Mission Magazine Spring 2008 - Garces Memorial High School

A Message From the PresidentDear Friends,As our 60th Anniversary year draws to a close, I reflect back on the history of our school. FromSeptember 10, 1947, when Garces Memorial High School first opened its doors to 150 apprehensive butenthusiastic students, to the present day, we have grown into the premier high school in Bakersfield. Wehave witnessed many physical changes to our campus over the years. We have watched our curricularand extra-curricular programs expand. We have welcomed students and families from diverse ethnic,socio-economic, and religious backgrounds to experience this rich tradition. With this growth, with thischange, there has been and will always be one constant. We were, are, and will continue to be inspiredand directed by the doctrines and traditions of our Catholic faith.The past four years have brought many positive changes and additions to our school. Our Spiritual Retreat, Campus Ministry, andChristian Life Community programs, coupled with our four-year Theology curriculum, encourage and direct our students to continue togrow as People of Faith, as Children of God. The adoption of a block class period schedule, with individual classes meeting every otherday for 85 minutes of instruction, evaluation, and assessment, has enhanced and improved learning and is better preparing our studentsfor the rigors and challenges of the collegiate experience. Expanded Honors and Advanced Placement offerings continue to challengeour students to improve their intellectual growth. Our ever-increasing and always improving extra-curricular and athletic programsshowcase and highlight the many talents of our students and serve as a great sense of pride and accomplishment in the community.These past three years have brought many physical improvements to our school. The formation of a Chapel and Religious Center at theheart of the campus is currently under way. A science wing which will house biology, chemistry, and health classes will be completedthis summer. Improvements have been made to Monsignor Leddy Hall, our cafeteria, to allow it to house drama and fine artsproductions. The seating on both the home and visitor sides of Sam Tobias Field have been modernized. A beautiful athletic andtraining facility has been built to serve members of every sport, team, and physical education class. New scoreboards have beeninstalled; classrooms and restrooms have been renovated; landscape and design have been improved. All of these and the many otherunnamed projects have been made possible because of the generosity and concern of members of our community.Garces Memorial High School is more than just spiritual, academic, and extra-curricular programs. This institution is more than thebuildings and grounds that house our students. Our greatest assets, our most valued treasures, are the women and men who form theGarces Memorial community. Our students, present and future, along with you alumni, parents, former parents, and supportivecommunity members create a legacy for our school which is rich and deep. My heartfelt appreciation goes to each and every one of youfor your prayers and support. You are Garces Memorial High School.I want to thank Ms. Lou Ann Durrett for this beautiful edition of Mission Magazine. This past January, Lou Ann assumed theresponsibility of Director of Marketing and Alumni Relation. She brings to this position a wealth of knowledge and experience,coupled with exciting and innovative plans. Please take the opportunity to introduce yourself to her if you have not already had theopportunity to do so.May God bless each and every one of you. May God continue to bless Garces Memorial High School.John L. Fanucchi ’68PresidentEditor’s NoteI hope all of you enjoy this edition of Mission Magazine. At Garces Memorial, we are committed to keeping our alumni up to date onthe latest happenings and I personally look forward to hearing from each and everyone of you. I can be reached at (661) 327-2578ext. 129 or by email at ldurrett@garces.org. This edition is a little short on alumni news, but I hope once you read through it, you willreach out with updates and photos for us to include in the Fall edition.Warmest Regards,Lou Ann DurrettLou Ann DurrettDirector of Marketing & Alumni Relations