Los Altos celebrates milestone anniversary
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

BILL SPARKES/Acorn Newspapers SCHOOL HISTORY- Los Altos Middle School alumni teacher Mark Asher, standing, and students, from left, Raul Figuero, 13, Devante Abbott-Johnson, 14, Heather Lanter, 13, and Ninette Westendorff, 12, all of Camarillo, peruse memorabilia of the school's history. Asher attended Los Altos from 1989-90 and returned to teach in the year 2000.

While officials are planning the closure of one of the oldest schools in the Pleasant Valley School District, others will be celebrating its history.

Despite the impending closure of Los Altos Middle School this summer, past and present students, administrators and teachers will share memories and giggle at old yearbook photos when they meet for the school's 45th anniversary on May 16.

The school board voted in March to close Los Altos at the end of the school year in an effort to raise money to offer teachers and other workers a more competitive salary and benefits package.

Ron Speakman, Los Altos alumnus and school board president, said it will be bittersweet returning for the celebration.

"It's tough to close the school that I graduated from," he said.

Speakman said it's a sense of community that makes Los Altos special. "It's what Camarillo is all about."

Speakman also said he still has the clarinet he played in the Los Altos Trojan band almost 40 years ago and may join in a musical performance by former and current band members at the event.

School employees said they want to keep the mood of the celebration upbeat.

"What's more positive than celebrating 45 years of service to the community and 45 years of kids graduating from our school and going on to be successful?" Principal Sue Eastman said.

History teacher Mark Asher also plans to attend the celebration. He's taught at his alma mater for seven years.

"I'm still around because the school is great," Asher said. "I love Los Altos."

For more information about Los Altos Middle School's 45th anniversary and open house, call (805) 482-4656.