History
The Orosi High School District was organized in 1909 by Frances E. Snell. Grammar and high school classes were held in the same building, with high school occupying the upstairs portion and one downstairs room. The first class was made up of twenty-nine freshmen, two sophomores, and one junior. Frances Snell taught mathematics, history, and English while Louise Duncan was in charge of the commercial department and Latin. By 1911, the high school was distinct from the grammar school, but remained in the same building. In 1912, Orosi High School's first class graduated. Two students made up the graduating class. That same year, a new site for the school was purchased on Road 128 (formerly Palm Avenue). Temporary buildings were put up to accommodate the students.The main structure was of the old California style with boards running up and down. The front of the building was an assembly room with an office adjoining and four classrooms toward the back. Small utility buildings were in the back. One of these had a loft which was a great attraction for the boys.In the 1914–1915 academic year, the school welcomed 15 new students and graduated 7 seniors. In 1917 a combination brick and stucco schoolhouse was built with seven classrooms, assembly hall, administrative office and faculty room. A brick gymnasium of brick and a frame shop building were added in 1922. The homemaking department had a wing to itself. A south wing was added in 1937, and remains after other old buildings burned or were demolished to be replaced by new ones in 1956. The school suffered a destructive fire in 1942. Bonds and state support provided funds for new classrooms and a new gymnasium, which was ready in 1951. The other new buildings were occupied in 1954. In 1955 the administration of both the elementary and high schools was placed under one superintendent, each retaining its own principal. In 1962, a new building was built, which housed a library, science laboratory, and additional classrooms. In 1965, the district unified and the high school students from Badger were included in the district. A football stadium was built for the school in 1972. In 1990, Orosi High School was awarded the
Education and community
Orosi High School has faced struggles as a small school in an unincorporated community. Its student population is largely low-income, many of whom deal with poverty and do not expect to pursue higher education. With youth-focused efforts from the school and community, Orosi has sought to decrease gang violence and juvenile crime through providing a stronger foundation for the betterment of education and social services. Without an incorporated city department, the school district takes a leadership role in a lot of initiatives in the community, using OHS as a central location. In 2007, Cutler-Orosi was one of the communities to receive the U.S. Department of Justice "weed and seed" grants which enabled funds to be put towards anti-gang programs, graffiti abatement, the opening of "safe haven" after-school sites by theExtracurricular
Orosi High School has an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program to prepare students for college and assist them in the application process. The Cardinal Band is a marching band and also plays at home football games. The school is also involved with the United States Academic Decathlon and Tulare County Mock Trial. In 2012, a JV baseball team was established, which is still in existence. The Boys Varsity Soccer Team were Valley Champions in 2013. For the first time in Orosi High School history, the Varsity Team won back to back Valley Champions in 2014. Orosi High School also has a Mariachi team called "Los Cardinales." They have competed in 12 competitions taking 1st six times, 2nd 5 times, and 3rd only once. In 2015 Frankie Manquero was made head coach for Orosi High school football team. Also, in 2016 the boys varsity basketball team captured its first East Sierra League title while being in the league. After a slow start of 0-2 they turned the league into there show and went 12-2 winning 10 straight. They ended up making the playoffs and entering its first state playoff berth in school history. In 2016 The Orosi Cardinal marching band under the direction of new Band instructor Johnathan Gaspar took Grand Sweepstakes at The 3rd annual Orange Cove band Review. In 2017 Benjamin White was made new head coach for the Orosi High School Varsity football program and led them into the semifinals against Strathmore, this was the first time in 12 years that Orosi has made it into the semifinals and having an 8–4 record. White also gave Orosi an East Sierra League championship and winning back the “O” against school rival Orange Cove in the Battle of the O. The JV football team also had an amazing year going 8–2.References
{{authority control High schools in Tulare County, California Public high schools in California 1909 establishments in California