Salesian High School - Etalon Yearbook (Los Angeles, CA)

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Mustang Mural Shows the Way The Salesian High School Mustang Mural is a creation of a Salesian alumnus John Gonzales and Mr. Robert Arenivar, both o f Goez Studios on First Street in East Los Angeles. It was executed during the month of August, 1974, by the artists with the assistance of Salesian students, outstanding among whom was junior, Larry Ruotolo. Planning began last spring at the initiative of a group of seniors, and the pro- ject was guided through the summer months by Father Richard Jiru, chairman of Religious Studies at Salesian. This beautiful mural was financed by a most gracious lady, Mrs. Jorge Ramirez, owner of the Galeria Maria Luisa in San Gabriel, California. The Mustang Mural was dedicated at an out- door Mexican Independence Day program at Salesian High School on September 16th, 1974. The program featured dancers from the Grupo Folklorico of California State University at Los Angeles. The main speaker for the occasion was Mr. Art Torres, who represents our new local 56th State Assembly District in Sacramento. The mural is intended primarily as a source of reflection, encouragement and pride for the student body of Salesian. The basic symbol in the mural is thetmnbling wall at the center, suggestive of whatever obstacles and challenges the individual student may find confronting him. On the right, and moving through and over the wall, is the Spirit of Salesian: a mature figure carrjang the banner of the cross. In his right hand he carries a torch which sheds light over the entire mural. On the left are yoimger figures, representing Salesian students astride the Mustang (the school mascot), who must still face the challenges of their high school years. The symbols in this part of the mural express specific religious, cultural and social values, which are important to the life of the student, and to the community in which he lives. The book, guitar and Olympic circles represent the importance of studies, social life and sports. The flag of the farmworker movement is also included as a symbol expressive of a truly Christian approach to social problems: a philosophy based on non-violence and a belief in the willingness of people to support a just cause once it is clearly recognized. Salesian High School is dedicated by its stated philosophy, to foster those attitudes toward change which will lead to Christian social involvement, in a gospel spirit of compassion and non-violent dedication to human development . The Virgin of Guadalupe, so beautifully painted on the second banner, is the symbol par ex- cellence of the history, faith and culture of the Mexican people and is consequently an image deeply felt in the East Los Angeles community. From the beginning, it has been an image which has inspired hope. By bringing the symbolism of the three banners into close proximity, the mural suggests that the answers to questio ns and problems of our day will elude us, unless the lessons of history and the resources of faith are put into positive Christian activity.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Faculty and Administration — 16 Dedication — 18 Seniors — 30 Sports— 86 Activities— 138 Organizations — 162 Underclassmen — 184 Ads— 200