Glen A. Wilson High School

Glen A. Wilson High School
Address
16455 Wedgeworth Drive Hacienda Heights, California, 91745 United States
Information
School type	Public high school
Established	1966 (1966)
School district	HLPUSD
Principal	Frank Chang [1][2]
Grades	9-12
Enrollment	1783[3]
Campus type	Suburban
Color(s)	Cardinal and Gold
Mascot	Wildcat
Rival	Los Altos High School
Newspaper	Paw Prints
Yearbook	The Prowler
Website	gwhs-hlpusd-ca.schoolloop.com

Glen A. Wilson High School is a public high school located in Hacienda Heights, California. It is one of two high schools located in the city, and one of four in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.

Wilson was ranked 333 out of 804 in Newsweek's 2003 web-exclusive extended list of top U.S. public high schools.^[4] It ranked 861 in the 2007 list of the top 1,000 U.S. public schools.^[5] Wilson was ranked 121 out of 500 in Newsweek's America's Best High Schools in 2011.^[6]

History

The school was started September 1966 on the campus of the neighboring Rowland High School in Rowland Heights, California, where students attended a split session year until the campus was ready for occupancy in September 1967.

The school was named for Glen A. Wilson, former Superintendent of the La Puente Union High School District 1953-1972 (which became Hacienda-La Puente Unified School District in 1970).^[7] He was born in Alphaugh, California, on September 11, 1913. He was a resident of Hillcrest in La Verne, California when he died on September 7, 1996.^[8]

He held bachelor's and master's degrees from Occidental College (1936, 1940), and a Doctorate in Education from University of Southern California (1965).^[9] He began his career in education as a 6th grade teacher in El Centro in 1937, and retired from education as superintendent of Hacienda-La Puente Unified School District in 1972. He served in the Marine Corps in World War II 1942-1946, discharged from active duty as a Battalion Quartmaster, First Lieutenant. He achieved the rank of Major in the USMC Reserve in 1952. He was named Citizen of the Year by the La Puente Valley Chamber of Commerce in 1965. He served Rotary as District 530 Governor from 1972–73, and received the Paul Harris Fellow award in 1972.^[10]

In 2008, Wilson received some media attention after threats were made to specific students around the anniversary of the Columbine shootings. On Thursday, April 17, 2008, security was increased and students' backpacks were searched. All after-school activities were canceled. In addition, on Friday, April 18, 2008, school was canceled as a precaution, although early that morning, a student was arrested in connection with the threats and held at Juvenile Hall.^[11][12]

School demographics

The school had 1748 students in 2009-2010^[3] and 78 teachers.^[13]

The ethnic composition of the student body was:

• 54.2% Hispanic or Latino
• 38.5% Asian
• 4.9% White
• 1.2% African American

Curriculum

Graduation requirements

A full year course is equal to 10 credits; one semester earns 5 credits.

Subject area	Required
English 1	10
English 2	10
English 3	10
English 4	10
World Studies	10
U.S. History	10
Civics	5
Economics	5
Mathematics	30
Biological Sci	10
Phys/Earth Sci	10
Physical Educ	20
Science	10
F.Art/For Lang.	10
Prac Arts/Acad	20
Electives	40

Extracurricular

Glen A. Wilson is home to a variety of clubs.

Some educational clubs participate in various competitions in the United States or internationally (FBLA and MUN). Others are involved in academics (Helping Hands Club, NHS, CSF).

Some clubs at Wilson are part of larger networks of clubs. Students attend conventions in which they participate in debates about national issues. For example, KIWIN'S and the Key Club are part of the larger Kiwanis Family. These clubs do community services in the local area and sometimes meet with other Key Clubs. Another example is the Red Cross Club, which organizes a blood drive annually. The school also has a Science Olympiad team which competes with other schools in the Los Angeles region in order to move on to state and national level competitions.

Other clubs help around campus. For example, there is a Link Crew, in which older participating students are assigned incoming freshmen. The Link Crew members guide freshmen throughout the year to help them transition into high school. There is also the Renaissance, a club that organizes school recognition activities like "Student of the Month", "Teacher of the Month", Renaissance cards with rewards for students, and a recognition rally near the end of the school year. There is also Wilson A.S.B. which organizes all rallies and dances for the student body. There are currently 32 members of the A.S.B.

The rest of the clubs consist of recreational activities (ex. Anime Club, Martial Arts Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, The Lunch Bunch, Club Cafe, Creative Writing, Society of Illustrators, Lost Club, Gamers Guild, Harry Potter Club, etc.) or heritage and culture clubs (ex. MEChA, Korean Club, Vietnamese Student Network). These clubs are open to anyone with interest in the subject.

A list of Wilson clubs can be found here (Note: Several clubs are no longer active and others have not been added).

Athletics

The school's sport teams compete in the Valley Vista League to qualify for California Interscholastic Federation (CIF). The Valley Vista League consists of the Wilson Wildcats, Rowland Raiders, San Dimas Saints, Covina Colts, Nogales Nobles, and Northview Vikings

Boys	Girls	Co-ed
Baseball	Basketball	Badminton
Basketball	Golf	Cross Country
Football	Soccer	Swimming
Golf	Tennis	Track
Soccer	Volleyball
Tennis	Waterpolo
Waterpolo	Softball
Wrestling

Achievements

Color Guard

• Won 3rd place in The Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association field championship in 2013.

