POINT LOMA – One hundred shared memories are being sought for Point Loma High School’s centennial celebration.
The PLHS 100th Celebration Committee is organizing the anniversary event on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Port Pavilion Broadway Pier, 1000 North Harbor Drive.
The committee is looking to publish 100 personal reflections from alums in a new book commemorating this generational milestone.
Dedicated in 1925 as Point Loma Junior-Senior High serving grades 7-12, PLHS is the third oldest high school in the San Diego Unified School District behind only San Diego High School dedicated in 1882, and La Jolla High founded in 1922.
Titled “Pointer Memories,” the new PLHS alumni book is being compiled by author-editor John Freeman (Class of ’69), who is inviting his classmates to submit a few of their favorite stories for the book that will be professionally produced.
“We are hoping to get at least 100 (memoirs),” said Nancy Palmtag, who is leading the Engagement Subcommittee of PLHS’s 100th Celebration Committee being co-chaired by her daughter, Alli Leitz.
“At our initial meeting, Elaine Fotinos Burell brought up the idea of putting together some kind of history or memory book to memorialize the occasion. We all thought it was a great idea, and Nan Lutes volunteered to contact 1969 graduate and writer John Freeman to see if he would be interested in the project.”
“I said sure, I’ll do it,” said Freeman, pointing out, “It’s not only a way to remember the years that we spent there, but also to remember that they (memories) will always be a part of our lives. I’m very proud to do my best to capture these kinds of stories.”
Of the content for “Pointer Memories,” Freeman said: “I don’t want people to sing their praises. I want them to remember funny, silly, crazy things that they did when they were in high school, or that happened to them, that helped shape their lives. I want [the submissions] to start with the metaphorical phrase, ‘Boy, I’ll never forget when…’ Or, gosh, I remember when …”
Freeman added: “Once you start thinking about these stories — they never go away. And they’re much better told, and written, for the ages.”
Fotinos Burrell said Pointers’ recollections are being sought from those of all ages. “The Pointer memory book needs entries from all decades of alumni, young and old,” she said.
“The stories of the students who attended PLHS during the COVID years are particularly important. We urge the younger alumni to submit a memory from that difficult time, such as the day they heard about the lockdown, how the lockdown affected their milestone events, how their graduation was different, etc.
“It only takes a minute to voice-text a memory and submit it to the email address for inclusion in the book. Journalism and English majors, history buffs, or political science students, in particular, we need you.”
“We are hoping for submissions from each decade and hope to receive stories and pictures from teachers, our PLHS Hall of Fame people as well as Pointer alums,” said Nan Baker Lutes, Class of ’64. We would like to nudge more people to write their stories. It will be a great event and your support is appreciated.”
An excerpt from submissions thus far to the book is titled “An Attractive Sophomore”:
“It was the spring of my senior year, and I was in study hall with my three best friends,” recalled Gordy Lutes, Class of ’62. “My friend Bernie said that his family had just recently been at an event where he met sophomore Nan Baker and that she had recently broken up with her boyfriend. Bernie suggested I give her a call… All my previous girlfriends had been in my same class, so I was nervous about asking a girl out on a ‘blind date.’ I got up my courage and called her. When she came on the phone, the conversation went something like this: ‘Hi, Nan, this is Gordy Lutes. I am calling to see if you would like to go out with me.’
“Gordy who?”
“Gordy Lutes!”
“I’m on restriction for two weeks,” replied Nan.
“Eventually, we did go out,” said Lutes. “And we’ll be celebrating our 60th wedding anniversary in 2026.”
Freeman added the committee is also asking former and current staff and teachers to contribute to “Pointer Memories.” The deadline for all submissions to [email protected] is Thursday, July 31.
How to be included in ‘Pointer Memories’
Stories: Must be written in digital format (not handwritten) and told in a personal, easy-to-read, conversational style. Suggested length is 500-750 words, up to three stories as needed. Only submissions sent by email to [email protected] will be included. Be sure to include your name and graduation year (Class of …). Photos: Up to three relevant photos (no head shots) may also be submitted, and must include a caption (brief description of who, what, when, and where). Use a smartphone to take a photo of the “old” photo, then send it by email. Submission deadline: July 31. Book availability: A total of 100 copies will be pre-printed and available for sale at the event, priced at $20 each (cash only). In addition, starting on Sept. 1, the book will be available for purchase at Amazon (priced at about $25 each, including postage and delivery). Read More Details
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