Dear P.H.S. Classmate,

As we approach our 30th class reunion, we can't help but see a tremendous disparity between the Pasadena High School we knew in 1972 and P.H.S. today. More than 65% of the current students at P.H.S. qualify for federally subsidized lunches because they come from families in poverty. Barely 50% of the students who begin high school at P.H.S. this year will ever receive a P.H.S. high school degree.

P.H.S. teachers are being asked to bring in card tables and chairs to furnish the science classrooms because the funding to upgrade the science classrooms ran out. The football team plays on a lopsided field with broken down bleachers at the north end of the campus because the school can't afford the rent or liability insurance to play at a real football stadium or to upgrade the campus facilities.

Nevertheless, each year dozens of P.H.S. students overcome these obstacles, work hard, and achieve the level of academic success to qualify them to attend a four-year college or university.

Almost all of these college eligible students need financial aid to afford college. Although the P.H.S. administration assists students in applying for scholarships and student loans, for many students the financial aid is insufficient or never materializes. As a result, every year numerous academically qualified P.H.S. students are unable to attend a four year college because they and their families can't afford it.

These children are left behind simply because they are poor. While none of us can fix this problem alone, together we can make a difference in the lives of students for whom the door to higher education is closed due to poverty.

The Pasadena High School Class of 1972 reunion committee has started a scholarship fund in memory of our deceased classmates. The scholarship money we raise will provide educational opportunities for academically qualified P.H.S. students who are too poor to afford a college education.

A child does not choose to be poor. A child does not choose to have the door to opportunity closed. Unfortunately, as financial support for education from businesses and government is decreasing, the doors to higher education and the opportunity it provides are being closed for too many young people.

We can change this. One child at a time. Starting today.

We urge you to join us by donating to the Pasadena High School Class of 1972 Memorial Scholarship Fund. 100% of the funds raised will go to college scholarships for P.H.S. students. Please send your tax-deductible contribution today in the enclosed pledge envelope.

Together we can help make a difference. One child at a time.

Very truly yours,

P.S. Please contact us with any questions regarding this exciting program to change the future of a child.

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