Once a month, the Pioneers of Highlands High School circle the wagons for lunch, a few laughs and a lifetime of history. Highlands High School opened in 1958, and graduated its first class in 1959. Over the decades, the original Scots drifted apart and away, but they have since rediscovered each other, and the bond that they forged years ago is even stronger now. About five years ago, some members of the class of 1960, along with their English teacher Georgia Larson, met for lunch. They all enjoyed the day so much that they made it a regular event. On the third Friday of the month, a group of up to 25 meet to reminisce about the old days at Highlands High.

A few of these Highlands graduates from the class of 1959 first met when they were in knee socks and pigtails. Today they call themselves the "Ya-Ya's," and they are still the best of friends. Ya-Ya Brenda Whitlach Pedersen says that the lunch "has gotten me back in touch with friends I made years ago. I have been pleasantly surprised to find that we have so much to talk about. I really look forward to getting together once a month."

Ya-Ya Jeanette Null Laprezioso shares with us about how much she enjoys the monthly lunches. "When anyone first attends, there’s always a discussion about what he/she has been doing for all these years. That’s after the vague looks, as some of us have changed and have to be identified. (Old yearbook pages are invaluable!) We reminisce about teachers, fun and sad times at Highlands, special events we remember, etc. We didn’t all run with the same crowd during our years at the school, but the old barriers of separation tend to disappear.
We learn that we went to school with some very special people, that no matter where we went or what we did, those few years at Highlands somehow started us out on whatever track we chose. Everyone has a unique viewpoint about teachers, classes and school life in general those many years ago. Some of us have been friends since elementary or junior high school and have not lost touch. Others drifted away for years; but thanks to reunions and these lunches, are back in touch.

One of the greatest treasures is Georgia Larson. We never thought, way back in high school, that we would sit at lunch with her once a month and see her as a true friend. She is a symbol of all the terrific teachers we met, who influenced our lives so much. We know that we were fortunate to be part of a new school and that we had many of the best teachers in the district. We all share a hope that while times change, Highlands will retain many of its same traditions. The Highlands Alumni Association is establishing a scholarship to be presented for the first time this year. A connection of the past with the present and future is the goal. "

Ya-Ya Carmen Yelverton Gifford was one of the Highlands graduates who drifted away after high school. She says, "I moved back to the Sacramento area from Oregon to be near my family. What I did not anticipate was the wonderful bonus and blessing of reconnecting with old friends. Although I am not always able to get to the third Friday of the month luncheons, when I do, it is one of the high points in my month. I have known some of the people at the luncheon since the seventh-grade and it is wonderful to learn that I had such good taste in friendships at such a young age! I look forward to many more third Friday of the month connections."

Highlands High School will be celebrating their 50-year anniversary on September 20, 2008 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Highlands Football Bowl. The day will begin with a school tour, and there will be a program and fireworks display in the evening. Join the Highlands Pioneers, the "Ya-Ya's" and many others in this important community celebration.

If you are interested in joining the monthly alumnae luncheon, please contact the North Sac News for further information.