Lowell High School's Tribute to Jack Anderson

For those you who were unable to attend the wonderful Tribute to Jack Anderson that also benefitted Lowell's Department of Visual and Performing Arts and the Forensic Society, Linda Perino Martin, Class of '64 has written a wonderful reflection and recap of the May 1 event:

Reflections on the Tribute to Jack Anderson
and
Benefit for the Lowell Forensic Society and Department of Visual and Performing Arts
May 1, 2016
3-5 pm
Carol Channing Theater
Lowell High School

The celebration for Jack Anderson on May 1, 2016 remains a very vivid set of memories even though a few days have passed. Moments from the Tribute to Jack, in that theater with the odd-ball lighting and the well worn and many times repainted stage floor, pop up and then recede just as my memories of brief but intense moments of being on that stage—or at tournaments-- over 50 years ago used to do. And will probably start to do again. It was good to be reminded of those times. I suspect that many in the audience who knew only the new Lowell felt the same wave of nostalgia. Still others in the audience were of an age to have known both old and new Lowell, and thus able to recall moments, even now, in the “auditorium” at Hayes and Masonic. Whatever might have been going on in the heads of the audience, they were certainly transported to someplace familiar and there was a lot of love and appreciation in the theater.

The day started as early as 9:30 am for the “ensemble” invited to perform the tribute. The plan was to rehearse and trouble-shoot the script. There was grim determination to pull it together, even though not every element of the production was quite ready to go. The tech crew was ready to go, and remained at the ready all day, although there were no musical performers yet or Forensic team members yet. (Clyde Leland was ready with his guitar, however.) Pam Rand led us through the plan, and what had seemed just words on paper began to gain form and life. It was somewhat reminiscent of a speech tournament: some chaos as ideas and expectations began to give way alarmingly to reality. Out of this grew coherence, collaboration, clarity of purpose and method, synchrony and support among players in all parts of the room—from the tech crew to the people on stage to the musicians-- and then suddenly it was SHOWTIME!

Chuck Breyer “59 seemed to revel in the opening courtroom scene in which Jack was accused of decades of good works, and then was found guilty unanimously by the audience/jury and sentenced to 20 more years of service and caring. His costume—full wig, and black gown over shorts and bare legs and red socks—and broadly comic portrayal of a magistrate belied the fact that that he has some very serious cases under consideration (Do the letters “VW” mean anything to you?) He set the tone for the show—serious but equally whimsical, a tone that was most suitable, considering who the honoree was. “Order in the court” was maintained onstage (and backstage) by bailiff Mike Ugawa ’76 attired convincingly in “law enforcement khaki”, with badge and . . .a holster perhaps? which reinforced his other role as stage manager, getting performers into the wings and on stage on cue.

During a scene called “This Is Your Lowell Life,” Perry Simon “72 as Ralph Edwards brought out former Forensic students who told their stories in person of adventurous trips, such as one in particular on a Greyhound bus to South Dakota, or who sent their greetings via video, such as Stephen Breyer ‘55 and Rick Levin ‘64. There were also former students in performing arts who told of misadventures with a prop gun that was fired inappropriately by actor Benjamin Bratt ’82 nearly blinding Peter Snyderman ’82 with black soot. That very gun was eventually presented to Peter Snyderman after the Tribute, to his great joy. And Peter Simon announced that the girl he met in an audition for “The Boy Friend” later became his wife. With affection and gratitude the great Carol Channing wished Jack a Happy Birthday on video. So did Benjamin Bratt, thanking Jack for giving him a taste of a life in the arts by casting him as lead in 2 plays. With relish, Jack told the story of how Ben Bratt’s parents urged him to choose acting over professional wrestling as the latter had even less promise of providing an income.

Much praise must be given to the students who contributed to the day. First there were Shield and Scroll members who gave up an afternoon when they should have been studying for AP exams and meeting other obligations, to do whatever they were to do by whomever. They were resourceful and sweet and genuinely interested in making the day a happy one. And there were musicians and singers: the String Quartet played beautifully in the lobby during the pre- and post- show times, bringing some class to the proceedings, despite difficult acoustics. Guests were able to see extraordinary displays of ceramics and two dimensional art by students in art classes.

During the show, the choir’s a ca****la rendition of “Somewhere” mesmerized the audience. And then there was the Jazz Band, complete with two vocalists who could really belt out a tune. Four players from “Guys and Dolls”, the recent musical theater production, charmed us with their portrayals of the main characters of the play, and amazed us with the maturity of their voices. They were followed by the beautiful and lithe Lowell dancers dancing to “Fight Song,” the popular anthem about empowerment. Pretty appropriate for these young people!

