Travis Ranch School celebrates 30 years of excellence

On Thursday, April 19, Travis Ranch School in Yorba Linda celebrated its 30-year anniversary before open house. Decorated with old photos, yearbooks, spirit wear, and more, hundreds of current and former students, families, teachers, and staff members joined in the school’s multi-purpose room to help honor the Trailblazer’s rich history. Present day, the award-winning school serves almost 1,400 students in grades Preppy-K through eighth.

Distinguished guests such as Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) Board of Education members Judi Carmona and Karin Freeman were in attendance to help celebrate the school, as well as Superintendent, Dr. Greg Plutko and Deputy Superintendent, Candy Plahy.

Principal Susan Metcalf kicked-off the evening by offering a brief overview of Travis Ranch School, which first opened for the 1987-88 school year. As its name suggests, the school’s land was once a highly successful working ranch.

“Just as a successful ranch relies on strong organization, communication, and teamwork, so does an effective school,” Principal Metcalf shared.

A particularly exciting part of the evening was when the school recognized all former principals including founding principal, Earl Pratt, who served from 1986-1989. Sadly, Pratt passed away in 2016, but his wife and former PYLUSD teacher, Mim Pratt, was there in his honor.

In addition, past Travis Ranch principals included Larry Mauzey, who served two tenures at the school from 1989-1992 and 2003-2012, as well as Randi Trontz, 1992-1994, Gina Trapani, 1994-2000, Bill Cline, 2000-2003, Cindy Freeman, 2012-2016, and of course, Metcalf, 2016-present.

Metcalf also made sure to recognize all of the past and present Travis Ranch teachers, staff members, PTA presidents, and notable community members in attendance that evening. This included Mrs. Ann Greenspan who helped open the school as an original staff member, and is still teaching at Travis Ranch today!

Before showing a picture slideshow of the school’s history, serving birthday cake, and releasing attendees to reminisce on their time at Travis Ranch, Metcalf ended on a sentimental note.

“Thank you to our hard working 30th Year Committee for organizing this joyous celebration,” she shared. “Once you are a Travis Ranch Trailblazer, you are always family. And with that, let the celebrations begin!”