SPHS Cardinal: January 13, 1978

The January 13, 1978 issue of the Santa Paula High School Cardinal Newspaper is now online. This issue was one of the shorter issues, containing only four pages. The top story concerns problems in developing and implementing a graduation test that evaluates 26 different skills.

Superintendent Sciutto announced his retirement earlier this year. The application period had just closed with about 100 applications being received. The article discusses the process that would be used to determine the final candidates. An editorial also discusses the traits required in a good superintendent.

Overall, the issue seems a bit rough around the edges. There are more typos than usual and only one photograph (although there are two editorials and one Blue Oyster Cult concert drawing). I have the feeling that the Cardinal staff may have been up against a deadline and rushed this issue a bit. Still, it’s an interesting glimpse into Santa Paula High School over 30 years ago!

State of the School

Santa Paula High School State of the School
March 21, 2011
 
Applause begets applause in the theatre, as laughter begets laughter and tears beget tears.
-Clayton Hamilton

This weekend our Santa Paula High School Theater Team opened its production of Beauty and the Beast. The musical is directed by Jerry Cruz, music coordinated by Doug Kadansky, with technical support from Basil Augustine.

While watching the production I began to realize that sometimes we are so involved with what our students can or cannot do in the classroom that we fail to recognize their other abilities and accomplishments. This production shines a light on the amazing talents that exist in our school and among our students and staff.

Staging a play can be a daunting task for any theater team but taking on a musical production is monumental. Mr. Doug Kadansky and his musicians should be celebrated for providing the live music and arrangements for over 20 musical numbers. Live music in High School Theater is rare regardless of what you see on Glee.

The ensemble entertains as servants under an enchantress's spell gradually becoming teapots, armoires, clocks, and knick-knacks. The main characters include the over the top Gaston (Josh Valencia), intent on marrying Belle whether she wants it or not. The Beast (Talon Smith) who reveals his love, rage, and other feelings bit by bit. Felicia Echiribel sings beautifully as Mrs. Potts and Ozzy Parrilla as Lumiere and Samantha Amey as Babette steal the show in their over-the-top roles.

The Show is enormously effective and enchanting. The music, jokes and dance numbers hit the mark. If you have the opportunity I encourage you to come out and see our students and staff in a different light.

Paul Marietti
Principal, Santa Paula High School

State of the School

 Santa Paula High School State of the School
March 7, 2011

“The Present is the living sum-total of the whole Past.”
~Thomas Carlyle

As a teacher of history for many years I have come to appreciate the significance of knowing one’s past, because you cannot truly understand a situation, a people or a community without an appreciation for the individuals and institutions that have come before.

The exhibit that opened this weekend at the Santa Paula Oil Museum is a testament to our school and to all the students and staff that have contributed to our success. For 123 years the Cardinal legacy of tradition has inspired the students, staff, and community of Santa Paula. Our school continues to be a touchstone for excellence in education and a unique and important part of all our lives.

I want to congratulate Ed Arguelles who not only presents this exhibit, but who is himself a significant part of our history and our success, and the Human Services and Agricultural Academy students for illuminating and celebrating our “Campus on the Hill.”

The 19th century English Preachers Charles H. Spurgeon said of institutions, “Show me the institution not guided by sentiment and service, by the idea that, he profits most who serves best, and I will show you an outfit that is dead or dying.”

Through an examination of this exhibit we can see clearly that over the past 123 years Santa Paula High School has been guided by sentiment and service to our community and that even in these harsh economic times will continue to thrive this year and for the next 123 years.

Paul Marietti
Principal, Santa Paula High School