Initially constructed by Miami-Dade County to replace Ponce De Leon High School, which became a junior high school at the time, Coral Gables High opened its doors in 1950. Although the original number of students that year can only be estimated, the school population has grown now to over 3,000 students for the 2025-2026 school year. In celebration of its rich history, on Oct. 24, Gables hosted its 75th anniversary by welcoming past and present students to attend an array of festivities designed to evoke a walk down memory lane. With evidence of Cavalier pride enveloping the campus, the night came alive with sounds of laughter and stories of past decades.
To commemorate the occasion, the Friends of Gables, a non-profit organization aimed towards supporting the school, planned the evening celebration. From food vendors to campus tours, careful preparation played a large role in the success of the event. Once guests began arriving at around 6 p.m., Gables students, along with teachers and staff, welcomed the visitors with open arms.
In the courtyard, there were multiple tables lined up with vintage shirt sales, old yearbook and magazine sales and snacks of all kinds. All past years of Gables were out on display, and guests rushed to try to find themselves among the hundreds of pictures and articles. Meanwhile, student guides walked around campus encouraging alumni to get a taste of what Gables is like today by signing up for tours. Since many of their graduating years were over a decade ago, they found it difficult to recognize their alma mater, as the school has undergone many construction projects. These include the addition of the 6K building, the renovation of the auditorium and the improvements of the English hallway.
“When I was an incoming sophomore, I tried out for the Gables football team during the end of the summer. Going out on the field, there were over 300 boys waiting with me. We all lived for football, but I was so intimidated in that moment. A lot of them did not make the cut, but I remember feeling like I had made my own family through football. Gables gave me passion for sports, and since I was a student, I have become not only a teacher, but a coach, too,” Class of 1976 alumnus Ron Sandoka said.
After completing a walk around campus and greeting many old friends, guests looked forward to entering the auditorium for an old-fashioned pep-rally. Upon entering the auditorium, visitors were met by Gablettes wearing their traditional checkered white and red uniforms. Students showed some alumni to their assigned seats, while others roamed the room searching for familiar faces.
“My most memorable moment at Gables is actually from after I graduated. I was a freshman in college at the time and the Homecoming football game for Gables was against Southwest. We always won against them. I walked in feeling hopeful, but halfway through the game we were still losing. I started to leave, but loud noise drew me back in. The Cavaliers had made a touchdown in the last minute and won the game. I just wanted to jump into the field I was so happy, and it really taught me something about staying positive,” Class of 1971 alumna Roberta Neway said.
Once everyone had settled down, the show began with a ripple of cheers and loud claps. The committee in charge of the event thanked the crowd for attending, and then they introduced the student performers, the Gablettes and cheerleaders, a collaboration new to alumni. The show consisted of up-beat songs and flashing lights, and eventually concluded with jumps and high kicks from all dancers.
As alumni went wild over the teams they once knew so well, they seemed to be brought back to their high school days at Gables. Alumni on the stage told stories of the past, and as they did so, further discussion, friendship, and community sparked among those in attendance.
Following the pep rally, guests were ready to begin their campus tours. Starting in the 9K hallway, students led them through the most popular spots, including the lunch pavilion, band room, library and teachers’ lounge. Because of the considerable changes that have occurred at Gables, guests were curious to learn more about the school. As they explored, they asked students various questions about their classes and day-to-day lives at Gables. While the tours continued, another performance was given by the Gablettes on the outdoor patio, where guests again awed at their skills.
Many attendees ended their memory-filled night with food truck meals and conversations at the pavilion tables. Current students at this time roamed around campus offering to take photos, engaging in conversations or simply helping alumni find their way. It was not until 9:30 p.m. that the event began to conclude, and guests said their final goodbyes, many with a smile on their face.
“When I attended Gables, I was determined to take advantage of my opportunities, and I absolutely did. I joined as many clubs as I could, and especially made big differences in Key Club and the Gablettes. During my time in high school, women were just starting to become involved in school activities, and Gables was one of the first to encourage it. I had a great time as a student, and this celebration has brought back so many fond memories for me. This is where I grew up,” Class of 1988 alumna Gabrielle D’Alemberte said.
The 75th anniversary was a night intended to highlight the glory of Gables and to jog memories of the past, and many guests believed it did just that. Not only did they have a chance to reconnect with former classmates, but they also got a view of what Gables has become. Regardless of the many differences that set alumni apart, alumni continue to feel they are ultimately bound by a shared sense of identity and belonging: the spirit of being a Cavalier.
