Westminster High School (Westminster, California)
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| Westminster High School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| 14325 Goldenwest Street Westminster, California 92683 United States |
|
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Established | September 10, 1959 |
| School district | Huntington Beach Union High School District |
| Principal | Shirley Vaughn |
| Faculty | 109 |
| Number of students | 2647 |
| Color(s) | Red, black and white |
| Mascot | Leo, the British lion |
| Website | Westminster High School |
Westminster High School is a public secondary school located in Westminster, California. It is part of the Huntington Beach Union High School District.
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The school's name and traditions are derived from Westminster Abbey in London, England. The school colors of red, black and white are those of the Queen's Guard, and the school's mascot, Leo the lion, is a national animal of England.[1]
The school opened on September 10, 1959 following population growth associated with the incorporation of Westminster in 1957. It covers approximately 57.1 acres (231,000 m2), including 5 acres (20,000 m2) of working farm land. The school serves students from Johnson Middle School, Warner Middle School, and Stacey Intermediate School. The high school gained State-wide notority through the late 1980s and early 1990s when mass Vietnamese immigrants hit the school and a huge violence outburst between ethnicities aka "Race Wars", especially between Viets and Hispanics. A student at the time quoted in an L.A. Times news article, "This is our country, and we're the minority in our own school," "The Mexican guys are causing all the problems," said a caucasian male at the time (Real Quote can be read from article on La times below).[citation needed] In 1991 a fight between Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans that occurred after school lead to a student being stabbed.[2]
Going into the early 2000s racial violence died down within the school.[citation needed]
As of 2006, the school enrollment totaled 2,647. The racial makeup of the student body was of 41.3% Asian, 39.1% Hispanic, 12.8% White, 3.5% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1.5% African American,and 1.4% Pacific Islander.[3]
In 2011, a former teacher and his wife were charged with sodomy, contributing to the delinquency of the minor, and possession of child pornography, based on encounters with a student that began in March 2009.[4][5]
[edit] Academics
Westminster High has won the Orange County Academic Decathlon, the third time in the last four years the school has claimed the championship in the annual competition. In 2011 Westminster wins the Orange County Academic Decathlon for the fourth time in five years.
[edit] Sports
Westminster High School athletes compete in the Golden West League of CIF's Southern Section.
[edit] Notable alumni
- Mark Eaton, Former NBA player for the Utah Jazz[6]
- Ryan Klesko, Former MLB Player[7]
- Debbie Green, Olympic volleyball player[8]
- Randy Kraft, serial killer[9]
- Penelope Spheeris, American director, producer, and screenwriter
[edit] References
- ^ "History". Westminster High School. http://www.whslions.com/profile_2_history.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-25.[dead link]
- ^ Rivera, Carla and Eric Licthblau. "After-School Fight Blamed on Ethnic Tension Unrest: A Westminster High student was knifed when Latino and Asian youngsters scuffled near the campus. But some authorities feel that race wasn't involved." Los Angeles Times. September 19, 1991. 1. Retrieved on December 16, 2010.
- ^ "School Accountability Report Card Reported for School Year 2005–06". http://www.hbuhsd.org/MyFiles/23/Template%20WHS%2006-07.pdf. Retrieved 2009-01-25.
- ^ Miller, Michael (22 April 2011). "Teacher placed on leave after arrest". HB Independent. http://www.hbindependent.com/news/tn-hbi-0428-shepard-20110420,0,5001305.story. Retrieved 25 April 2011.
- ^ Miller, Michael (25 April 2011). "Teacher charged with luring student into sexual relationship is placed on leave". Los Angeles Times. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/04/teacher-accused-of-forcing-student-to-email-nude-photos-of-himself.html. Retrieved 25 April 2011.
- ^ "Back Troubles Force Utah's Eaton to Retire", Los Angeles Times, September 29, 1994
- ^ "Westminster Alumnus Klesko Gives His Old Team Helping Hand", Mike Terry, Los Angeles Times, March 2, 1999.
- ^ "1984 Long Beach Olympians", Long Beach Press-Telegram, August 3, 2009.
- ^ "Randy Kraft's Triple Life Baffles Old-Time Friends", Jerry Hicks, Los Angeles Times, May 14, 1989.
