header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 29
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys


Commentary & Photos by Sarah Brewer Thompson
| Sunday, Aug 30, 2015

sarahbrewerthompson_mugFor most people in the Santa Clarita and Antelope valleys, Saturday was like most August days – hot, dry, uneventful. But for the communities of Acton and Agua Dulce, it was a day of joy and celebration … the culmination of more than a decade of work, support and hope that finally materialized in the official dedication of the new Vasquez High School campus.

For me, a proud 2006 graduate of Vasquez High School and K-12 attendee of the Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District, this day was combination of nostalgia and the surreal experience of setting foot on something we never thought would happen.

For those who could not attend, group tours can be arranged through the district before the fall semester starts Sept. 7.

The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Vasquez Principal Ty Devoe to the tremendous crowd of hundreds, which consisted of students – future, past and present – community members, local media and the dedicated staff of the district and school.

_cheer6Looking around the crowd, one could already see a few tears of joy, triumph and pride. The Boy Scouts of America performed the presentation of colors, with Vasquez High’s ASB Executive President Sammy Dene leading the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Then came a beautiful acapella rendition of “God Bless America” by the school’s advanced performing vocal ensemble, The Heard. After touching tributes, the JV and varsity cheerleaders – who got the crowd going with one of the home cheers – formed a sparkling purple and gold line down the center aisle, poms waving in the air to form a tunnel, to welcome the Acton-Agua Dulce Unified School District governing board through to the new outdoor stage, which will soon host its first homecoming assembly and pep rally.

_ribboncutting3Down the path came Superintendent Brent Woodard, board President Edward Porter, Vice President Mark Distaso, Clerk Mike Fox and board members Matthew Ridenour and Larry H. Layton. Also present were U.S. Rep. Steve Knight, Dean of Students Wendy Barnes, and district administrators Kim Lytle, Steve Budhraja, Willard Simmons and Paulette Beuchner.

Anyone familiar with the history of the school could not help but think about the struggle that led to this day.

 

Long Road

Vasquez High School opened in 1993 to a freshman class of about 70 students and operated alongside High Desert Junior High School at the district’s Crown Valley Road location. Then in 1999, with the campus hosting full classes of grades 7-12, the schools were divided and Vasquez High School moved to its current location off of Red Rover Mine Road.

Consisting entirely of portable buildings with no library, multi-purpose room or standard-sized cafeteria, students, staff and the community hoped these facilities were only temporary until a permanent campus could be funded and built.

Rep. Steve Knight congratulates Superinetndent Brent Woodard

Rep. Steve Knight congratulates Superinetndent Brent Woodard

As the years passed, the need for basics – a sit-in cafeteria, a multi-purpose room, a library, a gym (which had been closed) – along with the wear and tear on the modest portables drove the Vasquez High community to attempt to pass a bond measure to secure the funding that was needed to make the dream happen. After multiple losses at the polls, even despite the students’ and many community members’ support, hope was at an all-time low.

Then in 2008, bond measure CF passed, with the district at long last receiving approval for $13 million, which was matched by the state of California (to build the beautiful new gym that is still under construction, as well as other projects for the school).

Although the groundbreaking would come many years after the bond was approved, at long last, 2015 brought the completion of a large part of the new campus, much to the excitement of the students, families, staff and community supporters.

New science lab

New science lab

It was a lengthy uphill battle to bring all of this to fruition. The conflict over the bond measures divided members of the communities of Acton and Agua Dulce, with parents of students struggling with seeing their kids have poor conditions at the school, students who felt that their communities thought so little of them that they did not deserve a “real” school, and the community members who thought that either the new facilities were not necessary or that the bonds were not constructed in a practical way.

For the years of conflict and tension, the right bond passed at the right time, leading the way to a campus that is completely up-to-date in style and technology. So the few years of delay may have proven beneficial.

