This commentary was contributed by Shawn Tennenbaum, San Benito High School District Superintendent. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. BenitoLink invites all community members to share their ideas and opinions. By registering as a BenitoLink user in the top right corner of our home page and agreeing to follow our Terms of Use, you can write counter opinions or share your insights on current issues. Lea este articulo en español aquí.
In the San Benito High School District, our mission is to educate all students to their highest potential, ensuring they graduate with the greatest range of personal options. This takes a community, not just on campus, but also beyond our walls. In the 2023-24 academic year, as in each and every school year, high-quality education has been a priority, as evidenced through the efforts of staff members dedicated to fostering academic and social success for every one of our nearly 3,500 students.
Future Focused:
Of the nearly 800 members of the Hollister High School Class of 2024 who responded to a questionnaire about their post-secondary plans, 331 seniors indicated that they plan to attend a junior college and a total of 246 plan to attend a four-year university; 160 plan to attend a California State University; 49 will be attending a school in the University of California system; 48 indicated they will be entering the workforce; 37 will be attending a trade school or technical institute; 11 have apprenticeships; 20 will attend out-of-state public universities; 14 will be attending private universities; three will attend universities outside of the United States; and 14 have enlisted in the military.
This year, 452 students participated in dual enrollment opportunities that allowed them to earn both high school and college credits for successfully completing their Career Technical Education (CTE) courses. Through our industry-focused CTE program, 221 students completed one of our 13 pathways and 96 percent of those students graduated.
At Hollister High School, we believe in the power of providing comprehensive academic and social support in a safe and respectful school environment, where I’m proud to report we had a 93 percent attendance rate this year.
Academic, Environmental Recognition:
We are particularly proud that Hollister High School was recognized as a U.S. News Best High School for the sixth year in a row, a testament to our ongoing academic excellence, as supported by faculty, staff, counselors, student support managers and administrators. Additionally, our commitment to environmental stewardship has earned San Benito High School District a second consecutive Green Ribbon School designation. SBHSD is one of just 14 school districts in the state to earn the award this year.
From individuals to organizations, businesses to law enforcement partners, our community is key to our success. As Hollister High School’s student body continues to grow to be one of the largest in Northern California, we are grateful for the unwavering support of our community. These partnerships are vital as we strive to offer exceptional academics, robust athletic programs, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. We take pride in our efforts to create an inclusive environment where every student can thrive.
Student Success:
Hollister High School’s graduation rate continues to outpace that of the state average, with nearly 94 percent of HHS seniors graduating last year. Teachers, aides, counselors, administrators, and, of course families, are the support system for our students. Among this year’s seniors, 37 were recognized for meeting the district and state criteria to reclassify as Fluent English Proficient in the 2023-24 school year, and 131 seniors earned the State Seal of Biliteracy. This was the 12th year the school has awarded the seal. Over the prior six years, nearly 700 HHS students have attained the Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating that they attained proficiency in English and at least one other language: either Spanish, French or American Sign Language.
Striving For Fluency:
This year, 98 English Learner students were reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP) after meeting various linguistic and academic criteria set by the California Department of Education and San Benito High School District. The total number of students reclassifying increased by 25 year-over-year. Additionally, 70 percent of Hollister High’s nearly 400 Migrant Education Program students plan to attend college, having received case management services, after-school academies and tutoring, work experience and support with college and scholarship essays.
Student Advancement:
Of the 128 AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) seniors in the Class of 2024, 89 committed to attend a four-year college, 33 plan to attend a two-year college, five are enrolling in trade schools or pursuing apprenticeships, and one is joining the Navy. Nearly 700 students are in AVID, and historically, 99 percent of them graduate. Additionally, our focus on rigor is highlighted by the fact that 44 percent of HHS students participate in our honors or Advanced Placement programs, passing those rigorous classes at a 97 percent rate.
Support For All:
Every day on campus, our educators, support staff, maintenance and custodial teams, and campus supervisors work to provide a safe, clean and welcoming campus – both inside and out. The Baler Wellness Center had more than 2,500 student visits this school year, providing wellness check-ins, school-based counseling services and other supports.
The District’s nutrition programs have made significant strides in reducing food insecurity among our students, serving more than 642,000 meals in the 2023-24 school year between breakfast, lunch, the Haybaler Grill, after school supper, the Baler Marketplace food pantry, and at San Andreas Continuation School, which is part of the district. The monthly food pantry program provided an average of 1,120 meals, equating to about 224 meals each day. Nearly two-thirds of Hollister High School students are eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), highlighting the critical need for these services.
