History of our High School

By: Aiyanna Bailey

San Benito / Hollister High School is one of the oldest high schools in California, established a mere 20 years after Spring Valley High School, the oldest school in the state. Built in 1875, Hollister High School has a lot of rich history surrounding its students, building, and education. Though many high school students see the school as an average place to go to school, this campus is filled with tons of special qualities!

At first glance, Hollister High School seems to be basic. The campus is split into three parts: with Math and Science buildings on the far side of the campus, Language buildings on the near side, and English / Computer building across the street. However, the campus was not always as big nor did it offer all the courses featured today. 

For instance, when the school was first built in 1875, the administration building served as the only part of the school we can observe today, not even expanding across the street nor offering as many departments. Later, in 1881, the high school expanded by creating more classrooms near the original building and expanding what is now the administrative office. 

Nearly 20 years later, after the addition of a few new buildings, two very important features were added. The O'Donnell Gym and the Davis Library were added to the already growing school, providing students with more fun features. Sadly, in the later years, most of the new facilities were destroyed in a devastating fire, leaving the still-standing administrative building as the only department left in the school. 

Soon, many of these structures were re-built, and the library was extended, restoring joy to many attending at this point. In only 5 more years, the school would have expanded across the street, and thousands of students would be attending due to the quick growth of the agricultural businesses in the county; finally, constructing all the facilities we see today. 

But, the construction of the school is not the only aspect of the Hollister legacy we continue to see growing today. 

One thing remaining since the early years of Hollister High is an intense rivalry. The Gilroy Mustangs and the Hollister Haybalers have notably been rivals since the establishments of the two schools. Because of the schools’ major competition, the two schools even created their own annual football game, called “the Prune Bowl”, which is a memento to the Prune trees that used to line the Highway between the two cities. Over the years, the Haybalers have taken the lead in the game’s history, earning the win for 8 out of the 10 games in recent years. Right now, they hold a 30-23-1 streak against the team, putting them on top for over 30 games since 1956! 

Through the years, Hollister High School has racked up many alumni that have become local and national celebrities. One of which being Conner Menez, who has had quite the career in professional baseball, pitching for many notable teams such as the San Francisco Giants and the Chicago Cubs. He has also expanded his career to the National Nippon Teams, who he is currently still working for. 

The city of Hollister also has a very vast history to take into account. For example, in recent years, Hollister’s agricultural community has spiked, continuing to draw many field workers and farmers to the small town. This increase in town population has grown the school’s attendance, adding to the already large population of the high school. Now, the school has reached over 3,400 attendees, making it one of the largest schools in the area. 

So, next time you walk past the administrative building, just remember that once, the building was all the school had to offer!