After vanishing for three years, the bell tower is finally being put back up. The old tower was first built in 1960.

Throughout the years there have been many rumors spread about San Dieguito Academy’s bell tower. “It’s been said to hold the ashes of previous seniors who graduated years ago, have secret tunnels and even hold rations from WWll,” said Assistant Principal Jeanne Jones.

According to Jones, the original bell tower was taken down about three years ago in order to make room for the construction of the performing arts center. It is being put back up due to students’ complaints that it is an important symbol of the school. In order to raise money to reconstruct the bell tower, students, with the help with the foundation, organized a campaign titled “Bring Back the Bell.” As part of the campaign, students collected money in their homerooms last year.

The new bell tower is being built using bricks taken from the old tower, and the basic design will be the same except for the fact that it will be slightly taller in size. The old bell has been put on display in the principal’s office.

Walking into school throughout September you may have noticed the incomplete and unfamiliar brick structure stationed near the performing arts center. Seniors, however, most likely recognized it as a new version of the bell tower that was there during their freshman year. Many seniors were sad to see it go and are glad to see that it is back. “I think it’s an important part of our school, because it’s a piece of our history and it wasn’t right that they took it down without asking the student body” said senior Katie Ehlers.

The bell tower is significant and brings up memories for many seniors of their earlier years at SDA. “It’s definitely something that has been an important part of campus for a long time and the fact that it was taken down is really sad,” said senior Sara Rodas, “plus the original bell tower was the one they used to ring at sports games, so it’s obviously very historical and important.”