San Dieguito Alumni Visit SDA
The annual Founder’s Day event was held in the media center last Friday. Senior alumni from the graduating classes of ’41 all the way through ’63 attended, sharing stories, smiles, and snacks provided by the Culinary Arts class.
Alumni were greeted with a badge and a slideshow to help them reminisce on times gone by. The main topic of the afternoon was the changes that the school has undergone.
“When the school became an academy, the district would use terminology like ‘we’re closing down San Dieguito High School; we’re starting a new school,’ said Bonnie Wren, head of the Alumni Foundation. “People were so angry that the district had killed their school.”
However, the alumni at the event seemed at peace with the changes that had happened to their school.
“We’ve been working really hard to reconnect with the alumni. We explain what it means to be called an ‘academy’ and by the time we’re done talking about it, they’re okay with it,” Wren said.
Alumni were happy to share their stories about friends, dating, drama, and even the legendary football team. Each person said how much they enjoyed their time at San Dieguito and how many joyful memories they’ve made. Despite the changes the school has faced, many expressed that their love for San Dieguito is something that’s stayed the same.
After the Founder’s Day event ended, more alumi arrived at SDA for the induction of Tom Dempsey into the SDA Hall of Fame, which took place by the bell tower. A graduate of 1964, Dempsey is the second San Dieguito graduate to be inducted into the SDA Hall of Fame. He was chosen for his record for the longest field goal at 63 yards, which he accomplished in 1970 during his time with the New Orleans Saints.
A councilman read the Encinitas Proclamation to those attending, officially declaring Oct. 14, 2016 to be Tom Dempsey Day.
