Connect (or Reconnect) Through The Haybaler Alumni Network
Welcome to San Benito High School's monthly, alumni-focused newsletter, which will help you connect or reconnect to SBHS and allow us to share information and about our proud alumni. In addition to receiving the newsletter, there are many ways to stay connected to your alma mater, from attending sporting events and performances on campus to lending your time and expertise to future alumni activities, participating in a Spotlight Speaker series during our Haybaler Support Time period, helping us plan future alumni activities and events, and following us on Facebook (San Benito High School), Twitter (@BalerNews) or Instagram (@Baler News and @BalerSports). If you are a Haybaler alum who wants to get involved with our alumni outreach, please click the link below to email district Communications Officer Adam Breen (Class of '87) to let him know how you'd like to help.
Class of '56 Celebrates 45-Year Reunion
Prior to their 45-year reunion in August, the Baler Class of 1956 received a campus tour from Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum.
Class of '71 Celebrates 50-Year Reunion
San Benito High School was proud to welcome the Class of 1971 back to campus during its 50-year reunion in September!
Alumni Spotlight: Vivian Hernandez, Class of 2018, Earns Recognition
(Photo and Story Courtesy of the Hollister Free Lance)

When Vivian Hernandez entered her freshman year at Chico State University in the summer of 2018, she was like any other incoming college student: eager, a bit apprehensive, and ready to learn. That’s where the comparison to most other students ends. Now a senior, the 2018 San Benito High graduate has earned several prestigious awards and scholarships, including the Adelante Postbaccalaureate Pipeline Program Grant, a Lieutenant Robert Merton Rawlins Merit Award, a 2021-22 Sally Casanova Pre-doctoral Scholars Award and the latest, the CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. The latter award—one of the most prestigious in the entire CSU system—is given each year to students who demonstrate superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need. “The CSU Trustees’ Award is one that just blows my mind,” said Hernandez, who is set to graduate in May 2022 with degrees in history and Latin American studies, and minors in Spanish and global development studies. “I never thought I’d be in this position.”
Do You Have Your Alumni Pin?
Attention Haybaler Alumni: If you haven't yet gotten a complimentary alumni pin, please email Carol Heiderich at cheiderich@sbhsd.k12.ca.us and she will get one to you.
Stadium Press Box To Be Dedicated to Mike Sanchez '71, 'The Voice of the Balers'
The San Benito High School District Board of Trustees on Aug. 24 approved naming the press box at Andy Hardin Stadium in honor of Mike Sanchez, a long-time local educator who is known as "The Voice of the Balers" for his work announcing SBHS football games since 1974. The "Mike Sanchez Press Box at Andy Hardin Stadium" will be formally dedicated during the Balers' football game against Palma on Friday, Oct. 15. The longtime Hollister resident and 1971 graduate of SBHS played football, ran track, wrestled and was a member of FFA during high school. He graduated from Gavilan College, San Jose State University and the University of San Francisco and spent four decades with the San Benito County Office of Education, retiring as San Benito County Superintendent of Schools when his term expired in 2014. (Photo of Mr. Sanchez courtesy of the Hollister Free Lance)
Adopt-A-Tree Program Continues to Grow
More than 100 trees have been purchased and planted on campus through San Benito High School's Adopt-A-Tree program and there is room for more. For $50 per tree, you can purchase a tree of your choice (along with a plaque attached to the tree) to honor or remember an SBHS graduate, a graduating or alumni class, a family, a business, a teacher, or someone else of your choice. Simply fill out the attached form and mail it or deliver it to San Benito High School, c/o Carol Heiderich.
Alumni Class Notes
  • Baler '13 alumnus Conner Menez (pictured at left below) of the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, this past season was one of six pitchers who combined to throw a no-hitter.
  • ‪Baler softball alumna Suzy Brookshire '16 (pictured at right below) played with Team Mexico in the Olympic Games this past Summer.

  • Share your news with your fellow Haybaler alumni by emailing Communications Officer Adam Breen (Class of '87) at abreen@sbhsd.k12.ca.us with information. Make sure to include your graduating class year and maiden name, if applicable.
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San Benito High School, 1220 Monterey St. Hollister, CA 95023