Torrance High School
Encyclopedia
Torrance High School is a high school located in Torrance, California
. Founded in 1917, it is one of the oldest high schools in continuous use in California
and is the oldest of the four high schools in the Torrance Unified School District
. Four of its buildings are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
.
Torrance High School is a popular filming location
for television and motion picture production. It is most widely known for its appearance in high-profile television shows
, including Beverly Hills, 90210
and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and most recently on the ABC Family
drama, The Secret Life of the American Teenager
. It is the alma mater
of broadcaster Paul Moyer
, Medal of Honor
recipient Ted Tanouye
, World War II
prisoner of war
Louis Zamperini
, and professional golfer
Angela Park
.
as a combination high school and elementary school
to accommodate the area's rapid post-World War I
growth brought on by the regions petroleum industry
and iron works, as well as the Pacific Electric Railway
expansion.
Torrance High's first commencement ceremony took place June 18, 1918, during which three female students received their diplomas. In 1947 Torrance Unified School District—TUSD was formed but was not certified for a high school. During the school year of fall 1946 to summer 1947. Torrance High School became part of the Redondo Union High School District. Torrance High has a series of underground bomb shelters located throughout the school, dating back from the Cold War era. The very first graduating high school class from TUSD was the Class of 1948. In 2009, 97% of Torrance High's students passed the CAHSEE exam.
The average gross income of Torrance High's ZIP code (90501) is $46,839.
Torrance High has over 100 classrooms; a library; access to site, district, and county media resources; five computer labs; at least one computer per classroom; two gyms; and local athletic fields.
The Main Building
1917 with the 1921 'L wing' additions, the Senior Patio
, the 1921 original Science Building—current Home Economics Building
, the Streamline Moderne
style 1937 Auditorium
, and the first 1923 Torrance Elementary School
, now referred to as the Annex: are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places
(in 1983). These were Torrance's first such landmark listings. In 1921 a scenic Spanish Colonial Revival glazed tile
fountain
and Mexican Saltillo tile
patio was added to Torrance High's Mediterranean Revival style Main Building, along with the attached 'L wing' expansion. The patio area is frequently seen in Beverly Hills, 90210
, has been known for decades as the "Senior Patio," and is traditionally off-limits to underclassmen. The Main Building received a major exterior restoration and interior modernization in the late 1970s and is the campus building most often seen on film.
The Long Beach earthquake
on March 10, 1933, left its mark on the campus. The quake destroyed the upper part of the original auditorium and caused the ground near it to sink several feet. The area was nicknamed the "Sunken Garden" until rebuilt. The landmark auditorium replacing it was built in 1937 as a Works Progress Administration
project while the elevated administrative offices were added in 1962.
A memorial honoring Ted T. Tanouye
, a member of the class of 1938 and posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor
, is directly across from THS. Tanouye was a technical sergeant
in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team
. This memorial was dedicated in 2004 on the 60th anniversary of the Tanouye's heroic acts during World War II
.
s make it an ideal filming location
for major television programs and motion pictures. Among its credits:
Torrance High has had a long successful athletic history winning many league titles in the current Pioneer League and also in the past Bay League.
Historic records
Latest achievements
As an unofficial tradition, Torrance High has been known for many of its graduates enlisting with the U.S. military, particularly the Marine Corps
. Many alumni have gone on to become professional players, some before they even graduated. Deon Thompson
graduated in 2006, and went on to play Basketball
for UNC
as a Forward. Angela Park
became a professional golfer
in April before her graduation in 2006, and went on to tie for second place in the LPGA
US Women's Open
of 2007.
Student groups are a significant part of student life, with service clubs like UNICEF
and KIWIN'S
, and academic groups such as Model United Nations
and United States Academic Decathlon
serving many interests. Cultural clubs are also available for students interested in another nationality's culture. The largest clubs at Torrance High by average attendance are CSF, Kiwins, UNICEF, Bible Club, KCC (Korean Culture Club), KFCC (Filipino Club) all averaging between 50-100 students each month.
The school's alma mater
is set to the ballad "Annie Lisle
."
Torrance High offers 65,700 instructional minutes on a yearly basis and has nine minimum days for testing and/or staff development.
In 2004, Torrance High instated its Schoolwide Academic Goals in an effort to raise its education standards. Comprising an acronym of the mascot's name, they outline goals of technical competency and other standards.
Every year, about 50% of the seniors attend community colleges after graduating.
