“We are one, we are the Pack.” That’s the motto of West Hills High School. Opened in 1987, West Hills High School is the eleventh of thirteen high schools in the Grossmont Union High School District. This district serves the East County area of San Diego County.
West Hills High School started as a satellite campus for Santana High School in 1985. This was to help with overcrowding. Freshmen took morning classes here. Then, they were bused back to Santana for afternoon classes. On September 7, 1987, West Hills High School officially opened. It became the district’s 10th high school. The first phase of permanent construction finished just before the 1990–91 school year. In June 1991, the first graduating class celebrated at San Diego State University.
Let’s walk through some key moments in West Hills High School history. In 1987, West Hills High School opened with 14 teachers and 320 freshmen. By 1988, Josh Hutton and Amanda Locke became the first state qualifiers in any sport at West Hills. They were cross country runners. Construction on the 87-acre campus began in 1989. The first phase was completed in 1990. It included the Gym, Library, and Science Building. Also in 1990, the West Hills Wolf Pack Football team won their first league championship.
The West Hills Wolf Pack Boys Cross Country team secured four straight CIF section championships from 1995 to 1998. In 1998, the West Hills Wolf Pack Football team achieved back to back league championships. There was a change in leadership in 1999. Principal Marge Cole was reassigned. This happened after 74% of the faculty signed a letter expressing a lack of confidence in her management. Jim Peabody then became the new principal.
In 2000, teammates Evan Fox and Ben Aragon excelled. They placed 1st and 4th in the mile at the California State Track and Field Championships. More principal changes occurred. Mike Lewis became the new principal in 2003. Brian Wilbur followed in 2005. Patrick Keeley took over in 2008. Paul Dautremont became principal in 2011.
West Hills High School unveiled its new swimming pool in 2012. The school introduced Wolfette, a second mascot, in 2013. The Roller Hockey team won the CIF Metro Conference Championship that same year. Robin Ballarin became the principal in 2015. Most recently, April Baker became the principal in 2022.
The West Hills High School’s athletic teams compete in the Hills League of the Grossmont Conference. They are also part of the California Interscholastic Federation San Diego Section. The school offers a wide range of sports. These include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, and more. There are also many active clubs during lunch and after school.
Several notable alumni have walked these halls. Stephen Strasburg, from the class of 2006, was the first overall pick in the 2009 MLB draft. He is a pitcher for the Washington Nationals and MVP of the 2019 MLB World Series. Dat Phan, a 1993 graduate, won Last Comic Standing season 1. Mega64, an Internet comedy troupe consisting of Rocco Botte, Derrick Acosta, and Shawn Chatfield, graduated in 2002. Christopher Cross, from the class of 1998, is a U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient. Jack Browning, class of 2019, is a punter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
West Hills High School stands as a pillar of the Santee community. It’s a place where students learn, grow, and achieve. Its history is filled with accomplishments and memorable moments. The school’s spirit and dedication continue to shape future generations.