Impact

Our Impact

Click on image for testimonials from teachers whose classes have been recipients of contributions by the Hillmen Foundation.

When a group of Placer High School parents, faculty and administrators joined together in 1989 to create the Hillmen Foundation, they launched one of the earliest public school foundations designed to bridge state funding gaps and enrich educational opportunities for students. Today, more than $800,000 for grants and scholarships have literally made the difference in the lives of Placer students and our community.

Thanks to all of the generous donors, civic groups and businesses over the years, here is a look at the impact of the Hillmen Foundation:

Grants

Students, faculty and staff apply for and receive educational grants for a wide range of needs that are typically not covered by state funding. Every year, thousands of dollars are granted to enrich academics, athletics and activities that directly benefit students, our feeder schools, and community. Examples of these grants include support for:

ACADEMICS

Art Equipment and Materials
3-D Printers
Math Materials, including Specialized Calculators
Computers and Scanners
Band Instruments & Uniforms
Programs for At-Risk Students
DNA Lab Materials
Science Equipment
Field Trips
Microprocessor Kits
Music & Drama Materials
Performing Arts Sound & Lighting Equipment
Journalism Dept. Materials
Special Education Enterprise Programs
Photo Lab Equipment, including Cameras, Lenses, and Filters
AVID Program
Special Curriculum & Materials for Every Department
Career Tech Equipment, including Welding Machines
World (Foreign) Language Programs
Peer Counseling Program
VAULT Program
Faculty Continuing Education

ATHLETICS

General / Multi Athletic Teams
Soccer
Basketball
Tennis
Track & Field
Wrestling
Football
Cross Country
Ski / Snowboard
Volleyball

ACTIVITIES

Assemblies
Grad Night
Enrichment Events
Dance Team
Campus Clubs
Special Programs for Middle & Elementary School Students
Eagle Scout Projects
Community Service Endeavors
Career Day Projects

Alumni

Grants for alumni programs help highlight distinguished graduates and their impact in the community and world, as well as connect Hillmen of all ages to their alma mater. These grants include:

- Alumni Bricks Courtyard
- Alumni Center
- All Class Reunion
- Centennial Celebration
- Placer Hall of Fame
- Athletic Hall of Fame
- Central Square Tiles in Memory of our Founder Jug Covich and Long-time Board member/Distinguished Alumni Ty Rowe

Special Capital Projects & Initiatives

Special grants for capital improvements or other major initiatives that enhance both the school and community are a significant hallmark of the Foundation’s work over the past three decades. Here are examples:

- Campus Gateway Centennial Arch
- Iron Hillmen Sculpture Base
- Athletic Complex Campaign
- All Weather Track
- Stadium Scoreboard
- Stadium Sound System & Speakers
- Stadium Lights
- Stadium Snack bar Roof
- Sherbina Water Fountain Restoration
- Press Box Renovation
- Track Walkway
- Earl Crabbe Gym Snack Shack

Scholarships

Each year, thousands of dollars are granted to graduating seniors to help further their post-high school pursuits. The Hillmen Foundation manages several endowments established by alumni and community members to provide scholarships that honor or memorialize those who have made an impact on the school and community.

We also raise funds for three scholarships sponsored by the Hillmen Foundation:

The Hillmen Foundation Covich Johnson Founders Scholarship awarded to an outstanding senior in honor of our founders, Jug Covich and Tom Johnson; and Two Hillmen Foundation scholarships for exceptional graduating students who have excelled in at least one of our focus areas of academics, athletics and activities.

Here is a list of the most recent recipients (Foundation-sponsored and Endowed):

2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Hillmen Foundation Covich Johnson Founders Scholarship — Madelyn Labrecque
Hillmen Foundation Scholarship — Lachlan Ryan, Calista Schroeder
Alonzo Hazen Memorial Scholarship, Science — Jamie Ranlett, Lachlan Ryan
Bill Francis Memorial Scholarship, Sierra College — Ashley Perez
Max Herlehy Memorial Scholarship, Passion for Life — Lachlan Ryan
Jason Rhodes Memorial Scholarship, Art — Milo Hake
Jean Coppedge Joye Memorial Scholarship, Art — Eliana Merck
Vern McCann Memorial Award, Journalism — Kaya Moore
Ruth Johnston Memorial Scholarship — Alex Belles
Thomas & Jill Schroeder Scholarship, Health Science — Ashley Perez
William “Bill” Kirby, MD, Memorial Scholarship, Medical Field — Jordan Everette, Aurora Hanrihan, Mercedes Kelley Stephenson
Mauel Family Scholarship, First-Generation College Student — McKenzie Pueschel-Liddel
William Lawrence Greene Memorial Scholarship — Lachlan Ryan, Shannon Woodland
Chris Reams Honor Scholarship — Joseph Garrett — Del Oro HS, Madelyn Labrecque — Placer HS

AHOF Scholarships
Kirby — Garrett Dutro, Julian Doak, Lachlan Ryan and Cameron Staton