San Diego High School has been part of our city’s story for more than a century. Founded in 1882, it is the oldest public high school in San Diego and one of the oldest in California. Generations of students have walked its halls, learned from dedicated teachers, and gone on to shape the future of our community. San Diego High has always been more than just a school — it is a landmark of education, pride, and tradition in our city.
In 2016, that legacy faced a serious challenge when plans were proposed that could have led to the demolition of this historic San Diego High campus. However, something powerful happened. The people of San Diego stood up for this school. Citizens, alumni, parents, and community members came together to protect this important piece of San Diego history.
Students themselves played an extraordinary role. After school and on their own time, they walked neighborhoods, knocked on doors, and worked the phones to spread the word and build support. Their passion showed that San Diego High School is not just about the past — it is about the future and the voices of the students who carry that future forward.
Thanks to the efforts of students, San Diego citizens, the San Diego Unified School District, and the San Diego City Council, the school was saved for another 99 years. That partnership between the community and its leaders protected a historic institution while allowing it to continue growing.
Today, with the opening of the new 100 Building, we celebrate another chapter in the long history of San Diego High School. This building represents progress, opportunity, and the continued investment in the education of our young people.
San Diego High School is still making history — and it is doing so because a community came together to protect something that matters. Together, we honored the past, strengthened the present, and built for the future.
As President of the San Diego High School Alumni Association, I have a job to do, and I see my role as both an honor and a responsibility. My job, along with the dedicated members of our Board of Directors, is to help preserve and share the rich history, traditions, and legacy of San Diego High School. We work to ensure that the stories of the generations who came before us are not forgotten, and that the values and spirit of this historic school continue to inspire those who walk these halls today.
San Diego High School has shaped the lives of countless students for well over a century, and it is our mission to keep that history alive — not only to celebrate the past, but to connect it to the present and the future. By preserving its legacy, we honor the generations who built this school and help ensure that future generations will understand the pride, resilience, and community that define San Diego High School.
Because San Diego High is not just a place — it is a living history, and together we are committed to carrying that story forward.
Eddie ’73