Saldivar is Anaheim’s First Alumnus Principal

2017 – Robert Saldivar – Class of 1996

Roberto Saldivar, a Class of ’96 graduate  is now serving as Anaheim High’s newest principal and the first alumnus to serve in that position. He  previously was at Orange View Junior High as principal.

Saldivar began his teaching career at Anaheim in 2001, after earning his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a minor in health from Cal State Fullerton. He later earned his master’s in education from Azusa Pacific University.

At Anaheim High he taught AVID, health science and coached baseball, football, and basketball. He began his administrative career as an assistant principal at Ball Junior High, then returned to Anaheim as an AP before becoming the principal of Orangeview Junior High, also an AUHSD school.

Saldivar with his family of junior Colonists

Saldivar, whose wife Liliana Hernandez is also an AHS graduate from Class of 1999, said he is grateful for the opportunity to lead his alma mater. “The saying really does ring true in my case: ‘Once a Colonist, always a Colonist.’ ”

A History of Anaheim Principals

The first regular high school classes were held on the second floor of Central School beginning in 1898.

The appointment of Anaheim High’s first alumnus principal has inspired the Alumni Association to take a closer look at the men and women who have filled this top position going back to 1869.

Robert Saldivar, a Class of ’96 graduate, is Anaheim High’s newest principal and its first alumnus to fill that position.

He follows in the footsteps of 23 other men and woman who have led the high school, starting with James Miller Guinn in 1869.

The featured photo is of Joseph A. Clayes at his desk. He is Anaheim High’s longest serving principal, the creator of the Colonist logo, was instrumental in establishing the City of Anaheim Parks and Recreation program. His son and two grandsons all graduated from Anaheim high.

Click here to see a complete list of Anaheim principals and view available photos and bios.

Click below to see a gallery of available photos:

Gallery of AHS Principals

Sources: AHSAA Archives, Anaheim Library Heritage Center, “One To Twenty-Eight – A History of the Anaheim Union High School District” by Louise Booth, Natural History Museum Foundation, Los Angeles County, WorldCat record id: 23250333, and the description of Papers of James Miller Guinn, 1824-1918 (bulk 1870-1918),Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens, WorldCat record id: 299167713.