History

San Gabriel Mission High School is a Catholic College Preparatory high school, located on the grounds of the historic fourth mission of California, which was founded in 1771 by the Franciscan Padres.  The Claretians began administration of the parish in 1908.   The idea for the high school began in the mid-40’s and was the “vision of Father J. Nuevo, C.M.F., Mission San Gabriel pastor. With the need for a high school and the support of his parishioners, Father Nuevo had collected a sizable $245,000 toward the realization of the project.” He was transferred in 1948 and his successor, Father Eugene Herran, C.M.F. “only enjoyed a pastorate for a few months, as his success in dealing with the complexities of the new school building project resulted in his election as General Treasurer of the Claretian Fathers.” On January 16, 1949, the groundbreaking ceremonies took place. San Gabriel Mission High School opened in September 1949 as a co-institutional school, under the direction of the Claretian Fathers and Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose.  The freshmen class had 119 girls and boys, temporarily quartered in All Souls Grammar School in nearby Alhambra. In February 1950, the freshmen moved into their new building. The first principals were Father John Schneider, C.M.F. and Sister Mary Redempta Prose, O.P. “The staff numbered three priests, Fathers Schneider, C.M. F., Leo Mattecheck, C.M.F.  and Joseph Anglim, C.F.F. There were three sisters, Sisters Redempta, O.P., Columba Davalos, O.P. and Mary Raymond Carmody, O.P., and two lay teachers – Mr. John Hanrahan and Mrs. Leo Ryder.” In October of that year, “Sister Maureen Murphy O.P. joined the sisters’ community as an additional staff member.”  Dedication ceremonies took place on January 14, 1951 with Most Reverend  J. Francis McIntyre, Archbishop of Los Angeles, officiating.  In 1954, while visiting the high school, he expressed his delight that “what a few years ago was a dream is now the flourishing San Gabriel Mission High School.”

The new school quickly began to establish its identity by selecting its school colors, selecting green and silver, signifying hope and sterling worth.  And, in keeping its connection with Mission’s historical tradition, the student body chose “Pioneers” as the school name.  In addition, many clubs and activities were organized during these first years:  Student Council, Sodality, GAA, Glee club, Orchestra and Drama clubs.  The school was alive with many sports’ activities.  The boys were able to join football, basketball, track, soccer, golf, bowling and tennis teams.  The girls participated in volleyball, basketball, and tennis.  Intramural sports, Play Day and Field Day became, and still are, annual events.  Dances, rallies, drama and musicals rounded out the activity schedule.

San Gabriel Mission High School has had an illustrious history.  Throughout the years, the many talents of the students were displayed, whether dramatic plays or light-hearted musicals.  The choral voices could be heard beginning in 1950, as Mission students entertained audiences with a “Tribute to Stephen Foster.”   For many years, the Drama Club and Glee Club were privileged to present their operetta at the famous San Gabriel Mission Playhouse.  Plays performed in the high school auditorium from Bye Bye Birdie in the 70’s to Steel Magnolias in the 80’s and most recently In Juliet’s Garden, at the Grapevine Arbor.

1963, the Mission Band distinguished itself during the parade competition at the Annual Temple City Camellia Parade. And, in that same year the Boys Pioneer Basketball Team were in CIF for the seventh time and the Mission Soccer Team won League Title. Throughout the years, Mission’s athletic abilities have been and continue to include CIF performances as well as Horizon League Championships.  In 2007, Mission TV went live on the internet and in 2009, the Cultural Room opened, where language clubs host meetings and share diversities.

The following are the names of all of the principals of San Gabriel Mission High School:

1949-1951            Fr. John Schneider; S. Mary Redempta Prose

1951-1952            Fr. Leo Mattecheck; S. Rita Marie Brown

1952-1954            Fr. John Schneider; S. Rita Marie Brown

1954-1957            Fr. Leo Mattecheck; S. Rita Marie Brown

1957-1958            Fr. Leo Mattecheck; S. Alberta Oehlke

1958-1963            Fr. Leo Mattecheck; S. John Dominic Samaha

1963-1966            Fr. Henry Herrera; S. John Dominic Samaha

1966-1967            Fr. Matthew Di Maria; S. John Dominic Samaha

1967-1970            Fr. Matthew Di Maria; S. Mara Martin

1970-1971            S. Mara Martin

1971-1973            S. Katherine Jean Cowen

1973-1979            S. Mary Patrick English

1979-1987            S. Carolyn Kolander

1987-1988            S. Carolyn Kolander (on leave); Mr. Frank Laurenzello

1989-2000            Mr. Frank Laurenzello

2000-2006            Mrs. Carolyn Nelson

2006-2015            Mr. Jamie Collins

2015-2018            Dr. Marielle Sallo

2018-                    Ms. Raquel Cagigas, '96

When the Claretians withdrew from the school, San Gabriel Mission High School became solely an all-girls’ school in the fall of 1971. It has maintained its full accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges since 1954. In recent years, San Gabriel Mission High School has continued to grow. In the Fall of 1994, the new chemistry lab was finished and in the Fall of 1996, the new Physical Science Lab was opened. In 1997 a chapel was completed. In the Fall of 1999, a state of the art biology lab was completed.  Also, 2007 saw the birth of the exercise room, which is currently under renovation. In addition, in 2008 a new floor was added to the auditorium; and, in 2009 a new dance studio was completed.

On April 5, 1981, the first San Gabriel Mission High School Alumni Association meeting was held in the Auditorium, under the direction of Sister Carolyn Kolander, Principal, and Sister Judith Mary, the class of ’60.  James Taylor, ‘57 was elected as the first president.

Alumni have distinguished themselves in many fields: Father Ralph Berg, CMF ’53, returned to Mission as pastor in June, 1978, serving the parish for three years in this capacity.  In 1981, he was sent to Nigeria to work in the Claretian missions and upon his return, served once again as pastor of Mission. Peter Mullin ’58, businessman and owner of the Mullin Automotive Museum; Dr. Katherine Medvetz Poehlmann ’60, author; Father Frank Ferrante, CMF ’62, served as Provincial for the Claretian order; Katherine Burns Sartori ‘63, author; renowned soprano Alba Quezada ‘71 and mezzo-soprano, Suzanna Guzman ‘73; and Carol Najera Edwards ’78, Deputy District Attorney. Also, alumni have returned to their Alma Mater showing their support.  In 1989, alumni Kenny Loggins ‘66, singer and song writer, helped SGMHS celebrate its 40th anniversary. In 2012, alumni Kim Baldonado ‘82, NBC news reporter, was the commencement speaker at graduation.   

Each year the young women at SGMHS carry with them the rich history and traditions that surround them as they make a lifetime of unforgettable memories. In addition, some graduates have returned over the years to work at San Gabriel Mission High:  Mrs. Diane Marshall Lyons’55’; Sister Mara Anne Palomares,O.P.,’57 ; Sister Jeanne Harris,O.P.,’57; Jim Morgan’57; Patrick Zartman’60;  Sue Sanchez Notheis ’60; Mrs. Kathleen Hales Menegatti’66; Jo Anne Jeffre Disney, ’71; Ms. Sal Carrasco’76; Mrs. Kate Martin Franceschini’78; Connie Olmos, ’79; Leslie Francisco, ‘94; and Raquel Cagigas,’96 to name a few. Also, many current students are children of alumni of SGMHS. These families wanted their daughters to experience and become a part of the special bond that embraces the San Gabriel Mission High Family.