Hawthorne High School Class Reunions

06/12/2025

Our community mourns the loss of one of our very own Hawthorne High School Cougars. A music icon and trailblazer, Brian Wilson was an innovative force in the 1960s music scene. His music influenced some of the top artists, including the Beatles. His music will live on in the hearts of music lovers for years to come.

We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away.

We are at a loss for words right now.

Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.

We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world.

Love & Mercy

03/06/2025

Hello fellow Cougars!
It’s been a while since our last gathering. We have received several queries about our next reunion. This message is to gather your feedback on timing.

Sadly, we have lost too many of our classmates since our 2022 reunion party. Although separated by distance, we journey through time together, bound by our connections centered in our hometown, Hawthorne. For some, this also includes Lennox, Lawndale, Inglewood, and the South Bay in general. Our hometown of yesterday remains in our collective memories. We share memories of home, school, athletics, the beach, and the social activities from our youth. No matter our age, these memories are a treasure that grows more precious over time.

This is why we have reunions.

Please share your thoughts and indicate your preference for when we should have our next reunion.

Thank you, and God bless,
Derek Barraza

09/01/2024

Dear HHS Friends,
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Julie O'Pry-Utecht. Julie passed away peacefully at home in Auberry, CA, on Thursday, August 29th, 2024. She was 61.

Julie is survived by her three children, two sisters, and many friends and family. She was born in November 1962 to Ray and Ellie O'Pry. A graduate of Hawthorne High School Class of 1980, Julie earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Biology from California State University, Fresno. Julie is fondly remembered as an outgoing gal who loved the beach. Julie was also a passionate animal lover with a fondness for horses and dogs. She rescued and adopted her dogs from the local animal shelter. She felt strongly that saving a dog from a shelter was the right thing to do. Julie lived her dream of being a homeowner living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains with her family, including her horses and dogs.

Above all, Julie loved her kids. She spoke of them with pride and adoration. She was very proud to be their mom. Funeral services are pending.

01/01/2024

Dear family and friends, may 2024 bring you happiness, health, peace, and prosperity!

Happy New Year!🎆

07/16/2022

Dear Classmates,
We are a week away from the reunion party of the year! Approximately 240 Cougars are expected to attend the event. We have secured the services of DJ YNot, a well-know DJ that brings his repertoire of dance music through the decades. Expect to hear everything from big bands & swing like Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, & Duke Ellington, ‘50s Rock icons Elvis, Chuck Berry, & Doo-Wop stars like Dion, The Drifters, and The Platters, the psychedelic ‘60s and the British Invasion led by The Beatles & Rolling Stones, Motown classics, and of course, HHS’s very own Beach Boys! Add ’70 Classics from Earth, Wind, & Fire to Fleetwood Mac, and of course, the Awesome ‘80s New Wave to 12” Dance cuts from Madonna to Prince to Duran Duran. DJ YNot has it all!

Jay’s Catering is one of the top caterers in Southern California. Bringing people to the table since 1967. Jay’s Catering Company is a family owned business committed to providing handcrafted food and exceptional service. As for drinks, we have selected four imported craft beers and two signature drinks for the evening’s libations.

Most important, your safety is our number one priority. We have selected The Rose Center, a beautiful venue with plenty of space, great air circulation with twenty-foot ceilings, and a wonderful open-air patio. Most of our event will take place on the patio. The event staff are 100% vaccinated and will wear masks throughout the evening. Hand sanitizer will be available for use by our classmates.

We look forward to seeing you at the party of the year, the HHS Multi-class, All Cougar Reunion!

Sincerely,
Hawthorne High School Committee
Kim Ceasar (August), Cindy Barraza (O’Pry), Diane Buehler (Jachtschitz),
Monica Cervantes, Linda Huthmaker, Derek Barraza
Get your tickets now! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/91266956925

HHS Multi-Class Reunion Committee:
Kimberly Sue August Caesar
Cindy Barraza
Diane Marie Buehler
Monica Cervantes
Linda Huthmaker
Derek W. Barraza

07/03/2022

Dear classmates,
Join over two hundred fellow Cougars at the reunion party of the year! The committee is working to create the best experience for our alumni.

We have secured , an absolutely gorgeous event space with both a beautiful ballroom, with 20 foot ceilings and an adjacent patio with outdoor stage. Plenty of space for dancing, photos, socializing, and reminiscing.

Catering is by Jay’s Catering, the same company that owns Ellie’s Table. Bringing people to the table since 1967. Jay’s Catering Company is a family owned business committed to providing handcrafted food and exceptional service.

Time is running out! Get your tickets today!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/91266956925

06/29/2022

Dear classmates, I removed a few posts from this page. The posts were offering reunion tickets due to the person being unable to attend. All of the subject posts were by individuals that were not verified ticket holders.

The only place to get your ticket to the reunion is on the Eventbrite page:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawthorne-high-school-multi-class-reunion-tickets-91266956925

Please do not share your personal information with anyone on facebook offering a reunion ticket.

Thank You,
Derek

*New Venue * Join HHS alumni and faculty for the reunion of our time. Renew friendships, dine, drink, & dance the night away!

06/17/2022

Please reserve hotel room today. Our hotel blocks will expire and rates will go up significantly.

04/07/2022

We are pleased to announce our preliminary list of hotels for the July 23, 2022 Hawthorne High School Multi-Class Reunion. Hotel rooms are booking fast in Orange County. Rates are high and many hotels are not offering group discounts. We have been able to secure small blocks of rooms at a few nearby properties. Please book directly with the hotel. The links provided offer 15% discount off regular rates.

$279 - SpringHill Suites by Marriott
7872 Edinger Ave. / Huntington Beach, CA 92647
https://www.marriott.com/events/start.mi?id=1611176285703&key=CORP
Book no later than July 1, 2022

$209 - The Westin South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
686 Anton Boulevard, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
http://www.marriott.com/SNAWI:
Call Marriott Reservations at (714) 540-2500 on or before Friday, June 17, 2022

$169 - Courtyard Costa Mesa South Coast Metro
3002 South Harbor Boulevard, Santa Ana, CA 92704
Call Marriott Reservations at 1(800) 321-2211 or (714) 545-1001 on or before Friday, June 17, 2022

$229 - Residence Inn Costa Mesa Newport Beach
881 West Baker Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Call Marriott Reservations at 1(800) 331-3131 or (714) 241-8800 on or before Friday, June 17, 2022.

Rates subject to change, availability is limited. Please identify yourself as part of the Hawthorne High Reunions group for these rates.

We will continue to keep this list updated as conditions change. We look forward to seeing you at the reunion!