Prairie High School Alumni @prairietalon.org

Hello everyone, this is the official website made by and for the alumni of Prairie High School in Vancouver/Brush Prairie, Washington. Over 20,000 students and staff have set foot on the school's campus since it opened back in 1979. This is your place for all the news, events and information involving former PHS students, staff, family and other community members.

If you have any PHS alumni news you would like to share, please email the webmaster at prairietalon@yahoo.com.

On a personal note
Prairie High School Alumni Project Founder and 1988 grad Jayson Dodge has been diagnosed with hairy cell leukemia, a rare but treatable form of cancer with a very high success rate. He shared his story on his personal Facebook page about his symptoms as well as his progress. Treatment included intravenous Cladribine infusions back in June and intravenous Rituximab infusions in August and September. Please keep him in your thoughts. The National Cancer Institute has more information regarding the symptoms of hairy cell leukemia as well as treatment options.

A passion for baseball
Former PHS teacher and coach Don Freeman has been traveling the world teaching and coaching baseball to children and adults. The Reflector reported that Freeman is determined to cover every continent on his global journey. He is currently in Italy and will soon head for South Africa. His baseball career began on a Northern Washington youth team playing internationally across the Canadian border just a few miles away.

Competing as a celebrity, twice
PHS grad, two-time Olympian and UCLA student-athlete Jordan Chiles is appearing on two different ABC-TV programs. Earlier this month, her family competed on "Celebrity Family Feud", playing for The Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation. If you missed the original airing, you can watch the episode on Hulu. She is now set to compete on "Dancing with the Stars" as she teams up with professional dance partner Ezra Sosa. "Dancing with the Stars" airs this fall on ABC and Disney+.

Training a future basketball star
PHS alum Matt Conboy was featured on KPTV Fox 12 as he was training current Union High School and future University of Oregon basketball player Brooklynn Haywood, who scored over 2000 total points in the first three years of playing for the Union Titans. Conboy, who also played for Oklahoma Wesleyan University, organized basketball camps across the United States and around the world and provided training, motivation and mentorship to players across all levels through his training facility Conboy Basketball.

Alumni and staff honored
The Prairie Falcons and their in-district rivals, the Battle Ground Tigers played their annual football game at District Stadium back on September 19. During halftime of the football game, alumni from both Prairie High School and Battle Ground High School from all graduating years along with former staff were honored for their impact to their communities. The Reflector provided a summary of the staff and alumni recognition from both schools. The game can be seen in its entirety as well as the alumni and staff recognition on YouTube.

Seeking a seat on the School Board
PHS grad Jennifer Heine-Withee is running for Position 1 on the Battle Ground School District Board, according to Clark County Today. Her candidacy is based on her experience in the education field as well as meeting with state lawmakers and officials regarding public education. She is advocating on improved educational outcomes, more parental involvement and better fiscal responsibility within the district.

Leading the city
PHS grad Matt Cole has been named the new Mayor of Ridgefield, Washington after the previous mayor announced his retirement. The Reflector discussed Cole's path from growing up in Hockinson to moving to Ridgefield to serving on numerous boards and committees to his appointment to the city council. Ridgefield has a council-manager government. The current Ridgefield City Manager is PHS grad and former Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart. Cole is seeking re-election for his council seat in this year's election as reported by The Reflector.

If you have any information on upcoming events of interest to PHS alumni or have an event or activity that you would like to share, please email the webmaster at prairietalon@yahoo.com.

The Maize (September 27 to October 31, 2025)
The Pumpkin Patch, Portland, OR - thepumpkinpatch.com

Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze (September 27 to October 31, 2025)
Bella Organic Farms, Portland, OR - bellaorganic.com/pumpkin-patch

Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze (September 27 to October 31, 2025)
Bi-Zi Farms, Vancouver, WA - bi-zifarms.com/pumpkinpatch

The Fear PDX Haunted House (September 27 to November 2, 2025)
The Fear PDX at 122nd and Glisan, Portland, OR - fearpdx.com

Dozer Day (October 4 to 5, 2025)
Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield, WA - vancouver.dozerday.org

Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze and Harvest Festival (October 4 to 31, 2025)
Fazio Farms, Portland, OR - faziofarms.com

Cinema of Horrors Drive In Movies (October 8 to 31, 2025)
Clark County Event Center, Ridgefield, WA - ridgefield.cinemaofhorrors.com

PHS Homecoming Football Game vs. Kelso Hilanders (October 9, 2025)
District Stadium, Battle Ground, WA - Purchase Tickets

