Famous Placer High School Alumni: Auburn’s Legacy of Talent, Service, and Achievement
Placer High School is more than a historic campus in the heart of Auburn, California. It is one of the most recognizable pieces of local identity in the foothills, with roots that go back to the late 1800s.
Over the decades, Placer High has helped shape students who went on to make an impact far beyond Auburn. From Olympic competition and professional sports to military aviation, politics, coaching, and the arts, Placer’s alumni story reflects the character of this community: hardworking, independent, resilient, and proud of its foothill roots.
Clarence “Bud” Anderson: World War II Flying Ace
One of Placer High School’s most legendary alumni is Clarence “Bud” Anderson, a 1939 graduate who became one of the most respected fighter pilots of World War II.
Anderson was a three-time World War II flying ace who flew 116 combat missions. His story is one of courage, discipline, and service, and he remains one of the most respected military figures connected to Auburn.
Dean “Diz” Laird: A Naval Aviation Legend
Dean “Diz” Laird, also connected to Placer High’s Class of 1939, became another extraordinary aviation figure.
Laird is recognized as the only known U.S. Navy ace to shoot down both German and Japanese aircraft during World War II. His service places him among a very small and historic group of American military aviators.
The fact that both Anderson and Laird came from Placer High’s 1939 class is remarkable. Their stories give Auburn a direct connection to some of the most dramatic moments in American military history.
Stacy Dragila: Olympic Gold Medalist
Stacy Dragila is one of the most famous athletes connected to Placer High School and Auburn.
An Auburn native, Dragila became the first Olympic gold medalist in women’s pole vault when the event debuted at the 2000 Summer Olympics. She also became a multiple-time world champion and helped bring national attention to women’s pole vaulting.
Before she became an Olympic champion, Dragila developed her athletic foundation here in the foothills. Her story is a reminder that world-class talent can come from smaller communities with strong support, determination, and opportunity.
Jeff Blauser: Major League Baseball Player
Jeff Blauser is another Placer High name with national recognition.
He went on to play Major League Baseball, most notably with the Atlanta Braves, and built a professional career that included more than a decade in the majors.
For local sports fans, Blauser’s career is a reminder that major league talent can come from communities like Auburn, where athletes often grow up with strong local support and deep school pride.
Eddie Vanderdoes: NFL Defensive Tackle
Eddie Vanderdoes, a Placer High graduate, became one of Auburn’s most highly recruited football players before going on to play college football at UCLA.
He was later drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, bringing Placer High and Auburn back into the professional sports spotlight.
His story is especially meaningful to many local families because it is recent enough that many Auburn residents remember watching him play under the Friday night lights at Placer.
Lisa Mispley Fortier: Collegiate Basketball Coach
Lisa Mispley Fortier, Placer High Class of 1999, went on to become the head women’s basketball coach at Gonzaga University.
She played basketball and track at Placer before building a successful career in collegiate athletics and coaching.
Her path reflects another kind of Placer High success story: not just athletic ability, but leadership, discipline, education, and the ability to help others grow.
Other Notable Placer High Connections
Placer High’s alumni list also includes names connected to politics, entertainment, art, football, and broadcasting.
Public alumni lists include figures such as actor Brad Johnson, artist Jason Rhoades, former NFL player Lee Murchison, and political figure Buffy Wicks.
One important note is that some public figures are connected to Placer High as alumni or attendees, but not every name is clearly documented as a graduate. For that reason, it is better to refer to this group as notable alumni and Placer High connections unless graduation is specifically confirmed.
Why This Matters to Auburn
Auburn is often described through its scenery, trails, historic downtown, and access to the Sierra foothills. But the people who come from Auburn are just as much a part of the story.
Placer High School has been a gathering place for generations of local families. Its alumni include war heroes, Olympic athletes, professional players, coaches, public servants, and artists.
Their stories show that Auburn may be a smaller community, but it has never been a small place in terms of character, talent, or ambition.
For families considering a move to Auburn, schools are often part of the larger lifestyle conversation. Placer High’s history is one more reminder that this area has deep roots, strong traditions, and a community identity that continues to shape future generations.
Closing Thought
The story of Placer High School is really the story of Auburn itself: historic, proud, hardworking, and deeply connected.
The famous alumni who walked its halls are part of that legacy, but so are the generations of students, teachers, coaches, and families who continue to make Placer High a central part of life in Auburn, California.
