The Triton Mosaic photo, stadium drone photo by Brenda Cash
The First Public High School on the Peninsula
Way back when the cliffs of Palos Verdes were a scenic, windswept plateau, the Los Angeles Unified School district hired local architects to design a new high school. It was during Southern California’s explosive postwar population boom, and hundreds of schools were being built all across Los Angeles county.
Palos Verdes High School was the crown jewel and the only school located just a block from the ocean. In 1961 when the Palos Verdes School District became the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District, Palos Verdes High School became the first public high school on the Peninsula with
an opening enrollment of just over two thousand students. The school earned many awards for academic and athletic excellence before declining enrollments due to demographic changes led the district to close PVHS in 1991.
The PV High campus remained in use as Palos Verdes Intermediate School because the former intermediate school closed as part of the reorganization. In 2002, climbing enrollments and overcrowding at Peninsula High School led the district to reopen Palos Verdes High School.
Today PVHS is holding firm, with enrollment hovering around 1,400 students.
1960's
Mr. Kinney
Mr. James W. Kinney started as a history teacher and became a transcendent campus and community figure during his 35 years as the Activities Director. His energy and dedication were emblematic of PVHS. Mr. Kinney retired in 1998 and sadly passed away in 2016. Still, his work ethic and unselfish commitment to students remain hallmarks of PVHS today, which is why Senior Park will be dedicated to him.
PVHS 60th Anniversary Capital Campaign
Senior Park is the heart of the PVHS campus, a central gathering place, and is considered the hub of the school. Graduations, performances, assemblies, classes, meetings, school dances, and many other activities are held in Senior Park. It is a place of rest and rejuvenation during the school day, but it desperately needed a makeover. Thanks to the PVHS 60th Anniversary Capital Campaign, sponsored by The James Kinney Estate and PVHS Booster Club, and the support of dozens of private donors, that is precisely what is happening now.
The first phase of the ambitious $250,000 project and capital campaign is already well underway. The project’s initial focus was to replace the damaged concrete stage and steps, and improve the stage area landscaping. Further planned work includes: installing a new Sea King mural and PVHS signage, relocating and refurbishing the large outdoor clock, and dedicating James W. Kinney Senior Park via a bronze tribute plaque which will also recognize donors.
The initial phase of the renovation was completed during the summer. Dean Decker, PVHS Booster Club President, explains, “We had to hustle to get the heavy work done while the students were not on campus. Pearce Construction (PVHS family) was exceptional, the stone work and improvements to the stage look phenomenal. We have much more to do including signage and the refurbishment of the clock which is being done by the Medawar family,” he says, illustrating what an astonishing community effort this is.
PV High School’s current students are fortunate to benefit from those who came before them. The Booster Club and all the community and alums set valuable examples for today’s high schoolers, not least of which is their financial and moral support for their alma mater. As the school marks its 60th birthday with this capital campaign, the groundwork for future projects on campus is being laid, and the stage is being set for at least 60 more years of continued Sea King excellence.
1970's
1980's
Today
“Since the school reopened 20 years ago, there has been a long series of private donations funding capital projects on the PVHS campus totalling approximately $6 million. Amazing! Money has been raised for the football field and the baseball complex. The swimming pool was another big one, and donors funded the sand volleyball courts. The grass practice fields were also privately funded. And it has not all been athletics, there has been sizable investment in the Arts, including improvements to the MPR to support drama and music. It is a very lengthy list, it is eye-popping.” —Dean Decker
The gorgeous campus is just a block from the ocean and remains a unique and magnificent place to attend school, but the years have taken a toll on the infrastructure, and improvements are necessary. With limited funds and several school sites to manage, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District cannot finance every major renovation and large-scale project, so schools often turn to private donors and their booster clubs for assistance.
The PVHS Booster Club, with the generosity and assistance of so many community members, is happy and proud to help take care of their beloved institution. The group is responsible for raising direct funds essential to programs and projects at the school that are not funded by the District. They are stepping it up this year by sponsoring the PVHS 60th Anniversary Capital Campaign.
The money raised from the capital campaign, which coincides with the school’s 60th birthday, will dramatically improve the school’s senior park and outdoor stage and honor the beloved James Kinney (“Mr. Kinney”), a former longtime teacher and activities director.
Dean Decker, who met his wife, Alyson Decker, at PVHS back in the 1980s, says PVHS Alumni and the local community are excited about the capital campaign, and the generosity of the donors has been extraordinary.
The Deckers, who have four children, all of them PV High Sea Kings, met at school through their shared connection with Mr. Kinney, who made a significant impact on many people over the years. A sizable gift from his estate, along with a massive following from graduates in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and even the early 1990’s, provided the backing and enthusiasm to initiate the campaign.
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