Saxon Education Foundation Receives $1000 Dollar Donation From the Classes of '56 and '57

On Feb. 22, the Saxon Education Foundation received a $3015 donation, $1000 came from the Class of ‘57 in honor of LaMoyne Mapes ‘56 and $2,015 came from the friends and family of Mapes. The donation and celebration were to honor Mapes who was an outstanding upperclassman during their years at South and he was a friend to all, including their class. For those reasons and many more, the Class of ’57 raised money and wanted it donated to honor their good friend and citizen who in spite of his struggles, he has always been a shining example to all for so many reasons. The Saxon Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that works towards enhancing academics at South. Although the classes of ‘56 and ‘57 graduated over 60 years ago, they are still contributing to allow South to gain more resources for the students and faculty. Mapes was in varsity football at North his sophomore year before he came to South and played varsity football during his junior and senior year. He was a valuable player for South’s first football team where they brought home the co-championship for the district and Mapes along with his other classmates are still involved in current South activities.
“The donation is to primarily honor LaMoyne, but also the class of ’57 and is made in his name but comes from the Class of ’57, generally known as the “baby Saxons” because we were the first class to go all 3 years and grew up, so to speak, as Saxons,” Gerry Thompson said. South was built in 1954 as the second public school in Salem. Prior to the opening of South, there was only one high school, called Salem High School, which is now known as North Salem High School. 
Who is LaMoyne Mapes?
Although he is not a member of the class of ‘57 [he graduated in ‘56], he embodied the pride of South’s school spirit throughout his many years since graduation. LaMoyne had a long career in the construction trade for the rest of his employment years.
“He was respected among all walks of life, raised three children, and supported his family not only financially but with excellent values,” Thompson said.
Mapes was born in Klamath Falls. His father was not consistently a part of Mapes’ life, while his mother struggled to raise Mapes and his three other siblings. Mapes was a star athlete for the school, but he could not afford a letterman’s jacket, which was worn by nearly all of the athletes at South. During his time at South, he was selected to the All-State second team, but some coaches believed he should have been in the first team because he led the Saxons two years in a row in rushing [he was considered “one of the best running backs in the state”]. On his 70th birthday, his family purchased him a letterman’s jacket with all of the badges he had received during his high school career.
Photos from the event:

Mape’s children are featured below.

The Mapes Family, Bill Sweeney and Yvonne Bashor featured below.