Smoke Signals

Page 1

Smoke Signals Vol. XXXV, No. 1

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Sequoia High School Alumni Association including the alumni of San Carlos High School

Join us 14th An for the nual P on Aug icnic . 21! See pa

ge 8

Summer 2021

Sequoia Administration Protects Front Hall Mural with Banner

he missionary-themed mural in the front hall at the main entrance of Sequoia High School is currently covered with an equally sized vinyl banner welcoming those entering the school. The banner includes an image of the school seal with the motto, UNALIYI, a Cherokee word meaning PLACE OF FRIENDS. Principal Sean Priest contacted Alumni Association president, Ken Rolandelli, in July of last year, not long after George Floyd was killed during an encounter with Minneapolis police. Sean advised of his intention to cover the mural in order to “get ahead” of any potential vandalism being experienced at the time in other parts of country with similar symbolism considered disturbing by segments of the population. The mural was covered around the time school opened last fall. Sean further advised at the February, 2021, Alumni Association Board of Directors meeting that he took the action to protect the mural, not as an act of protest, and that future discussions will be held about the mural which will include the Alumni Association. The mural was painted to celebrate the meeting of two Spanish parties in the vicinity of Redwood City. Mrs. Marshall White supervised the advanced free-hand students as they painted the mural located in the front hall in May 1927. The mural represents the meeting of two expeditions, one led by Father Junipero Serra, weary and footsore after a long journey from Santa Barbara Mission, and the other led by Father Crespi, happy and expectant, just starting out from Mission Dolores in San Francisco. The meeting took place in the general vicinity of Redwood City on the trail that now has become El Camino Real – the King’s Highway. Originally the library doors were in the center of the mural and when the doors were closed, the complete scene could be viewed.

Make your reservations for the picnic! See p. 9

Elect the Board

July 22. See p. 17 & 18 for details


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