OPHS unearths time capsule

PATRICK SHELBY\Acorn Newspapers REMEMBERING WHEN-Fountiene Prince, a retired Oak Park High School guidance counselor, greets one of her former students during the opening of the 25-year-old time capsule as part of silver anniversary ceremonies at the high school last Saturday. Celebrating a blast from the past, Oak Park High unearthed its 25-year-old copper time capsule last Saturday as part of the school's silver anniversary.

Organized by Assistant Superintendent Cliff Moore and emceed by Oak Park resident Harvey Kern, the four-hour ceremony included speeches from alumni, faculty and local dignitaries.

Ventura County School Superintendent Dr. Charles Weis and Supervisor Linda Parks, Ventura County 2nd District, delivered comments on Oak Park High School's tradition of excellence.

"Oak Park High School has been a top performing school since the day it opened," said Weis. "Its excellence will continue with support from its leadership and the community."

A crowd of current students, recent alumni and older graduates with children was given some insight into the high school's early days by the district's first superintendent, Dan Thompson.

"Oak Park was a very small district," said Thompson. "I had the unique opportunity to know everyone who was hired."

During its formative years, the school district endured a number of difficulties. The lack of established credit required Thompson to put the district's phone bills on his personal card, while adventurous cattle from Bob Hope's Ranch devoured the school's lawns.

According to Thompson, the efforts of a determined school board and faculty helped to turn a seemingly backwater district into one of Southern California's finest.

"Oak Park schools are better than ever," said Thompson. "Even though few staff members remember who I am, I'm still incredibly proud of their accomplishments."

After an address from the district's original school board and a performance by the Oak Park High School Jazz Band, attendees watched the lifting of a concrete slab that revealed the sealed box of school memorabilia.

Initial qualms that the contents may have been spoiled by water seepage were quelled when the items emerged dry and preserved.

The capsule held 73 items, including articles and documents describing the formation of the school district and high school, popular magazines, a 1980 year book, an Eagles T-shirt, student essays and Oak Park athletic programs.

"The pictures and items bring back the great times here," said Kim Medly Johnson, a member of the class of 1984. "The school is definitely a lot more sophisticated now."

Over the course of 25 years, Oak Park High has blossomed as one of the Southland's finest schools. While the community had only 1,200 residents when the high school was built, the student population at Oak Park High now totals 1,300.

The school has received California Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon awards.

Officials said the school enjoys high test scores with 99 percent of the students passing the High School Exit Exam. There is an 86 percent pass rate among students who take Advanced Placement tests.

In addition to its academics, the high school also has a growing music and drama program and a number of sports and extracurricular activities.

"The founders had a strong vision that helped us to become what we are today," said school Principal Lynn McCormick.

The school is in the process of preparing a new time capsule to be sealed and buried this spring.