Gary Nicholls:
CLASS OF 1970
Westmoor High SchoolClass of 1970
Daly city, CA
Gary's Story
I moved to Redding, CA after Westmoor. Followed my interests in firefighting and got a Fire Science degree from Shasta College. Spent a summer working for Cal Fire (then CDF).
Moved back to S.F. 1973-74. Worked with S.F.F.D. for a while. Did not like the big city rat race. Moved back to Redding in 1975. Worked with a local Fire District for 8 years. Worked for the F.D. in Guerneville for a couple of years doing the Paramedic Ambulance thing. I missed teaching and management duties.
Landed back at Shasta College in Redding supervising public safety services for the College for 12 years. We operated a student staffed fire station, State certified Fire Academy, and a Fire Technology degree program. I also had to manage campus security. (My payback for all the disrespect I gave Mr. Coleman no doubt!!)
But the total satisfaction of helping some wet-behind-the-ears kid develop the skills and self confidence to become a professional firefighter was as awesome as it gets! Hundreds of them over the years.
Some of us from the class of 70 did believe we could make the world a better place.
Started early, retired early. Enjoyi...Expand for more
ng life with my wife, Julie. Fond memories of so many fellow Rams I spent time knowing and growing with.
As time has passed I am so grateful for the staff at Westmoor that helped us prepare for or futures. I cursed the late Mr. Ardis for the 4 painful semesters he rode my ass in English. But he gave me the skills needed to move my career forward. When I obtained my own teaching credentials, I began repaying the debt I owed him and other teachers in the Jefferson Union school system.
Those of us left are the survivors. So many have passed. Glad you are here to read this.
Just a passing observation: My wife and I spent a few hours on the grounds at Westmoor a couple of years ago. Totally depressing. The place looks like a prison. Gone are so many of the colorful exterior wall panels and stunning glass partitions. This campus won awards back in 1957 and Dick Clark featured it as a top campus on American Band Stand in the early1960s.
But the view from the north lawn looking northeast is as inspiring as ever! But the lawn is a disgrace.
"Don't it always seem to go, that you don't know what you've got 'till it's gone..."
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