Monte Vista High grad made sure no Mustang will be forgotten

Patty Gray, Class of 77 and Jay Dee Wise, class of 75
pictured with the MVHS Memorial Tree in 2014

La Mirada- The last thing 
Patty Gray could have imagined when she learned of the passing of a friend is that her need to honor the memory of a close friend would launch a tradition that brings hundreds together each year to remember alumni from her former Alma Mater.

Gray wanted to remember Ray Kirby, a lifelong friend who passed away in 2014 in a special way and after praying she came up with the idea of planting a tree in his memory.

Kirby and Gray were both students at Monte Vista High School in South Whittier during the 1970s, at a time when Creek Park was a popular spot for kids that went to the school and it is here where Gray thought it would be perfect to plant that tree.

Jay Dee Wise (Jay), also an alumnus of Monte Vista liked Conrad's idea so much that he took the lead in all that needed to be done at City Hall obtaining the approval the approvals that would be needed to proceed.

In the meantime, Gray had gone to work on another project to begin a yearly memorial to remember each former student, faculty and staff member that had passed away over the past year.  followed by a reunion for all classes.

With the oak tree finally in place, on June 22, 2014 a modest group of about 50 gathered on a grassy slope to remember friends and faculty 

Each year the number of people attending has grown reaching about 300 last year including four former faculty members that come from all over the country to attend.  Event organizers are hoping for an even bigger turnout this year.

What: 6th Annual 2019 Monte Vista High School Memorial and all Classes Reunion.

When:  Saturday, June 22, 2019

Where: 

The Memorial 1:00 p.m. La Mirada Creek Park 12021 Santa Gertrudes Ave. On the sloping lawn near the Santa Gertrudes parking lot.  This year's Memorial will feature a candlelight vigil that will see a candle lit in honor of each departed Mustang as their name is read.

All Classes Reunion  3:30 p.m.  Bigs in Fullerton 323 N State College Blvd. (Between Chapman and Nutwood, just off the 57 Freeway)