Spring 2017 Edition Archives

The First Beaver

April 9, 2017June 30, 2021 Loretta Vandervort

The Man Behind the First Beaver Artwork When Riverside High School opened in 1949, the school district was starting with a clean slate. School colors, along with a mascot, needed to be chosen. Finally after much thought, research, and contests among the students, faculty and staff, it was announced on December 20, 1949, that the “Beaver” would be the mascot for Riverside. The first Beaver was drawn by Charles “Chick” Dickinson. The cover on the first yearbook, which was published in 1952, contained a drawing of that Beaver and continued…

Quick History of Riverside

April 9, 2017April 7, 2020 Kathleen Riley

In 1944 a resolution was passed by the Painesville Township Local Board of Education to build a new combined high school and junior high school. Previous to this time, students in this area had attended high schools in neighboring sections.Because of World War II and the accompanying building shortages, the actual construction was postponed until 1948. The fall session of September, 1949, opened with seventh, eighth, and ninth graders in attendance. In the following school year the enrollment increased to include the tenth and eleventh grades. All six grades were…

The Grand Riv-Har Duck Race

April 9, 2017April 7, 2020 Gretchen Reed

Often called the “Battle of Painesville,” the Riverside-Harvey football game has become a legend since the two high schools serving Painesville split into two districts more than 65 years ago. Rivalry between the two districts reaches a peak as the date of the game approaches each football season. Another event representing cooperation and community spirit, but no rivalry, has also become legendary: the annual Grand Riv-Har Duck Race, now being organized by both schools’ alumni associations. The 16th Duck Race is scheduled for Saturday, September 9, between 11 a.m. and…

Why We Hold an All Class Reunion

April 25, 2017April 7, 2020 Loretta Vandervort

Remember your high school days when life was not so complicated? There were fun times, football games, dances, volunteer projects, field trips, homecoming, and prom. Then there were teachers that you will never forget: Coach Riser, Coach Andersen, Coach Shafer, Fred Moore, Martha Goodwin, Roger Stanley, Dan Grill, Tom Trenney, Rita Tucker, Ruth Mills, Dave Burris, Gretchen Reed, Kathy Riley, John DeLong, Marietta Lipps, Gary Darr, and the never-forgotten David W. Shaner with the notorious fountain pen. The administrators cannot be forgotten as well – Henry LaMuth, George Inscho, John…

President’s Message – Spring 2017

April 20, 2017April 7, 2020 Bill Guyer

Riverside High School is about to graduate the class of 2017. A class of 302 new alumni. We are also celebrating the 65th anniversary of the first class of 54 graduates from 1952. Some of whom are still living in the district. The class of 1952 is celebrating jointly with the Harvey High School class of 1952. When the Riverside district was started the students were moved from the Harvey High district so many of the class mates found themselves in different schools. Alumni Association President Bill Guyer (right) and…

Hall of Fame – Alumni Category

April 9, 2017April 7, 2020 Kathleen Riley

The Hall of Fame was started in 1996 when a small group of athletes and coaches were inducted. The following year the alumni category was added and outstanding graduates were recognized for their achievements following high school. Among the inductees are graduates who have started their own businesses, people who have been recognized in music and the arts, authors, graduates who have moved up the ranks in the military, medical doctors who specialize, veterinarians who also specialize, educators, lawyers, judges, and graduates who have contributed time and materials to the…

The Fad of Streaking

April 6, 2017April 30, 2017 Gretchen Reed

Streaking became an occasional activity at the school during the late ‘70s, one that tended to increase in spring when senior pranks were common. For those unfamiliar with the term, it involved students charging through the corridors or across the lawn naked except for shoes and sometimes hats. One year after senior exams were over, a group of them entered the side door on the west end of the building and streaked through the downstairs hall. One of our longtime English teachers, a much beloved single lady nearing retirement, happened…

Reunion Report – Spring 2017

April 24, 2017May 6, 2017 Frank Vaccariello

Reunion season is coming up fast and the alumni association has a great resource for you. Visit it here on the alumni website. If you are one of those planning your class reunion please let us know so we can post it on the website Event Calendar. We also have some class Email lists and would be happy to send out an Email to your class list through our system. We know about these Reunions for 2017 The Class of 1952 and its combined reunion with Harvey Class of 1952…

Board News – Spring 2017

April 24, 2017April 30, 2017 Frank Vaccariello

Annual Alumni Association Meeting held in February Congratulations to three Riverside alumni who were voted onto the Board of Trustees for the Alumni Association. Two are newcomers and one has been serving as the Board Treasurer for several years. New to the board are James Hido (2003) and Frank Vaccariello (1980). Serving another term is Don Pomfrey (1954). The Board then entered executive session to determine the officers for the next year. President Bill Guyer (1967) Vice President Kathy Riley (1963) Secretary Gretchen Reed (Faculty) Treasurer Dom Pomfrey (1954)

Volunteer Opportunities – Spring 2017

April 24, 2017April 7, 2020 Frank Vaccariello

Volunteer opportunities are plentiful during the course of the year. From staffing event booths to needing help with banquets, there’s plenty of work to spread around. Here are the most pressing volunteer opportunities for the summer and fall 2017. Selling Duck Race Tickets We need people the weekend of Painesville Party in the Park We will have tables at two football games prior to the race. People at the Duck Race Mostly the drying and sorting after the race, but there are other duties as well. Setup, teardown and other…