Aptos Junior High School was the venue for a scenario often duplicated but seldom for the longevity of the subject of this article.
        It was post-WWII and the world was at peace. Students at Aptos were banging the tennis ball against the gym wall, playing volleyball in the playground or softball on the hardtop between the school and the grassy field used for soccer.
        This is where four buddies, Ron Davis S52, Mel Desin F52, Gary Gustafson S52 and Bill Spallas (Sacred Heart S53), solidified their friendship and have remained friends to this day.

Standing: Ron Davis S52, Front Row: Gary Gustafson S52, Bill Spallas (Sacred Heart S53), and Mel Desin F52 at Bill's recent birthday party.

        Lincoln, at that particular time, had a rather undesirable reputation and although the school was only two blocks from their residence, Bill Spallas’ mother decided it would be prudent to send him to Sacred Heart for his education. This, however, did not deter Bill from ‘hanging out’ with his buddies at Lincoln. In fact he was there so much that Principal, J.B. Hill, did not challenge his presence and possibly believed that Bill was a student there.
        This very special friendship continues today.
        Bill Spallas recently celebrated his 70th birthday in Sacramento, and buddies Ron, Mel and Gary, along with Dave Cordano F51, Bob Estes S52 and Angelo Pappas came from various cities in the Bay Area to help him celebrate.
        After high school these fast and true friends went separate ways but always managed to stay in touch and visit each other.
        Ron Davis chose education as his vocation and retired as principal of an elementary school.  He remains a very motivated and integral part of your Alumni Association, helping Lincoln to maintain its status as the school of choice in San Francisco.
        Gary Gustafson is President of Saw Mill Co., Mel Desin is a retired electrical contractor, and Bill Spallas is a sales rep for Atlas Disposal in Sacramento.
        There have been over 34,000 students graduate from Lincoln High School. There are a lot of stories waiting to be told. Do you have one to share? Send it to LincAlum@aol.com or send it  snailmail to: ALHS Alumni Association, Attn: Lincoln Log, 2162-24th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94116.