This is Our History

*Based on an article “Datos Históricos Desde Su Fundación” La Tribuna. 14 de diciembre, 2006

Written by: Superintendent Liliana JenkinsKaleidoscope Newsletter/ 13th Edition/ 2008

In 1946, Honduras flourished as a botanical and agricultural center. First arrives the Escuela Agrícola Panamericana and in the north of the country there are American fruit companies established. The American Embassy saw themselves with a problem due to not having a bilingual school where their children could attend. Mr. James Webb, a cultural attaché of the American Embassy became the liaison between a group of parents from the American Embassy and a group of “visionary” Hondurans who saw this as an opportunity to give their children a different kind of education never before available in Honduras. The American School is established in 1946 on Cristobal Colón Ave and Las Damas street, just north of “cuartel San Francisco” in La Ronda neighborhood in downtown Tegucigalpa. Their were 42 children enrolled and only three classrooms.

Most classes were held in English ( American plan). Their were Spanish classes, along with the other required subjects to fulfill the requirements for the Honduran educational system. Mery Quinlan, followed by Mrs. Sager, were the first director

and administrator who also taught third and sixth grades respectively. By the 1950’s many administrative staff had come and gone. Finally Mrs. María Teresa Castro de Ellison and Mrs. Matilde de Izaguirre become part of our flourishing school. Mrs Ellison becomes the sub-

director until 1958, working along with teachers Izaguirre and Sager.

Mrs. Izaguirre assumes a more administrative roll by integrating the American and Honduran education systems. Around this time the “Damas Voluntarias de Tegucigalpa” founded the P.T.O of the American School. In 1954 through the P.T.O, the “Sociedad Educacional Interamericana de Tegucigalpa” ( S.E.I.T) is formed. Their function was to make sure that the American School’s educational services were both bilingual as well as bicultural and of a higher quality. Soon the student population grew to such extent that satellite classrooms were established in front of Parque Finlay and another one on Calle Las Damas.

La Americana opens a section for Bilingual Commercial Secretary that lasts three years. But this course was short lived due to logistic reasons.

A parcel of land was donated to the school by the government of President Manuel Gálvez, but it would be several years before the school had enough funds to build.

In 1957, Ana Guadalupe Flores Rodas become the first Honduran student to graduate both with the Bachelorette of Science as well as her Highschool Diploma.

The American School won a contest hosted by the American Embassy. The $100,000.00 prize would go to the Central American school that would present the best school plan. La Americana won the contest and finally was able to start construction on the new school.

In 1962 the new school building was inaugurated in the extreme southeast portion of Tegucigalpa. Once established in the new building, organized sports and activity clubs were

developed. Initially the school had science, drama, journalism and photography clubs. Mr.Guillermo Inestroza, in conjunction with Michigan University consolidated the science

program for the tenth and eleventh grades. Nury Reyna ( Toffe) arrived to the school in the late 60’s and helped with the further development of the arts department.

In 1974 we received with

open arms professor

Santiago Toffé, who provides the

students with enhanced

understanding of Spanish

literature.

1970 Mr. David Losk

arrives to the school and

assumes the positions of

teacher, principal and

rector.

•By this time, the American School’s educational level was such that it allowed Seniors access to Universities such as Georgetown, Yale, Stanford, etc.•Basketball courts are constructed. A cafeteria building is built. The gymnasium is converted to include a stage. The school now has a band and a drama dept. The Media center is constructed

1980’s “Big Toy” is constructed.

Volleyball is added to the list of sports teams at AST. We see an increase in

the strength of our boys’ and girls’

sports teams… Go! Mighty Eagles!

1990’s Mrs Izaguirre retires, and Mrs.

Linda Matamoros de Durón becomes her successor. The

grand Auditorium is built. The bus stop area is improved,

and new building for high school and pre-

school are built.

1998 Linda Durón steps down as School Director and Mrs. Liliana Jenkins is the first alumni to become rector of an

American School on a worldwide level.

Kaleidoscope 11th Edition 2008