Torrance, California
Torrance is a city incorporated in 1921 and located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, California, United States. Torrance has of shore-front beaches on the Pacific Ocean, quieter and less well-known by tourists than others on the Santa Monica Bay, such as those of neighboring...
. Founded in 1917, it is one of the oldest high schools in continuous use in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
and is the oldest of the four high schools in the Torrance Unified School District
Torrance Unified School District
Torrance Unified School District is a school district in Los Angeles County, California, with its headquarters in Torrance.The district board of education has a president, a vice president, a clerk, and two members. As of 2011, the District Superintendent is Dr. George Mannon...
. Four of its buildings are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
.
Torrance High School is a popular filming location
Filming location
A filming location is a place where some or all of a film or television series is produced, in addition to or instead of using sets constructed on a movie studio backlot or soundstage...
for television and motion picture production. It is most widely known for its appearance in high-profile television shows
Television program
A television program , also called television show, is a segment of content which is intended to be broadcast on television. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series...
, including Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210 is an American drama series that originally aired from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000 on Fox and was produced by Spelling Television in the United States, and subsequently on various networks around the world. It is the first series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise...
and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and most recently on the ABC Family
ABC Family
ABC Family, stylized as abc family, is an American television network, owned by ABC Family Worldwide Inc., a subsidiary of the Disney-ABC Television Group division of The Walt Disney Company...
drama, The Secret Life of the American Teenager
The Secret Life of the American Teenager
The Secret Life of the American Teenager is an American teen drama television series created by Brenda Hampton. It first aired on ABC Family on July 1, 2008. The show was renewed for a second season consisting of 24 episodes on February 9, 2009, which began airing on June 22, 2009...
. It is the alma mater
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
of broadcaster Paul Moyer
Paul Moyer
Paul Moyer is a veteran television news broadcaster in Southern California. He co-anchored the 5 PM and 11 PM weekday editions of KNBC-TV's Channel 4 News with Colleen Williams. Moyer has worked primarily in the two major television markets—New York and Los Angeles—in addition to briefly working...
, Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
recipient Ted Tanouye
Ted T. Tanouye
Ted Takayuki Tanouye was a Japanese American soldier in the United States Army who posthumously received the United States military′s highest decoration for bravery—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II....
, World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
prisoner of war
Prisoner of war
A prisoner of war or enemy prisoner of war is a person, whether civilian or combatant, who is held in custody by an enemy power during or immediately after an armed conflict...
Louis Zamperini
Louis Zamperini
Louis Silvie Zamperini is a World War II prisoner of war survivor, inspirational speaker, and former American Olympic distance runner.-Early life:...
, and professional golfer
Golfer
Golfer may refer to:* A person who plays golf according to the rules.* Professional golfer* "The Golfer", an episode of The Honeymooners...
Angela Park
Angela Park
Angela Park is a Brazilian-American professional golfer currently playing on the LPGA Tour. She holds dual citizenship in Brazil and the United States.-Childhood and personal life:...
.
School history
Torrance High School first opened on September 11, 1917 under the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Unified School DistrictLos Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles Unified School District is the largest public school system in California. It is the 2nd largest public school district in the United States. Only the New York City Department of Education has a larger student population...
as a combination high school and elementary school
Elementary school
An elementary school or primary school is an institution where children receive the first stage of compulsory education known as elementary or primary education. Elementary school is the preferred term in some countries, particularly those in North America, where the terms grade school and grammar...
to accommodate the area's rapid post-World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
growth brought on by the regions petroleum industry
Petroleum industry
The petroleum industry includes the global processes of exploration, extraction, refining, transporting , and marketing petroleum products. The largest volume products of the industry are fuel oil and gasoline...
and iron works, as well as the Pacific Electric Railway
Pacific Electric Railway
The Pacific Electric Railway , also known as the Red Car system, was a mass transit system in Southern California using streetcars, light rail, and buses...
expansion.
Torrance High's first commencement ceremony took place June 18, 1918, during which three female students received their diplomas. In 1947 Torrance Unified School District—TUSD was formed but was not certified for a high school. During the school year of fall 1946 to summer 1947. Torrance High School became part of the Redondo Union High School District. Torrance High has a series of underground bomb shelters located throughout the school, dating back from the Cold War era. The very first graduating high school class from TUSD was the Class of 1948. In 2009, 97% of Torrance High's students passed the CAHSEE exam.