 

School board member Matthew Ridenaur

School board member Matthew Ridenaur

Bright Future

On Saturday, Superintendant Woodard greeted the crowd, expressing his happiness with the way the campus has turned out and his excitement for the many wonderful things to come. Acknowledging the divide of the past, Woodard said, “I hope that, regardless of whether you supported it at that time or not, you do now.”

By the looks of it, Vasquez High School is on a tremendous upswing, and this dedication marks the dawn of a wonderful, much-deserved new era for these small communities.

Following Woodard in a touching talk to the crowd, longtime Agua Dulce resident and school board president Edward Porter said that while many attendees never saw their children attend the new campus, the effort “was about something much bigger than that.” He spoke frankly with the audience, saying, “it was about uniting our community and providing a future and proper learning setting for our children: something that these exceptional kids truly deserve.”

_classrooms2Board member Larry H. Layton gave thanks to the many people it took over the years to make the new campus a reality. Not initially a support of the bond measures, it goes to show how the right bond and the right time was the key that resulted in facilities that exceed everyone’s expectations.

Then the moment came. Golden scissors glistened in the sun as the board cut the bright purple ribbons, marking the dedication of the school.

Also presented to the crowd was a bronze plaque that will be affixed to the front office bearing the names of the board members, the date of the dedication and the names of the architect, Christofi Architects Inc., and the contractor, JTS Construction.

Then The Heard and cheer squads took the stage one last time to perform a very special tribute: the alma mater of Vasquez High. Together they sang:

 

_program-almamater1We Stand together Vasquez High School

Purple and Gold shining so true

Guiding our path for all days

All through our lives we’ll always see you

In our hearts and minds we’ll keep you

With all of the knowledge you gave

We are Mustangs, we ride with pride

There’s no challenge in life we can’t face

We pledge forever Vasquez High School

Love and loyalty beside you

And though we must go, it remains

 

Gymnasium under construction

Gymnasium under construction

As the ceremony drew to a close, the crowd vibrated with excitement to see the new campus. Tours began at noon, with a delicious barbeque lunch provided free to guests, courtesy of the Acton Market Country Store.

Walking around the campus, visitors followed the excited students (athletes, ASB members, The Heard) as they showed proudly to the public their new facilities. From the two large science labs to the extra-large, shiny new culinary arts room to the band room (complete with storage for instruments and two practice rooms) to the state-of-the-art classrooms that will encourage student interaction, the new campus gleamed, as did the students and staff who will be filling it with life as the semester begins.

All in all, it was a big day for these small communities. It was a day with lots of tears of joy, laughter, pride, hugs and celebration. As a proud member of these communities, I congratulate everyone involved and cannot wait to see the Mustangs soar – through academics, art, sports, creativity and pride.

Thank you to all of those who have supported this project year after year. You have given a gift so tremendous that the future is brighter than ever for our youth.

Cheers to the Vasquez High School Mustangs!

 

 

Sarah Brewer Thompson was born and raised in Agua Dulce, where she learned to love and appreciate nature and history. She is a master’s student at California State University, Northridge, and a docent at Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park. Her areas of interest are local history, archaeology and animal studies.

 



















Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

20 Comments

  1. Awesome article Sarah!!

  2. Judi Baker Judi Baker says:

    This is a wonderful article, Sarah! Great photos, too! I’m so thrilled for the students and staff that will be attending VHS! Hopefully this will bring a new, exciting era of pride and learning for these communities.

  3. Lisa Smith says:

    Glad it finally happened but, good grief, terribly awkward writing. No acknowledgment of all the community leaders responsible for this finally coming to fruition and who stuck with it for years. “Community who didn’t care about the students enough to build a real campus”? Good Lord, get over yourself Brewer.

  4. Linda Harbeson says:

    Thanks for the great story on the wonderful day of triumph for our communities Sarah! It has been a long time coming and I am thrilled, after serving on 3 bond committees, to see the new VHS come true!! I hope the students appreciate all the hard work of so many to make this happen and they love and take good care of their beautiful new school. Go Mustangs!

