Class of 2014

Carlos Alvarez, M.D. - Graduate / Community Supporter

Graduate Class of 1970, nominated for the time and energy he has spent supporting South High professionally and personally.  Dr. Alvarez has been South High’s official team doctor for over twenty years!  During that time he has provided physicals for countless numbers of South High student athletes, providing his services free of charge to ensure the cost of a physical will not determine whether or not an athlete can participate in sports.  Dr. Alvarez has been a long-time fixture on South High’s sidelines during Friday night football games.  Education and milestones include:  graduate of the University of California at Davis and medical school at the Universidad Autonoma De Guadalajara, 1981; practiced Internal and Family medicine for over thirty years; recipient of the Kern High School District’s Annual Jim Burke Light and Liberty Award, October 11, 2006, an award which recognizes the contributions of those who have contributed to the success of the Kern High School District and its students.

Joe Drew: Vice President of Real Estate Tejon Ranch

Joe graduated in the class of 1961. Prior to joining the Tejon Ranch, he was  president of the International trade and Transportation Center, Chief Executive officer  for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Kern County Administrative Officer, and Director of Airports.  Joe is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army.  Finished first in his class at Officers Candidate School.  Completed three tours of duty in the Vietnam War as Commander of the One hundred and First Air Calvary.  He has a Bachelor’s degree in political science from Park College, Parkville Mo., as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration from California State University Bakersfield.  Former three sport Varsity Athelete-Football, Wrestling, and Baseball.  Elected as the first “Johnny Rebel” in school history as all around popular student.   Involved in several clubs including ASB, Chess, House of Representatives, Science, Band and Letterman Club.  Currently is the Senior Vice President of the Tejon Ranch Company.

Hal Eggleston:  Educator

Began his South High career in the fall of 1964 and retired in 1994.  Began as a History/Government Teacher while coaching Football.  In the early 70's, he became a counselor.  In the late 70's he became the Dean of Students and in 1978 "retired" from coaching.  He remained the Dean of Students through the mid-80's when he became the last combined Activities and Athletics Director at South High.  He retired in 1994, however, did serve a short interim stint as a Vice-Principal some years later.  Member of the South Bakersfield Lions since the early 80's and continues to serve as a Lion with the Bakersfield Host Lions.  During those years as a Lion, he has been active in awarding many scholarships to deserving students at South High.  He also has mentored many teachers who have gone on to become Principals and District Level leaders.  According to his nomination, “Has always been a Rebel.  His relationship with the school went beyond it just being a job.  He sought ways to improve the school and helped thousands of students in 30 years.”

Natalie Dunn Fries- World Champion Roller Skater

Graduate of South High 1974- Began skating as young child capturing a National Title in 1965.  Won four Gold Medals on World Stage:  1976 Gold Medal Women’s Combined (Rome, Italy),  1977 Gold Medal Women’s Combined (Montreal, Canada),  1978 Gold Medal Women’s Combined (Lisbon, Portugal), 1981 Gold Medal Women’s Free Skating (Nelson, New Zealand).  Inducted into the Bob Elias Hall of Fame in 1978 and according to her induction, “Considered the world over, as the best ladies freestyle skater, her ability and charisma cast her as the perfect good-will ambassador for her sport and for Bakersfield.”  Owner of local business “Skateland,” which holds many memories for many South High Grads as a local gathering place and source of entertainment.  Continues to support the school through participation and attendance of fund raisers such as the 50^th Anniversary and reverse draws.

Elaine Jamison – Educator

Member of the first faculty in 1957.  Taught Spanish and introduced Russian to the curriculum as part of the National Defense Act which offered schools additional monies for teaching a Defense Language. Selected Kern County High School Teacher of the Year 1973-1974.  Became Assistant Principal for Instruction in 1977.  Wrote several Grants that helped create the school’s MS Cube Academy, Criminal Justice Academy, and helped South High garner recognition as part of Project 2000, as well as a California Distinguished School.  Created a major partnership with Mobil Oil (Aera) that still exists today.  Led the way in South High’s push for Technology Instruction which resulted in recognition on National Nightly NBC News.  Served as Moderator on school’s Sounding Board during times of racial tension in the sixties.  Advisor to the school’s first graduating class.  Co-advisor to the classes of 1984 and 1988.  Ran the Rebel Yell for one year.  Retired as Principal after a forty year career as a South High Rebel!

Brent McClanahan- Football Player

Graduate of South High 1969- Began his South High career as a quarterback but was wisely moved to the backfield where he became an All City and All Valley Running back in 1968, he led his team to the Valley Title his Senior year, and still holds the single season rushing record for the school, Played College football at Arizona State where he was named All- Conference. Played in one Peach Bowl and two Fiesta Bowls.  Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings where he played seven seasons as running back and on special teams.  Inducted into the Bob Elias Hall Of Fame in 1980.  Currently a veteran teacher at South High and received the 2013 NFL Teacher of the Year.