Demographics
In 2008-2009 School Year, Torrance High had an enrollment of 2,251.- Caucasian - 35%
- Asian - 32.4%
- Hispanic - 25.2%
- Black - 4.4%
- Other - 3.0%
The average gross income of Torrance High's ZIP code (90501) is $46,839.
Campus
Main Building (Torrance High School)
The Main Building of the Torrance High School in Torrance, in Los Angeles County, California, was built in 1917. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983....
1917 with the 1921 'L wing' additions, the Senior Patio
Patio
A patio is an outdoor space generally used for dining or recreation that adjoins a residence and is typically paved. It may refer to a roofless inner courtyard of the sort found in Spanish-style dwellings or a paved area between a residence and a garden....
, the 1921 original Science Building—current Home Economics Building
Home Economics Building (Torrance High School)
The Home Economics Building in Torrance, California is a building on the campus of Torrance High School built in 1923. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983....
, the Streamline Moderne
Streamline Moderne
Streamline Moderne, sometimes referred to by either name alone or as Art Moderne, was a late type of the Art Deco design style which emerged during the 1930s...
style 1937 Auditorium
Auditorium (Torrance High School)
The Auditorium, also known as the Assembly Hall, of the Torrance High School is a PWA Moderne building from 1938. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983....
, and the first 1923 Torrance Elementary School
Torrance School
The Torrance School, also known as Torrance High School Annex, is one of three buildings on the campus of the Torrance High School in Torrance, California that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building, built in 1923, was listed on the NRHP in 1983.The other NRHP-listed...
, now referred to as the Annex: are all listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
(in 1983). These were Torrance's first such landmark listings. In 1921 a scenic Spanish Colonial Revival glazed tile
Glazed tile
Glazed tiles were used in China since the Zhou Dynasty as building material for roof top. During the Song Dynasty, the manufacture of glazed tiles was standardized in Li Jie's Architecture Standard...
fountain
Fountain
A fountain is a piece of architecture which pours water into a basin or jets it into the air either to supply drinking water or for decorative or dramatic effect....
and Mexican Saltillo tile
Saltillo tile
Saltillo tile is a type of terra-cotta tile that originates in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. It is one of the two most famous products of the city, the other being multi-coloured woven sarapes so typical of the region...
patio was added to Torrance High's Mediterranean Revival style Main Building, along with the attached 'L wing' expansion. The patio area is frequently seen in Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210
Beverly Hills, 90210 is an American drama series that originally aired from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000 on Fox and was produced by Spelling Television in the United States, and subsequently on various networks around the world. It is the first series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise...
, has been known for decades as the "Senior Patio," and is traditionally off-limits to underclassmen. The Main Building received a major exterior restoration and interior modernization in the late 1970s and is the campus building most often seen on film.
The Long Beach earthquake
1933 Long Beach earthquake
The Long Beach earthquake of 1933 took place on March 10, 1933 at 17:55 PST , with a magnitude of 6.4, causing widespread damage to buildings throughout Southern California. The epicenter was offshore, southeast of Long Beach on the Newport-Inglewood Fault. An estimated fifty million dollars worth...
on March 10, 1933, left its mark on the campus. The quake destroyed the upper part of the original auditorium and caused the ground near it to sink several feet. The area was nicknamed the "Sunken Garden" until rebuilt. The landmark auditorium replacing it was built in 1937 as a Works Progress Administration
Works Progress Administration
The Works Progress Administration was the largest and most ambitious New Deal agency, employing millions of unskilled workers to carry out public works projects, including the construction of public buildings and roads, and operated large arts, drama, media, and literacy projects...
project while the elevated administrative offices were added in 1962.
A memorial honoring Ted T. Tanouye
Ted T. Tanouye
Ted Takayuki Tanouye was a Japanese American soldier in the United States Army who posthumously received the United States military′s highest decoration for bravery—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II....
, a member of the class of 1938 and posthumous recipient of the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
, is directly across from THS. Tanouye was a technical sergeant
Technical Sergeant
Technical Sergeant is the name of one current and two former enlisted ranks in the United States military.-United States Air Force:Technical Sergeant, or Tech Sergeant, is the sixth enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force, just above Staff Sergeant and below Master Sergeant. A technical sergeant is...
in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team
442nd Regimental Combat Team
The 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army, was composed of Japanese-American enlisted men and mostly Caucasian officers. They fought primarily in Europe during World War II, beginning in 1944. The families of many of its soldiers were subject to internment...
