News

Friday, October 9, 2009

Scott O’Leary dedication ceremony at Dos Pueblos High School

Before a group of friends and family, a special dedication ceremony was held today at 5pm in the auditorium lobby to honor the memory and contributions of the late Scott O’Leary, longtime educator and coach at Dos Pueblos High School who passed away in 2003.

Principal Mark Swanitz said, “It is particularly fitting that today we officially dedicate the stadium at Dos Pueblos High School as Scott O’Leary Stadium. As the largest classroom we have and the sports venue which accommodates more athletes than any other, the stadium befits Scott’s larger-than-life reputation as a teacher, coach, athletic director, colleague, and friend. Its scope and scale also fittingly, metaphorically represents the many thousands of lives touched by Coach O’Leary during his long career at Dos Pueblos High School. It took 40 years for us to finally have a stadium of our own. Scott worked tirelessly to ensure that this day would one day come and I know that he is smiling down on us this afternoon with the satisfaction that only a job well done can bring.”

Dos Pueblos High School Principal Mark Swanitz, school Administrative Assistant Larry Vranish, son Roarke O’Leary and wife Kathy O’Leary, Goleta Mayor Roger Aceves, Santa Barbara School Districts’ Board of Education President Kate Parker, Superintendent Brian Sarvis.

Added Superintendent Brian Sarvis, “When Dos Pueblos High School was built in 1966, there were two projects that were not completed at that time. Former principal Mike Couch tells us that because the school was built with state blueprints, the state was to have paid half the cost of the auditorium and the stadium and the district was to have paid the other half. But, because the project cost more than anticipated and the district didn’t have the money—I guess times haven’t changed much—those two projects were put on hold. I suspect that school officials didn’t realize that the last two projects would be ‘on hold’ for 40 years.” He continued, “Thanks to the community’s approval of bond Measure V, we are able to come together to celebrate a facility that will benefit generations of students. Naming the stadium for beloved, dedicated coach Scott O’Leary, a driving force for the Dos Pueblos athletic program, is a fitting tribute to a man who inspired all those whose lives he touched.”

Mayor Roger Aceves presented Mrs. Kathy O’Leary with a proclamation declaring October 9, 2009 as Scott O’Leary Day in the City of Goleta.

Following the remarks, the group walked to a stadium entrance for the unveiling of a plaque mounted on a dedication rock. The celebration will continue with special pre-game and half-time activities at tonight’s varsity football game against Rio Mesa High School.