Information From the San Benito High School Newsletter. Lea este articulo en español aquí.
Dear San Benito High School District parents, students, staff and community:
On Saturday, Feb. 17, we were proud to hold a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to celebrate the most recent renovations and upgrades to the Ray Barragan Softball Stadium on campus. The event was both a celebration of the ongoing improvements to the facility as well as a recognition of last season’s championship softball team, which won CCS and NorCal titles and finished ranked No. 1 in the Central Coast Section and the state of California, and was ranked No. 3 in the nation.
In 2022, the Board of Trustees accepted an additional donation from the Barragan family to cover additional improvements to the stadium, including new bleachers, a press box and a custom sound system. The San Benito High School District is extremely appreciative for the financial donations provided by the Barragan family. Our student-athletes are fortunate to have such a caring and supportive family that has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure the students have a world-class venue. We look forward to many competitive games, and continued success, in the newly updated Ray Barragan Stadium.
The more than $1.2 million in campus projects funded by the generosity of the Barragan family also includes Hollister High School’s Science and Robotics Building, which was formally dedicated in honor of Mary Ann Barragan during a ceremony on campus in Jan. 2023. The longtime resident of Hollister, who along with her late husband, was the founder of Golden Memorial Insurance Services, announced a donation of $50,000 to create a scholarship that is awarded each year, starting with last year’s Class of 2023 graduates.
San Benito High School District Trustee Juan Robledo recalls that when he told Coach Barragan that the softball field was plumbed for future stadium lighting, “it was so heartwarming when he asked me if he could donate them. I was so happy about his generosity. He was willing to foot the bill for these lights. The rest is history.”
We also appreciate Jim Gillio and Phil Leonard of LG Sign Co. for creating the signage at the softball stadium, celebrating the rich history of Baler softball, which now includes 12 CCS championships and the NorCal title. They are another example of the partnerships that make this such a wonderful place to live and learn. Community support of Hollister High School and the San Benito High School District is key to the success of our students. Generations will benefit from the Barragan’s support, along with that of the fans and other supporters who help us work to ensure the best possible learning and development opportunities for all Haybalers. Together we can, together we will, build a brighter future!
Sincerely,
San Benito High School District Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum