Did you know that Tucson High School was founded six years before Arizona became the 48th State? Tucson High opened its doors for the first time on September 10, 1906 and has been in continuous operation since then. On Sunday, September 10, 2006 it will be Tucson High’s 100th birthday. To celebrate this momentous occasion, a Centennial Committee was formed under the wing of the Tucson High Badger Foundation. The Badger Foundation has been in existence since 1982 and is the prime alumni organization for Tucson High (now Magnet) School. It helps preserve the proud traditions and history of Tucson High and serves as an alumni association to assist with class reunions. The Foundation’s mission is to support student activities and educational goals, and to provide financial assistance to Tucson High students, faculty, and staff to enable students and student groups to participate in academic and extra-curricular activities when other funding is not available.

The Badger Foundation Board of Directors is made up of twenty-two members who are alumni, teachers, and administrators. Judy Jones is the current President and Rick Secrist is the past President. The Centennial Committee includes a few Badger Foundation Board members along with several other Tucson High alumni, all of whom have had experience in organizing large events. The Centennial Committee has been meeting weekly for some time now to weekly map out Centennial Celebration events to take place during the 2006-2007 school year.

Other events are being planned, including a golf tournament. The Committee welcomes any suggestions for celebration activities or fundraisers. In addition, the Committee is searching for old photographs, newspaper and other memorabilia which could be used during the Centennial. Tucson alumni and other interested parties are encouraged to contact the Committee at info@THS100.com or call 325-4400 if they have any items they would be willing to donate or loan for use during Centennial activities.