Jack the Grad...

Howdy!

'Tis the season for high school graduation ceremonies, with each student garbed in a colorful gown and proudly sliding their tassel from one side of their cap to the other after receiving their diploma. 

Well, I assume they still do that. That's how I remember it from my graduation, anyway. It seems like it happened only yesterday, but...good golly, was it really that many moons ago? Doesn't seem possible! ;>

Speaking of graduation, I have a copy of the 1945 Chieftan yearbook from University High School in West Los Angeles, California.

 University High has had a number of its students go on to fame and fortune, including one Norma Baker...better known as Marilyn Monroe. 

In 1945, a particularly handsome young lad was pictured as a senior in the Chieftan. You may recognize him:

Of course, it's Jack Kelly. (There's no mistaking that fabulous face!) :>

Years ago, I found a pic of JK in his cap and gown in an old magazine:

JK wasn't the only member of the University High class of '45 who would achieve stardom. There was also this fellow:

Yes, that Andy Williams:

The Moon River crooner was born in Iowa and began high school in Ohio. He graduated from University High after his family moved to California.

And, a member of the "Uni" class of 1947 would also make his mark on the entertainment world, plus have a connection to JK:



 Merv Adelson co-founded Lorimar Television and was the third husband of Barbara Walters. He also created the Rancho La Costa resort and country club (now the Omni La Costa) near Carlsbad, California. JK was a member of La Costa.

'Tis also the season to celebrate dad, and we'll do just that...next time in TDS! :)