. This memorial was dedicated in 2004 on the 60th anniversary of the Tanouye's heroic acts during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
.
Filming history
Torrance High's unique architecture and relative proximity to Hollywood StudioCinema of the United States
The cinema of the United States, also known as Hollywood, has had a profound effect on cinema across the world since the early 20th century. Its history is sometimes separated into four main periods: the silent film era, classical Hollywood cinema, New Hollywood, and the contemporary period...
s make it an ideal filming location
Filming location
A filming location is a place where some or all of a film or television series is produced, in addition to or instead of using sets constructed on a movie studio backlot or soundstage...
for major television programs and motion pictures. Among its credits:
- In TV: Torrance High served as the facade of fictitious West Beverly High School in the Fox Network series Beverly Hills, 90210Beverly Hills, 90210Beverly Hills, 90210 is an American drama series that originally aired from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000 on Fox and was produced by Spelling Television in the United States, and subsequently on various networks around the world. It is the first series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise...
and in the CW's current spinoff, 9021090210 (TV series)90210 is an American teen drama television series developed by Rob Thomas, Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs, and the fourth series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise created by Darren Star. 90210 is the first series produced by CBS Productions under the company's re-launch, but is now produced by CBS...
; as Sunnydale High School, the alma mater of Buffy Summers in the WB Network series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer; and as a location for the short-lived Fox Network series SkinSkin (TV series)Skin is a television serial drama which aired at 9:00 p.m. Monday on Fox in 2003. It followed the tale of two teenagers who came from feuding families on opposite sides of the moral and legal spectrum. Adam is the son of the Los Angeles District Attorney, and Jewel is the daughter of a pornographer...
, and was the filming location of the hit NBCNBCThe National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
drama MediumMedium (TV series)Medium is an American television drama series that premiered on NBC on January 3, 2005, and ended on CBS on January 21, 2011. Themed on supernatural gifts, its lead character, Allison DuBois , is a medium employed as a consultant for the Phoenix, Arizona district attorney's office...
. Most recently, it serves as the facade for Ulysses S. Grant High School on The Secret Life of the American Teenager. - In the movies: Torrance High was used as the high school setting for the Freddie Prinze, Jr.Freddie Prinze, Jr.Freddie James Prinze, Jr. is an American actor. He rose to fame during the late 1990s and early 2000s, after starring in several Hollywood films aimed at teenage audiences, I Know What You Did Last Summer and its sequel, I Still Know What You Did Last Summer , as well as She's All That , Summer...
movie She's All ThatShe's All ThatShe's All That is a 1999 American romantic comedy film directed by Robert Iscove, and is a modern adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion...
. Torrance High also played a prominent role in The Wild LifeThe Wild Life (film)The Wild Life is a 1984 comedy-drama film, written by Cameron Crowe and directed by Art Linson.The movie was an indirect sequel to the film Fast Times at Ridgemont High. The film is only available on VHS and Laserdisc in pan and scan with stereo analog tracks. No DVD version has been released due...
, Not Another Teen MovieNot Another Teen MovieNot Another Teen Movie is a 2001 American comedy film directed by Joel Gallen, released on December 14, 2001 by Columbia Pictures. It is a parody of teen movies which have accumulated in Hollywood over the last few decades...
, Bring It OnBring It OnBring It On may refer to:In film and television:*Bring It On , a 2000 film about a high school cheerleading squad**Bring It On Again, a 2004 sequel**Bring It On: All or Nothing, a 2006 sequel...
, Whatever It TakesWhatever It Takes (film)Whatever It Takes is a teen comedy starring Shane West, Marla Sokoloff, Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, and James Franco. It was first released in America on 31 March 2000...
, CursedCursed (film)Cursed is a 2005 horror film directed by Wes Craven and written by screenwriter Kevin Williamson, who both collaborated on Scream. The film stars Golden Globe-nominees Christina Ricci and Jesse Eisenberg as the main sister-and-brother protagonists. The plot focuses on two young adults who are...
, Wild Things 3, Bruce AlmightyBruce AlmightyBruce Almighty is a 2003 American comedy film directed by Tom Shadyac and written by Steve Koren, Mark O'Keefe and Steve Oedekerk. It stars Jim Carrey as Bruce Nolan, a down-on-his-luck TV reporter who complains to God that He isn't doing His job correctly, and is then offered the chance to try...