  5. My peanut is in this picture! Grammie and Grandpa love you

  6. Shawn Curry Shawn Curry says:

    Mines the tall one front and center. So proud

  7. C. Harris says:

    Way to go CHEER

  8. This is so great! Our daughter was in the first class to graduate from Vasquez in 1997, our son followed on 2000. Congratulations to the students, faculty and community of Acton-Agua Dulce! So well deserved!

  9. Jesse Teel Jesse Teel says:

    Holy crap. I never thought it would happen as a class of 2000 graduate. Congratulations Acton and Agua Dulce

  10. Way to represent ladies and gentleman!

  11. This is wonderful! The students have waited a long time for this. Now, can we work start working on the huge bullying problem that is running rampant there?

  12. Great event. Ridiculously awkward writing of a very important story. You also left out many important people who saw this through. Self-centered as usual.

  13. Patricia Brewer says:

    Wow Lisa, so much hating going on. How many times are you going to reply the same thing. The story Sarah wrote gave a brief history on the struggle to build the school, and it finally being a reality. Everyone I have talked to said the story was so beautifully written. But if you want to write your own story about all of the people along the way who helped, I would love to read it. They are all important, and there would have been to many to list in a story that was really about the new facility and the excitement surrounding it. I didn’t think we lived in a society where we trash those around us who do not write what we want them to write. You don’t have to like the article, but really, Lisa, to post twice in 2 days, how much you hated it is really odd. Kind of scary, actually!

    • Ed Porter says:

      Thank you Sarah for all the time and effort that you put into researching and writing this great article. Your style was engaging and while I know nearly all the facts, there were refreshing points and memories brought up that were quite pleasant. Throughout the groundbreaking ceremony, numerous pivotal board meetings and many other public forums, the countless contributors of this colossal project have been sufficiently thanked and recognized. Sadly a few are no longer with us, and also sadly, many did not see their own kids attend the new VHS. (Also remember that some brd members that did not speak, has lengthy speeches at the ground breaking, so much was recognized over a long period through repeated rounds of recognition.

      Saturday was about something else. It was a celebration of a new beginning… And the article was appropriately focusing on the event as a whole and it also provided a brief background history. I think that it was compelling, well-written and creative. As a trained writer myself, I would give her an A+.

      The single criticism pointed at her here seems to have a personal nature and I believe that the inappropriate forum in which the commenter chooses to air out this grievance, speaks volumes about its lack of validity…

  14. Jay Panico says:

    Congratulations Acton and Agua Dulce! I’m a proud graduate of Vasquez Class of 2000! I’m so happy to hear that the campus is built. We were the first class to graduate on the new campus. All the best!

  15. Lisa Smith says:

    Brewer – you’re the one using the word ‘hate’. Didn’t know both comments would show up in the same string. And I have no desire to write or I would. Let’s stick to the point: Awkward writing/reporting and self-centered perspective. But, that’s Leon’s problem I guess. Thanks

    • SCVNews.com says:

      Not going to step into this except to point out that it is clearly labeled “commentary” and it appears in the op-ed/commentary section.

  16. Lisa Smith says:

    Fair enough. And to be honest, I generally never read Sarah’s stories (yawn) but, this was an extremely important event for our communitees and I did not see any other coverage by SCVTV.

  17. Sarah Brewer says:

    Thank you guys and gals for the kind words. It sure was a really emotional day for so many there, in the best possible way. It means so much coming from people like you, the alumni, those who served/still serve on the boards and committees, and those community supporters who thrilled this has finally happened. I can only imagine the excitement of the seniors this year that just started this week, and the staff settling into their new offices and classroom. I bet the campus must just be abuzz. Such a great thing all around.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1928 - Little dam victim, thought unidentified & buried in SCV, actually ID'd & buried in Chatsworth [story]
Newhall Cowboys
Los Angeles County Public Works is updating the Los Angeles County Bicycle Master Plan.
April 16:  County Bicycle Master Plan Virtual Community Meeting
College of the Canyons mens golf got back on track during its return to conference play on Monday, carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
SCVNews.com