Twin Rivers Unified trustees (left) pose with Superintendent Dr. Tu Moua Carroz, Board President Christine Jefferson and Natalya Sachuk representing Assemblyman Josh Hoover. Photo courtesy of Twin Rivers Unified School District


NORTH HIGHLANDS, CA (MPG) - Highlands High School is the latest campus in Twin Rivers Unified School District to complete improvements to its football stadium.

The football team, cheerleaders and members of the student body filled the home section on the morning of Aug. 27 as district leaders took time to recognize the accomplishment and thank everyone involved.

The improvements were funded by Fund 40, the district’s capital outlay fund, which is a special reserve fund for major facility improvements. Upgrades to Highlands’ stadium include new athletic turf, press box improvements and video scoreboard, and updated signage. 

The Aug. 27 ribbon-cutting ceremony was opened with a presentation of colors by the Highlands JROTC and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Highlands High School ASB President Alfredo Martinez.

District leaders including Chief Business Official Ryan DiGiulio, Board President Christine Jefferson, Board Member Sharon Reichelt, Superintendent Dr. Tu Moua Carroz and Principal Darryl Hawthrone each made remarks to recognize the milestone. 

Dr. Carroz, who began her role as superintendent in July, took attendees on a trip down memory lane, recognizing trailblazers in Highland High School’s history. Several alumni have gone on to compete in the Olympics, including Brian Lewis, Class of 1993, who took home gold in the 4x100-meter relay at the 2000 Games. Other alumni have completed in the Major Leagues and played for sports teams overseas. 

 The Highlands High School football and cheer teams celebrated the stadium improvements alongside district staff. Photo by Abbey Wicks 

Highlands High School also holds two gold NFL footballs representing alum who won Super Bowl champions, Scott Galbraith of the Dallas Cowboys and Chris Olden of the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

“Every one of those names was once a student walking onto this field for the very first time,” Dr. Carroz said. “We don’t know yet whom the next name will be, who will make history for the Highland Scots, but we know they are coming, and what is what we are really celebrating today.”

Area 2 Trustee Reichelt emphasized the importance of students feeling pride in their school. 

“I know how important it is for students to feel connected to their school,” said Reichelt, a former educator in the district. “They need opportunities to discover their strengths, build confidence and work together…that’s what spaces like this can provide.”

Principal Darryl Hawthrone is an alum of the school, along with eight members of his family. Several other staff members and coaches, including Brandy Harris, activities director, graduated from the school as well. 

Hawthrone called the upgrades a “legacy investment” for the school, benefitting its current students and those to come.

“I’m thankful for the district and the board, what they’ve done for Highlands, and, as a graduate, we just embrace this,” Hawthrone said. “I’m just happy for you guys.”
 

The Highland Scots’ first home game in their new stadium took place the following day, Friday Aug. 28.