ONCE A RAIDER, ALWAYS A RAIDER!
Southwest High School celebrated its 50th anniversary last Friday with gala homecoming activities at Otay Ranch High School, which stood in for the South San Diego school’s regular athletic field because of a stadium modernization project
There was an alumni reception prior to the parade by decades featuring former principals at the school, including Lee Romero, John DeVore, Luis Maestre and current principal Easter Finley. Ed Bajet, a 1979 alumnus, served as Grand Marshal for homecoming. He eventually returned to Southwest High School in an administrative (assistant principal for student activities) and coaching role (football, track and wrestling).
The school opened in September 1975 to 10th and 11th graders only. It was the newest high school in the Sweetwater Union High School District at the time. In fact, the next time a new high school was opened was when Eastlake High School opened in 1992. A lot of new teachers and recent transfers helped open the school. As such, there were growing pains and challenges with opening a brand-new school.
September 1976 was the first time the school had all three grade levels. At that time, high school was grades 10-12. Junior High School was grades 7-9. The school was in its infancy, so sports and other academic programs were still developing. However, some early teachers and students went on to become accomplished coaches and administrators within the district. Ed Brand, Bob Arciaga and Fred Sills were some of the founding coaches. Dave Gonzales and Ron Pietila were teachers who went on to coach at other schools and develop great programs and athletes. The very first graduating class was the Class of 1977. Students from the classes of 1977, 1978 and 1979 were affectionately known as “The Originals.”
The 50th celebration included a homecoming assembly, football pep rally and game-time parade. The Raiders won the football game, 27-20, in overtime to retain rivalry rights to the golden shovel trophy.
Homecoming queen Diane Sandoval (dancer in halftime show) and Homecoming king Dylan Zarsosa (center on the football team) enjoy the fireworks show.
