Salesian High School (Los Angeles, California)

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Bishop Mora Salesian High School is an all-male high school located in the Boyle Heights community of Los Angeles, California. The school mascot is the Mustangs. The students are successful in the study of art and music, and for athletics, including football, cross country, track, and soccer. It was named after Francisco Mora y Borrell, Bishop of the former Monterey-Los Angeles Diocese. Salesian is also named after St. Francis de Sales. The high school is operated by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles and associated with the Salesian Society. Located in a community of predominately low-income families, Salesian High has educational opportunities for at-risk children.

1 Early history
2 Academics
3 Sports
4 Current activity
5 Notable alumni
6 External links

[edit] Early history

When construction on Salesian High School began in 1958, there were speculation that the school would not be successful and would close quickly, but the community of Boyle Heights and the ASB (Association of Salesian Brothers) were determined to help this institution. Throughout the early years of activity its facilities served as a place where local elementary schools and the neighboring communities could hold events.

[edit] Academics

Many students who have attended Salesian have claimed their lives were turned around, and praise for Salesian for not giving up on them. With 89 percent of its graduates going on to college (though only 62 percent going on to a four-year college or university), Salesian is considered a premier Catholic high school in Boyle Heights/East L.A. Salesian is known for serving local public and private elementaries, and for its lauded Salesian Boys and Girls Club (a UC/CSU center of excellence), which helps young boys and girls in the community. Salesian also is known for their charitable event, "Project Santa", and for hosting several Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) athletic events. It is associated with two other southland ASB schools, including Don Bosco Technical Institute in Rosemead and St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower which all operate closely.

[edit] Sports

The Salesian Mustangs have put together successful sports program, particularly soccer, football, track and field, cross-country, and volleyball. Recently, the school has opened a new gym, sports facilities, and football field through the donations of alumni and associated individuals. The schools long-standing rivals are Cantwell-Sacred Heart of Mary in Montebello (a rivarly started when the now co-ed school enrolled only boys and was known as "Cantwell"), Cathedral High School in Downtown L.A., and Verbum Dei in Watts.

[edit] Current activity

Salesian has vowed to help at-risk kids by empowering them to continue their education at the nation's top universities. The school operates with a two-tier system that boasts a college prep track and a general high school track. This system allows the school to serve all types of students while staying true to the vision set forth by St. John Bosco. The school also continues to host local community events with continued access to its facilities. Events include elementary school graduations, CYO tournaments, California Interscholastic Federation tournaments and many other functions that serve the Boyle Heights community.