History

In 1960, with the expanding population of Garden Grove, it was decided to open a new high school to serve the eastern side of the city. SANTIAGO HIGH SCHOOL opened its doors in the fall of 1961 with freshmen, sophomores, and juniors as the first classes. Dr. Carl F. Heinz was the first principal. Originally, SANTIAGO was part of the Crestview League. The CAVALIERS were League Champions in cross-country the first year.

The year following, 1962-63, many new traditions began. The Alma Mater was written by a junior student, Marsha Rubenstein, and arranged by band director, Gerald Heade. The music for the fight song, "The Orange Bowl", was chosen and the words were written by newly assigned vice principal, Mr. George Gill. The first commencement was held on June 14, 1963.

In 1964-65, SANTIAGO was football champion of the Crestview League. The Garden Grove League was formed in 1966-67. That year, SANTIAGO won the basketball and track championships. SANTIAGO also won basketball championships in 1969-70, 1972, 1974, and 1976. Football championships were won in 1972 and 1978. The 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1996 cross-country teams won the Garden Grove League championship. A member of Santiago's wrestling team went to the CIF finals. The baseball and soccer teams won League championships in 1989-90 and baseball again in 1990-91. The wrestling team won the League championship in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997. Boys’ Soccer has won league championships in 1990, 1993, 1994, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

The girls athletic program has been very successful at SANTIAGO. In 1974-75 the basketball team won the CIF championship. That was the first time a Garden Grove high school had won a championship in any team sport in either boys or girls programs. The team received many honors. In 1983-84, the girls’ field hockey team won SANTIAGO'S second girls' CIF championship. The field hockey team continued its winning tradition and won the culminating tournament in 1984-85, 1988-89, 1989-90, 1993, 1995 and 1997. They have won a total of twelve league championships. The Lady Cavs have been the CIF-Runner up team five times and they have won thirteen league championships. They were the CIF Academic team of the year in 1993 and the runner-up team in 1995. In 1987-88, 1988-89, 1989-90, and 1990-91 the girls' cross-country teams were League champions. The girls’ tennis team was the League champion in 1993-94.

Recent years have been very successful for our MARCHING CAVALIERS Band and Drill Team. Many honors have been earned through the years.

Eight men and women have served as principal or Santiago High School. Carl F. Heinz, 1961-1963; George S. Gill, 1963-1977; Glen Gwynn, 1977-1981; Ray Arroyo, 1981-1986; Bob O’Higgins, 1986-1991; Don Wise, 1991-1999; Ginny Lombardi, 2000-2002. The current principal, Ben Wolf, was appointed July 01, 2002.

"SANTIAGO"

The name SANTIAGO HIGH SCHOOL comes from Rancho Santiago, a Spanish land grant given to Jose Yorba, who was a soldier with the Portola expedition, which passed through this area in 1769. For his service to Spain, Yorba was given a rancho of eleven square leagues (approximately three miles). SANTIAGO HIGH SCHOOL was built on part of that land grant.

History

Santiago High School - Home of the Cavaliers