Restore the Seal on Senior Lane at Dominguez High

After going to the Dominguez High School All-Class Reunion (on the campus) this month, it gave not only me, but many alumni an opportunity to walk about the campus to reminisce and get a feel for who the current Dons are today. When one looks at the campus from the outside it looks pretty nice but when you walk inside the gate and down the halls, you get a different feeling that makes you sad or mad. You're not sure who these Dons are and you definitely know that they are not experiencing what you did when you were at D-High!

I took pictures of the 'seal' on senior lane and of the 'victory bell base' and it made me think that if these items are in such poor condition, surely the student body is not embracing these items using the traditions of our times. The seal was never to be stepped upon by anyone. Even though seniors only belong on senior lane and typically respect the seal more than others, there were always underclassmen who tried to pull pranks and push someone on the seal, but they found out quickly that it was not to be played with. In the '70s when I was at Dominguez, the athletes and pep squads not only protected senior lane, they were fully invested in all the traditions of the Dons: decorating senior lane on spirit and/or game days, setting up and ringing the 'victory bell' when any school team won a game, a match, a league or state championship or whenever there was a major school accomplishment! These traditions were ingrained in us all from freshman year on. They were in place before I came and were taught to me as a student so that I could carry on these traditions. The current student's path should be no different but what is needed is us...the alumni. We have to give back to our Alma Mater and go in and teach the traditions, share the importance and instill the pride that is needed not only for the enjoyment of these students high school years, but we must help instill a pride that will motivate them to continue these traditions with or without us.

I spoke with the principal on the day of the picnic and he was encouraged and on-board with the alumni giving back to Dominguez High. After speaking with many alumni we came up with 5 possible projects. When I posted the 5 potential alumni/school community service projects for Dominguez High on Facebook, the 'seal restoration' project grossed more positive feedback than all the others, so here we are!

We have gathered three estimates for this project. Floyd Hooper, class of '74 and some of his classmates were the first to get an estimate of $5,500. I have received 2 additional estimates; one for $4,500 and the second one for $5,000. These estimates cover purchasing a mosaic medallion of the exact seal at school. The latter 2 quotes include a choice of Marble, Terrazzo or a Glass product. The original mosaic is glass. The last 2 quotes do not include the demolition/installation so we would have to ask the district if they are capable  of the demolition/installation of the medallion. If they are not, there will be an extra fee that could be as high as $2,000, which is why I am asking for $7,000. If we raise more money than is actually needed, we can roll the funds over the 'victory bell' project.

I am so grateful to the many alumni who responded so quickly to this opportunity to show what commitment and dedication is. It warms my heart to see so many alumni step up and want to help. These students need us and I believe that we are the only ones that can teach them and help them to become the Dons that we are. We are fearless, resilient and amazing and they need to know that. They also need to know that everything they do as a Don is a reflection not only of them but of the many classes that came before them. I know we can do this. Now I am opening the door to make it happen. Go Dons, show them what you're working with!!!!