Kathy Haines was a Trailblazer in Women’s Athletics

Born in McCloud and graduating from Yreka High School and Chico State, Kathy was an integral part of Chico High from 1964 until her retirement in 2000.  She served as a PE teacher during those years as well as girls' basketball coach (1975-1998), softball coach (1975-1998), and Athletic Director (1987-2000).

Chico High was a big part of Kathy's life.  In conversations with her you would always end up talking about Chico High students and faculty.

Kathy was involved in athletics not only at CHS but within the Northern Section and CIF as well. In the early 70's, when Title 9 was ushered in, Kathy was part of the statewide implementation of competitive interscholastic teams for girls.  For their significant involvement, the California Interscholastic Federation honored her and other women who sat on the committee to initiate girls’ interscholastic sports.

She went about her job in a quiet way but the focus was always on students.  She was not one for a lot of words and her motivation was working to improve and develop the players. 

“When I became the girls' basketball coach and then the athletic director, I was proud to be able to carry on traditions that Kathy had worked so hard to set in place.” Bob Hanson, Chico High. 

Memorial donations to the Chico High School Foundation may be made in Kathy’s name to on our donate page.

Pat Wismer was a Renaissance Women

Pat— or 'Wiz' as she was affectionately called by all those who personally knew her— was born in York, Pennsylvania. Pat was married to Lawrence H. Wismer on August 4, 1961; they had no children. 

Larry was a Professor of Drama from 1963 to 1980 at the CSU, Chico. Pat and Larry were married for 43 years before his passing in February 2004, at the age of 92. Pat established the Patricia & Larry Wismer Theatre Scholarship to celebrate Larry's legacy and tireless efforts to advance to a new level of professional talent and prestige.

Wiz herself had numerous credits to her passions and profession. She was a writer of musicals, children's plays, and novels, as well as a set and lighting designer for a number of plays at the various educational institutions to which she attended and was employed. 

A graduate of Mount Holyyoke College,Wiz began teaching English, Drama, and Photography, beginning at York City Schools in PA from 1960 till her employment with Chico Senior High School in 1964. She retired in 1996 with an impressive list of credentials and credits to her name. Over the years, Pat was recognized with various prizes and awards for her outstanding contributions to education, including the Chico Unified SD Mentor Teacher from 1983-1993 and Who's Who in America and Who's Who in the World.

Pat especially loved cats and other animals and devoted her retirement to supporting the work of both the Chico Cat Coalition and The Animals Voice, both of Chico, CA.

Memorial donations to the Chico High School Foundation made in Pat’s name to the Patricia Wismer Charitable Fund.

Chico High School and the Chico Community Mourns the Sudden and Unexpected Loss of Former Principal Roger Williams

The Chico community was shocked to hear of the untimely death of Former Principal and President of the Chico High School Foundation, Roger Williams.

Roger was a tireless supporter of Chico High School. Following a 22 year tenure in the administration at our alma mater, Roger, in retirement, committed himself to raising endowments to support teachers and students at and graduating from Chico High School. He was a pillar of our community, who selflessly devoted himself to the betterment of our children— to see that they had the best education and the greatest opportunities available. 

He will be sorely missed in Chico— and fondly remembered by family, friends, and the thousands of people who had the pleasure of meeting him in this life.

Upon the instruction of his family, contributions in memory of Roger Williams may be sent to:

Roger Williams Memorial Fund
c/o North Valley Community Foundation
P.O. Box 6581
Chico, CA 95927

We will miss him, dearly. 

Donate to Chico High School Foundation