School Pride: A Tradition

The Genesis of the First High School in Orange County

Santa Ana High School’s roots stretch back to 1889, making it the first high school established in Orange County. The first class to graduate was in 1892, consisting of three boys — Harry Hunt, Lee McDrill, and Walter Stafford. Their commencement ceremony took place at Spurgeon’s Hall, and all three went on to attend Stanford University, which had just opened.

Since Santa Ana High School didn’t receive its accreditation until the following year, the class of 1893 — with eleven graduates — is sometimes considered the first official graduating class. The first high school was located on the second floor of the Central School Building at 205 W. Church Street (now Civic Center Drive), which also housed the grammar and elementary schools.

Growth and Relocation

The school’s first principal, Professor M. Manley (1889–1892), oversaw a curriculum of English, History, Latin, and Mathematics. In 1900, Santa Ana High School moved to a new building on North Main Street, near the site of the old Buffum’s department store. By 1913, the school relocated to its current site on West Walnut Street, which aviation pioneer Glenn Martin had once used as a testing ground for his first airplane.

Athletics and Achievements

Santa Ana High School quickly developed a strong athletic tradition. Graduate George Horne (Class of 1907) broke the world record in the high jump while attending Stanford University. Around the same time, Santa Ana’s girls’ basketball team ranked among the top in Southern California.

Over the years, Santa Ana High School has produced Olympic and professional athletes and earned more than 108 league championships and 15 CIF titles, embodying the competitive spirit of the Saints.

Traditions and Publications

The school’s first yearbook, The Ariel, was published in 1904. For many years, there were two editions annually, in February and June. These early yearbooks are historical treasures, capturing the faces of merchants, educators, and leaders who helped shape the Santa Ana community.

“No matter the time or the circumstance, a Saint is a Saint — always proud and ready to keep the Saint spirit alive.”

Campus History

• Founded: 1889
• Walnut Street Campus: Purchased 1912; rebuilt and rededicated 1935 after the 1933 Long Beach Earthquake
• Original Building: Damaged and demolished post-earthquake

School Mascot

The original mascot of Santa Ana High School was an owl, dating back to when the school was called Santa Ana Polytechnic High School. The term “Saint” first appeared in the student newspaper, The Generator, on May 5, 1925.

The first illustrated mascot design was created through a student design contest in the mid-1940s, introducing Sammy Saint. Over the decades, the school’s beloved mascots, Sammy and Sally Saint, have come to symbolize the pride, unity, and spirit that define Santa Ana High School.