Bill Cunningham


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Accomplishments

  • Two Mater's degrees
  • Taught math and physics
  • Chairman of the Science Department at Redlands High School
  • Served as Council member and Mayor of the City of Redlands

Memories

I was an unremarkable student during a remarkable time in our school's history. Ours was a wartime class. Blackouts and gas rationing defined our world. At 16 in my junior year and having a car, I was working the swing shift at Douglas, assembling dive-bomber wings. Lost were any thoughts of continuing in athletics or other school activities. There was one exception, in my sophomore year, I was dragooned into playing a minor role in the annual Shakespearean festival to make up for my failure in getting homework in on time. By fall of our senior year of '44, it was evident to all the boys that we would soon see military service. By spring, like several others, I had enlisted and was to report two weeks after graduation (which was in great doubt because of demerits, beach excursions, etc.). Fortunately, Mrs. Hammond, the long-time principal, had known the better qualities of my sister and brothers, and with mother's intercession, I was allowed the prom and commencement. In many ways, those were some of the richest years of my life. Wonderful friendships were made and, in spite of my best attempts otherwise, the education I received opened opportunities for which I shall always be grateful.

Copyright @2005 Redondo Union High School Alumni Association