December 25, 2003


Pioneer picks up the pieces after fire

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

Now that the dust has settled and the cleanup process has begun for Pioneer High School, damage estimates continue to inch closer to the $2 million mark and plans are underway to restore what was lost during the fire that destroyed the Performing Arts Center on Nov. 30.

Initial damage reports indicated that a complete tear down of the center might be necessary. However, much of the building seems to be salvageable and will be renovated instead. “They had engineers check the structure of the building and it seems to be sound,” claims drama teacher Steve Dini. “They are leaning toward a renovation instead of a rebuild.” Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2004 and will take 18-24 months to complete. The front of the building is now being repaired to the point where students will once again be allowed to eat under the overhang when they return from the winter break.

So far, over $1,330 has been sent to the foundation to help fund the rebuilding effort, along with $3,000 in Glue Factory contributions and $442 in “Bring Back the PAC” angel pin sales. “When you think $3,000, it wasn’t just one donor,” says Dini. “It’s a whole bunch of people giving $10, $20 or $30 to the cause.”

During a live radio broadcast on KEZR 106.5 last Friday, over $9,500 was collected from the community, including $1,000 from KEZR, $2,500 from WB Channel 20, $500 from Leigh High School, $300 from the SJTA association, $100 and a signed poster from Lincoln High School, $100 from Notre Dame High, and $200, $500 and $750 in private contributions.

“The broadcast was absolutely phenomenal,” Dini admits. “They went on the air at 5:30 a.m. and by 10:00, there was over $9,500 raised.”

According to Dini, it was an incredible morning that was topped by the San Jose Repertory Company’s contribution of $2000 in gift certificates for the upcoming theater season.

On Tuesday, two members of the class of 1990 presented a check for $1,000 to Dini. Mike Terpko was their reunion coordinator and decided to send an e-mail to former students in an effort to start a collection on behalf of their class. “I felt bad about what had happened and wanted to do something,” he said. “Within days, people started donating money, even as far away as Washington, DC, North Carolina and Ohio. It started to accumulate really fast.”

“We had some great times here,” added Steve Grove. I think we can give back here and everyone was pretty happy and willing to donate money.”

“These guys have been staying in touch all these years via the Internet,” Dini says. “By sending out a message, they collected $1,000 from other alumni members and corporate donations. That shows that our alumni is still involved in the school.”

“All these things that are happening,” Dini adds. “It’s just incredible how the community has come together and said they want this program to continue. Words can't describe the humble gratitude I feel for everyone who’s taken part.”