Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/698448
22 June 30 • 2016 metro » continued from page 20 "I had great teachers and a lot of friends. It was just a close-knit commu- nity," she says. "[Hockey great] Gordie Howe's son, Mark, was a year ahead of us. All the girls would follow him around as we would walk through the halls." Other notable Southfield-Lathrup graduates include Quicken Loans and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, Groupon co-founder Eric Lefkofsky and Sheldon Yellen, CEO of Birmingham- based Belfor Holdings Inc. Sportscaster Jeff Lesson, 55, of West Bloomfield, launched his successful broadcasting career at Southfield- Lathrup. The 1978 alum hosts the award-winning show "Lesson on Golf," which airs on 97.1 FM "The Ticket." His sportscasts can also be heard on WWJ-AM radio. Back in high school, Lesson's voice first hit the airwaves on the school's in-house radio station, WSLH. "I did sportscasts, commentary and play-by-play for Southfield-Lathrup and Southfield High basketball, football and baseball," he says. "My commen- tary was called 'Lesson's Look' which later evolved into 'Lesson on Golf.'" Pam Zager-Maya, 44, of Hollywood, Fla., was a cheerleader at all of those big games. She was also president of the class of 1990, a softball player and a member of several clubs. Today, she serves as vice president of market- ing for the National Hockey League's Florida Panthers and the BB&T Center arena in Sunrise, Fla., near Fort Lauderdale. "I was blessed to attend a school and grow up in an area where my friends were from different cultures, backgrounds and religions," she says. "I believe my generation led the way in accepting diversity in our community. The halls of Southfield-Lathrup are where we all came together." What will become of the old high school? This fall, students from University High School Academy, UPREP and MacArthur University Academy grades 2-8 will occupy the building. Many former and current students expressed their sadness on social media. "I was just in Detroit visiting fam- ily and friends, and I had no idea I would never be able to take a trip down memory lane again," Simlak wrote on her Facebook page. "I would have made a special trip to walk the halls and visit my old classrooms with my daughter for the last time. There is a special bond I have with all of my fel- low Southfield-Lathrup alumni that I cannot put into words." * 'There is a special bond I have with all of my fellow Southfield- Lathrup alumni that I cannot put into words.' — Renee Simlak KIDS' ART CAMP AIMED AT CANCER The Lori Haber Buckfire Foundation was created in the memory of Lori Haber Buckfire, who passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 41. The foundation provides financial support for the Planet Lori Art Camp at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center (BBAC) for children ages 5-15 who had or have a parent or close relative with cancer. Art is used to help children commu- nicate, overcome stress and heal from tragedy. The next camp session will be 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. Aug. 22-26. Scholarships will be provided on a first-come basis prior to July 15. For information, visit www. planetlori.com. * Contest Winner MAZEL TOV! Paula Freed Vertin of Southfield is our weekly winner of a $100 gift cer- tificate to Steven Lelli's Inn on the Green. Want your chance? All you have to do is like the Jewish News on Facebook. One winner will be chosen each week! Paula Freed Vertin Shop on-line at www.Johnnypomodoros.com VISIT JOHNNY'S FOR ALL YOUR DELI NEEDS Deli Nosh at Johnny Pomodoro's $ 10 OFF Any Deli or Dairy Tray Coupon expires 7/5/2016. Must Present Coupon. One Coupon per Family per day. Cannot be combined with any other coupons or offers. PLU 428 32906 Middlebelt Road at 14 Mile Road 248-855-0007 Delivery Available Locally Owned and Operated by Dan and Julie Sonenberg Min 10 people Vienna Skinless or Natural Casing Hot Dogs $ 7.99lb Coupon expires 7/5/2016. Must Present Coupon. One Coupon per Family per day. Cannot be combined with any other coupons or offers. PLU 388