, and Less Than ZeroLess Than Zero (film)Less Than Zero is a 1987 American drama film loosely based on Bret Easton Ellis' novel of the same name. The film stars Andrew McCarthy as Clay, a college freshman returning home for Christmas to spend time with his ex-girlfriend Blair and his friend Julian , who is also a drug addict...
. The documentary filmDocumentary filmDocumentary films constitute a broad category of nonfictional motion pictures intended to document some aspect of reality, primarily for the purposes of instruction or maintaining a historical record...
entitled 'All American High' was filmed over a period of a several months by Keva Rosenfeld in 1984 at THS.
Activities
Historic records
- The Baseball team won over 30 league titles including over 15 CIF titles.
- The Football team has won more than 20 league titles including over 10 CIF titles with one state title.
- The Girls' Golf team has won many league titles including 5 consecutive CIF titles and 3 state titles.
- The Track & Field team won over 5 league titles including 1 CIF title and 1 state title.
- The Cross Country team won over 15 league titles including 3 CIF titles and 1 state title.
- The Wrestling team won more than 20 league titles including over 7 CIF titles.
- The Boys' Soccer team won over 10 league titles.
- The Boys' Basketball team won over 10 league titles.
- The Girls' Baseball team won many league titles including many CIF titles.
- The Torrance High Marching Alliance was considered one of the top marching bands in the state.
- The NJROTC has won many titles until the program was disbanded in 2008 due the infamous 2008 budget cut.
Latest achievements
- The Football team was the Pioneer League Champions in 2007-2008 being undefeated in the League.
- The Baseball team was the Pioneer League Champions in 2007-2008 being undefeated in the League.
- The Boys' Volleyball team was the Pioneer League Champions in 2007-2008.
- The Softball team was the Pioneer League Champions in 2007-2008 being undefeated in the whole season.
- The Boys' Baseball team was the Pioneer League Champions (undefeated) and CIF Champions in 2007-2008.
- The Marching Alliance won the 2008 SCJA State Band Championships.
- The Boys' Tennis Team was the Pioneer League Champions (undefeated) in 2008-2009.
- The Girls' Golf team has won their 5th consecutive CIF Championship in 2008-2009.
- The Girls' Golf team has won their 3rd consecutive CIF State Championship in 2008-2009.
- The Boys' Baseball team was the Pioneer League Champions(undefeated)and CIF Runner-Up Champions in 2008-2009.
- The Girls' Tennis Team was the Pioneer League Champions in 2009-2010.
As an unofficial tradition, Torrance High has been known for many of its graduates enlisting with the U.S. military, particularly the Marine Corps
Marine corps
A marine is a member of a force that specializes in expeditionary operations such as amphibious assault and occupation. The marines traditionally have strong links with the country's navy...
. Many alumni have gone on to become professional players, some before they even graduated. Deon Thompson
Deon Thompson
Deon Thompson is an American college basketball player that played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Thompson is 6'9" tall and played the forward position....
graduated in 2006, and went on to play Basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
for UNC
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States...
as a Forward. Angela Park
Angela Park
Angela Park is a Brazilian-American professional golfer currently playing on the LPGA Tour. She holds dual citizenship in Brazil and the United States.-Childhood and personal life:...
became a professional golfer
Professional golfer
In golf the distinction between amateurs and professionals is rigorously maintained. An amateur who breaches the rules of amateur status may lose his or her amateur status. A golfer who has lost his or her amateur status may not play in amateur competitions until amateur status has been reinstated;...
in April before her graduation in 2006, and went on to tie for second place in the LPGA
LPGA
The LPGA, in full the Ladies Professional Golf Association, is an American organization for female professional golfers. The organization, whose headquarters is in Daytona Beach, Florida, is best known for running the LPGA Tour, a series of weekly golf tournaments for elite female golfers from...
US Women's Open
United States Women's Open Championship (golf)
The United States Women's Open Golf Championship, one of thirteen national championships conducted by the United States Golf Association , is one of the LPGA's major championships along with the LPGA Championship, the Women's British Open, and the Kraft Nabisco Championship...
of 2007.
Student groups are a significant part of student life, with service clubs like UNICEF
United Nations Children's Fund
United Nations Children's Fund was created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II...
and KIWIN'S
Key Club
Key Club International is the oldest and largest service program for high school students. It is a student-led organization whose goal is to teach leadership through serving others. Key Club International is a part of the Kiwanis International family of service-leadership programs...
