Also recognized during halftime were Alex Guzman of Belmont, class of 1970, speaking on behalf of Luis (Louie) Gomez ’70, both who served as co-captains, quarterback Gomez went on to play major league baseball, for the Atlanta Braves. The coin toss to start the game was initiated by LAUSD Superintendent, Alberto M. Carvalho, handing coin to Robert Lyles, for the toss. And finally, Marshall’s Pete Arbogast, the Hall of Fame Broadcaster for the USC Trojans, was the announcer for the historic Belmont vs Marshall centennial game.
Saturday, day 2 of the celebration was the All-Class Picnic at the school, which included coming together of alumni from all classes, photo & speaking opportunities, tours, music, food, door prizes, and more. The all-class picnic has been an annual event at Belmont for years, however the centennial celebration pulled out all the stops for this grand occasion!
The final day 3 of the celebration took place on Monday, September 11th, the official day in 1923 when Belmont High School opened its doors. The afternoon event took place in the Auditorium and was part of the cake cutting ceremony. It was attended by elected officials, and staff from both the school district and the city, notable alumni such as Songwriter Mike Stoller class of 1950, and alumni Yoshito “Tom” Arima class of 1948 and longtime/famed coach. The youngest Belmont Sentinel present was 14-year-old Jeremiah Lukombo, class of 1927. Also, in attendance for the final day was V.P. of Tomdan Enterprises, Cindi Koulax, parent company of the world famous “Original Tommy’s Hamburgers” the Official Sponsor of the Centennial Celebration, LAUSD School Board Member, District 2, Dr. Rocio Rivas, L.A. City Council Member, District 1, Eunisses Hernandez.
This writer and Belmont Alumni Centennial Planning Team Member ’71 cannot thank enough the hard work of the Belmont Alumni Association’s Centennial Planning Committee, headed up by President, Mel Miyamoto ’73, Nina Lee ’75, and the entire planning team, who met for a year leading up to the grand celebration.
And of course, a celebration of this size could not have occurred without the work and support of school Principal, Dr. Elsa Mendoza, Athletic Director, Neil LaSala, school staff, district staff, student volunteers, alumni volunteers, alumni media coordinator, and L.A. County Public Information Officer, James Bolden, DPSS Communications Section, LAUSD Region East Public Information Officer II, Elvia Perez, and the many alumni, and students of Belmont and Marshall High School. Finally, a shout out to the Belmont Alumni Marching Band, Color Guard, and student cheerleaders.
*If there is anyone I missed (and I’m sure there is :) I truly apologize! To that end, this celebration has raised awareness and interest that the stories of each Belmont alumni should be documented, preserved, and digitized, so that they can be shared for generations to come. A proposal of a school-wide “History Project” was floated to fans at the football halftime event. Maybe such a project would allow all Belmont Sentinels to be recognized and remembered? There is a saying “when an old man or woman dies, a library burns to the ground”!
I have tried to live my life by the motto of Belmont “Enter To Learn, Go Forth To Serve” has guided me as a veteran, and an educator.
Thank you