Salesian High School (Richmond, California)

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Salesian High School
"Umbram Fugat Veritas"
Location
2851 Salesian Ave. Richmond, CA 94804
Information
Enrollment	585
Type	Roman Catholic College Preparatory
Established	1927
Information	(510) 234-4433
Colors	Black, Crimson, & White
Homepage	http://www.salesian.com/

Salesian High School is a co-ed (formerly all-male) Roman Catholic preparatory high school of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland. The campus is located on 21 acres in a park-like setting in Richmond, California. The campus straddles the city limits of San Pablo.

In 1927, the Salesian Society purchased the Emeric estate as the site of a new development. The original mansion became the living quarters and offices for their new institution, the Salesian House of Studies. The House of Studies served as the novitiate and formation community for young adult members of the Salesian Society who attended St Mary's College in Moraga or the University of California at Berkeley. In 1932, the Salesians opened the community as a High School and Preparatory Seminary. Over the years the spacious gardens and orchards were adapted for various structures and grounds. In 1960, the Salesian seminarians moved to Watsonville, and Salesian High School opened its doors to the community. In 1989, the school became co-educational.

Since its inception, Salesian students have gone on to many eminent colleges, universities, and military academies, joining a worldwide alumni association numbering many thousands and a community of Salesian students from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, and Australia.

The school's patron saint is Saint John Bosco (known by Don Bosco), who lived in Northern Italy from 1815 to 1888 and founded the Salesian religious order. The school's Latin motto is "Umbram Fugat Veritas", meaning "Truth Dispels Darkness." The school shield bears the English words "Loyalty - Excellence".

[edit] Demographics and statistics

According to the school's website the student body is^[1]:

• Sex: Male 50%, Female 50%
• Race and Ethnicity: 24% Latino, 23% Euro-American, 19% Filipino, 14% African American, 10% Asian/Pacific Islander, 9% Multi-Racial, 1% Native American.
• Religion: Catholic 62%, Non-Catholic 38%

The 585 students currently enrolled in grades 9-12 come to Salesian High School from throughout Contra Costa County. Salesian students reflect the cultural diversity of the community. 99-100% of those who graduate Salesian continue their studies at a college or university, 77% of the aforementioned at four-year schools and 23% at two-year schools.^[2]

[edit] Principals

• Rev. Arthur Grisetti, SDB (1954-1960)
• Rev. Michael Ribotta, SDB (1960-1961)
• Rev. John Maxwell, SDB (1961-1969)
• Rev. William Schafer, SDB (1969-1970)
• Rev. Ralph Murphy, SDB (1970-1971)
• Rev. Joseph Mediati, SDB (1971-1972)
• Rev. Bernard Dabbene, SDB (1972-1979)
• Rev. John J. Malloy, SDB (1979-1983)
• Rev. Gael Sullivan, SDB (1983-1987)
• Rev. David Purdy, SDB (1987-1992)
• Rev. John Itzaina, SDB (1992-1997)
• Mr. Timothy Chambers (1997- )

[edit] Presidents

• Rev. Christian Woerz, SDB (1997-2003)
• Rev. Nicholas J. Reina, SDB (2003- )

[edit] Sports

Head Coach Chad Nightingale celebrates the school's first NCS football title with his jubilant varsity squad.

Varsity Sports

• Men's Football (American)
• Women's Volleyball (Indoor)
• Men's Volleyball (Indoor)
• Men's & Women's Track & Field
• Men's & Women's Cross Country
• Men's Basketball
• Women's Basketball
• Women's Soccer
• Men's Soccer
• Men's Baseball
• Women's Softball
• Women's Tennis
• Men's Tennis
• Men's & Women's Golf
• Men's & Women's Swimming & Diving
• Cheerleading

Junior Varsity Sports

• Men's Football (American)
• Women's Volleyball (Indoor)
• Men's & Women's Cross Country
• Men's Basketball
• Women's Basketball
• Women's Soccer
• Men's Soccer
• Men's Baseball
• Women's Softball
• Cheerleading

Freshman Sports

• Men's Baseball
• Women's Softball
• Women's Volleyball

[edit] Mascot

The use of the Native-American "Chieftain" device had come under repeated ethical scrutiny. Action was taken in 2006 when the school decided to change the mascot. The school officially adopted the Salesian Pride mascot in 2007, represented as a pride of lions. The new mascot was chosen by alumni, current students, alumni parents and faculty and staff in an open nomination and voting process.

[edit] Clubs

• Associated Student Body
• The Sentinel School Newspaper
• The Tabard Literary Magazine
• Honors Societies CSF/NHS
• Campus Ministry
• Instrumental Band
• Story & Song Chorale Group
• Drama Club
• Multicultural Club
• Italian Club
• Latino Club
• Asian/Pacific Islander Club
• Japanese Animation Research Club
• African American Association of Knowledge
• California Native Garden Project
• Recycling Club
• Interact Club
• Jeremy Jack Memorial Booster Club
• Alumni Association

[edit] Structures & Grounds

The current gymnasium and classroom buildings; built in 1940 and 1950 respectively.

• Four-story Main Building
• Gymnasium and Locker Rooms
• Student Union, Cafeteria, and Library Building
• Performing Arts Building
• Salesian Vocational Residence
• Cemetery & Alumni Memorial
• Salesian Boys & Girls Club Complex
• Selway Martin Field & Gellert Track (Football & Soccer)Updated 2007 to all weather faciliy
• Luis Chavez Yards (Baseball)
• Softball Field
• Tennis Courts
• Parking Lot & Basketball Courts
• Portable Storage

[edit] Notes

[edit] External links

• Salesian High School official website
• TerraServer Aerial Image
• Diocese of Oakland