, and academic groups such as Model United Nations
Model United Nations
Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda....
and United States Academic Decathlon
United States Academic Decathlon
The United States Academic Decathlon is an annual high school academic competition organized by the non-profit United States Academic Decathlon Association. The competition consists of seven multiple choice tests, two performance events, and an essay...
serving many interests. Cultural clubs are also available for students interested in another nationality's culture. The largest clubs at Torrance High by average attendance are CSF, Kiwins, UNICEF, Bible Club, KCC (Korean Culture Club), KFCC (Filipino Club) all averaging between 50-100 students each month.
Academics
Alma mater
Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...
is set to the ballad "Annie Lisle
Annie Lisle
"Annie Lisle" is the name of an 1857 ballad by Boston, Massachusetts songwriter H. S. Thompson first published by Moulton & Clark of Newburyport, Massachusetts, and later by Oliver Ditson & Co. It is about the death of a young maiden, by what some have speculated to be tuberculosis, although the...
."
In 2004, Torrance High instated its Schoolwide Academic Goals in an effort to raise its education standards. Comprising an acronym of the mascot's name, they outline goals of technical competency and other standards.
Every year, about 50% of the seniors attend community colleges after graduating.
Military
- Louis ZamperiniLouis ZamperiniLouis Silvie Zamperini is a World War II prisoner of war survivor, inspirational speaker, and former American Olympic distance runner.-Early life:...
(1936) – Track star and World War II hero - Ted T. TanouyeTed T. TanouyeTed Takayuki Tanouye was a Japanese American soldier in the United States Army who posthumously received the United States military′s highest decoration for bravery—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in World War II....
(1938) – Medal of Honor Recipient in the Asian-American segregated unit during the Second World War, The 442nd Regimental Combat Team442nd Regimental Combat TeamThe 442nd Regimental Combat Team of the United States Army, was composed of Japanese-American enlisted men and mostly Caucasian officers. They fought primarily in Europe during World War II, beginning in 1944. The families of many of its soldiers were subject to internment...
. A memorial is dedicated to him in front of the school. - Gary R. PfingstonGary R. PfingstonChief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Gary R. Pfingston was the tenth Chief Master Sergeant appointed to the highest Non-commissioned officer position in the United States Air Force....
(1958) – 10th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air ForceChief Master Sergeant of the Air ForceThe Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force is a unique non-commissioned rank in the United States Air Force. The holder of this rank and post represents the highest enlisted level of leadership in the Air Force, and as such, provides direction for the enlisted corps and represents their interests,...
Entertainment
- Bobby BlotzerBobby BlotzerRobert John Blotzer, better known as Bobby Blotzer and nicknamed "Blotz" , is a drummer most famous for playing drums for glam metal band Ratt...
– drummerDrummerA drummer is a musician who is capable of playing drums, which includes but is not limited to a drum kit and accessory based hardware which includes an assortment of pedals and standing support mechanisms, marching percussion and/or any musical instrument that is struck within the context of a...
for RattRattRatt is an American heavy metal band that had significant commercial success in the 1980s. The band is best known for songs such as "Round and Round," "Wanted Man," "Lay It Down," "You're in Love", "Slip of the Lip", "Back For More", "Dance", "Body Talk", "I Want a Woman", and "Way Cool Jr." Ratt... - Juan CroucierJuan CroucierJuan Croucier is a Cuban-American heavy metal musician.-Career:Croucier attended Torrance High School in Torrance, California. Formerly a bassist for well known metal bands Dokken and Ratt during the 1980s, Croucier was also very briefly in Quiet Riot...
– bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
player for RattRattRatt is an American heavy metal band that had significant commercial success in the 1980s. The band is best known for songs such as "Round and Round," "Wanted Man," "Lay It Down," "You're in Love", "Slip of the Lip", "Back For More", "Dance", "Body Talk", "I Want a Woman", and "Way Cool Jr." Ratt...
and DokkenDokkenDokken is an American heavy metal and hard rock band formed in 1978. They split up in 1989 but reformed four years later. The group accumulated numerous charting singles and has sold more than 10 million albums worldwide...
. - Danny GansDanny GansDaniel Davies Gans was an American singer and comedian who found regional success as a vocal impressionist.-Career:...
– comedianComedianA comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy... - Gregory HatanakaGregory HatanakaGregory Hatanaka is an independent filmmaker and film distributor based in Los Angeles, California, USA.-Career:Hatanaka is the founder of film distribution and production company Cinema Epoch....
