HISTORY
Cover of Ram 1959, the first graduating class at Maricopa High School.
Kickin’ it old school In 1952, seven years before Maricopa High School’s first class graduated, some area high school students were driven to Casa Grande and some took the train. Eighth graders, back row from left: Ralph Cooper, Jack Daniels, Norma Barrett, Dorothy Thornhill amd Barbara Bryant. Front row from left: Jimmy Cooper, Boroas Van Dugen, Kennith Quinn, Kelly Fulbright and Robert Hampton.
THIS MONTH IN HISTORY For these and other historical stories, visit InMaricopa.com.
5 years ago
10 years ago
15 years ago
20 years ago
Maricopa High School’s Class of 2020 didn’t walk at graduation — they cruised. Graduating seniors were recognized during a drive-thru diploma distribution due to pandemic restrictions. Amid the blaring of car horns, thumping music, cheers and noisemakers, graduates clad in red caps and gowns were presented diplomas in their cars in a driveway at the high school.
Maricopa Marine Matthew J. Determan died in a plane crash in Hawaii. Lance Cpl. Determan was only 21 years old and stationed at Camp Pendleton in California when he was deployed on a seven-month operation in the Pacific. Seven days into the deployment, an MV-22B Osprey with Determan on board caught fire and crashed at Marine Corps Training Area Bellows, killing two and injuring 20 more.
Maricopa Community Services Director Marty McDonald was arrested at his home in The Lakes at Rancho El Dorado on theft, fraud and forgery charges initiated by the Friends of the Maricopa Public Library. The nonprofit alleged McDonald stole $8,000 and tried to hide his crimes by falsifying checks and invoices. In Pinal County Superior Court three years later, McDonald pleaded guilty to felony theft and tampering with evidence.
More than 600 people attended the inaugural Salsa Festival presented by 85239.com. Armed with a free bag of tortilla chips and a ballot, tasters got to sample myriad salsas ranging from smooth and spicy to chunky and refreshing. The festival was replaced by the Wild West Music Fest in 2023.
InMaricopa.com | May 2025
6
Powered by FlippingBook