Founder's Day Marks the 75th Anniversary for San Dieguito Academy

"I think this is tremendous," said Encinitas Mayor, James Bond. "I think it is terrific for the city of Encinitas, and for San Dieguito. God Bless all of you for coming out here and celebrating your high school."

Extending his congratulations, Mayor James Bond presented the San Dieguito Academy (SDA) High School alumni in attendance and Bonnie Wren, the San Dieguito Alumni Coordinator, with a proclamation on behalf of the city of Encinitas.

Also honoring the veteran alumni, which included most men in attendance, students handed out commemorative San Dieguito veteran pins. SDA junior and senior students from the associated student body and journalism classes filled the media center along with founding alumni to hear their stories and tales of pranks back in the day. John Crowson, class of '42, said "Looking down at the field took us back. Our senior year someone from Vista High School came over and burned a 'V' with kerosene in the lawn. We weren't too happy about it, so we went over there and did their lawn in polka dots."

Over cookies and lemonade, 1930s and 40s music filled the room, setting the tone to take everyone back in time to the beginning days of San Dieguito High School. Bud Bunyard, class of '43 said, "I didn't have a favorite teacher, I got along with everyone." While talking with a student named Clayton, Bunyard swapped surfing stories of hitting the local beaches then and now, and activities he was involved in on campus.

The oldest founding alum in attendance, Henry Knorr, from class of 1939, said he was disappointed because he had been looking forward to getting in contact with more of the girls from his class. "The men I know I'm already in touch with," he said. "But the girls, they move away and change their names. Who knows where they all are now."

Wren, the SDA Alumni Coordinator, had an interview room set up for alumni to come in and record an oral history of their time at San Dieguito and life after high school. "We've lost so much memorabilia over the years," said Wren, "it's important for us to record this history." With students at hand to help her edit the video project, Wren hopes to put video clips and brief interviews on the San Dieguito Alumni Foundation's website.

For more information about the San Dieguito Foundation and Alumni Association, please visit: http://sdafoundation.com/alumni/

Like this article? Like us on Facebook, too. Or follow us on Twitter.

Editors Note: This story was updated Nov. 13 to list the school's complete name as San Dieguito High School Academy. The original version referred to it as San Dieguito Academy.