Those nutrition efforts will be augmented this coming Fall when the new, 8,500-square-foot Student Union and cafeteria will open on campus, providing a safe, vibrant, centrally located facility that will help meet the needs of our continually growing campus population.
Community Effort:
During the annual Senior Awards Night last month, 139 individual seniors were awarded $339,150 worth of scholarships to help them with their next stage of education, in whatever form that may take. All told, there were 337 scholarships awarded, as some of the 117 scholarships were given to multiple recipients. The Hollister High School Class of 2024 completed more than 2,300 scholarship applications this year, striving for the support provided by individuals, organizations and businesses in our community and beyond.
Baler Beneficiary:
The annual, community-wide Baler Beneficiary effort this year helped the family of 5-year-old Rubi Melendez with medical expenses related to the girl’s cancer treatment. This fundraiser netted $42,000, far surpassing the original $25,000 goal.
Supporting the Whole Student:
Hollister High School’s ASB (Associated Student Body) program is a vibrant connection point for students who want to be involved in all aspects of student life on campus. A total of 49 ASB officers — 10 elected by their peers and 39 appointed through an interview process — this year helped plan dozens of events and activities throughout the year.
Competition Promotes Success:
Haybaler Athletics in 2023-24 offered 27 varsity programs and 54 teams coached by 100 coaches at a school with the largest student enrollment in the 142-member Central Coast Section, which stretches from South San Francisco to King City.
Nearly 1,200 student-athletes participated in sports this year — approximately 24 percent of the student body. These student-athletes succeed in the classroom as well, with Fall sports participants earning a combined 3.11 grade point average; Winter sports students totalling a 3.07 GPA; and Spring athletes earning a 3.14 mark. In the Fall season, 225 student-athletes earned a spot on the All-Academic team for having a GPA above 3.0 and 41 (18.2 percent of varsity athletes) earned a 4.0 or better.
Our campus and community were proud of the boys soccer team, which won its first Central Coast Section championship and advanced to the Northern California playoffs. Other teams and individuals experienced success as well, showing how hard work and dedication pay off.
A Unifying Opportunity:
Unified Sports at Hollister High School offers soccer and basketball teams for students in the special education program, giving them a chance to compete in front of their peers during lunchtime games in Mattson Gym. Large crowds of students attend the games, which are part of the inclusive programs that have earned the school a National Unified Champion School designation from the Special Olympics.
The Unified Sports program also includes the Unified Games, which began nearly 20 years ago as a way for students with disabilities to participate in athletic events in a non-competitive atmosphere. This year’s event was held at Gilroy High, which alternates hosting duties with Hollister High every other year.
Unified Cheer:
The Unified Cheer team this year consisted of a dozen students who cheered alongside the Baler Cheer squad at junior varsity football games and at school rallies. They practiced their routines with coaches and cheerleaders determined to help the students feel included while getting to express their school spirit.
Unified Prom:
Unified Prom, coordinated by the Associated Student Body and Circle of Friends, was held in the Spring at the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Hollister. Students with and without disabilities attended, and general education students were encouraged to ask students in the Life Skills program to the dance.
Career Technical Education:
Hollister High School’s agriculture and FFA program this year earned a ranking of No. 11 out of more than 380 agriculture programs in the state of California, improving its ranking from No. 15 last year. And senior Trevor Wright was awarded the California State FFA Star in Agribusiness, awarded to the FFA member with the top non-production agribusiness supervised agricultural experience. Trevor is just the third Hollister FFA student in history to win a state star.
I am proud that our CTE program offers 13 career pathways to more than 1,200 students, integrating core academic knowledge with technical and occupational opportunities to provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers.
Community Voice:
It was heartening that so many members of our community participated in planning and discussions for a second high school throughout the 2023-24 school year. We held multiple town halls in English and Spanish, as well as 10 K-8 listening and awareness sessions to hear from our constituents. I am deeply appreciative of their involvement and interest in the future of education in San Benito County.
Looking Ahead, Looking Back:
The 2023-24 school year has come to an end and the new school year will be upon us in less than two months. I am grateful to our families, students, employees, alumni and our entire community for their support. I hope everyone has a restful summer and brings the support and energy again when the 2024-25 school year arrives. You are a reminder that every day is a great day to be a Baler!
Sincerely,
San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum
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