To start off the 2024 year, we at the Growling Wolverine wanted to recap the events that impacted ANHS in 2023. These events had an impact on students and staff at Aliso and will be remembered in the coming years.
1. Aliso Niguel celebrates 30 year anniversary
The school put on a special event to honor the 30 years of history at Aliso. They honored the teachers that have been proud members of the school since its opening with special events in the school’s STEM building. It was a proud moment to reflect on the years of hard work and effort that teachers and administrators have put into the school since its beginning.
2. Keith Hawkins makes his first appearance at Aliso for a special assembly.
Keith Hawkins, a renowned public speaker, made his first appearance at ANHS to deliver a powerful speech on community. He took various students through public exercises that centered around the values of our community. His presentation had an impact on multiple students and staff which led to Keith Hawkins making a second appearance at Aliso in January 2024.
3. Aliso Students Battle against School Board Notification Policy
In November, students at Aliso went to a school board meeting in order to protest a new policy that notify parents if a student wishes to go by a different name or pronouns at school than what was initially listed on their school documents. It was a moment of unity and community that demonstrated what can happen when students band together.
4. Aliso deals with Bomb Threat
On April 17, 2024, the school was faced with an anonymous threat that threatened the safety of the school. The school’s administration and the Orange County Sheriffs responded quickly and completed a full investigation that allowed them to restart classes by third period.
5. Girls Tennis wins Division 1 CIF.
After a historic season, Aliso’s girl’s tennis team won Division 1 CIF Championship after a win against Los Osos, the previous CIF finalist. The Wolverines went 9-0, securing them first place in the South Coast League.
6. Baseball wins Division 3 CIF
Aliso Baseball won their first ever CIF Championship in Division 3 Southern Section. The team faced San Marcos High School in the finals and beat the team 11-1. The season was a huge success for the Wolverines who also took first in the Sea View League.
7. School Proctor Keith Long returns to Aliso.
After a controversial incident, beloved proctor Keith was put on leave from the school. This sparked a movement as current students, teachers and alumni advocated for his return. Due to the continued support Keith was able to return to campus and further his impact on students’ lives.
8. Creation of Flag Football
Flag Football became an official CIF regulated sport in 2023 and started its first official season at Aliso. Aliso first team achieved lots of success including securing first place in the South Coast League. Senior captain Gigi Ganje even received an invite to play in the All Star Games at Rams Stadium. A great start to this new sport.
9. Silver AP School Honor Roll
Aliso Niguel was given the recognition of a Silver AP School Honor Roll by the College Board due to the school’s success with AP classes and test scores at this school. It is a high academic honor that shows respect to the teachers and students and all the effort that they put into these challenging classes.
10. Aliso Niguel named Unified Champion School
Aliso was named a Unified Champion School due to its efforts to promote social inclusion among students. The sanction focuses on Inclusive Leadership, Unified Sports and Whole School Engagement.
