Kearny High Celebrates 80 Years

from the Komet Konnection,  Fall 2021

            It’s been eighty years since students gathered, the flag was raised, and classes began in the houses around Ingersoll Street. Eighty years since the first day at Kearny High School. Rushed into being by forces of world politics, mirroring the growth patterns of the city and the state, and fostering the life experiences of tens of thousands of students, Kearny High School has been impacted by, and contributed to, history. Our history. The history we have witnessed, and helped create. Komet history.

This history is made up of many stories. The stories of movement – the stories of change, the stories of progress, the stories of accomplishment. There are stories of championships won, and yes, some that were lost, as well as stories that present an interesting sequence of events over time – a sailboat regatta, an electric car race, a robotics competition. Some stories remember high school activities that no longer exist – senior ditch day and donkey basketball. Other stories show how traditions can continue across the decades – homecoming, the prom, senior graduation events. 

The wonder of Kearny’s history is that so many people have contributed to it. ROTC cadets, drama students, members of the drill team or latin club, soccer athletes, every student that took a standardized test or prepared a senior exhibition; each Kearny student has a story. What makes these stories powerful is the recognition that Kearny cultivated and nurtured the opportunities that allowed every one of us to create our own personal narrative, to experience struggle, support, and success. The context and details may change from year-to-year, but the essential element is always there – this is who we are, who we all are. We are Komets. It’s what Kearny helped us become. 

Please enjoy these snippets of Komet history, revel in your own recollections of Kearny High School, and reflect on the value of that experience. Between all of us there are eighty years of stories to be remembered, and shared.

~ Rick Corlett

The Kearny Komet Museum

Kearny High Educational Complex

1954 Komet Way

San Diego  CA  92111