SAN CARLOS, Calif. — Patrick Henry High School first opened in 1968.
Kids today of course don't know much about what life was like back then, but this Sunday, they'll have a chance to catch a glimpse. To celebrate the past 55 years, a documentary on the school is premiering Sunday, October 15.
The 55-minute film "Give Me Liberty" showcases the early years of Patrick Henry High.
"I enjoyed school, it was a great time in my life and I wanted to help share the story," Scott Aveldson said, who graduated in 1971 and served as the Supervising Producer for the film.
"I graduated in 1971, it was a tremendous time in my life to be here," Mark Krasner added, who was the film's Executive Producer.
Every single person involved in the documentary, either went or goes to school here now.
"I was kind of stunned at first, like I'm being asked to write for a film. It was pretty amazing," Noah Plank said, who is a Senior. Plank was asked to compose all of the film's music.
"I love editing. I love the creative portion of film. I love sharing people's stories," Georgia Taylor said, who graduated last year and now goes to San Diego State University. She filmed and edited portions of the film.
One of the very first students to attend Patrick Henry now happens to be a seven time Emmy award winner. He became interested in sharing the school's story on the big screen, following his 51st high school reunion. We even opened up the News 8 archives to help out.
"Being a film maker and someone who loves preserving history and abhors these stories being lost through the sands of time, it was a very emotional experience," David Plaut said who is the film's Producer and Director. "This has allowed me to reconnect with old classmates, and teachers," he added.
At the time for San Diego Unified, Patrick Henry was only one of seven schools in the nation to experiment with the model schools program - operating more like a college campus.
"It was an open campus, you could come and go as you please -even take additional classes," Krasner said.
From the way the school functioned to all the fashion - the goal is to preserve a piece of history.
"One of my favorite parts was them behind the camera, asking the questions and laughing about what we said life was like back then," Aveldson said.
"What really stuck out to me is how women dressed and were treated," Taylor said.
"It's a story of how Patrick Henry evolved and I think that's really special," Plank added. The film weaves the history of the school, with what was happening at the time.
"There was still a draft, the Civil Rights movement, the Vietnam War was raging, the moon landing was influential," Plaut said.
"It caused us to question existing norms, be open-minded about things, search for new ideas and dream big," Krasner added.
Annette Benning even roamed the halls, including Rupaul and countless athletes.
"The students are just as enthusiastic as they were when I had the opportunity to go to school here. It makes you hopeful for the future," Krasner said.
The premiere is Sunday, October 15 at 7 p.m.
Tickets for the documentary are $25. They can be purchased online, or at the door. If you miss it, there are plans to get the film on a streaming platform at some point.
All proceeds go to the Alumni Association.
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