SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - Gazing at the rectangular, oxidative, copper box on the conference table, the 1969 alumni committee suddenly had an epiphany: We had become “time travelers.” Metaphorically speaking, of course. 

 From the original 1967 construction of John F. Kennedy High School to its recent reconstruction, the embedded time capsule had been hidden in a school wall and unopened all these years. 

What treasures would the committee find? Kennedy’s first classes (1968-70) of sophomores, juniors and seniors were derived from Burbank and McClatchy, and actively involved in establishing a myriad of clubs, activities and sport teams in pursuit of creating school spirit and what it meant to be a Kennedy Cougar: our legacy. Needless to say, this time capsule held special historical importance for the committee. With much anticipation the committee delved into the copper box, which revealed a manila file folder encased in a plastic waterproof bag that permeated the room with a pungent odor but thankfully no harm to the contents therein.  

Slowly, yet methodically, the capsule revealed numerous documents and photos (some yellowed from time) of JFK’s building site plan, and construction features, budgets, finances, board meeting minutes, photos of district personnel (the district president, superintendent and our first JFK principal) along with personnel rosters.  

There were articles from district newsletters, our local newspapers, The Sacramento Bee and the Sacramento Union, which discussed the Vietnam war and the Middle East conflict. 

Also, articles detailing the laying of Kennedy’s cornerstone by the Masons. We even uncovered a masonic roster, which was a sign of their importance during this era. 

Additionally, an interesting article included the observance of the l00-year anniversary of the founding of Sacramento public schools. There was even a treasured coin in the coffer: a newly minted silver half-dollar, depicting President John F. Kennedy, our school’s namesake.  

Finally, the committee added some highlights from our baby boomer years: Sacramento Bee archive photos and stories regarding the JFK cornerstone from researcher James Scott, Sacramento Downtown Library; New York Times articles; a front page from the Times (internet version), current events concerning Artificial Intelligence rules, Climate Change, California schools cellphone restrictions and The Sacramento Bee article regarding the Capitol Southeast Connector Beltway. 

Additionally, we included two flash drives of the time capsule opening: an N95 mask from the pandemic era, pandemic comparisons of the Spanish flu vs. COVID 19, and a price comparisons of 1969 vs. 2024. Note: A McDonald’s hamburger cost 18 cents in 1969.

The committee extends thanks to past principal David VanNattan, who originally notified the committee of the time capsule, and to current JFK principal Reginald Brown, who graciously participated and allowed us the opportunity to partake in the unveiling.  

The 1969 alumni committee members present were Karl Okamoto; Lynette (Greenslate) Bell and son Aaron Bell, our video logger; Barbara (Lee) Beattie; Gerry Mamola, Darlene Carlson; and Gayle (Hilleary) Bourtoul and husband Francis. Also in attendance alumni Dawn and Dale Young and Linda (LaBella) Pohl, alumna and advertising executive for The Pocket News. 

Although unable to attend, our remaining alumni members, Mary (Renfree) Bartron, Debbie Martin, Julie (McLaine) DuLaney and Ruth (Trubshenk) Lundsten, also share with us this momentous occasion. 

What a great kickoff to our 55th class reunion celebration. Any alumni wishing to watch the time capsule video can do so through the class website at www.jfk69.com.