Mira Costa High School

1950-1965

 

Lloyd W. Waller charted the course for Mira Costa High School. His energetic, innovative, and open leadership established a firm foundation for the new school. He provided a clear and purposeful direction for students, faculty and community. Throughout his career as a teacher, coach, counselor, and administrator, Lloyd Waller set high standards and sought to provide students with broad educational experiences. In his fifteen years as principal, the school grew from 200 to 2800 students and established a lasting reputation for excellence.

 

Mr. Waller’s greatest asset as he accepted the challenge of organizing a new high school that would serve Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and the northern part of Redondo Beach was his ability to involve the community. He reached out to the parents of students as well as to community leaders who had great hopes for their new school. His boundless energy inspired the student body, creating a "can do" attitude that lives to this day.

 

 

Carl Fisher began his career as a teacher at Pier Avenue Junior High in Hermosa Beach in 1950. He came to Mira Costa in 1953 as a math teacher and coach. In 1963 the faculty and community strongly supported his selection as the school’s second principal. He held that position for eighteen years, the longest tenure of any principal in Mira Costa’s history. The school bears his imprint today, from Fisher Gym and the trees on campus to rigorous academic standards and an outstanding interscholastic athletic program.

 

Mr. Fisher built a community-centered school that responds to the needs of the families it serves. An exceptional teacher, he inspired his colleagues by example. He challenged students to develop diligent work habits and well-rounded interests in school and out. Under his leadership Mira Costa became not only a strong academic center but also a place where relationships are fostered, teacher to student, student to student and community to school.