Petition to Rename the George C. Bliss Football Field at Skyline High School, Oakland, Cal
Petition to Rename the George C. Bliss Football Field at Skyline High School, Oakland, Cal
The Issue
We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Oakland Unified School District and the Skyline High School administration to rename the Skyline High School football field in honor of two extraordinary individuals: Coach Anthony (Tony) Fardella and Coach John Beam.
Both Coach Fardella and Coach Beam dedicated countless years to guiding students and shaping the lives of hundreds through their leadership, mentorship, and unwavering passion for education and sports. Their contributions have left a legacy and renaming the football field is a fitting tribute to their remarkable impact on generations of students and the Oakland community.
About Coach Anthony (Tony) Fardella (December 1931 – January 2012)
Coach Fardella was a longtime and beloved football coach and teacher at Skyline High School. Born and raised in San Francisco, he began his coaching career at Oakland High School in 1963 before transitioning to Skyline High School in 1969. Under his leadership, Skyline’s football team achieved multiple OAL championships and several undefeated seasons. Coach Fardella retired from coaching after the 1986 season and from teaching in 1992, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.
About Coach John Beam
Coach John Beam (65) coaching career began in San Diego, California, before he and his wife Cindi moved to the Bay Area. At Skyline High School, Coach Beam led the football team to numerous championships during the 1980’s and 1990’s. He later continued his impactful career at Laney College, where he achieved significant success and positively influenced countless athletes. Beyond coaching, Coach Beam has devoted his life to helping families in Oakland, both on and off the field. Although he plans to retire as Laney College’s head coach, he will continue serving as Laney’s Athletic Director, ensuring his contributions to Oakland’s communities endure.
Renaming the football field in their honor would forever commemorate the immense influence these two remarkable coaches have had on the lives of students, athletes and the Oakland community.
PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION BEFORE DECEMBER 25, 2024 - THANK YOU
154
The Issue
We, the undersigned, respectfully petition the Oakland Unified School District and the Skyline High School administration to rename the Skyline High School football field in honor of two extraordinary individuals: Coach Anthony (Tony) Fardella and Coach John Beam.
Both Coach Fardella and Coach Beam dedicated countless years to guiding students and shaping the lives of hundreds through their leadership, mentorship, and unwavering passion for education and sports. Their contributions have left a legacy and renaming the football field is a fitting tribute to their remarkable impact on generations of students and the Oakland community.
About Coach Anthony (Tony) Fardella (December 1931 – January 2012)
Coach Fardella was a longtime and beloved football coach and teacher at Skyline High School. Born and raised in San Francisco, he began his coaching career at Oakland High School in 1963 before transitioning to Skyline High School in 1969. Under his leadership, Skyline’s football team achieved multiple OAL championships and several undefeated seasons. Coach Fardella retired from coaching after the 1986 season and from teaching in 1992, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration.
About Coach John Beam
Coach John Beam (65) coaching career began in San Diego, California, before he and his wife Cindi moved to the Bay Area. At Skyline High School, Coach Beam led the football team to numerous championships during the 1980’s and 1990’s. He later continued his impactful career at Laney College, where he achieved significant success and positively influenced countless athletes. Beyond coaching, Coach Beam has devoted his life to helping families in Oakland, both on and off the field. Although he plans to retire as Laney College’s head coach, he will continue serving as Laney’s Athletic Director, ensuring his contributions to Oakland’s communities endure.
Renaming the football field in their honor would forever commemorate the immense influence these two remarkable coaches have had on the lives of students, athletes and the Oakland community.
PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION BEFORE DECEMBER 25, 2024 - THANK YOU
154
The Decision Makers
Supporter Voices
Petition created on November 20, 2024