Class of 2016

Lieutenant Colonel Paul F. Feliz, Retired: Graduate, Outstanding Athlete, Service to Country.

South High Graduate.  Outstanding wrestler while attending South High Paul is a former 1976 California State Freestyle Champion.  Recruited to the United States Air Force Academy to wrestle which led to a distinguished career as an Air Force Pilot. Paul Remained at the academy as an assistant coach for one year until he attended Undergraduate Pilot Training at Reese AFB.  He received his pilot’s wings in October 1981. Over his 20 year military career Paul received several promotions and awards: The Air Force Commendation Medal 1985, The Air Force Achievement Medal 1988, The Air Force Commendation Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) 1989, The Meritorious Service Medal 1993, The Meritorious Service Medal (First Oak Leaf Cluster) 1997, Joint Service Medal 1998, The Aerial Achievement Medal 2000, The Meritorious Service Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster) 2001. Paul retired from the military to pursue a career in the private sector with United Parcel Service.

Larry Lafond, Teacher, Coach, Mentor.

Mr. Lafond was the first football coach at South High. He also coached golf. He taught biology and was a career counselor. Mr. Lafond coached the Rebels to their only Valley title. He passed away 3 weeks after retirement. Larry Lafond touched many lives during his 25+ years at South High.

Dave Rader-Baseball, Graduate, Outstanding Athlete.

 Class of 1968 Graduate, Baseball – Two time Harry Coffee Award - MVP , 1966 & 67.

 #1 draft pick of the San Francisco Giants 1967 – became the Giants starting catcher in 1972 Finished second for the 1972 Rookie of the Year Award, and won the “Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award” –  Played professionally until 1981.   Inducted into the Bob Elias Hall of Fame in 1987.

Rocky Rasley, Graduate, Outstanding Athlete.

South High Graduate class of 1965-  Was a three sport Athlete competing in Football, Wrestling and Track.  Captain of the Football team as a senior,  was awarded Sam Lynn Trophy as Most Outstanding Senior Athlete,  Attended Bakersfield College and competed in Football – Wrestling and Track,  two way starter in second year of football, named All Metropolitan Conference First Team and First Team All American, was a Two Time JC All American in Wrestling, Won the Sam Lynn Trophy as Bakersfield College’s Most Outstanding Athlete 1967,  Went on to start at guard for Oregon State University 1967 and 1968, was the first South High Football player in the NFL, played offensive guard in NFL 1969-1976,  served as an Assistant Football Coach at Bakersfield College in 1976,  Inducted into the Oregon State Athletic Hall of Fame as well as The Bob Elias Kern County Sports Hall of Fame.

Kathy Robinson, Graduate, Business Supporter.

South High graduate of the class of 1969. Kathy owns Robby’s nursery that used to be located at the corner of Planz Road and So. “H” Street until they expanded. Robby’s provided plants at graduation time for many years. Kathy was the Rebelette instructor and co-instructor in the 1980’s. She still supports her alma mater by serving on the 50 year reunion and helping out whenever asked. She is a die-hard Rebel.

Linda Sargent, Teacher, Coach, Mentor.

Long time Educator with 27 years at South High, coaching sports such as Tennis and Co-advising the South High Rebelettes during the heyday of the Group.  Went on to serve at County Office where she was an advocate for Safe Schools and Law Enforcement Collaboration.  Life time of service to Education.

Bill Van Worth, Graduate, Outstanding Athlete, Educator.

Outstanding Athlete who went on to career in education.  Four year varsity Football Player and Wrestler. All City in Football and undefeated in wrestling senior year 40-0.  Valley Champion in Wrestling.  Football and Wrestling at Bakersfield College. Named All American in Wrestling 1972-1973. Wrestled for Coach Seay at CSUB where he went 40-2 Winning a NCAA Division 2 National Championship. 1975 World Team Wrestler, Pan American Games Champion in Mexico City 1975.  Went on to become a Teacher, Coach, and Athletic Director over a 34 year career at Dos Palos High School.

Don Ward, Teacher, Coach, Mentor.

Long time teacher and coach at South, Mr. Ward taught and mentored many South High Students.  Was the school’s second head Football Coach where he enjoyed many years of interacting with and building young men. (28 years in program and 15 of those as head coach)  Won league Titles in 1984 and 1986 seasons.  Also coached 15years in baseball program with 8 of those as head coach.  Beyond sports was also an outstanding math teacher where he prepared many Rebels for success beyond high school. After retiring as football coach he moved on to Stockdale High School where he helped establish the first school to open up in the Kern High School District in several years, as the school’s first Athletic Director.  Since his retirement Coach Ward has remained active in the Educational and Sports Communities.  He is a member of the North High School Sports Hall Of Fame, the school from which graduated.  He led the 1954 North Stars to their only Valley title to date as the quarterback of the team.  He was also a member of the 1959 BC Renegade National Title team.  He regularly attends events at North, Stockdale, and South High schools, supporting the programs and communities he has been a part of throughout his life. 

Henry L. Washington, Teacher, Coach, Mentor.

Forty-two years teaching Visual Arts at South High School.  Retirement after 2015-2016 school year.  Coached in the school’s basketball program 20 years several as Head Coach. Kern County Coach of the year 1980. South High Teacher of the year 2005. Received several awards over the years for work as an artist and had several students receive awards including National Recognition. EDUCATION:Bachelors of Science Hampton University – 1974; Masters Degree, Educational Administration California State University Bakersfield – 1977

AWARDS:

Exemplary Secondary Program Award California Art Educators Association (CAEA), 2012

The Artist Magazine’s First Annual Acrylic Artist Competition, Second Place 2012

Bakersfield Museum of Art Annual Visual Arts Festival, 2012 Honorable Mention

The Arts Council of Kern” Reigning Cats and Dogs” Annual show at the Younger Gallery, “Best Cat”, 2009

South High School Teacher of the Year, 2005

Kern County Boy’s Varsity Basketball Coach of the Year, 1980