 Mr. Don Murfin: Ret. Superintendent Kern High School District.

Mr. Murfin began his South High career as a teacher and Curriculum Director.  After a stint at the Kern High School District Office, he returned to South as Princpal in 1968.  His leadership skills as well as his interpersonal relationships skills were significant in bringing an end to a difficult time on campus involving students, staff, and parents. He also distinguished himself as Superintendant in many ways, including introducing the Alternative School concept with the creation of Horizon High School, and with the creation of Project 2000 a project created with the Jim Burke and the Ford Motor Company.  Returned to campus to help celebrate the school’s Fifty Year Anniversary!

Jeannine Thompson:  Educator

An early staff member of South High.  While working as a counselor, she earned her administrative degree from USC and went on to become the dean of students, Vice Principal and Principal at South High. According to her nomination “Jeannine didn’t just teach, she coaxed, applauded and preached the gospel of higher education.”  She accepted the challenge of opening up the new Stockdale High School which was the first new high school in the Kern High School District in many years.  Despite accepting this challenge she never lost her love of South High, returning to several events to capture many moments on film.  Her passion as a photographer allowed her to stay connected to both schools as she would give many of the pictures to the students and teachers.  She was an active Rotarian, as well as a member of the board at Kern Schools Federal Credit Union.

Michael Tivnon M.D.- Student/Athlete- Community Supporter

Graduate Class of 1963, nominated for his countless time, energy, and personal money spent supporting, healing and repairing countless athletes as well as the community at large.  Achievements and milestones:  Graduate of South High 1963; graduate of Bakersfield College 1965; graduated UCLA 1967 with department honors; graduated UCI Medical School 1971 - Student Body President, Internship Hunting Medical Hospital - Pasadena 1972; Blair High School team doctor; Residency in Orthopedic Surgery UCI- 1972-1976 - during which time he was Assistant Team Doctor for Fullerton Junior College; Major in United States Air Force, 1976 through 1978 at Vandenberg Air Force Base; began practice in Bakersfield 1978.  Dr. Tivnon has served as doctor for the following sports programs:  Garces High, 1978-1980; West High 1981-1991; California State College Bakersfield, 1978-2007; Bakersfield Junior College, 2002-present; Bakersfield Blitz, 2002-2007; Bakersfield Blaze, 1998-2000,  Appointed to World Boxing Council World Medical Advisory Board, 1984; Honorary Member, Bakersfield College Helmet Club 1990; Bakersfield College Alumni Hall of Fame 1997; Member of American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine; Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery 1977, re-certified 1994 and 2004; Board Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery in Orthopedic Sports Medicine 2007; Chief of Staff Bakersfield Memorial Hospital 2006-2008.

Steve Strauss- Educator/ Coach (posthumous)

Coach Strauss was hired in 1966 and continued to teach and coach at South High until his passing in 1997.  Coach Strauss was a three sport athlete at East Bakersfield High and he went on to Bakersfield College and the University at Santa Barbra where he competed in Track and Football.  His teaching career started at Golden State Junior High until he was hired to work in Basic Projects at South High.  Spent most of his career as a PE teacher and coach of Football, Basketball and Track teams.  Many of those years were also spent as department chair.  Considered by some to be the best in a long line of outstanding Physical Education teachers and Coaches throughout the Kern High School District.  Coach Strauss lived health and fitness until his passing and imparted his love for these to countless students and athletes.  Coached the South High Marine Physical Fitness Team to State and National honors.  Active in many aspects of school life including South High Athletic Boosters. Voted Teacher of the Year by his peers.  Though he lived out of district he brought his own children across town to attend South High.  Best known as the long time Track coach, he coached several League Championship teams as well as individual champions at the Valley level. A true South High Rebel until his passing the stadium is unofficially named for him with a large monument in his honor at the North end of the complex.  He once remarked to some of his colleagues that he would be a South High Rebel until he died and that is exactly what he did.

Fuchsia Ward- Educator and Community Supporter

Graduate of South High 1963- Long time District Employee who served as Affirmative Action Supervisor for the Kern High School District in 1976-1980,  Assistant Principal Vista East High School 1980-2000, Director of Alternative Education 2000-2009, Principal of Alternative Education 2010-present.  Has served the community at large in the following capacities: Kern County Human Relation Commissioner (Past), Kern County Economic Opportunity Corporation (KCEOC) (Past), Housing Authority of the County of Kern Commissioner (Present), Kiwanis Club of Kern (Present), African American Network of Kern (Present), Black American Political Action Committee (Present), and Friendship House Community Center Board of Directors (Present). A Diehard Rebel who always lets everyone know she is a South High Graduate!