Jefferson HS celebrates 80th anniversary
Jefferson High School celebrates 80th anniversary
Some of the honorees included, from left to right, Boone Powell, Maj. Gen.
(Ret) Alfred Valenzuela, Toni Thompson, Ed Garza, Joaquín Castro, and Laura Saldivar.
Alumni from each of the school’s eight decades were highlighted, among them: Bernard Rapoport, founder of American Income Life Insurance Company; Boone Powell, renowned architect; Joaquín Castro, state representative; Julián Castro, San Antonio mayor and Ed Garza, SAISD school board president and former San Antonio mayor.
Thomas Jefferson High School opened in 1932 and is considered the “crowning jewel” of the Monticello Park neighborhood. The school’s striking Spanish-Moorish architectural style has attracted international attention, providing the backdrop for movies and commercials, and has been featured in prominent American and European publications. Its architectural beauty also contributed to the school being placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
Those honored at the event include:
● 1930s – Bernard Rapoport, who in addition to founding the American Income Life Insurance Co., he is also known for being an advocate for education and literacy, and for his philanthropy. His granddaughter attended the event on his behalf.
● 1940s – Bob Polunsky, San Antonio’s first film critic to broadcast on both radio and television. The numerous media outlets for which he worked include the San Antonio Light and San Antonio Express-News daily newspapers, as well as KENS and WOAI television stations.
● 1950s – Boone Powell, lead designer and principal in charge for Ford, Powell & Carson Architects. His notable works include designing the Tower of the Americas and creating the River North (River Walk expansion) project.
● 1960s – Maj. Gen. (Ret) Alfred Valenzuela, whose distinguished awards include the Bronze Star Medal and the Soldier’s Medal. His post-retirement work includes creating an educational foundation for at-risk children and for the families of soldiers killed in the line of duty.
● 1970s – Toni Thompson, SAISD associate superintendent for the Human Resources Department
● 1980s – Ed Garza, SAISD school board president and San Antonio mayor between 2001 and 2005
● 1990s – Joaquín Castro, state representative, District 125, and Julián Castro, San Antonio mayor
● 2000s – Laura Saldivar, executive director for Teach For America in San Antonio
Mission
To transform SAISD into a national model urban school district where every child graduates and is educated so that he or she is prepared to be a contributing member of the community.
Vision
Our primary purpose of improving lives through a quality education is driven by an unrelenting determination to graduate all of our students and prepare them for success in higher education. Our ideology is reflected in our fundamental beliefs, commitments and core values that guide us in our daily practices.
Core Values
- Student Centered
- High Expectations
- Commitment
- Passion
- Integrity
- Respect
- Teamwork
Core Beliefs
- Every student can learn and achieve at high levels.
- We are responsible for the education and safety of every student.
- We are responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the school system.
- Everyone should be treated with respect.
- People support what they help create.