BGHS HITS THE BIG 5-0
Bob Rysavy’s Remembrances
From 50 Years Ago
Pride and excitement…
A new school and a new beginning.
We were so proud of having a new school. All the students took great care of the facilities. A scratch on a wall in the restroom was discovered and the students that saw it were horrified that someone could mar our beautiful new building.
It
was such an exciting time with so much to do.
We all worked so hard. We chose
the school colors and emblems, and the school name, Lancers. Mr. Brady helped us write the
constitution. Mr. Oliver, the first
BGHS Principal, was a great influence, as were Mr. Prince and Mrs. Evers, the
first Vice Principals.
We
had to divide into two groups for two assemblies, as there was no building
large enough to house all the student body at one time. The location of the present auditorium was a
parking lot at that time.
There
was no gym and no showers at the beginning of the year. In spite of all the drawbacks, we had
basketball, baseball, tennis and track and proved ourselves proud, with great
personal and team successes.
On
a personal note, becoming the first student body president of Bell Gardens High
School was thrilling and inspiring and had an impact on my life, and the way
I’ve lived it.
Friendships are the best memories of all, with many lasting through all the years. It is my good fortune to have experienced direction and purpose, and an abundance of good friends, dating back to 1947/1948.