Alumni support Corona del Mar High’s 60th jubilee, help raise about $1.3 million
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Hundreds of Corona del Mar High School and Middle School alumni made their way to the campus Saturday to help celebrate its 60th anniversary and to witness the naming of its new track for legendary Sea Kings coach Bill Sumner.
There were two distinct segments to the celebration: a campus open house during the day and a “Rock the Endowment Music Fest” concert held in Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina that featured three bands, Flashback Heart Attack, the Side Deal and the English Beat.
For the record:
1:01 p.m. Oct. 27, 2022This article previously stated the funds raised during the jubilee, as described by Corona del Mar Foundation officials, would go toward supporting several specific programs that the Newport-Mesa Unified School District no longer offers. According to a district spokeswoman, those programs are still offered in the NMUSD.
With open house tickets going for $20 each and concert tickets set at $250, the CDM Foundation saw its Crown of the Sea endowment fund grow by about $1.3 million toward an overall goal of $2 million, organizers announced.
According to foundation officials, the money raised will help support programs in the Newport-Mesa Unified School District.
Building support for the endowment was linked to the 60th anniversary open house and track dedication, according to foundation board member Joe Stefano.
“It sets the stage for critical elements needed and funded in perpetuity,” Stefano said. “The endowment supports student and family mental wellness liaisons.
“The open house and concert was a way to get the alumni to come to the campus and see what the campus looks like today and enjoy some fun and fellowship at the concert.”
The four-hour campus open house concluded with an hour-long dedication ceremony of the new track in Sumner’s honor.
When the longtime coach took the podium facing bleachers full of open house attendees, he said, “it’s kind of nerve-racking for me speaking in front of people.
“I don’t like taking all this credit because I get a lot of help, and sometimes I need to be reminded about how many people have helped me. When I saw the sign ‘Welcome to Bill Sumner Track,’ it felt like a birthday. So I thought maybe I could ask for a present.”
The gift he requested was a record board to have all the great athletes’ records in full view when they walk into the stadium.
“I wanted a permanent brand new record board to cherish those people recognized and be remembered,” he said.
Sumner not only got his wish, but designed the 10-foot tall by 8-foot wide board that will soon be installed.
Earlier in the day, the alumni toured classrooms, athletic facilities and took in a pep rally that included student performances from the Orchesis Dance Co., the Sparkle Team, the pep squad, the Madrigals choir, the jazz band and the drumline.
Among those found walking through the campus early Saturday afternoon were friends Heather Hines of Dana Point and Cindy Overholt Woodland of Newport Beach, both members of the Class of 1980.
“We walked to lockers and classrooms that we used to have,” Woodland said. “It looks nice and it’s so modern and has painted colored walls, not beige.”
Hines spotted the classroom where the yearbook committee met when she was a CdM student and recalled how she shot photos for the annual.
“I also had four years of Spanish from Mr. Fish, a special teacher,” Hines said.
Current CdM senior Maggie Marr was among students taking part in the anniversary celebration.
“I think today was amazing,” Marr said. “I got to give tours to alumni and it was heartwarming to see their faces.”
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