir Rehearsal (3:00p)

 
TUES. (11/24)   Career Talk Tuesdays-Lawyer (room 500 lunch)
                        
 
WED. (11/25)    No School: Thanksgiving Holiday
                     
 
THUR. (11/26)   No School: Thanksgiving Holiday
                          

FRI. (11/27)       
No School: Thanksgiving Holiday

Marching Band Takes 2nd in the 4A Division at the 
WBA State Championships

For the fourth year in a row, the Los Alamitos High School Marching Band has taken 2nd place in the Wester Band Association State Championships. The WBA is the CIF of California marching bands, and the Griffins were up against the top marching bands in the state. However, as they have done all year, the Griffins used the motivation of their undefeated regular season and brought their best performance of the year. 

Congratulations to Mr. Plunkett and the all of the band members. A special thanks to all of the parents who have devoted numerous hours of driving, preparation, transportation, and coordinating events. We are proud of all of you! CLICK HERE to see more pics from the event.

 Coach John Barnes Retires, Leaving a Winning Legacy 

Los Alamitos Head Coach John Barnes has retired as of today. During his illustrious coaching career at Los Alamitos High School, Barnes won 322 games along with four CIF Championship titles, and 17 league championships.  He was elected to the State Hall of Fame in 2013, was the National Coach of the Year in 2002, and was the California Coach of the Year in 1993.
 
During his tenure, he had a 47 game unbeaten streak, coached several All-League and All-CIF players as well as players who went on to play Division I, II, and II collegiate football with several of those players going on to play in the National Football League.
 
He is a pillar of the community having built the reputation of Los Al football from a local team to a national powerhouse. He has been recognized by countless service groups including Rotary and the Rossmoor community for his impact on not only athletics, but also the school and community at large.
 
Barnes raised the bar of high-powered Orange County football he coached many epic games between Esperanza and Los Alamitos. During these games, both Vets and Bradford stadiums reached capacity crowds and were the gold standard of high school football.
 
 John Barnes is the epitome of what it means to be coach and his legacy has impacted generations of Los Alamitos alumni, families, community, and the world of high school football. Coach Barnes retires as the most winning active coach in the state of California. 
 
For additional stories, click here: Long Beach Press Telegram and OC Varsity.


Several Football Players Receive Sunset League Honors

Congratulations to the following players who were named as players of the year or 1st or 2nd Team all league.  Offensive Back of the Year: Jack Telenko, Defensive Back of the Year: Darian Cornay, Kicker of the Year: Jacob Gasser. 

First Team All League: Will Armstrong, Joey Noble, Schuyler Whitehead, Jacob Keller, and Sean Tulette. Second Team All League: Holden Edmonson, Dylan Laurent, Drew Platt, R.J. Gonzalez, Isiah Johnson, Anthony Almarez, and Marquis Sablo. Congratulations on this recognition.  


Once Upon a Mattress: A Hit for the Drama Department
The Drama Department concluded a run of three shows this past weekend of their production of "Once Upon a Mattress".  The show featured singing, dancing, and acting. Over 50 Los Al students were a part of the production both on stage and behind the scenes. Congratulations to Mrs. Castiglione and all the students who shared their talents with the community.


UNICEF and One Warm Coat Conducting Clothing Drives

 
The UNICEF Club is hosting a shoe drive for the month of November. We would appreciate any student and their families to collect their used/old shoes they would not like anymore and to donate them to the 
UNICEF Club Shoe Drive. All of these shoes will be given to a child in need of shoes. We will leave a bin in the main office for people to drop their shoes into. The drive ends Monday, November 30th. 


In order to provide community warmth this winter, Los Alamitos High School's One Warm Coat Club is holding a coat drive throughout Los Alamitos to collect clean, reusable coats of all sizes for the local homeless and underprivileged.
We will be collecting from: NOVEMBER 30-DECEMBER 4
Collection bin will be in the front office. Thank you!

Got Blood? Los Al Blood Drive Coming Soon

 Applications are out November 16th and are due December 4th and can be picked up in the activities office. You must be 16 years or older and there are certain weight and height requirements which are attached to the applications. Parents and family members are more than welcome to participate- adults get full priority and can show up on the day of the blood drive whenever they want between 8am and 2pm. The first 60 applicants receive a free shirt along with the one they will already receive the day of the drive. 

The blood drive will take place on Wednesday, December 9th (LATE START). Students may donate blood starting at 8am.

See what's happening on our social sites: