Aztecs Celebrate 40 Years of "Discovering the Spirit"

Montgomery High Plans Monumental Homecoming Event

In the Fall of 1970, Montgomery High was opened on a picturesque site along the edge of Otay Mesa along Palm Avenue. Students who had been dispersed to other Sweetwater District schools, such as Castle Park High and Mar Vista High, now had a school they could call their own.

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The front office at Montgomery High in 1971

Although there was a football team in the school's first year, there was no traditional homecoming event, given that there were no alumni. Forty years and thousands of graduates later, alumni Jerry Jazmin (Class of 1979) and Leona Ortiz Jazmin (Class of 1977) hope that Homecoming 2010 on September 24 will be a night to remember.

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The newly-renovated football stadium at Montgomery High

When their daughter Amanda became an Aztec, the Jazmins hoped to pass along the pride and spirit they had for Montgomery High, including the significance of homecoming. It was at Homecoming 2009 that Jerry and Leona got the idea to give back to their alma mater by helping coordinate the events for the 40th anniversary 2010 event.

"It seemed like the tradition had fizzled away," said Jerry Jazmin. "We felt like it was time to get the school back in shape - physically and with school spirit."

After meeting with Principal Lee Romero, the Jazmins set out to organize a group of alumni who would help enhance this year's event. They called alumni band members, drill team members, cheerleaders and former ASB members to help them with their planning. The group has been meeting since May and has hosted several fundraisers to cover the cost of the event, including an alumni basketball tournament.

In addition to the special performances and appearances, there will be a pre-game tailgate party and a post-game celebration. The post-game event will be held in the gymnasium and include a performance by the band Rising Star, featuring several MOH graduates.

For more information, please visit the "Monty 'Aztecs' Homecoming" page on Facebook or email moh40yearevent@aol.com