San Mateo High School
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San Mateo High School is a public school in San Mateo in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. Its mascot is the Bearcat. Legend has it that the mascot was the result of a disagreement about whether architectural adornments at the front entrance of the original building were bears or cats. During a 50-year celebration in 1977, the architect was asked to offer the definitive answer. His response: "They're owls."
San Mateo High School's colors are black and orange. The school was opened in 1927. The current buildings were opened for the 2004-2005 academic year after the original was demolished for earthquake safety reasons. The new building strongly echoes the design and materials of the original, in part due to strong public outcry about the decision to demolish the structure. The original brick-dominated complex was sometimes referred to as "the high school that looks like a university."
The school's traditional arch-rival is Burlingame High School.
Notable alumni
The following is a selective listing of notable alumni principally from a complete list provided by San Mateo High School
- Barry Bostwick - Actor in film and TV roles, such as Spin City
- Merv Griffin - Entertainment producer and former talk show host
- Kris Kristofferson - Country/western singer and actor
- Alicia Silverstone - Actress in hit films such as Clueless.
- Debi Thomas - Won bronze medal in figure skating at the 1988 Winter Olympics
- Cal Tjader - Latin Jazz musician
