On April 13th, San Gabriel Mission High School of San Gabriel, CA, held a gala to kick off its 75th Anniversary celebrations. In 1949, the school opened its doors as a co-institutional parish school. It offered a school for boys led by the Claretians and a school for girls directed by the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. Since that day, the students have flourished. In 1963, the Mission band received distinguished honors. Also, that year, the Mission soccer team won the CIF League title. In 1972, Mission continued as an all-girls preparatory school.  In 2007, Mission TV launched on the Internet. And in 2009, SGMHS opened the Cultural Room for students to explore languages and diversity. But most importantly, over the years the school kept the light of the Dominican Charism burning brightly.

Until 1987, Dominican Sisters served as administrators and teachers of the female students. The spirit of St. Dominic and a focus on the four pillars (study, prayer, community, and service) pervaded their academic pursuits. They instituted traditions that carry the charism forward to this day. A few of their traditions and organizations that still exist today are:

• The Girls’ Athletic Association: the first student club on campus
• Play Day: a spirit day focused on grade level competitions in dance, song, skits, and games.
• Candle-Rose: a ceremony to honor the incoming and outgoing student body officers.
• Campus Ministry: a program established in the late 1970s and early 80s by the Dominican Sisters to nurture the spiritual well-being of all students and foster Catholic Identity on campus in the spirit of Mother Pia and St. Dominic.

While these activities and groups shape educational and spiritual experiences at Mission, the influence of the faculty cannot be overlooked. The lay teachers are excellent and some of them were once students at SGMHS. They were taught by the Sisters and think, speak, and love the charism that shaped their own lives. The current Principal, Raquel Cagigas ’96, feels that “The charism formed who I am as an educator, administrator, and human. It holds a significant place in my heart.” Both traditions and teachers steeped in faith come together to ignite the charism’s torch in each girl’s heart and mind.

                                                                   Principal Rachel Cagigas ’96 surrounded by Dominican Sisters

So, there is much to celebrate for San Gabriel Mission High School’s 75th year. The 2024 Gala was the most successful gala to date in terms of attendance and fundraising. The Dominican Sisters were honored for their contributions to the school. Several Sisters who graduated from SGMHS were also recognized: Sisters Lynn Marie Gillanders ‘54, Jeanne Harris ’57, Diane Bridenbecker ’58, Mary Sean Hodges ’58, and Pauline Bouton ’65. Sister Annunciata Auletta was given an honorary diploma. Although she only attended Mission through her sophomore year, she kept up her friendships and participated in all the school socials through her senior year. Everyone believed she was a graduate, now it’s true. Guests at the Gala were touched by the evening’s events; they felt connected to the school and each other. They could tell that they were part of something great.

                                                                                  Sister Annunciata received an Honorary Diploma

There will be more special events to celebrate Mission’s 75th anniversary. Each one connects with a different community that is part of the San Gabriel Mission High family.  

• On June 21, 2024, the school will host “Tea with Sister Bea.” Sister Beatrice Marie Garcia, RSM is a Sister of Mercy of the Americas, West Midwest. Sister Bea was a Campus Minister and Religion Teacher at SGMHS from the late 1980s to 2000.  She is now Chair of the SGMHS Consultative School Board.
• On Sunday, August 25, 2024, SGMHS will hold a 75th Anniversary Opening Mass with Bishop Brian Nunes from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
• On September 8, 2024,
  • a historical plaque will be mounted in front of the school.
  • students and staff will visit All Souls World Language Catholic School in Alhambra where SGMHS’s first classes were held in the fall of 1949.
• In November,
  • the school will honor Alumni Veterans  
  • and will hang a banner over Las Tunas Boulevard to honor San Gabriel Mission High School’s 75th anniversary in the city of San Gabriel.
• Finally, the celebrations will conclude with an alumni weekend that includes the Annual Gala on April 12, 2025, and a liturgy with the Archbishop.  

A 75th anniversary is worth recognizing. It is a significant milestone that speaks to the longevity of a vision and the fruit of much labor. The students who passed through the doors of San Gabriel Mission High School are a testimony to the power of the Dominican Charism and the love of Sisters and staff who believed in faith, truth, education, and service. The faculty, students, and staff have become a remarkable community that impacts not only their own lives, but the city, the country, and the world. The Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose are both pleased with and grateful for Mission High. The school’s work is an exemplary fulfillment of their mission to serve and educate the young. The Sisters offer prayers, blessings, and support as SGMHS grows, flourishes, and leads into the future.  

                                                                       Guests at the 2024 San Gabriel Mission High School Gala