The chair of the department of Visual and Performing Arts, Terry Collins Bookwalter (also Chair of the Drama department) exemplified the same dedication, selflessness, tirelessness, warmth and student focus that characterizes Jack. Watching her work assured me that she wears the mantle passed on by Jack very deservedly. As Jack was to us, she is an exemplar of how doing what you love to do in life gives you the energy to excel seemingly beyond your capacity. (It helps to have a supportive family that lets one do what one is driven to do.) Although not a Lowell alumna herself (Mercy High!) she has roots at Lowell. Her dad was Thomas Collins, who taught English at Lowell. Family ties are everywhere.

The Forensic Society members were present (though they too ought to have been home studying) and brought along several hundred pounds of trophies that they have won. They have a lot to be proud of. (See list of their achievements below) The presidents (2015 and 2016) of the Society spoke passionately and eloquently about their belief in what they do and in each other. This mutual support was recalled by Rick Levin in his video as one of the outstanding qualities that Jack made happen in his Forensic teams. Their coach, Terry Abad ’76 could not join the party because of a conflict in his calendar but his students represented him very well.

More reminiscences about Jack Anderson’s contributions and accomplishments included me describing how my dad chose him to be the chair of the “Department of Miscellany” when courses were spawned that didn’t really belong in any of the existing departments. Jack’s versatility and alacrity (tap dancing makes you light on your feet) led to him becoming a curriculum specialist which opened more doors to creating change including the establishment of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.

The role of Master of Ceremonies was shared by Roberta Bleiweiss ‘85 and Jack’s long time friend, Jack Hanson’50, who held the show together and provided context for the many pieces of the show that represented Jack’s life-until-now. Thanks to them, the show kept a lively pace and included the bits and pieces that needed to be said but didn’t have a specific niche in the script. Roberta was once a student teacher for Jack, and how could there be a better way to learn the craft than under his guidance? Cheryl Marcuse Arenson ’64 drew the audience’s attention to Jack’s leadership as founder and president of the non-profit Jewish Sports Hall of Fame of Northern California, dedicated to promoting recognition of accomplishments (and not just in sports) by those in the Jewish Community and to serving the needs of students and other regardless of their faith or background. Jack’s vital role in the popularizing of San Francisco Comedy Day was explained in a unique way by political satirist Will Durst who has been deeply involved with Jack in this enterprise for 35 years. He proceeded to roast Jack, decrying the portrayal of him as “St. Jack” thus far in the show, when in fact, Jack had mercilessly handed over the chief duties of putting on Comedy Day to Debi Durst, Will Durst’s wife, thus apparently, undermining Mr. Durst’s hopes of marital bliss. No one felt the least bit sorry for Mr. Durst and knew it was all in fun, and that Will Durst has the greatest respect and admiration for Jack.

And Othello Jefferson, an alum, brilliant pianist, vocalist and teacher, led the sing-along of “Hello, Jacky” to the tune of “Hello, Dolly”, a meaningful tribute on many levels, considering the event took place in the Carol Channing Theater. And as the performances came to a close, Jack yielded to popular demand and performed some of the terpsichore for which he has been renowned for all his life. Next time he will be sure to bring his tap shoes.

To bring the event back to a more serious final note, our very own rabbi, Joseph Edelheit’64, who made the trek all the way from Minnesota for Jack, provided a beautiful blessing from his heart to Jack through the hearts of the audience, thanking Jack for all his gifts to all of us, and for disseminating his gifts through us to our own communities.

The good feelings created by the show were carried out into the lobby where guests visited with each other, and many were moved to respond to Jack’s clear suggestion during the show that the Forensic Society and the department of Visual and Performing Arts rely on the generosity of donors in order to keep doing what they do so well.

Afterwards, all were invited to have a bit more food and more socializing at an informal reception at the Boat House at Lake Merced, now a very pleasant venue in a spiffed up park setting. Many stood up to share their memories and to thank “Mr. A” or “Coach” for his role in their lives. It was a fitting end to a memorable San Francisco day of unusually lovely weather culminating in a slow sunset with the thinnest layer of ocean mist settling nostalgically over Merced Manor.

Great thanks and “attagirls” go to Pam Rand ’60 for carrying the torch on this event. It was her gift of thanks to Jack. The event began as this concept created by Pam, Irving Zaretzky ’59 and Vince Fernandez ’58, with additional support from Lee Sankowich ‘59 : ”We should do something for Jack Anderson to let him know how much he means to us.” With Pam’s perseverance, talent, sense of humor, and chutzpah, along with the support of a lot of others, the idea became a day of tribute and happy memories. In his inimitable way, though, Jack at first would not accept the idea of a tribute until he was assured that this event would be a benefit for the Forensic Society and the department of Visual and Performing Arts at Lowell. But he did and it was.

