UPDATE, Aug 15: Application for dinner reservations has been extended through Saturday, Aug. 18. All proceeds go toward Ballard High School's athletics and music programs. Register here.

Life-time Ballard resident and the man who taught Ballard how to drive, Mick McDonald, will be the guest of honor at the 12th Annual Ballard High School Foundation "Golf Classic Dinner of Champions."

The Golf Classic Dinner of Champions, held on Monday, Aug. 20, is a golf tournament and dinner held by the BHS Foundation to help raise money for athletics and music -- both of which are programs constantly being cut and slimmed down in school budgets everywhere.

There are varying levels of dinner reservations that can be made for the dinner, from $75 to $150 per person. Reservations must be made by Monday, Aug. 13. Most slots for the golf tournament are full, but it doesn't hurt to ask in case someone drops out.

Ballard News-Tribune recently sat down and talked with McDonald for a front page story, after funding for the driver's ed program, which he taught for 44 years, was cut. Now he is retired and enjoying life the way it should be enjoyed (that is: relaxing, having fun and traveling).

McDonald first moved to Ballard when he was seven, and he "never really left," according to a BHS Foundation press release. He graduated from BHS, where he was a proud part of the 1956 city champion football team and an award-winning baseball player. He then came back to BHS as a teacher, first for Health/P.E. and then as founder of the drivers ed program and a baseball coach. His 1981, 1982 and 1983 teams were all metro champions.

McDonald had this to say in the press release:

"I consider myself to be a most fortunate man to have had the privilege to not only attend BHS but to spend my working career at this wonderful institution. BHS is indeed 'stamped' into my heart. Thanks, BHS, for all the memories."