Portland Retro Gaming Expo (October 17 to 19, 2025)
Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR - retrogamingexpo.com

Snowvana (October 24 to 26, 2025)
Portland Expo Centert, Portland, OR - snowvana.com/portland

Kumoricon (October 31 to November 2, 2025)
Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR - kumoricon.org

Fall Sports Teams

Football
Women's Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Men's Cross Country
Women's Cross Country
Men's Golf
Men's Tennis
Women's Swimming

Winter Sports Teams

Men's Basketball
Women's Basketball
Unified Basketball
Men's Wrestling
Women's Wrestling
Women's Bowling
Women's Gymnastics
Men's Swimming

Spring Sports Teams

Men's Baseball
Women's Softball
Unified Soccer
Men's Track and Field
Women's Track and Field
Women's Golf
Women's Tennis
Men's Soccer

If you have any information on upcoming reunions or gatherings (formal or informal), please email the webmaster at prairietalon@yahoo.com.

PHS Class of 1985
40 Year Reunion on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at Shanahan's Pub and Grill, 209 W. McLoughlin Boulevard, Vancouver, WA. Please visit the Facebook event page for more information.

PHS Class of 1995
30 Year Reunion on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 3 Sheets at the Harbor, 11505 NE Yacht Harbor Drive, Portland, OR. Please visit the Facebook event page for more information.

PHS Class of 2000
25 Year Reunion to be determined. Please visit the Facebook class page for more information.

PHS Class of 2005
20 Year Reunion on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Prairie Tavern, 14925 NE Caples Road, Brush Prairie, WA. Please visit the Facebook class page for more information.

PHS Class of 2015
10 Year Reunion on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Prairie Tavern, 14925 NE Caples Road, Brush Prairie, WA. Please visit the Facebook event page for more information. Tickets can be purchased through this link.

Class Reunion Stories
Jayson Dodge (a 1988 PHS grad and founder of The Prairie High School Alumni Project) attended his class reunions, organizing the last two. Details of his experiences along with some photos from each reunion are listed below.

Jayson's Ten Year Reunion Story from 1998
Jayson's Twenty Year Reunion Story from 2008
Jayson's Thirty Year Reunion Story from 2018

2020 Virtual Commencement
2020 Parade Commencement
2021 Commencement
2022 Commencement
2023 Commencement
2024 Commencement
2025 Commencement

These are the names of former PHS students and faculty who are longer with us. The obituaries will open in a new window. If you know of any more deaths of students or staff (either during or after attendance/tenure at Prairie) or have additional information on the individuals listed, please email the webmaster at prairietalon@yahoo.com.

CLASS OF 1980
Dan Burns (1962-2023) View obituary.
Cheryl (Trimbo) Roesler (1962-2019) View obituary.
Terry Walter (1962-2020) View obituary.
Mike Wolf (1962-2013) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1981
Brenda Ahola (1963-2022)
Tim Gering (1962-1980) View obituary.
Chine Jones (1962-2006) View obituary.
Bryan Merrell (1963-2009) View obituary.
Mark Wooster (1963-2013) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1982
Lindy (Cahoon Jones) Rummell (1964-2024) View obituary.
Scott Hageman (1964-2022) View obituary.
Lori (Heinz) Wolf (1964-2008)
Ray Heup (1964-2010) View obituary.
Brenda (Johnson) Cox (1964-2014) View obituary.
Julie (Nerton) Dobson (1963-2007) View obituary.
John Marsolek (1964-2022) View obituary.
Cheryl Parker (1963-2023)
Kathy (Nail) Rubbelke (1964-2017) View obituary.
Matt Williams (1964-2017) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1983
Richard Deschand (1965-2019) View obituary.
David Hamm (1964-1983)
Rashan Henderson (1964-1995)
Jeff Peasley (1965-2016)
Lisa Wisner (1965-2002) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1984
Angela (Ahola) Anthony (1966-2022) View obituary.
David Campbell (1966-2007)
Shauna Cochran Scott (1966-2009) View obituary.
Steve Cocklin (1966-2008) View obituary.
Rick Dronen (1966-2012) View obituary.
Jackie (Tormanen) Firestone (1965-2020) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1985
Dan Brophy (1967-2021)
Darren Deputy (1966-2021) View obituary.
David Harris (1967-2014) View obituary.
Bobbie (Johnson) Davis (1966-2014) View obituary.
Tom MacDonald (1967-1987)
Sylvia (Newland) Cudiamat (1967-2023) View obituary.
Brian Olson (1967-1986)
Bobby Prentice (1966-2021) View obituary.
Dan Proudfit (1967-2018) View obituary.
Kay (Sarkinen) Hendrickson (1966-2018) View obituary.
Tom Shafer (1967-2012) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1986
Bryan Brown (1968-2001) View obituary.
Kristy Campbell (1968-2003)
Scott Burks Davis (1967-2024)
Dean Luse (1968-1990)
Ed Nail (1967-2025) View obituary.
Kevin Noorlander (1967-2021) View obituary.
Michael Paakanen (1967-1984)
Darin Reutter (1968-2004)
Holly Thorkildson (1967-2017) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1987
Brian Femling (1968-2013) View obituary.
Victor Hutton (1967-2017) View obituary.
Krista (Miller) Barnes (1969-2023)
Mark Richards (1968-1990)

