President's Message

   Welcome to the Garces Memorial High School website. My association with the school spans almost forty years, first as a 1968 graduate, then as an instructor, coach, administrator, and now as President. It is with humility and great pride I share with you this information about our school.

   Garces Memorial High School is a Catholic, college preparatory, co-educational high school. Established in 1947, the school has served the Bakersfield area for over 60 years in virtually all aspects of education and community involvement. In June of 2003, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) affirmed Garces Memorial’s excellence in Catholic education by granting the school a full six-year accreditation term.

   The first paragraph of our school Philosophy clearly states who we are and what we stand for:   “Garces Memorial High School is a ministry of the Catholic Church administered by the Diocese of Fresno and supported by the Catholic parishes of Kern County. Our school educates youth to fulfill the mission of Christ. In partnership with parents, each member of our faculty and staff serves as a teacher, a mentor, and a coach in a student-centered atmosphere. Our Christian focus provides an environment where students can develop spiritually, intellectually, and socially, enabling them to recognize their potential as People of God. Garces Memorial offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum which prepares the students to succeed in a higher academic setting. We instill in every member of the Garces Memorial community respect, integrity, compassion, and courage of faith.”

   The successes of Garces Memorial High School students are noted throughout Kern County, and students come from as far away as Delano, Tehachapi, Lake Isabella, and Taft to take part in this rich tradition. Although Garces Memorial is a Catholic school with strong Catholic/Christian values, as many as one-third of our students practice other faiths.

   Garces Memorial’s college preparatory curriculum fulfills requirements for acceptance into the University of California and the California State University systems. Over 97% of Garces Memorial graduates pursue higher education, with many accepted into some of the most prestigious public and private universities in the nation. With every student working toward such a goal, the peer influence on the campus creates a strong academic climate. Garces Memorial High School students are successful because of the commitment of time and effort they put into their studies, extra curricular activities, and community service.

   Unique to the traditional high school experience, Garces Memorial is truly “family oriented.” The size of the school (approximately 750 students) enables an environment where individualized attention is a priority. Furthermore, parents are strongly encouraged to participate in their student’s education, creating an open dialogue between the school and the family. This nurturing environment, along with a strong faith tradition and high academic standards, prepare our young people for the challenges of the future.

   As you explore the school’s website, keep in mind that you are only getting a glimpse of “Garces life.” I invite you to experience the Garces Memorial community by attending our many extra curricular, social, and athletic events scheduled throughout the year.

God bless you. God bless Garces Memorial High School

John L. Fanucchi
President