Now that we are reminded of why he is so important to us we are reinvigorated toward doing the things he taught us to do, among which are these::

--Believe that there are two sides to every question, and maybe more.
- Think for yourself.
--Don’t give up.
--Find a solution.
--Learn, plan, prepare, then talk and in that order only.
--Understand the wisdom that lies behind posing the question: Anyone can count the number of apples on a tree but can you count the number of trees in an apple? --by Linda Perino Martin ‘64

A summary of the recent accomplishments of the Lowell Forensic Society:

During 2015 -2016 more than 125 students competed at one or more of 13 league tournaments and major invitationals:

--University of the Pacific
Parliamentary Debate Champions: Thomas White & Emily Hall;
second time in three years Lowell has won this tournament;
Emily Hall named Best Speaker

--UC Berkeley
--Stanford University
-Arizona State University
--Mission College, Santa Clara
Eight students went to the state championships in April 2016 including
three Parliamentary Debate teams (more than any other high school in
California) along with one Policy Debate team. Thomas White
competed in both Parliamentary Debate and Original Prose & Poetry.

--Martin Luther King Invitational at James Logan HS
Parliamentary Debate Runners-Up (Zachary Hoffman & Jaden Jarmel-Schneider); Lowell students comprised 4 of the 8 Parliamentary Debate teams in quarter-finals; Lowell students named #2 and #3 Best Speaker

--La Costa Canyon HS Invitational
--Windsor HS Invitational
--Frozen Banana Classic at Analy HS
--Western Novice/JV Championship
--November 2015 League Tournament
Lowell’s was the largest squad at November 2015 league tournament – 74 Lowell students competed, (the largest squad among all others there) including 33 Parliamentary Debate teams and 6 Student Congress competitors

League Sweepstakes Awards were earned in Individual Events (1st, small entry division); Student Congress (2nd, small entry division); and Parliamentary Debate (2nd, large entry division)

Congratulations to Thomas White and Emily Hall, #5 ranked Parliamentary Debate team
in the United States

The Pioneer Class of '65 challenges other classes to meet or surpass our Director's Sponsorship. Looking forward to a great crowd to honor Jack Anderson. 3 weeks left to get your tickets and/or sponsorships in to support this special event.

3 weeks till the Tribute to Jack Anderson. Be part of this wonderful celebration.

Happy 85th Birthday, Jack Anderson

The following is updated info on the Tribute to Jack Anderson. A fancier version can be sent to you if you contact the alumni office as FB only allows us to post the text. But here is the most recent update:


TRIBUTE TO JACK ANDERSON ON HIS 85th BIRTHDAY
TO BENEFIT THE LOWELL FORENSIC SOCIETY AND THE VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT

Please plan to join us for an exciting gala afternoon of entertainment, light refreshments, nostalgia and Lowell alumni celebrity guests!

Jack Anderson touched the lives of generations of talented students. His legacy as celebrated teacher, Forensic coach, theater director, producer, student body advisor, civic leader, mentor and friend to so many continues even now in his 85th year.

Come celebrate with us and Mr. "A" on May Day!
Sunday, May 1, 2016
3pm to 5pm
Carol Channing Theater
Lowell High School
1101 Eucalyptus Drive
San Francisco
(ample street parking is available)

Individual Tickets $35
Sponsorships $85 to $1,000
Tickets on sale now -- click here
or visit http://lowellalumni.givezooks.com

Find us on facebook
Lowell High School's Tribute to Jack Anderson

Questions? E-mail us at [email protected]

(Please forward this invitation to your classmates and other friends who may not be on our mailing list. Thanks!)

Jack inspired leadership to all his students he sponsored in the Student Council and Government. All officers knew Robert's Rules of Order and conducted meetings fairly and diplomatically....far better than our current Congress!!

Let’s Back Jack! – Special Event Celebrating Jack Anderson’s 85th birthday

In 1957, Lowell students created a campaign to name Jack Anderson as the SF Chronicle’s "Favorite Teacher of the Year".

59 years later, Lowellites will again rally to “Back Jack”. A Tribute to Jack Anderson to benefit Lowell High School’s Visual & Performing Arts Department (including music, drama and arts programs) and the Lowell Forensic SocietySunday,

May 1, 2016 – 2pm to 4pm

Carol Channing Theater, Lowell High School

Individual Tickets $35 – Sponsorships $85 to $1,000

Please plan to join us for an exciting gala afternoon of entertainment, nostalgia and celebrity guests.

Jack Anderson touched the lives of generations of talented students. His legacy as celebrated teacher, Forensic coach, theater director, Student Body advisor, civic leader, mentor and friend to so many continues even now in his 85th year.

Come celebrate with us and Mr. “A” on May Day!

Tickets on sale now at http://lowellalumni.givezooks.com
Find us on facebook – Lowell High School’s Tribute to Jack Anderson

Questions? E-mail us at [email protected]

Watch this site for details on an exciting Tribute to Jack Anderson, one of the most popular and influential teachers to ever contribute to the leadership of so many grads.