William A 'Bill' Bahrt

After Graduation started off in sales and professional music. Sang in professional and amateur productions until my retirement in 2006. In 1967, after a debilitating back injury, started college. Graduated 1973 with Masters Degree in Interpersonal Communications with emphasis in Conflict Resolution. Taught ASU for 3 years. Taught in Arizona Community Colleges for 15 years; full and part time. Developed employee training program for Arizona Power Plant. Worked in training and human resources programs for Arizona coal-fired and nuclear power plants and in the Hanford Nuclear Site until retirement in 1994.

Since graduation, have lived in Los Angeles, Inglewood and Torrence California. Moved to Montana and then Bountiful and Provo Utah. Lived in San Diego California and then Tempe, Arizona where I received my Masters Degree. Moved to Richland and then Sequim, Washington where I presently reside.

Moved to South Pasadena in about 1949 and left shortly after graduation in 1951.

I suppose the main memory I have from my SPHS days, was singing in the Sophomore Assembly. Someone, as a joke, dared me to try out for the assembly. When I told my mother what I was going to do, she asked me what I was going to do as a tryout. When I told her that I was going to sing, she laughed.

I would not have done it had it not been for Sharon Somers (sp). Sharon was the accompanist for the school choir, and she encouraged me even to the point of offering to play for me. I went to the music store and bought the record of Robert Merrill (of the Metropolitan Opera) singing "The Whiffenpoof Song"; a favorite of mine. After learning the song and rehearsing it until I was blue in the face, the big day came and dressed in an ill-fitting tuxedo, I heard Buzz Ragatz announce my name and what I was going to do. I can remember the reactions of the audience to this announcement and it almost caused me to run from the stage in total fear; but I did not. I stepped in front of the curtain, nodded at Sharon, and began to sing. After the song, that same audience that had razzed me applauded me, and I felt like I was on top of the world. It was a turning point in my life and an experience from which I learned many of life's lessons. I will never forget it.

1951,Graduating from high school, with a major in "ditching."
1964, Joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
1966, Singing a leading role in the musical production of "Oliver" as the first presentation at the new civic auditorium in San Diego before an audience of more than 3,000.
1973, Graduating cum laude from Arizona State University, with a major in Interpersonal Communications.
1990, Marrying my present wife, Joyce.

Retired and living in the town of Sequim, Washington.

Working with the Disaster Preparation arm of the local Sheriff's office and the State of Washington in helping organize neighborhoods into Block Watches, and in preparation for potential disasters.

Working in my church.