Press Release - Verdugo Hills High School

June, 2005.

Dear Editor:

Two Sunland-Tujunga World War II Veterans recently spoke to the Senior Class at Verdugo Hills High School. Both had attended VHHS and then served in the U.S. Navy during the war. Hilliard "Curly" Elliott, of the class of 1940, was stationed in Hawaii at the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He wore his "Pearl Harbor Survivor" hat when he spoke to the graduating seniors in McGroarty Auditorium.

From left to right: Gil Cerfaratt, Cheryl Dellepiane (principal), Hilliard Elliott

Mr. Gil Cerfaratt left school before graduation, and did not receive his diploma until the Class of 1998 invited him to join them at their graduation to receive an Honorary Diploma. Mr Cerfaratt wore the Verdugo sweater that he also received at that time. These Veterans shared stories and memories of the military experiences and showed slides about those years.

The Class of 2005 has decided to present the school with a plaque commemorating members of the Student Body at Verdugo Hills who have served in the armed forces. "This has been a dream of mine for years," says the Senior Class Sponsor and Drafting Teacher, Daniel Lopez. "We want to honor all the past and the future members of the Armed Forces for their service." The seniors appreciated the presentation by Elliott and Cerfaratt and look forward to their own graduation on June 23rd.

Jean Hoelscher, Parent Center Director
Verdugo Hills High School phone (818) 353-1171 ext. 326