CLASS OF 1988
Fred Bisconer (1969-2023)
Dan Claus (1970-2008) View obituary.
Tom Dalton (1970-1999) View obituary.
Brian Edwards (1970-2023)
Cheyenne (Harden) Parker (1969-2017)
Tracy (Janes) Sutton (1970-2023)
Jon Larson (1969-2007) View obituary.
Linda Lawrence (1969-2000) View obituary.
Michael Lowery (1970-2023)
Bill Noyes (1970-2021) View obituary.
Sean Paakanen (1970-2021)
Bev (Puscher) Wharton (1970-2012) View obituary.
Kori (Rieger) Fredericksen (1969-2011) View obituary.
Jeff Ryder (1970-2018) View obituary.
Wally Sarkinen (1970-1984) View obituary.
Aric Schmeets (1970-1999) View obituary.
Chris Shull (1969-2020)
View first obituary.
View second obituary.
Troy Stevens (1970-2021) View obituary.
Tom Uhacz (1970-2025) View obituary.
Paul Wilcox (1970-2021) View obituary.
Vincent Wilcox (1969-2007)
Paul Zimmer (1969-2000) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1989
Rick Colbert (1970-2018) View obituary.
Mike Diehl (1971-1999) View obituary.
John Eudy (1970-2008)
Matt Hart (1971-2019) View obituary.
Scott Hayden (1971-1992) View obituary.
Rick Jones (1970-2001)
Corinna Sofranko (1970-1997) View obituary.
Joanne Tormanen (1971-2007) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1990
Jason Davis (1972-1990)
Charlene German (1972-2001)
Trent Kunz (1972-2023) View obituary.
Matt Lang (1972-2006)
Brian Masic (1972-2021) View obituary.
Danell Mataczynski-Merck (1971-2021) View obituary.
Sherry (Modrall) Couture (1971-2025) View obituary.
Jeff Niedziela (1972-2019) View obituary.
Lori (Reddig) Homola (1972-2023) View obituary.
Shane Stout (1971-2017) View obituary.
Kim Torrence (1971-2022)
Jeff Upkes (1971-2018) View obituary.
Dirk Vandermeer (1972-2015)
Paul Voeller (1972-1994)

CLASS OF 1991
Adam Ahola (1972-2013) View obituary.
Kevin Bathe (1973-1994)
Damon Cannon (1973-2021)
Samuel Ramsey (1973-2008) View obituary.
(Aron) Hunter Rodgers (1972-2024) View obituary.
Brad Sarkinen (1973-1999)

CLASS OF 1992
David Cox (1974-2023)
Gary Hiblar (1974-2021) View obituary.
Bryan Jameson (1974-2024)
Lani Kamahaku-Giddens (1974-2013) View obituary.
Tiffany (McKee) Keksi (1974-2017) View obituary.
Greg Thorkildson (1973-2014) View obituary.
Aaron E. Webb (1973-2021)
Tiffany (Wiser) Kennedy (1974-2018) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1993
Jeff Bushaw (1975-2020)
Ryan Ferrante (1974-2002)
Ron Frith (1975-2009) View obituary.
Jason Gladden (1975-2007) View obituary.
Shannon McCarty-Lane (1975-2015) View obituary.
Michael Rogers (1975-2004) View obituary.
Chris Waddell (1975-2011) View obituary.
Jason L. Ward (1975-2021) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1994
Angela Allen (1976-1997)
Terri (Donaldson) Reynolds (1976-2009) View obituary.
Amy Funk (1975-1998)
Ryan Martin (1976-2023)
David Roy (1975-2022)

