When Dr. Ray Nagashima graduated from Ranum High School in 1976, he and his classmates shared a unique bond that was strengthened by the bicentennial spirit of the nation's 200th anniversary. History, it seems, was especially important to that class.

 

“We were a very close class,” Nagashima recalls. “We stayed active and in touch.” From reunions and cruises to weekly taco nights, the Class of '76 made a point of staying connected.

 

Connected over the years and miles that followed graduation.

 

After high school, Nagashima ventured far from Westminster. He attended Stanford University, returned to Colorado for medical school, and built a successful career as an ophthalmologist. For almost half a century, Ranum and his high school friends have held a special place in his heart.

 

Nagashima says that enduring camaraderie owes much to Sue Sparks, whom he describes as the glue of their class. “Sue was the one who kept us together,” he says.

 

“I always knew I’d come back,” he says “Colorado was home.”

 

Even during the busiest years of his career, Nagashima stayed connected to his roots. He volunteered as faculty at the CU School of Medicine and remained involved with his alma mater along with being a parent to a son and a daughter.

 

 

During a reunion planning session, the idea for the Spirit of ’76 Scholarship emerged. “Sue suggested we do something meaningful to give back,” he recalls.

 

The scholarship, funded by the Class of '76, awards $7,600 to a WPS student spread out over four years. “It was Sue’s idea, and we all thought, ‘That’s perfect,’” Ray says.

 

Now in its 10th year, the scholarship helps deserving students while keeping the Class of '76 connected to their community. “It’s a way for us to stay involved and give back,” he says proudly.

 

 

Since retiring six years ago, Nagashima has devoted himself to community service. He serves on the Westminster Public Schools Foundation board, finding purpose in contributing to education.

 

“For a lot of retired physicians, there’s a void when they leave their practice,”he explains. “Joining the foundation allowed me to stay engaged.”

 

Nagashima is also passionate about conservation. As a member of Trout Unlimited, he combines environmental stewardship with his love of fly fishing. “We clean up a stream, then fish in the afternoon,” he says with a smile.

 

 

Nagashima’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of support. Raised by a widowed mother, he faced financial challenges but persevered with the help of scholarships.

 

“If I could succeed, so can you,” he tells today’s students. “Life wasn’t easy. I worked at a sewage treatment plant one summer to afford Stanford. Scholarships made my education possible, which is why the Spirit of ’76 Scholarship is so important to me.”

 

 

This successful graduate hopes current students will carry forward the sense of connection that defines the Class of '76. “You don’t have to live here to stay connected,” he says. “No matter where life takes you, you can always stay linked to your roots.”

 

 

Do you know a remarkable Ranum or Westy graduate? Nominate them for What’s Up WPS by emailing communications@wps.org.