Class of 2017

Herb Benham Graduate of South High in 1972. Herb was senior class president and an active member of the tennis team. He is an author and longtime column writer for the Bakersfield Californian.
Winston Crite Graduate of South High 1983. Winston led the Rebel basketball team to Valley title as sophomore. As a senior he was voted Californian All Area Player of the Year and named to All Northern California all-star team. He attended Texas A&M University on a basketball scholarship and was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in 1987. He played professionally in Australia and Europe and was inducted into the Bob Elias Hall of Fame in 2010.
Mike Davis Graduate of South High 1970. He was active at South with music, especially with the group called Sunday Afternoon. During his 21 years at Disney he served in a variety of executive roles including Vice President/Executive Producer of Entertainment for the Disneyland Resort. Davis began his tenure at Disney in 1978 in the Entertainment Casting/Talent Booking Department. He opened Japanese Disneyland.
Richard Giese South High Science teacher from 1967 to 2009, 42 years! His calm and steady demeanor helped him prepare thousands of South High Students for their futures. Mr. Giese’s wife taught in the KHSD and 3 of his sons currently teach at schools in the KHSD.
Jeanne Johnson Hurry South High 1979 graduate who has served as the Rebel Regiment Band Director since 1991- twenty-five years! Has spent countless hours working with and preparing South High’s music students for success on the field of competition and life. Teacher of the Year in 1999, 2003, and 2009. Among many other honors the South High Jazz Band won the Best in Instrumental Music in 2013 at the coveted PEAAK Awards.
Bill Miller South High English teacher 1966 to 2003. Many former Rebels consider him to be perhaps their toughest but most influential teacher. Mr. Miller also coached Tennis and continues to serve as an official for sporting events throughout Kern County.
Mike Stricker South High graduate in 1962. Mike returned to serve as a PE teacher and coach from 1973 to 2006. Stricker continues to serve the community by heading the local Coyote Wrestling Club which raises money to support all local levels of wrestling including CSUB. They always contribute to the South High team. He is a member of the California Wrestling Hall of Fame for his Lifetime of Service.
John Wren South High graduate of the class of 1987. John was an outstanding football player and athlete. He returned to South as a coach, then athletic trainer. He gave up engineering to go back to school with the goal of being an English teacher and head Rebel Football coach. John mentored many students during his years at South. After his untimely death he continues to be the WE in the Rebels.
1968 Varsity Football Team Only Valley Champion football team in school history. Compiled a 10-0-1 record going undefeated in league and tying Fresno for share of the Valley Title. The team featured several outstanding athletes and coaches.