HILLMEN
FOUNDATION
Enriching Placer High for the Greater Auburn
Community…and Beyond
HILLMEN
FOUNDATION
Enriching Placer High for the Greater Auburn
Community…and Beyond
WELCOME
THIS IS HILLMEN COUNTRY
Nestled in the heart of downtown Auburn is one of the most historic and beautiful high schools in California. For more than 125 years, Placer High School – home of the Hillmen – has been an integral part of Greater Auburn. It is exceptionally woven into the very fabric of our community – educationally, culturally, socially, and economically.
Providing the margin of excellence between state funding and an outstanding learning environment is the Hillmen Foundation, an independent, all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Supported by generous alumni, businesses, civic groups, and community donors, the Hillmen Foundation benefits all students in the areas of academics, athletics and activities. It also serves as the alumni association for Placer High, connecting generations of graduates with those who shaped their most memorable teen years.
HIDDEN HILLMEN
JOIN THE HUNT FOR HIDDEN HILLMEN!
"Have you heard of 'Where's Waldo'? Well, now it's time to play 'Hidden Hillmen' on our website!
We've hidden our mascot in different corners of five unique pages. Some easier than others, so keep your eyes peeled!
Find all five Hidden Hillmen and then make your way to our 'Hidden Hillmen' page to complete the submission form. For each correct answer, you'll earn an entry into our fantastic prize draw. A total of six entries are up for grabs - one for submitting the form and one for each of your correct findings.
Just remember, the Home Page and the 'Hidden Hillmen' Page are not where our mascots are hiding. Good luck and happy hunting!"
If you need any hints you can find some fun riddles on the Hidden Hillmen Page. Click the bottom below to find the hints.
AUBURN STATE THEATRE
Join us for a fun-filled family evening as the Hillmen Foundation and the
State Theatre team up for a special screening of the classic hit Footloose!
This isn't just a movie night—it's a chance for the Placer High School community, alumni,
and the greater Auburn area to come together, reconnect, and support a great cause.
Whether you’re an alum looking for a nostalgic night out, a current student ready to dance along,
or a community member who loves supporting local initiatives, this event is for YOU!
Proceeds benefit the Hillmen Foundation, supporting Placer High School
students through academics, athletics, activities, and alumni initiatives.
So grab your friends, wear your best ‘80s attire if you’re feeling festive, and
let’s dance the night away—Kevin Bacon style!
👟 Let’s hear it for the Hillmen! 👟
Thursday
MARCH 20, 2025
7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
Admission: $15 Adults $10 Students & Kids under 12 (Hillmen Foundation Fundraiser)
Tickets: Available at the door or AuburnStateTheatre.org 530.885.0156
Location: Odd Fellows Lodge #7, 12261/2 Lincoln Way, Auburn, CA
OUR FOCUS
IMPACT AREAS
ACADEMICS
Ensuring students have an exceptional learning environment that propels them into successful futures beyond high school is at the heart of the Hillmen Foundation’s mission.
ATHLETICS
Promoting athletic achievement and life-long health are important legacies of Placer High, the Auburn community, and the Hillmen Foundation.
ACTIVITIES
Advancing a well-rounded education requires enrichment beyond the classroom, including programs supporting at-risk youth, student clubs, campus activities, leadership opportunities, and so much more.
ALUMNI
Connecting generations of alumni with the Auburn community and those who shaped their formative teen years at Placer High is an important objective of the Hillmen Foundation.
SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
Enriching Placer High through modernized equipment, improved facilities, strategic programs and special projects helps our school and community thrive.
IN THEIR WORDS
THE IMPACT OF YOUR GENEROSITY
The Hillmen Foundation has provided the music program countless instruments that we would otherwise have been unable to provide our students. Vibraphone, Marimba, Marching snare drums, professional Bach trumpets and more have given our students the opportunity to excel and bring up the quality of our program. The Foundation has been incredible to work with for my 17 years at Placer. I have never seen an organization that does more for a school.
Dave Lawrenson
Music Director
Last term I had the pleasure of taking Mrs. Gardetto’s marine biology class, which was very exciting for me as I am taking up a career in this field. This class gives me a head start and an idea of where I want to work towards. This Marine Biology class has provided us with a unique opportunity to explore and understand the captivating world beneath the ocean's surface. One of the most significant aspects of this class is the hands-on experience it offers. Through field trips, laboratory experiments, and interactions with marine experts, we have been able to apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios. Amazingly, the Hillmen Foundation's support has allowed for chartering a bus to see the Northern Elephant Seals at Ano Nuevo State Park. Hiking with a ranger volunteer in close proximity to so many of these unique marine mammals was truly inspiring and life-changing. Thank you Hillmen Foundation for making this experience possible for Placer High School Marine Biology students.
