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