A TRIBUTE

TO

BALBOA HIGH SCHOOL

PANAMA

1914-1999

Class of 1998 in front of Panama Canal Commission building.

BHS alumni: Don't forget to sign the guestbook down below, thanks.

A Note From The Author/Purpose:

This tribute page is dedicated to Balboa High School, where I graduated in 1998, and serves as my memory of days I studied at BHS 95-98. Although it discontinued to educate in the year 1999, it will still exist in the souls of those proud alumni.
- Jason H.

p.s Go Class of 98!!

The front view of Balboa High School

A Brief History:

Balboa High School was one of the DoDDS (aka Department of Defense Dependent School). By the name of Dept. of Denfense, it served as an educational institution for the dependents of the U.S military personnel, and those who work in the U.S government. Balboa High School was located near ANCON hill and Panama Canal Commission Building (shown in the picture below).

Cause & Effect:

Due to the Panama Canal Treaty under the presidency of Jimmy Carter, and drawdown of the U.S. military here in Panama, by the year 1999 all the military personnel will be either leaving or transferred elsewhere. As for the main building, it is now remodeled and used by Panama Canal Commission. (haven't gone into the building since graduation of 98, thus no further details)

Notable Events:

October 1997: First Lady Hillary Clinton visits Panama. (I thought she would be visiting here and giving a speech at BHS according to what our senior class advisor said, but she didn't.)
April 3--April 12, 1998: Spring Break, the school's famous Cayuco Race begins.
May 15, 1998: AP Exams are given. (I'll be taking AP Calculus, great huh?)
June 6, 1998: Our graduation is held at 8 a.m. U.S ambassdor William Hughes gives a speech on the day of graduation. After the graduation, there is a senior celebration in the evening.
May 15, 1999: Graduation ceremony, which is the very last one marked on BHS history. Here is a news article about the graduation of C/O 1999 at BHS, Closing time for almost-American high school in Panama.

(the article is taken from CNN Interactive)

This is it. Really sad to see BHS closing down...=(

The BHS plaque

Emptied hallway - on the third floor if I am correct

The side view of BHS - a breezeway connects the building

Courtyard behind the main building

I will try to scan the pictures that I took as soon as possible!

Continued...more BHS snapshots
Or
Here are the class of 98 graduation pics

This is a branch page from:

Feel free to give any suggestions or comments to nettraveller AT hotmail.com

Page I & II last update: September 28, 1999 ET
Please if you will:
or
[PART II] [C/O 98 graduation pics]