This past Friday, Washington Union High School students celebrated the school’s 125th anniversary during homecoming festivities. Washington Union High School was founded in 1892 and is one of the oldest high schools in Fresno County. The school encompasses roughly 90-square miles in the heart of the central San Joaquin Valley and is proud to serve an ethnically diverse population of students.
Washington Union alum and former WUSD Board President, Jim Curtis, was honored as this year’s homecoming Grand Marshal. Curtis’ impact on the the students and community of Washington Unified can still be felt, as many defining changes were made through his efforts. Curtis helped strengthen student support at WUHS by helping to pave the way for the school’s current academy system. Based on a small-schools model, students are supported through three stages of their high school career by the Freshman, Sophomore, and College and Career academies. Curtis’ efforts also helped bring about all three of the school’s college and career pathways: The Health Institute, The Law and Justice Institute, and the Wonderful Agriculture Career Prep Academy.
Students celebrated throughout the week with dress-up days, noon time activities, and a rally themed: “Cruisin’ Through the USA.” The week ended with a home football game in John Ventura Stadium against Sierra. The Panthers were victorious, winning 38-18.