Anna Wilson
Class of 2025
The Hillmen Foundation has played a vital role in supporting Placer High School Athletics. Like everything else, the cost of maintaining a high-quality athletic program is rising. The Hillmen Foundation has helped us maintain the standard of excellence in athletics that has become the norm here at Placer. From upgrading our scoreboard in Lefebvre Stadium to providing new golf bags for our boys and girls; golf programs and helping to defray the cost of replacing safety equipment for football, the Hillmen Foundation has supported Placer High School Athletics for decades. I have been a teacher and coach at Placer for 31 years, and the impact of the Hillmen Foundation can be seen in all aspects of Placer High School. I do not know of another community-based organization that does as much for its school as the Hillmen Foundation does for Placer.
Mike Sabins
Athletic Director/Class of 1984
Building Thinking Classrooms in Mathematics has been an experience and one that I don't think I will forget. I get to learn and hear about different ways people were taught. I get to see their point of view and everyone has a voice. I personally, as well as my classmates, get to know each other better and that helps us learn. When I go to other classes I hope I can have the same amazing experience.
Kaylee Woodland
Class of 2028
WE CANNOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU!
YOUR FINANCIAL IMPACT
Every donation, regardless of size, will positively impact Placer High students, our community, and life on the Hill. All contributions to
the Hillmen Foundation are tax deductible in accordance with state and federal tax laws.
$1,110,990
TOTAL IMPACT AS OF OCTOBER 31, 2025, INCLUDING...
$778,265
GRANTS PROGRAMS, INCLUDING...
$234,744
ACADEMICS
$122,817
ATHLETICS
$87,171
ACTIVITIES
$28,724
ALUMNI
$304,809
SPECIAL PROJECTS & INITIATIVES
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM*
$332,725
TOTAL AWARDED
31
CURRENT SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
$41,000
FOR 2025 GRADS
*Scholarships include Foundation-sponsored and Endowments with the Hillmen Foundation
EVENTS
THE HILLMEN HAPPENINGS
Explore The Hillmen Foundation's coming events, uniting a passionate community supporting
Placer High School.
BLOG
THE HILLMEN HUB
Explore Placer High School's vibrant academics, activities, and athletics, keeping you connected to the staff, students, and valued alumni, uniting a passionate community supporting the school.
Step Into History: Explore Placer High with New Self-Guided Walking Tour Brochure
Discover 16 iconic landmarks and over a century of Hillmen history with this new self-guided walking tour brochure—your invitation to explore one of California’s most historic campuses.
Placer High School, one of California’s most historic and picturesque campuses, is inviting alumni, students, and the community to experience its storied past through a new self-guided walling tour.
A colorful brochure, sponsored by the Hillmen Foundation and the Placer County Historical Society, celebrates Placer High’s long and proud history, making the school’s story more accessible to everyone.
Perched on the hillside overlooking downtown Auburn, Placer High School has been an integral part of the Auburn community since its founding in 1897. With more than a century of rich history, the campus is home to remarkable architecture, academic and athletic traditions, and generations of Hillmen pride.
The new self-guided walking tour allows visitors to explore at their own pace while discovering the stories behind iconic landmarks such as the upper campus auditorium and art building, the lower campus college buildings, the Earl Crabbe gym and plaza, and the Athletic Hall of Fame Museum.
Each of the tour’s 16 stops offers interpretive content and historical photos. One page is devoted to the school’s legendary teachers and coaches, many of whom have buildings or sites on campus named for them.
Visitors can start the tour at any point, and no appointment is needed, making it a perfect way to experience Auburn’s educational heritage. The tour should only be taken, however, when school is not in session.
Placer High School is one of the oldest continuously operating high schools in California. Known for its academic excellence, athletic achievements, and deep community roots, the school continues to honor its legacy while preparing students for the future.
The brochure was composed and written by Hillmen Foundation board members Bob Burge and Randall Fee, with layout by Stewart Feldman.
Copies are available in Auburn at:
Placer High School Office: 275 Orange Street
Placer County Museum in the historic Placer County Courthouse: 101 Maple Street
Placer County Visitor Center: 1103 High Street, Suite 150
Auburn Chamber of Commerce: 1103 High Street, Suite 100
In the best of times, in the worst of times, at all times… It’s great to be a Hillman!
OUR MISSION
The purpose of the Hillmen Foundation is to support Placer High School in the areas of academics, student activities, and athletics, including the staff, students, and alumni endeavors of the school; to stimulate gifts of service, endowments, and bequests; and to maintain an association of persons interested in Placer High School.
FOCUS
Academics
Athletics
Activities
Alumni
Special Projects & Initiatives
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