– film director - Paul MoyerPaul MoyerPaul Moyer is a veteran television news broadcaster in Southern California. He co-anchored the 5 PM and 11 PM weekday editions of KNBC-TV's Channel 4 News with Colleen Williams. Moyer has worked primarily in the two major television markets—New York and Los Angeles—in addition to briefly working...
– television newscaster - David PackDavid PackDavid Robert Pack , is a Grammy Award Winning Artist, Producer & Music Director of Global Events. His career began as the front man, vocalist and guitarist with the rock group Ambrosia popular in the 1970s and 1980s.-Career:...
– leader of the band AmbrosiaAmbrosia (band)Ambrosia is an American rock band formed in southern California in 1970. Ambrosia had five Top Forty hit singles between 1975 and 1980.-Formation and inspiration:... - Julie RonnieJulie RonnieJulie Ronnie is an American actress who appeared on the daytime TV soap Santa Barbara as Laken Lockridge from 1984 to 1985. Raised in Torrance, California, Julie is a Torrance High School Alumni....
– actress - Billy KimBilly KimBilly Kim was the president of the Baptist World Alliance from 2000 until 2005 when he was succeeded by David Coffey.-Career:Billy Kim first began to work with Suwon Central Baptist Church on January 1, 1960, when it had only 10 members...
– actorActorAn actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity... - Lucy Lee – Adult film actress and model
Sports
- Fred KendallFred KendallFred Kendall was a catcher for parts of 12 seasons in Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres, Cleveland Indians, and Boston Red Sox....
– Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player - Jason KendallJason KendallJason Daniel Kendall is an American professional baseball catcher who is a free agent. He is the son of former catcher Fred Kendall, who played in the majors from 1969–1980.-High school:...
– Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player - Justin MillerJustin Miller (baseball)Justin Mark Miller is an American professional baseball pitcher, who is currently a free agent.-Amateur career:...
– Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player - Lisa MorettiLisa MorettiLisa Moretti is a retired American professional wrestler. She is best known for her appearances with World Wrestling Entertainment between 1999 and 2005 under the ring name Ivory...
– professional wrestler: World Wrestling EntertainmentWorld Wrestling EntertainmentWorld Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an American publicly traded, privately controlled entertainment company dealing primarily in professional wrestling, with major revenue sources also coming from film, music, product licensing, and direct product sales...
champion under the name "Ivory" - Angela ParkAngela ParkAngela Park is a Brazilian-American professional golfer currently playing on the LPGA Tour. She holds dual citizenship in Brazil and the United States.-Childhood and personal life:...
– professional golfer. - Chase GormleyChase GormleyChase Gormley is an American mixed martial artist. He is currently 7–3 in MMA.-Biography:Chase began fighting at the age of 13, but did not turn pro until March 2007.He attended Torrance High School and was a part of the winning league wrestling team...
– UFC fighter, wrestling alumni. - Townsend SaundersTownsend SaundersTownsend Saunders is an Olympic silver medalist in wrestling who was a two-time All-American at Arizona State University. In 1987 Saunders became an NCAA Div. II National Champion for California State University-Bakersfield.-Biography:Known in college as "Junior" Saunders, he adopted his given...
- Olympic Medalist Freestyle Wrestling, wrestling alumni. California State Runner-Up 1985. - Deon ThompsonDeon ThompsonDeon Thompson is an American college basketball player that played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels. Thompson is 6'9" tall and played the forward position....
(2006) – basketballBasketballBasketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player, North Carolina Tar HeelsNorth Carolina Tar HeelsThe North Carolina Tar Heels are the athletic teams for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The name Tar Heel is a nickname used to refer to individuals from the state of North Carolina, the Tar Heel State...
. - Bart JohnsonBart JohnsonBarton Robert "Bart" Johnson , is an American actor, best known for his role as Coach Jack Bolton in the High School Musical film series.-Personal life:...
– Major League BaseballMajor League BaseballMajor League Baseball is the highest level of professional baseball in the United States and Canada, consisting of teams that play in the National League and the American League...
player
Notable teachers
- Pat ZartmanPat ZartmanPat Zartman is a volleyball coach, and was the United States women's national volleyball team coach from 1970-74. He was coach of the Los Angeles Starlites in 1987....
– 1974 US National Olympic Women's Volleyball Coach, currently the only AP US History and AP Psychology teacher.