The History of Highland High

by Dean Colett (2002)

Updated by Wendy Curtis and Katie Eskelson Ieremia (2025)

Highland High has been a cornerstone of our community for nearly 70 years. Over the decades, our students, teachers, and student groups have earned countless accolades across academics, athletics, and the arts—including more than 40 state championships in team competitions. From science bowls to football games, Highland has consistently demonstrated excellence.

Since opening its doors, Highland has been guided by a dedicated group of principals. Dr. Fred Arbogast was our first, followed by Dr. Edward Parker, Dr. David Hanley, Dr. Delbert Fowler, Dr. Ivan Cendese, Charles Shackett, Ken Powell, Don Barlow, Paul Schulte, Chris Jenson, and Jeremy Chatterton. Each brought their own vision and leadership, helping shape Highland into the vibrant school it is today.

While today’s students enjoy a modern campus with many amenities, Highland’s beginnings were humble. When the school opened in 1956, there were no desks—just tables. No cafeteria—students ate lunch during fourth period, with milk machines in the hallways. There was no auditorium, so early plays were performed in the library and later in the gym. Assemblies had to be held three times to accommodate everyone. The gym wasn’t built until 1960, and the stadium followed in 1963. Until then, basketball games were held at the LDS Parley’s Stake Center and football games at Westminster College. Even shop classes were held in the home economics rooms!

Back then, the faculty numbered just 45. Classes were 50 minutes long, with six periods a day, running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Today, Highland operates on a block schedule with eight periods split across alternating days, starting at 7:45 AM and ending at 2:10 PM.

In its early years, Highland served grades 7 through 10 and competed in athletics with only sophomores. On September 21, 1956, the school elected its first student body officers. Gary Sargeant became the first student body president, representing a combined student body of 1,251 students. There were no speeches or campaigns—votes were simply counted in homerooms.

The school was still under construction, and headlines in the student newspaper, The Rambler, reflected the excitement and curiosity of the time: “Future Buildings Under Construction,” “Whatever Will Be Will Be,” and “What’s Going On Out There?” These same questions echoed again during the 1996–1998 renovations to retrofit the school for earthquake safety.

Despite the challenges, Highland quickly became a showpiece school between Chicago and Los Angeles. Over the years, the campus has grown to include a stunning auditorium with a hanging ceiling, new gyms, an expanded library and Media Center, a fully equipped TV studio, the Little Theatre, a modern cafeteria, and a beautifully lit football stadium.

One of Highland’s proudest early moments came with its first football victory—a 7–0 win over West High. Lineman Mike Caputo scored the school’s first touchdown, kicking off a long tradition of athletic excellence. When it came time to choose school colors and a mascot, black and white were unanimously selected, along with the Ram—symbolizing strength and the drive to reach new heights.

In December 1956, a cornerstone was laid on the northeast corner of the building. Inside, a copper box was placed containing a superintendent’s report, teacher directory, newspaper, student and faculty rosters, a copy of The Rambler, and the school’s first class schedule—a time capsule of Highland’s beginnings.

Clubs and activities quickly took root, growing in number and enthusiasm each year. The first school play, Pinocchio, was performed to sold-out audiences in the library. Later productions like Junior Miss and The Emperor’s New Clothes were staged in the gym, until the grand opening of the auditorium with Peter Pan, complete with flying effects that showcased the school’s new state-of-the-art facilities. Since then, Highland’s theatre productions have continued to captivate and inspire.

The class of 1959 was Highland’s first graduating class—a special group of students who helped shape the school’s identity. Though Highland originally included 7th and 8th grades, they were later phased out. The 9th grade returned in the late 1970s and remains part of the student body today. At its peak, Highland served 2,400 students in grades 10–12. Today, the school enrolls around 2,100 students across four grades, including a robust ESL program serving the Salt Lake School District.

By the 2001–2002 school year, Highland’s student body reflected the growing diversity of the community: 64.2% Caucasian, 24.2% Hispanic, 3.2% Asian, 2.5% Pacific Islander, 4.4% African American, 1% American Indian, and 0.5% other.

Over the years, Highland has seen many physical transformations—from new gyms and a lighted football field to a Media Center, Little Theatre, and upgraded athletic facilities. Earthquake retrofitting has made the campus safer, and renovations to the art rooms, auditorium, cafeteria, and classrooms have created a more dynamic learning environment.

Highland students have always stood out. Many have earned All-American honors in a wide range of disciplines. Our alumni have gone on to become leaders in business, politics, religion, and the arts. We are proud of every student who has walked these halls.

Looking back on Highland’s rich history, it’s clear that the Rams have much to be proud of. While the school has evolved, its mission remains unchanged: to provide a high-quality education to every Highlander. With a diverse student body and strong leadership, Highland is poised to thrive well into the future.

We still stand by the motto that has guided us since the beginning:
“Non Nobis Solum... Not for Ourselves Alone.”