CLASS OF 1995
Phil Brown (1976-2024)
Ryan Brugato (1977-1994) View obituary.
Jon Davern (1977-2000)
Mark Fritzler (1977-2022) View obituary.
Jackee Kalahan (1977-2015)
Scot Lang (1977-2024) View obituary.
Mary Nordberg (1976-2021)
Randy Schiess (1976-2016) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1996
Adam Allen (1978-1997)
Katelyn (Coates) Black (1978-2013) View obituary.
Shannon Collins (1978-2008) View obituary.
Kevin Gohlke (1978-2011)
James Harkins (1978-1997)
Chris McCormick (1978-?)
Jaynece Nevin (1978-1998) View obituary.
Christina (Reed) Tandberg (1978-2020) View obituary.
Maria (Stogianis) Suh (1977-2016) View obituary.
Jason Vinsonhaler (1978-1995)
Heidi Watts (1977-2023) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1997
Chris Adams (1979-1999)
Jennifer (Fleming) Kent (1979-2024)
Robert Hess (1979-2005)
Jeanette Rench (1978-2005) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1998
Adam Gragg (1979-2010) View obituary.
Rebecca (Lloid) Glendenning (1979-2020) View obituary.
Dustin Parkhill (1980-1998?)
Brandon Portnoy (1980-2007) View obituary.
Bryce Powers (1980-2001) View obituary.
Jeff Schwartz (1980-2018) View obituary.

CLASS OF 1999
Wendy (Muonio) Paso (1980-2010) View obituary.
Justin Ross (1981-2023) View obituary.
Jay Timmons (1980-2022) View obituary.
Joshua West (1981-2020)

CLASS OF 2000
Cedric Bruns (1981-2003) View obituary.
Zachary Buchanan (1981-2012) View obituary.
Travis Bukowiec (1978-2004) View obituary.
Amy Coombs (1982-2000) View obituary.
Kevin Currie (1982-2003)
Caleb Krigbaum (1982-2011) View obituary.
Pam Luckman-Gabel (1981-2025) View obituary.
Juan Sanchez (1982-1999)
Jennifer Steinmueller (1982-2005) View obituary.
Charles Thatcher (1981-2008) View obituary.
Erin (Tribe) Kilborn (1982-2005) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2001
Amy (Cowperthwait) Manley (1983-2017)
Jeremiah Johnson (1983-2007)
View first obituary.
View second obituary.
Heidi Lueth (1983-2004) View obituary.
Alisha (Tapper) Bernhardt (1983-2017) View obituary.
Tyler VonRuden (1983-2005) View obituary.
Marcus Wieber (1982-2009) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2002
Brent Larwick (1984-2007) View obituary.
Laura Mockford (1983-1999)
Brandon Romine (1983-2007) View obituary.
Jennifer Statczar-Neely (1983-1999) View obituary.
Kyle Tracy (1984-2003) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2003
Kara Ellertson (1985-2019) View obituary.
John Gaither (1985-2011) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2004
Michelle Probst (1986-2023)
Kayla (Seals) Castro (1986-2022) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2005
Timmy Krussell (1986-2005) View obituary.
Chris Raugust (1986-2016) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2006
Justin Franklin (1987-2008) View obituary.
Adrian Mendez (1988-2022) View obituary.
Donald "Don Don" Wallway, Jr. (1988-2008) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2010
Jordan Bennett (1992-2023) View obituary.
Rachel Casper (1992-2020) View obituary.
Jode de Klerk (1992-2020) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2011
Colby Stuart (1993-2021) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2012
Jake Intermill (1994-2020) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2013
Justin Boyce (1994-2012)

CLASS OF 2014
Dylan Adams (1995-2020) View obituary.
Jace VavRosky (1995-2024) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2015
Jessica Prew (1997-2022) View obituary.
David Shattuck (1997-2015) View obituary.
Seth Winterup (1997-2019) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2016
Peter Mattson (1998-2015) View obituary.
Briana Pasco (1997-2018) View obituary.
Sean Stillwell (1998-2020) View obituary.

CLASS OF 2018
Caleb Gervickas (2000-2022) View obituary.
Kaileigh Seidel (2000-2024)

CLASS OF 2020
Aaron Makunin (2002-2020)

CLASS OF 2021
Bailey Holland (2003-2022) View obituary.

