ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Monterey Trail High School celebrated its 20th anniversary in Elk Grove by holding a carnival and a dedication to founding Principal W. Terry Chapman on April 12.

A stage and a lectern, along with green and gold balloons to represent the school’s colors, were set up in front of the school’s gymnasium for the unveiling of the gym’s new name to honor Chapman. 

There were initial reports of rainfall. However, a windy day and possible rain forecast did not stop students, faculty, alumni and others from attending the event.

Monterey Trail High School Principal Lara Ricks said that this dedication was “an amazing way” to honor Chapman, who impacted the school and the community.

“I think that people who work in education don’t always get the recognition they have put into their work and this is only fitting that we do this for him (Chapman) and let him see it with his family and the staff,” Ricks said. “For us to be able to honor him and say thank you, it’s the biggest ‘thank you’ we can give him.”

Current and former staff members spoke about working with Chapman, such as Rick Sansone, a former counselor at the school when it opened, and Mark Zalunardo, a math teacher.

Ricks spoke about Chapman and presented him with a framed varsity letter and staff autographs. The gym’s name was unveiled as the W. Terry Chapman Gymnasium. 

Chapman delivered a speech about his experiences from being a school administrator and helping with the school’s community. Staff members and Chapman’s family members all went on stage for group photos.

Chapman said that it was “very humbling” to be honored. “When this school was about to open, I was asked by the district and I was fortunate enough to have talented people around me,” Chapman said. “We worked really hard to develop a vision for this school and the vision came true.”

Monterey Trail High School alumni also attended this event. Jennifer Duffey, a 2008 graduate, said that it was exciting to bring back the first principal of the school and dedicate the gym to him. 

“He was very involved with students and staff,” Duffey said. “Every event we had, he was wholeheartedly here with us.”

Duffey said that being at her old school “felt like a flashback with the community being here again” honoring their principal.

“I was so excited to be here with everybody to watch this dedication go down in history with the students who are here now,” Duffey said.

Destiny Robbins, another 2008 graduate, said that this was an emotional moment to watch Chapman being honored and to see staff and alumni come together to be a part of this experience. 

“It felt amazing to know that I was here 20 years ago when this place opened and to walk the halls and point with my children and say, ‘I was in theater right there, I went to lunch right there, I was in that gym!’” Robbins said. “It’s a feeling that I can’t even describe.”