Badminton

• Wilson had an eight-year reign as league champs from 1993–2000, never missing a year of CIF. In 2000, one doubles team (Benny Yu and Edward Fang) advanced to the Final round CIF individual tournament and won the team's first ever 2nd placed. In 2007, the Wilson Badminton team placed third in CIF. Also won best All Asian Team from Asian Times, 1997. In 2009, the badminton team once again became CIF champions and again in 2012.

Basketball

• As of 2008, the junior varsity girls basketball team has been league champs for four years in a row.
• In 2009 the wilson boys basketball ball team went to CIF, but they lost in the first round to SLO
• In 2011 the junior varsity boys basketball team became league champs in the Valle Vista League.
• In 2011 the varsity girls basketball team went to CIF, but fell short in the second round.
• In 2012 the varsity girls basketball team was recognized at Angels Stadium for having a team average GPA of 4.0

Cross Country

• In 2007, for the first time in eighteen years, the girls varsity team earned the title of League Champions.

Football

• In 1996, the Football team, under Head Coach Tom Caines, went 14-0 to capture their first of two CIF Division VI Titles. From 1995-1998, the school had the third longest winning streak in the State of California with 31 consecutive wins with Head Coach Dave Merrill. In 2007, the team also won back "The Wheel" from Los Altos High School and advanced to the second round in CIF. After two losses in 2008 and 2009 to Los Altos High School Wilson won the wheel back in 2010.^[14]

Golf

• In 2008, the girls varsity golf team won five games out of fourteen, placing third in League and fifth in CIF, but they failed to advance to the CIF finals.

Softball

• In 2000, the softball team was CIF Division III champions.^[15]

Tennis

• As of 2008, the boys tennis team has won 17 Miramonte League championships. In 2008, two single players and one doubles team from Wilson managed to enter the first round of CIF for individuals but failed to advance to the second round.
• In 2008, though the girls varsity tennis team had previously been league champions for eight years, they were defeated by their rival, Bonita. However, two girls, Meagan Zamilpa (9) and Renee Tang (11) advanced to the CIF individuals competition. Zamilpa earned the title of MVP for the Miramonte League.
• In 2009, the girls regained the title of league champions, and again, Zamilpa (10) and Tang (12) went on to CIF individuals. Zamilpa (10) was named MVP for the Miramonte League and Tang (12) was named Co-MVP.
• In 2011, the girls tennis team defeats Carpinteria High School (14-4) to notch their first ever CIF Southern Section Division V Title. Led by Coach Irving Lai, the Wildcats were able to sweep through the Valle Vista League undefeated en route to an overall record of 21-1.^[16]
• In 2012, the girls tennis team went on to become CIF champions.

Water Polo

• In 1984, the Boys Varsity Water Polo team, under head coach Scott Massey, had a 23-3 record (Sierra League Champions, 7-0 record) and eventually went on later that year to capture Wilson's only 3-A CIF-SS Water Polo State Championship Title over the favored water polo team from El Dorado High School in a 9-8 double over-time victory. The championship match was held at the Belmont Plaza Olympic Pool in Long Beach, California on November 21, 1984.
• Before capturing the California Interscholastic Federation Southern Section crown in 1984, Wilson lost to only three notable opponents earlier that year. 1) Indio High School, who finished their season ranked #4 in the Final 1984 3-A CIF-SS Top 10 Poll; 2) South Pasadena High School, who went on to win the 1984 2-A CIF-SS crown; and 3) El Dorado High School, who eventually lost to Wilson in the 1984 final match but went on the following year to win the 1985 3-A CIF-SS title.
• In 1984, Wilson was led by CIF-SS All-Time Boys Water Polo All-American Players of the Year, senior Greg Salvinski (1984–85) and junior Darin Blizzard (1985–86). In late November, 1984, Wilson was ranked the #1 high school boys water polo team in the United States. Including Salvinski and Blizzard, there were a total of nine All-American water polo players that represented and played for Wilson on the 1984 championship team.
• Seniors: Mike Bejarano (75 goals); Rob Brooke (103 blocks); James Hoppe (17 goals); John Kim (2 goals); Steve Kostyk (15 goals); Charles Leatherman (36 goals); Patrick Metoyer (63 blocks); David Meyer (6 goals); Donald Orsbern (23 goals); and Greg Salvinski (110 goals). Juniors: Darin Blizzard (75 goals); Joel Francisco (43 goals); Dean Hale (6 goals); and Rod Koeneke (9 goals).

Wrestling

• In 2007, the wrestling team qualified for CIF for the first time in seven years.

