Meet Me at Monache: A Walk Down Memory Lane

In this episode of Meet Me at Monache: A Walk Down Memory Lane, newest alumni Ty Baxter and Tatiana Quinones share special moments in heartfelt interviews with their proud alumni parents and Monache staff members, Tahnee Baxter and Rosie Quinones. We wrap up with a warm and memorable conversation with retiring former assistant principal Tammy Keith, whose legacy continues to shine at Monache.

In this special episode, we sit down with Monache High School's legendary educator, Mrs. Shirley Hickman. A beloved teacher, accomplished novelist, and lifelong advocate for students, Mrs. Hickman reflects on her incredible journey in education and life. Join us as we take a heartfelt walk down memory lane, celebrating her impact, stories, and wisdom that continue to inspire generations.

On this Monache Alumni Podcast episode, we talk with Dale Anderson, Monache's first band director, about building the award-winning Marauder Band. Hear his journey, challenges, and the unforgettable moments that defined Monache's musical legacy. A celebration of passion, pride, and tradition! 

This special episode features a special interview between Rich Lambie and his granddaughter Zella Biagio. Rich is a former Monache teacher, and he is retiring this year from Granite Hills High School. Zella is 2024 Monache ASB President, and she is graduating this year. Congratulations to both of them!

This episode features interviews between current Monache staff members and their children that are graduating this year. It includes interviews with Kelly & Emmett Focke, Sonia Cruz & Nathanael Plancarte Cruz, and the Alvarado Family (Dalia & Jesus Alvarado, and their daughters Andrea & Alejandra). Congratulations to the entire Class of 2024!

This episode features interviews with Mr. Short, Mr. Snyder, and Mr. Reneau. All three teachers are retiring this year. Congratulations to all of them!

Join us for a heartwarming episode as we catch up with the Class of 2023 and their proud parents. Hear inspiring stories, reflections, and aspirations, celebrating the achievements and dreams of these remarkable graduates. Listen through to the end to hear an interview with Dave Koontz (MHS Class of 1971), the beloved teacher and coach that will be retiring this year. Dave was interviewed by his daughter, Emily Drum (MHS Class of 2001).

Welcome to a special episode of our podcast, where we're taking a nostalgic journey back to the Class of 1972. Recorded during their unforgettable reunion in the fall of 2022, this episode brings together a remarkable group of Monache alumni, sharing their cherished memories, life experiences, and the enduring bonds that have withstood the test of time. 

In this exciting episode of Meet Me at Monache: A Walk Down Memory Lane, we had the privilege of interviewing two extraordinary athletes, Bruce and Mitch Butler, who have recently been inducted into the prestigious Monache Athletic Hall of Fame. Join us as we delve into their remarkable journeys, relive their awe-inspiring achievements, and uncover the secrets behind their enduring success. 

Join us in this inspiring episode as we chat with Audrey Scheer (Monache Class of 2023), who took the initiative to restore the beautiful Monache Mosaics. Audrey shares her journey and passion for preserving her school's history and legacy. Tune in to learn about the transformative power of civic action and profound impact one determined individual can make. 

This episode was recorded at the 30-Year Reunion for Monache High School's Class of 1992. Listener discretion is advised. There is some profanity in some of these interviews. Interview 1 - Aaron Corkins & James Lewis Interview 2 - Sarah Born & Tommy Strader Interview 3 - Kim Ramirez and Selena Lesley Minor Interview 4 - Amanda Baker & Tanya Baker Childree Interview 5 - Kerry Shannon Newlin & Kyle Newlin

On February 26th, 2022 we had the honor of “walking down memory lane” with two Mighty Monache legends, Dawrence Rice and Carroll Land, at the Monache Athletic Hall of Fame dinner. Rice and Land both taught and coached at Monache for over three decades.

Grant Wagner has been teaching at Monache High School since 1997. He is retiring this year. To commemorate the legend himself, here is an interview with his daughter, Jennifer Gamble (MHS Class of 1999).

Congratulations to the Class of 2022! Sofia Castaneda is interviewed by her mother Silvia Camarena, one of Monache High School's Spanish teachers.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022! Kris Merzoian is interviewed by his mother Brenda Merzoian, Monache High School's current Dean of Counseling. Mrs. Merzoian is also retiring this year. Kris Merzoian's music can be found on Apple Music, including this year's releases Hopeless Romance and Smile More.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022! Kris Merzoian is interviewed by his mother Brenda Merzoian, Monache High School's current Dean of Counseling. Mrs. Merzoian is also retiring this year.    Kris Merzoian's music can be found on Apple Music, including this year's releases Hopeless Romance and Smile More.

Congratulations, Class of 2021! We hope you enjoy our special episode featuring two of our newest alumni and their parents. Stay Golden, Mighty Marauders! Adison Page is interviewed by her mother Nikki Page (Class of 1991), and Sullivan Focke is interviewed by his mother Kelly Focke (Class of 1991). This episode is hosted by Emily Koontz Drum (Class of 2001). Mrs. Page, Mrs. Focke, and Mrs. Drum are currently teachers at Monache High School.

