FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Encinal High Class of 1988 Announces Plans to Donate a Renovation of Encinal High School

Alameda, California, 20 February 2008 – Encinal High School Class of 1988 has committed to renovating and upgrading the school by partnering with the Encinal Alumni Association.  The ’88 Grads plan to spend the next six months coordinating volunteer efforts and donations until the project’s completion, which will be celebrated on August 24, 2008.

Preparations for the Class of 1988’s twenty year reunion spawned feelings of appreciation for what the school meant to members of the class.  They wanted to give back to the school that, despite its financial obstacles through the years, has managed to produce successful businessmen, sports professionals, and quality community members.  What started out as a simple idea has burgeoned into an enormous project.  For the next six months, Encinal’s Class of 1988 will be enlisting the help of all Encinal Alumni, or anyone interested in the cause, to use their resources and contacts to come together for the “ALUMNI CHALLENGE” and the renovation and updating of the school for the students and community.

Encinal High School underwent partial renovation in the early 90’s but, due to budget cuts some of the projects were put on hold.  For the students of the school, EHS has proven to be an important part of their history even though they had to raise much of the money needed for the extra-curricular activities. 

"My years at Encinal were the best of my life, and most of my closest friends are people that I met in high school.  If it wasn't for Encinal, my life would have probably turned out much differently.  I owe a lot to that school."

- Dontrelle Willis, Major League Baseball Starting Pitcher for the Tigers and Encinal High Alumni

Desired projects range from acquiring a new industrial copy machine to the transformation of their sports field into a world-class all-weather track and field.  Encinal has undergone some renovations over the years, thanks to the help of allotted funds and volunteers such as the Boosters Club, the Alumni Association, and dedicated family and community members.  However, the school is 55 years old, and much of its décor and facilities is original to its 1952 opening.

“Encinal has become much more than a job for me.  The students and staff here are dedicated and supportive.  The difficulty is only in seeing what is needed and not being able to give it to them.   We want to offer them every opportunity.  These students are so amazing that they don’t let anything, including lack of funds, get in their way of having a great experience here at Encinal.”

- Michael Cooper, Vice Principal Encinal High School

There will be video updates via on-line clips which can be seen by clicking on www.encinalhigh.com and then clicking on the “Alumni Challenge” link.  There you will find information on the status of all projects and interesting facts about the school.  Though the endeavor is a huge undertaking, the Class of 1988 is confident that those who have attended the school will come together in an unprecedented fashion to see this through to an incredible completion.

ENCINAL HIGH – ALUMNI CHALLENGE – Encinal High School is located in Alameda, California, across the bay from San Francisco.  The school was built in 1951 and had its first graduating class in 1956.  All donations should be sent to “Encinal Alumni Association – Alumni Challenge”, 1136 Verdemar Drive, Alameda, CA 94502.  Any donations of products or services or any questions should be directed to Jo Ann Hillery at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (310) 869-9830.- END -