Cheer Squad

• In December 2005 after many consecutive wins,the Glen A. Wilson Cheer Squad won first place at Jamz Regional Cheer Competition at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
• In March 2006 the Glen A. Wilson Cheer Squad won first place at the Jamz Nationals Competition in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Yearbook

• In 2009, the Yearbook staff, under the direction of Daniel Mackey, was able to advance into SCJEA State finals where they won 1st and 2nd Copy, as well as 1st and 2nd Layout. They were also able to place 1st and 2nd in the Yearbook Sweepstakes.
• In 2008, the Yearbook staff was able to be featured in Josten's LookBook.
• In 2008, the Yearbook staff also placed second, as well as an honorable mention, on the Josten's Adobe Design Contest.
• In 2009, under the direction of Daniel Mackey, Yearbook staff member, Jinny Im, placed first in the SGV District Photography Competition.
• In 2014, the Yearbook staff placed 1st in Yearbook Sweepstakes, 1st in YB Copy, and 2nd in YB Layout at ELAJEA, and helped Wilson Publications bring home the 1st Place Super Sweepstakes Trophy.

Journalism

• Under the direction of adviser Mrs. Anderson-Fibrow, Wilson's journalism staff is one of the best in Southern California. In April 2002, in the ELAJEA Write-Offs, the Wilson journalism staff won the Newspaper Sweepstakes (Most Points in Paper) and the Overall Sweepstakes (Most Points in all Categories). They advanced to the SCJEA State Finals in May 2002, where they placed fourth in the Newspaper Sweepstakes.^[17]
• In the March 2007 SCJEA Write-Offs, Wilson placed first in the Newspaper Sweepstakes and second in the Overall Sweepstakes.
• In the February 2014 ELAJEA Write-offs, Wilson placed first in the Overall Super Sweepstakes
• In March 2014 SCJEA Write-Offs, Wilson placed fourth in the Newspaper Sweepstakes.

Mock Trial

• In 2006, the school's Mock Trial team, under Coach Samuel Barone, won first place in Los Angeles County competition and continued on to win 4th place in California state finals.
• In 2007, the Mock Trial team advanced to the semi-finals and placed 3rd out of the top 8 schools in L.A. County.
• In 2008, the Mock Trial team advanced yet again to the semi-finals and placed 3rd out of the top 8 schools in L.A. County.

Royal Wilson Marching Alliance

• In 1984, the Wildcatettes Drill/Dance Team, at the time still part of the RWMA, participated in the Opening Ceremonies for the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
• In 1985, the RWMA was selected as the State of California's official representative to perform at President Ronald Reagan's Second Inaugural Parade.
• In 2003, the RWMA placed 7th out of 10 at the SCSBOA Field Show Championships.
• In 2005, the RWMA placed 8th out of 10 at the SCSBOA Field Show Championships.
• In the fall of 2006, the RWMA placed 7th out of 10 at the SCSBOA Field Show Championships.
• In the fall of 2007, the RWMA placed 8th out of 10 at the SCSBOA Field Show Championships.
• In the spring of 2007, the RWMA received Superiors at the Band and Orchestra Festival for both its Concert Band and Wind Ensemble.
• In the spring of 2007, the Spring Drum Line placed 2nd out of 11 in the Standstill Division Championships of the American Drumline Association.
• In the fall of 2008, the RWMA placed 7th out of 12 at the SCSBOA Field Show Championships.
• In the fall of 2011, the RWMA placed 7th out of 12 at the SCSBOA Field Show Championships.
• In the spring of 2012, the RWMA received unanimous Superiors at the District Band and Orchestra Festival, and the wind ensemble went on to receive unanimous Superiors at the Regional Band and Orchestra festival.
• In the fall of 2013, the RWMA placed 5th out of 12 at the SCSBOA Field Show Championships.

Wilson All-Male

• In 2015 the All-Male hip-hop dance team competed at the USA Regional competition for the first time, placing 2nd and qualifying to compete at the 2015 USA Nationals competition in the Championships division for small hip-hop.
• In 2015 the All-Male hip-hop dance team placed 1st at the 2015 CADTD State Championships in the small hip-hop category.
• In 2015 the All-Male hip-hop dance team competed at the 2015 USA Nationals competition for the first time, placing 5th in the Championships division for small hip-hop.

Notable alumni

• Brian Tee - Actor, appeared in The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.
• Jill Sterkel - Olympic swimmer and Hall of Famer. She won four Olympic medals in Freestyle swimming events, and was the first woman to be on four Olympic swim teams.^[18]
• Josh Keaton - Actor, voice actor, singer and music producer. Voice of Spider-Man in The Spectacular Spider-Man
• Scott Williams - Former NBA Basketball player, led the school to a state championship in his senior year.^[19]
• Fergie (Stacy Ferguson) - singer of The Black Eyed Peas and Wild Orchid^[20]
• Ron Futrell - Longtime news anchor and radio personality in LA, Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.

References

External links

	Wikinews has news related to this article:
Teen charged with seven felonies related to threats made on Wikipedia, Wikinews interviews administrator who contacted police California student arrested in criminal threats made on Wikipedia

• Tour of Campus

Coordinates: 33°59′55″N 117°56′49″W / 33.9987°N 117.9470°W / 33.9987; -117.9470