This episode is hosted by Emily Koontz Drum. The interview with Dale Funderburk was conducted on January 16, 2020 at the home of Dale & Judy Funderburk in Porterville, CA. After the interview you will hear comments from current Monache High School teachers including Emily Koontz Drum, Justin Adams, Becky Garcia, Dalia Alvarado, John Sherrill, David Koontz, and Grant Wagner.

Meet Me at Monache

Our special graduation episode includes 4 interviews between 2019 MHS graduates & their parents that work at MHS. Gary & Bob Sundre (parent), Madison & Melissa Giannetto (parent/MHS alumni), Katie Land & Jennifer Manchebo-Giannetto (parent/MHS alumni), Spencer & Herb Abiog (parent/MHS alumni) & a special interview between Emily Koontz Drum & her father, David Koontz, both MHS alumni and current MHS teachers.

Manuel Castaneda has been a Spanish teacher and Varsity Boys Soccer Coach for over 20 years. He was interviewed by Francisco Velasquez, a Monache alumni, current Monache Spanish teacher and Varsity Boys Soccer Coach. At the end of the 2018-2019 school year, Sr. Castaneda will join his wife and children in Idaho and where he plans on enjoying retirement by possibly teaching Spanish at a local high school.

Valerie Cowan Townsend was a top multi-sport athlete at MHS, before receiving a full scholarship at Cal State University Bakersfield. At CSUB, her team won a D-II National Championship. Val began coaching in 1990 and since 2000 has served as head coach & professor of physical education at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges in Claremont. Val was inducted into the 3rd class of the Monache Athletic Hall of Fame on 4/13/19.

Kim began her athletic career by competing with her brothers Tim & Craig. Kim came to Monache in 1974, & competed in volleyball, basketball, & softball. Kim received the Double M Award for outstanding senior female athlete & in 1984 entered the Monache Girls Basketball Hall of Fame. Today, Kim lives in Reno with her husband Tony. They are active with Big Brothers Big Sisters & love teaching kids the fundamentals of athletics.

Mikayli Moore, 2019 ASB president, sat down with her grandpa Monte Moore and aunt Deonna Shake, who were both inducted into the first class of Monache's Hall of Fame. During high school, Deonna was the first female basketball player to score a career 1,000 points. Monte supported organized athletic fundraisers such as the Big League Golf-a-Rama. Mikayli captained the cross country, soccer, and track teams the last four years.

In the first episode of Meet Me at Monache, Kelly Sullivan Focke (Class of 1991) interviews Cheyenne Lembke (Class of 2007). Kelly Focke teaches Earth and Space Science at Monache and Cheyenne recently visited her class as a guest speaker, sharing her experience as a meteorologist in the United States Air Force. Cheyenne graduated from Monache High School in 2009 and is a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force.

Our special graduation episode includes 4 interviews between 2019 MHS graduates & their parents that work at MHS. Gary & Bob Sundre (parent), Madison & Melissa Giannetto (parent/MHS alumni), Katie Land & Jennifer Manchebo-Giannetto (parent/MHS alumni), Spencer & Herb Abiog (parent/MHS alumni) & a special interview between Emily Koontz Drum & her father, David Koontz, both MHS alumni and current MHS teachers.

Manuel Castaneda has been a Spanish teacher and Varsity Boys Soccer Coach for over 20 years. He was interviewed by Francisco Velasquez, a Monache alumni, current Monache Spanish teacher and Varsity Boys Soccer Coach. At the end of the 2018-2019 school year, Sr. Castaneda will join his wife and children in Idaho and where he plans on enjoying retirement by possibly teaching Spanish at a local high school.

Valerie Cowan Townsend was a top multi-sport athlete at MHS, before receiving a full scholarship at Cal State University Bakersfield. At CSUB, her team won a D-II National Championship. Val began coaching in 1990 and since 2000 has served as head coach & professor of physical education at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges in Claremont. Val was inducted into the 3rd class of the Monache Athletic Hall of Fame on 4/13/19.

Kim began her athletic career by competing with her brothers Tim & Craig. Kim came to Monache in 1974, & competed in volleyball, basketball, & softball. Kim received the Double M Award for outstanding senior female athlete & in 1984 entered the Monache Girls Basketball Hall of Fame. Today, Kim lives in Reno with her husband Tony. They are active with Big Brothers Big Sisters & love teaching kids the fundamentals of athletics.

Mikayli Moore, 2019 ASB president, sat down with her grandpa Monte Moore and aunt Deonna Shake, who were both inducted into the first class of Monache’s Hall of Fame. During high school, Deonna was the first female basketball player to score a career 1,000 points. Monte supported organized athletic fundraisers such as the Big League Golf-a-Rama. Mikayli captained the cross country, soccer, and track teams the last four years.

In the first episode of Meet Me at Monache, Kelly Sullivan Focke (Class of 1991) interviews Cheyenne Lembke (Class of 2007). Kelly Focke teaches Earth and Space Science at Monache and Cheyenne recently visited her class as a guest speaker, sharing her experience as a meteorologist in the United States Air Force. Cheyenne graduated from Monache High School in 2009 and is a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force.