“Ninety four years”. That’s how long South Gate High School has stood here. This school has shaped generations in South Gate California. It opened its doors in January 1930. The cornerstone was laid the same year. Floyd Honn became its first principal.
South Gate High School started with 500 students. These students were in the ninth and tenth grades. There were only 27 faculty members. By 1932, it expanded. South Gate High School became a six-year high school. It then included grades 7 through 12. This lasted until 1941. That year, South Gate Junior High was built.
South Gate High School is part of the Los Angeles Unified School District. It serves students in grades 9 through 12. The school’s colors are black and red. Their mascot is the Ram. South Gate High School teams are known as the Rams. They compete in the Eastern League. The school is also part of the CIF Los Angeles City Section.
South Gate High School has a long list of achievements. The football team won the City Championship in 1955. They won again in 1988. In 2004, they were finalists. Benjamin Viramontes set a record in 2004. He was the state sack leader with 34 sacks. The 1994 team was undefeated.
The Boys Soccer team won the City Championship in 2005. They placed third in 2002. The Girls Soccer team won the Division III City Championship in 2016. Baseball has a strong tradition here. South Gate High School won City Championships in 1955 and 1960. They also won from 1993 to 1996.
Several notable people attended South Gate High School. Tom Araya is one. He is the vocalist and bassist for Slayer. Dave Lombardo played drums for Slayer. Sen Dog and Mellow Man Ace of Cypress Hill were students here. The group was named after a street in South Gate. Rick Renteria played and managed in Major League Baseball. Lorenzo Mata played basketball for UCLA.
South Gate High School faced challenges too. In 2002, students protested funding cuts. They rallied against the firing of teachers. They opposed the loss of tutoring programs. In 2005, students protested overcrowding. They also complained about a lack of textbooks.
South Gate High School continues to be a vital part of the community. It provides education and opportunities. Its students have made a mark in sports, music, and beyond. The Rams of South Gate High School stand tall. They are a symbol of pride for their city.