SUNSET HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1968
"Remember the Bison Speaks"
Dr. Henry H. Johns, Jr. ( Sunset class of 1935), legendary voice of Bo Bison, passed away on December 10, 2007 at 91. Johns began his teaching career at Sunset in 1944, and began the tradition of the Bison speech in 1952. He taught at Sunset until 1960, then later was the district’s foreign language supervisor. He returned to Sunset late in his career. Johns’ identity as speaker was a closely kept secret. “I am the spirit of Sunset,” the speech began. “I am the symbol of heritage...of splendid achievement and fine people who have made Sunset what it is today.” The speech was traditional at homecoming pep rallies until 2006. When Dr. Johns’ identity was made public in 2002, his old classroom was dedicated in his honor. A memorial service was held on December 14, 2007. All of the pallbearers were Sunset graduates, and many more Bisons were in attendance at the service. A SIMPLE PHONE CALL On Friday, December 7, 2007 I received an email from a Sunset class member of 1970, Mr. Chris Taylor. Chris is the younger brother of Steve Taylor from our class of 1968. Our own Jerry Holsworth (class of 1968) informed me that Chris would be in contact. Now for the rest of the story. Chris Taylor developed a lasting friendship with a gentleman by the name of Dr. H.H. Johns. Chris told me that this was the man behind the Bison Speaks. Their friendship was at a gym and they worked out together. Chris spoke of Dr. Johns’ illness and how his legs had failed him due to an inherited, genetic disease. His body was frail, but his spirit was good. Chris wanted someone from the Sunset Alumni Association to drop in to visit or send him a card. I sent out the information, but something told me to go see this man. I took my 1968 Sundial hoping that Dr. Johns would grace me with his autograph. When I arrived at the hospital Dr. Johns was in physical therapy. I wanted to wait because I knew what a wonderful opportunity it would be to meet this man. Soon the nurse rolled this distinguished man into a room and she told him he had a visitor. The minute we met, we both knew we were Bisons. I introduced myself and we visited for almost a half hour. I did get his autograph, and I left my phone number in case he needed anything. As I left the hospital, my renewed Spirit of Sunset was greater than I could imagine. On the following Monday, December 10, 2007 I received a phone call from a lady named Vicki Sonnier. She told me she was Dr. Johns’ niece and she had found my telephone number from the Board of the Sunset Alumni Association. Vicki then informed me that Dr. Johns had passed away that day, and she wanted the Alumni Association to know. Members of the Alumni Board and other Bisons were pallbearers at Dr. Johns’ funeral. I will fast forward to Saturday, March 14, 2009. Vicki Sonnier and her son, Steve Sonnier, presented yours truly and the Alumni Association with the original script that Dr. Johns wrote and a CD of the Voice of the Bison Speaks. The Alumni Association and I would like to thank two Bisons, Mr. Chris Taylor (class of 1970) and Mr. Jerry Holsworth (class of 1968), for being outstanding Bisons. With just a simple phone call one’s life can be changed forever. Mike Conway Class of 1968
"I am the Spirit of Sunset. I am the symbol of a heritage of splendid achievements and fine people who have made Sunset what it is today. Remembering our motto, 'Spirit, Knowledge, Friendship', you who are students here will strive to develop yourselves into individuals of whom I, the Spirit of Sunset can be proud. Since Sunset stands for the highest scholastic attainments, you will increase your knowledge and your power to reason. You will develop and keep throughout your life worthy and true friendships with other Bisons. You will uphold our tradition of clean sportsmanship, fighting hard but fairly, seeking not self-glory, but glory for our
Click the player below to hear
"The Bison Speak"
Dr. H.H. Johns
The Voice and Author of
"THE BISON SPEAKS"
