SANTA MONICA, CA — In a ceremony rich with nostalgia, unity, and generational pride, Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI) unearthed a 50-year-old time capsule on Monday, June 2, 2025. The capsule, buried in 1975, was revealed in a heartfelt gathering held in the school’s main quad, reconnecting past and present Vikings through artifacts, speeches, and song.
The event began at 3:45 p.m. with live music from the era performed by the FUD Band, followed by the formal program at 4:00 p.m. ASB President Ethan Fitzgerald opened the ceremony, welcoming alumni, students, staff, and viewers tuning in via livestream. “Today we gather not just to open a time capsule, but to open a window to 1975,” Fitzgerald said, noting the historic backdrop of the U.S. Bicentennial and Santa Monica’s Centennial year.
Principal Marae Cruce reflected on the moment as a bridge across generations, emphasizing how the fundamental spirit of SAMOHI students has remained constant, despite the march of technology and change. Former Principal Terry Pearson, who served from 1971 to 1988 and oversaw the original capsule’s creation, shared a proud recollection of SAMOHI’s legacy. “You can sum up those 17 years with one word—proud,” Pearson said, crediting the school’s enduring excellence to its student body and faculty.
Board of Education President Jen Smith framed the capsule as a symbol of enduring educational values. “This isn’t just about digging up objects—it’s about uncovering stories, memories, and a shared purpose that still connects us across five decades,” she said.
Ben Komlos, the Class of 2025 President, emphasized continuity. “We are the future they imagined,” he said, standing beside 1975 class representative Lisa Lenes, who served as class reporter during the capsule’s original burial. Lenes offered a deeply personal reflection, recognizing classmates, educators, and her late mentor Dr. Rita Esveld. “This school inspired me to pursue my dreams,” she said. “It’s an honor to return to where it all began.”
Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton shared memories of his own tenure as SAMOHI principal, joining Cruce and Pearson in representing a continuum of school leadership. “The heart of a school is its students,” he remarked, adding that the capsule serves as a reminder of the dreams and curiosity that define every generation.
The program also honored Nat Travis, a former Santa Monica mayor and 1952 SAMOHI student body president, who helped bury the original capsule. Though unable to attend, Travis offered remarks through Santa Monica College Dean Dr. Kirsten Elliott, calling the event “a beacon as we look to the future with hope, unity, and pride.” Now 90, Travis celebrated 70 years of marriage this July.
As the capsule was physically unearthed—with some difficulty and a dose of humor—students and staff revealed weathered documents, letters, and memorabilia from 1975. Items included the original dedication program, a letter from then-Mayor Nat Travis, a SAMOHI Rotary Club newsletter, and personal notes from students. Some documents bore signs of water damage, yet their message endured: a deep pride in the school and a hope for continued excellence.
The ceremony concluded with the SAMOHI Choir performing the “Hymn of Praise” under the direction of Mr. Jeffe Huls. Attendees were then invited to view the contents of the capsule, now carefully laid out on tables under the sun—a vivid reminder that history, once buried, still breathes in the present.
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