# Montgomery High School (San Diego)

Montgomery High School (MOH) is a four-year (grade levels 9–12) public high school in San Diego, California, United States. It opened in 1970 in the Otay Mesa neighborhood. The school serves more than 2,500 students. It is named after pioneer aviator John Joseph Montgomery, who made the first manned glider flight in U.S. history from a hill where the school is located.

## History

In 1971, there was a proposed establishment of an organic garden at the school. The garden was implemented in 1975 as part of an experimental course called Ecology, which involved 16 students. The course aimed to provide hands-on environmental education outside the traditional classroom setting. Seeds were funded through the gifted program or purchased by students. In later years the garden would be featured in an episode hosted by Huell Howser.(Chula Vista Star-News, March 23, 1975). This class is no longer taught at the school.
Montgomery High underwent extensive renovations, with classrooms being gutted and renovated in 2006 by Turner Construction. In 2009-2010 more construction work began. As such, the creation of a new synthetic field turf was installed at the school's stadium, along with new concrete work. On August 31, 2012, a formal ceremony was held to dedicate Montgomery High School's stadium in honor of Al Prazak, a former employee in the Athletics department. On the original gym there is a plaque that reads the following: "In Honor Al Prazak, for his Loyalty and Dedication. 1970-1986." of In 2011, a new office, classrooms, and library were constructed all in one two-story building in front of campus. Other work was performed from 2011 to early 2012 under Prop-O. The new library, named for founding principal Joseph C Torres, was opened on February, 10th 2012, and a new landscaping and quad area in front of the library and other buildings were added for the adult school on the same campus. In 2014 an approximately 15,800 sq. ft. custom gym floor was installed. Basketball court at this school has a checkerboard style floor pattern.
In 2009, Montgomery High School in San Diego faced challenges with low test scores, prompting concern from the Sweetwater Union High School District. The District replaced the principal, implemented new schedules, and increased accountability measures. The new principal at that time Lee Romero; took significant action to improve student performance as part of the state system; that "parallels No Child Left Behind, which pushes school to raise test scores." However, this did spark debate among teachers and the union, who were concerned about the process. As of 2022, the changes were successful.
In 2018, San Diego law enforcement proposed to conduct an active school shooter drill and use it as cover for the arrests of four students. On Halloween, officials at Montgomery High School carried out this plan. This tactic, seen as a new and untested law enforcement strategy, was defended by Sweetwater Union High School District officials as a measure to ensure safety. However, juvenile justice advocates criticized it as violating students' rights and a misleading use of the drill.

## Athletics

MOH offers a full range of athletic teams. These teams compete under the Aztec team name against other schools in the district and the surrounding area.
| Fall | Winter | Spring |
| Fall Football Girls Field hockey Girls Flag Football Girls & Boys Cross Country Girls Volleyball Girls Golf Girls Tennis Boys Water Polo | Girls & Boys Basketball Girls Water Polo Soccer Wrestling Cheer | Boys Tennis Football Boys Volleyball Girls & Boys Swimming Boys Golf Boys Baseball Girls Softball Track & Field Beach Volleyball |

## Notable alumni

| Name | Grad Class | Category | Best Known For |
| Tony Walker | 1977 | Athlete | Professional baseball player |
| William McLeroy | 1978 | Other | Firefighter |
| Nora Vargas | 1990 | Politician | American politician |
| Wuv Bernardo | 1991 | Musician | Drummer for P.O.D. |
| Sonny Sandoval | 1991 | Musician | Singer for P.O.D. |
| Rey Mysterio | 1993 | Athlete | Professional wrestler |
| Óscar Robles | 1994 | Athlete | Professional baseball player |
| Sergio Mitre | 1999 | Athlete | Professional baseball player |
| Thunder Rosa | 2006 | Athlete | Professional wrestler |
| Alfredo Gutiérrez | 2015 | Athlete | Professional football player |

## Notable faculty

DeMarco Sampson