West Granada High Renamed for Kirk Douglas
Kirk Douglas got his name on a new marquee Wednesday.
The Board of Education renamed West Granada High School after the 83-year-old actor.
Douglas and his wife, Anne, wearing matching jackets, led the cheers when Kirk Douglas High School was dedicated Wednesday. Four of the school’s 57 students will receive diplomas next month bearing the school’s new name.
“Because I love you, I will be checking up on you,” Douglas said. “You have honored me and I thank all of you.”
The continuation school is dedicated to helping children who are on the verge of dropping out. Douglas’ foundation provided a $25,000 matching grant to the San Fernando Valley school.
He told students during an earlier visit that he was familiar with hardship and mistakes.
“We feel that Mr. Douglas provides a good role model for our kids,” said Principal Phil Romans. “He learned from his mistakes and continued to work hard to accomplish his dreams. Now he is giving back to the community. We are very proud to share his name.”
Douglas, who starred in such movies as “Spartacus” and “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral,” came to this country as the son of illiterate Russian immigrants and fought his way out of the ghetto.
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