Santa Barbara High School Celebrates 150 Years of Academic Excellence

Santa Barbara High School Marks 150 Years with All Dons Reunion Celebration

The Santa Barbara Unified School District and the entire Santa Barbara community are celebrating a historic milestone: the 150th anniversary of Santa Barbara High School. At the September 23rd Board Meeting, the Trustees honored the school’s enduring legacy of academic excellence, athletic achievement, and innovative leadership.

The celebration highlighted Santa Barbara High School’s deep roots in the city, where the slogan, “Once a Don, Always a Don,” is more than a phrase—it’s a way of life. The school has consistently produced accomplished leaders across all fields, including renowned artists, scientists, politicians, and world-class athletes, from All-Americans and Olympians to NBA champions.

Superintendent Hilda Maldonado reflected on the school’s impact. “For 150 years, Santa Barbara High School has been a cornerstone of our community. This anniversary is a testament to the thousands of educators and students who have built a tradition of excellence. The school’s forward-thinking approach, seen in groundbreaking programs like our Interpretation/Translation Pathway—the first of its kind in California—ensures it will continue to shape leaders for centuries to come.”

The event also recognized the school’s long history of innovation, including its student newspaper, The Forge, which has been in continuous publication since 1914, making it the second-oldest high school newspaper to publish without interruption in the state. Additionally, Santa Barbara High School’s robust Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, such as the Computer Science Academy (CSA), Multimedia Arts and Design (MAD), and Visual Arts and Design Academy (VADA), were celebrated for their role in preparing students for modern careers.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating 150 years of educational excellence at Santa Barbara High School. As involved Board Members, we are fortunate to witness committed educators and motivated students produce outstanding results every day,” said Talli Richards-Versola, Santa Barbara High School Alumni Association President.  

The district and alumni association shared their commitment to honoring the past while building a strong future for Santa Barbara High School, ensuring the spirit of the Dons continues to thrive.

Santa Barbara High School invites the community to join in celebrating its 150th Anniversary at the All Dons Reunion this Saturday on campus.

This free, family-friendly event will bring together alumni, students, and friends to honor a century and a half of educational excellence and Dons pride.

Festivities will include performances by the marching band, the Donettes Dance Team, and cheerleaders, appearances by local dignitaries, SBHS Folklorico dancers, food trucks, Wall of Fame inductions, a silent auction, and a Dons DJ dance party.

Guests are encouraged to wear olive and gold and take part in this milestone celebration. The event runs from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the Santa Barbara High School campus.

The celebrations don’t end there. Be sure to look for the Pianos on State, an inspiration transformed by VADA students participating in the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative’s program. The instrument, which embraces the Pianos on State 2025 theme of TIME, is beautifully painted with California-inspired imagery, from golden poppies to a proud Don. Please join the fun and see, feel and hear the artistry. 

And after the reunion stop by the Casa de la Guerra for a special exhibit, Once a Don, Always a Don: Celebrating 150 Years of Santa Barbara High School, featuring photographs and historic memorabilia covering Santa Barbara High School’s 150-year history.  The Casa de la Guerra is in the heart of downtown, open Thursday through Sunday, from 12 to 4 PM.

To learn more, visit the SBHS Alumni Association Website.