Millennium High School staff, students, and families past and present gathered together at Community Hall on Friday, April 18 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Piedmont’s alternative high school.
In addition to current school leadership, also in attendance were the school’s first principal, Ken Yale, former School Board President Grier Graff, counselor Pam Brandau, and teachers Beth Gilbert (English, social studies, performing arts teacher), Richard Meyers (math, history teacher and basketball coach), and the original office manager Susan Mayer.
Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Hawn delivers welcoming remarks 
Founding MHS Principal Ken Yale with current Principal Irma Munoz Daniels 
Former School Board member Grier Graff, an early MHS supporter, speaks to the crowd 
Teacher Ken Brown talks about his decision to join the MHS staff 
Piedmont Mayor Betsy Smegal Andersen holds the City Proclamation with Principal Irma Munoz Daniels 
MHS counselor Stefanie Manalo-LeClair
MHS was officially launched in the 1999-2000 school year — the class of 2000 was the first MHS graduating class. Prior to MHS’s creation, the school had existed as a continuation school — the Piedmont Independent Learning High School.
I think I can speak for everyone involved in early years, when I say we are all so proud and appreciative to see that each iteration of students, staff and parents has made its own unique contributions to MHS over the years, as the school has continued to grow and evolve.
But it is so gratifying to see that the core vision and values that make MHS such a special community, really a family, live on and have enabled this school to thrive for 25 years.
And that is no small thing in an educational system that is increasingly standardized and defunded, and in a moment in history where pandemics and technology isolate us from each other, where critical thought is discouraged, where diversity is demonized, and where hatred of “the other” is promoted.
So huge appreciations to all of you who are or have been part of this MHS community. Thank you for your dedication and perseverance in the face of so many challenges, and thank you for 25 years of modeling to all of Piedmont, and to the world, how we can learn and live together in a more caring and loving community.
Ken Yale
11th grader Samuel Bahala recites his poem “Together we RISE” 
Student Angela Enkh-Amgalan plays the Horsehead Fiddle 
Parent April Leung with PMS student Noii Shahid, MHS student Ruqaiyah Leung Shahid, Havens student Arzae Shahid 
Dancing to the Cupid Shuffle 
Students connect at the celebration 
Students sell t-shirts 
A Millennium sweatshirt on display with stickers and the program 
A tree holds cards with MHS memories written on them