The ‘Baler Hall of Fame was initiated in 2005 as a way of acknowledging notable alumni, teachers and administrators from San Benito High School. Each year, eight people are inducted, each representing a different decade, from the 1920s to the 1990s.
The inductees range from well-known football coaches to graduates who have affected the community. Community members submin nominations and inductees are selected by the education foundation and announced in April.
Here are a few of the ‘Baler Hall of Fame members:
1920s: Bill Cagney. A graduate from the high school in 1929, Cagney also taught at the high school for almost a decade and worked as the superintendent for the San Benito County Office of Education for 25 years until 1972.
1940s: Lolita Pinuela. Pinuela graduated in 1943 after she commuted daily by bus from San Juan Bautista to the high school. She was chosen for her commitment to local charities, including the San Juan Bautista City Library, the League of United Latin American Citizens and American Legion. She was captain of the softball team during her time at the high school.
1960s: Mickie Luna. Luna is a member of SBHS class of 1963. She still lives in the county and is president of the San Benito County chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens.
1970s: Mike Sanchez. Sanchez graduated from SBHS is 1971 and is now working for the school district heading the alternative education program and working as principal of San Andreas High School.
1990s: Gary Goularte. A gradaute from SBHS in 1970, Goularte continued to be involved in the high school in the ’90s, by searching out grant money for the school and specifically its special education department.
