Canyon High School celebrated its 50th anniversary and honored its “50 Most Influential People” Tuesday in front of attending alumni, administration, its current student body and guests.

Don Richards stood outside the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at Canyon High School, awaiting his daughter to be recognized as one of the school’s “50 Most Influential People” within the categories of education, athletics, arts/entertainment, business, government and other.

“I was about 10 minutes late and the place was completely packed. Luckily, they have a monitor here in the lobby,” said Richards. “I’ll be able to see her be acknowledged for what she’s done for the school.”

Richards said that his daughter’s name would be permanently placed on a wall on the campus that denotes the “50 Most Influential People” in Canyon High School’s history.

“It’s pretty neat,” said Richards.

Smiling Father, Don Richards celebrating his daughter Cheryl Hanks in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center at Canyon High School.

Richards is not a father to a current student, but an alumni student, Cheryl Hanks, who is now an English teacher and heads the anti-bullying program at Canyon High School. She was recognized for her influence in education at the ceremony.

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“Today, we celebrate the achievements that have bridged generations of those who have worn the green and the gold.” said Shellie Holcombe, Canyon High School principal.

Holcombe expressed her hope that the event fosters a sense of school spirit and inspires those current Canyon High students sitting in the audience.

“Most of all, we hope you will be inspired not only by our accomplishments, but also by what we are continuing to build,” said Holcombe in the program handed to all attendees of the anniversary event.

Holcombe began her career in education as a teacher and taught at Canyon High, eventually becoming principal.

Similarly, Linda Storli, Hart School District governing board member, also attended the event to show her support for the school where she began and ended her career as a teacher.

“I started [at Canyon High School] 32 years ago. This is where I spent the majority of my adult life,” Storli said. “This is where my heart is.”

After retiring as a teacher, Storli continued to serve Canyon High, as well as all the other schools within the William S. Hart School District, after being elected as a district governing board member in 2015.

Assemblyman Dante Acosta of California’s 38th District also attended the event, using his speech to commend the effort to recognize the school’s 50-year tradition of school pride and scholastic achievements.

“This school has an exceptional track record in athletics, the arts (and) humanities,” Acosta said.  “We’ve got people who have come out of this school that have done wonderful things.”

Along with the honoring of the school’s “50 Most Influential People,” Canyon High School guests were also invited to tour the campus, view a car show outside the school’s auto shop, meet the clubs on campus, look at memorabilia and history in the school library and enjoy a live performance from local Santa Clarita band, Miles 2 Go.

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