FACULTY AND STAFF
Sandy Bernhardt (1953-2009) - ASB Head Office Secretary, 1989-2009 View obituary.
Bev Blair (1935-2008) - Librarian, 1979-1997 View obituary.
Gordon Buslach (1932-2019) - History and Driver Education Teacher; Football and Track Coach, 1979-1989 View obituary.
Jeanne Charles (1941-2009) - Art Teacher
Juan Christian (1948-2009) - English Teacher, 1979-2009 View obituary.
Gary Clark (1942-2012) - English and Speech Teacher; Debate Team Coach View obituary.
Martha Cresap (1938-2025) - Activities Office Secretary View obituary.
Eugene Dombrowski (1943-2024) - Math Teacher
Larry Douglass (1934-2007) - Assistant Softball Coach View obituary.
Tom Dudley (1949-2024) - Counselor, 1979-1985; Assistant Principal, 1985-1987 View obituary.
Earl Glass (1935-2006) - Principal, 1979-1982 View obituary.
Dewayne Hanson (1945-2009) - Custodian, 1980-1986 View obituary.
Micah Hilario (1977-2020) - Math Teacher, Activities Director View obituary.
Bill Hill (1945-2018) - History Teacher, Men's Basketball Coach, Interim Activities Director, 1986-1989 View obituary.
Klaras Ihnken (1933-2025) - Assistant Principal, 1979-1986 View obituary.
Phil Jackson (1948-1994) - Chemistry Teacher, 1979-1994; Wrestling Coach, 1989-1994 View obituary.
Dan Kaiser (1944-2024) - Assistant Football Coach View obituary.
DeWayne Kendall (1947-2008) - History Teacher; Men's Basketball Coach, 1979-2004 View obituary.
Joe Mazzoncini (1950-1990) - Activities Director, 1986-1990 View obituary.
Diane McCormick (1938-2006) - English Teacher; Student Newspaper Advisor, 1984-2000 View obituary.
Greg Parcher (1951-2017) - Principal, 1998-2007 View obituary.
Don Phillips (1927-2008) - Automotive Teacher, 2000-2002
Phil Phimister (1953-2017) - Special Education Teacher; Cross Country Coach; Track and Field Coach, 1986-2015 View obituary.
Joanne Rooney (1955-2013) - Child Care Director; Early Childhood Education Teacher View obituary.
Hillie Stoker (1919-2004) - German Teacher, 1981-1987 View obituary.
Velda Sutton (1935-2021) - Principal, 1986-1990 View obituary.
Ilah Tester (1925-2025) - Food Service Cook View obituary.
Heidi Watts (1977-2023) - Cheerleading Coach View obituary.
Grace (Winters) Wetter (1934-2024) - Counselor View obituary.

Coming soon.

Prairie High School opened in September 1979 to accommodate the growing population in the southern portion of the Battle Ground School District, in Southwestern Washington. Located 10 miles northeast of Vancouver, Washington near the town of Brush Prairie, Prairie High School has provided numerous opportunties in academics, athletics, fine arts and vocational training to over 1400 students each year in grades nine through twelve. Most of the student body previously attended Pleasant Valley, Daybreak and Laurin Middle Schools plus the former Maple Grove Middle School in the Battle Ground School District as well as Hockinson Middle School in the neighboring Hockinson School District before their high school opened in 2003. The school's mascot is the falcon, and the colors are crimson and gold. The school's mailing address is PO Box 200, Battle Ground, WA 98604. The campus is located at 11311 NE 119th Street, Vancouver, WA 98662. The school's main office can be reached at 360-885-5000. The telephone number for the activities office is 360-885-5013.

The website was launched in 1999 by Jayson Dodge, a 1988 graduate of Prairie High School, as a means for alumni of the school to keep in contact when there was nothing available at the time, and social media websites were nonexistent. The current domain name of prairietalon.org, named after the school's yearbook, was established two years later in 2001. Future plans include forming a PHS alumni association as well as creating a book for the upcoming 50th anniversary celebration in 2029.

Brush Prairie, WA WEATHER

Email: prairietalon@yahoo.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/28920019525
X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/PrairieHSAlumWA
YouTube: youtube.com/prairietalon2011
Bluesky Social: prairiehsalumwa.bsky.social
Prairie High School: phs.battlegroundps.org
Prairie Boosters: facebook.com/PHSBoosterclub
Prairie Falcon Athletics: falconnation.org
Battle Ground Public Schools: battlegroundps.org
PHS Falcons Sideline Store: sideline.bsnsports.com
The Columbian: columbian.com
The Reflector: thereflector.com
Camas-Washougal Post-Record: camaspostrecord.com
Clark County Today: clarkcountytoday.com
Greater St. Helens 3A League: 3agshl.com
Washington Interscholastic Activities Association: wiaa.com