Good evening.  I am Kris Howard Cox, class of 64.  I am pleased this evening to be representing the Rancho Alamitos Alumni Association and in presenting our first John Callard Memorial Scholarship.

Our alumni association grew out of Rancho’s 50^th Anniversary celebration. Thanks to Kenny Hedgpeth, our president, working with Jason Lupei, Cheer Director, the alumni association has become a formal non-profit organization. Our purpose is to maintain a network of alumni and to promote Rancho Alamitos High School and its students through scholarship, social and educational activities and community services.

I liked to recognize a few special people tonight.  I would like to ask our Alumni Association members to stand.  We also have part of John Callard’s family here, his wife, his son and his mother-in-law.

The John Callard Memorial Scholarship honors the memory of beloved teacher and coach. I speak on behalf of all Rancho alumni who were fortunate to have John as a teacher and or a coach.

October 20, 1988 was John Callard Night at the Rancho-Grove football game. John was presented a plaque with the following:  “In appreciation for your many contributions to the rich history of Rancho Football.  More than any other you have defined what it means to be a proud Vaquero.  For your 25 years of coaching, 11years as head coach,

9 years as “B” coach, 5 years as an assistant coach,

And 33 years as a teacher.  Your name is synonymous with Rancho Alamitos. You have touched so many lives in a positive way Rancho won’t be the same without you.” It was appropriate that this night, a Rancho versus Grove game, was the night he was honored as a Rancho legend. Garden Grove was the greatest rivalry so much so that John NEVER graded papers with RED INK…only GREEN. Go Vaqueros!

Over the years, his quiet mentoring went far beyond the football field and the classroom. From the kind words of many former students emerge the same sentiments.  John was the teachers’ teacher.  He nurtured each student with encouragement to bolster their self-esteem.  He took a confusing math class and made it simple while easing their fears.  He turned the mundane into the exciting thereby igniting sparks that would propel many students into brilliant careers they never thought possible.

More than the patient caring encouragement he gave each of his students was the lessons he taught us by living his life with integrity, compassion and joy.

In addition to being a truly great football strategist and coach, John was a mentor to his players guiding them in life as well as on the field. We don’t know who loved who more…John’s love of his football players or the football players’ love of John.   But one thing remains true, they all loved football!  In John’s 11 years of head coaching, his teams accumulated a record of 61-41-1, with 6 league championships and 2 co-championships.

It is an honor to present the first John Callard Memorial Scholarship to Mike Frank, an outstanding athlete and young man. His accomplishments are many, including setting 14 school records in football. His honors include:

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• 2007 Rancho Varsity Rookie of the Year

• 2008 Rancho Varsity Offensive MVP

• 2009 Garden Grove League Offensive MVP and 1^st Team All League

• 2010 Quarterback for the North South All Star Team

Mike also received honors for Basketball and Baseball.

In Mike’s application he stated, “My coaches were my role models when I was growing up, they were patient and they always treated me with respect. They taught me how to compete and have fun at the same time. Being on many different teams taught me how to get along with a lot of different people. We had to work together to achieve our goal of winning. … I learned dedication and commitment never wanting to let my team down by missing a game or practice. I was captain of many of my teams through the years. Being a captain means setting a good example, working harder than everyone else and communicating with your coach and teammates. When I entered high school, I had to deal with academic eligibility.  Playing three sports was tough sometimes, spending all day in class, long practices, and several hours of homework. I learned how to manage my time and do well in my classes…I have learned many valuable lessons and good qualities from being involved in athletics through the years and I am grateful to my family and all of my coaches for their support.”

Mike has been recruited by Golden West College to play football while pursuing his academic goals. The John Callard Memorial Scholarship recognizes student-athletes who attend a community college and participate in athletics. The scholarship is awarded for two years as long as eligibility is maintained.

When asked the question, “What does Rancho means to you in one word?” Mike responded, “Phenomenal!”

That would be so like John’s response if asked the same question! He loved Rancho.  Mike impressed the scholarship committee with John-like qualities…integrity, quiet leadership, football and love of life.

The Alumni Association is proud and pleased to present the first John Callard Memorial Scholarship to Mike Frank.

 

Michael Frank on the right, shown at the Awards Presentation with his mother, brother & father.

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