Alumni, parents and community members of Bear Creek High School have come together in an effort to preserve history. The Bear Creek High School Community Foundation ( www.bearcreekfoundation.org) is a newly formed nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the interest of Bear Creek High School, its students, its staff, and its teachers.

"The Foundation will work to provide the necessary funds to preserve and restore the historical documents and artifacts into the newly built school," said Lori Nelson, Foundation secretary. These funds will help build a display case in the new high school for their past memorabilia and the recognition of academic scholars, athletic "Hall of Fame" recipients, valedictorians, Boettcher Scholars, and student body presidents. "Going forward the foundation will support the interest of the Bear Creek community as a whole," she said.

The Bear Creek High School Community Foundation was formed after a Historical Task Force put together a plan to relocate the old high school's records such as championship pictures, the 1894 landmark Montana stone from the original school house and other historical documents. In an effort to carry over historical pieces, the Foundation was formed. Officers included; Phil Sirles, president; Stacey Browne, vice president; James Romero, treasurer; Lori Nelson, secretary. Boards of directors are Soyna Bugbee, Joe Gomez, Kay Newcomer and Scott Schnell. Liaisons include: Principal Mary Lauer; Athletic Director Lynn Torr; Joanna Braun of activities; Sharron Lubieniecki of athletics; Jim Williams and Terrie Girard of TKGImages. Also providing pro bono work is JKD & Company, a local public relations firm.

One of the artifacts being moved is the school's mascot. The cinnamon bear, donated in the 70s, has been fully refurbished by Ron Scott of American Heritage Taxidermy.

The Foundation will focus on projects that engage not just the high school, but the entire community. "This is a feel good way to look out for the community as a whole," said Nelson. A community event night, yard sale and brick sales are all part of the activities planned to raise funds for the commemorative display.

"Through the Years" is a community event to remember the past, look to the future and laugh at it all. On March 7th the night will include tours of the old school and displays of the upcoming new school. "This is a chance for alumni to get a last look into their past and a peek into the future of Bear Creek High School students. Those interested in obtaining their old photo from the "Hall of Fame" should come that night, items like these photos have been restored and will transfer over to the new school," said Nelson. The evening will include a social hour, alumni basketball games, and a performance from Phil Palisoul, a national comedian who grew up in the area. "It will be great to have Phil back in town to entertain the crowd," she said. A "Take it All" Yard Sale on April 10th and 11th will sell nearly everything inside the old school. Desk, doors, lockers and more will be for sale to the public. More details to following in the coming weeks.

A brick sale to create the "Bear Trail" has begun to help fund the preservation and restoration of historical documents, as well as enhance the entryway into the new high school. Commemorative engraved bricks can be purchased by individuals, families and local businesses.

The Foundation is also involved in a special project that provides host families for visiting Japanese students. Bear Creek High School is one of the few schools to offer Japanese classes. In turn, they have joined with Loretta Heights to host Japanese students for a short weekend stay in Colorado. Students will visit from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon and need a family to host their stay.

To volunteer to be a host family or for more information about Bear Creek High School Community Foundation contact Lori Nelson at 303-507-6897 email Kay Newcomer at knewcome@jeffco.k12.co.us or visit the Web site www.bearcreekfoundation.org.