Encina High School was established on September 2, 1958. The first classes held freshmen and sophomores, and the school graduated their first class in the spring of 1961. Students were asked for their input on school colors and mascot and choose Cardinal Red and Gold and the Apaches. During the 1989–1990 school year, the San Juan Unified School District requested that Encina change their mascot from an Apache to something more culturally sensitive, and so the class of 1991 were the very first Encina Bulldogs.
While the school thrived during its early years, beginning in the 1980s it has suffered from low enrollment and been suggested for closure several times in its recent history.
In 1995, Encina High School garnered national attention when a riot broke out after on-campus police officers used pepper spray and batons against students in the cafeteria. Students involved in the incident argued that it was the overreaction of law enforcement to an argument between two students that led to six students being arrested and nine others being sent to the hospital to be treated for bruises and adverse reactions to inhaling pepper spray.
Encina is known for its rich basketball tradition; every year since 2000, a fundraiser basketball game is played between the alumni and current students. The game raises thousands of dollars that go towards improving student programs for the kids.[citation needed]
On April 29, 2011, John F. Goodman became the first inductee into Encina High School's Hall of Fame.
Demographics
The school has approximately 1100 students, with large populations of African American, Hispanic/Latino, White, Middle Eastern, and Asian/Pacific Islanders. The school also educates many immigrants whose first languages include Spanish, Russian, and Ukrainian.[citation needed]
Notable alumni
Barbara Alby, California assemblywoman (did not graduate)
