May 2, 2012 (Sacramento):  Sacramento Ballet will perform in C.K. McClatchy High School’s gym on Thursday to kick off the school’s 75th anniversary year and to celebrate the long-standing relationship between the company and the school.

The ballet – featuring principal dancer Alexandra Cunningham, a McClatchy alum – will perform movements from “Jazzin’ ” by Darrell Grand Moultrie to the music of Duke Ellington, Wynton Marsalis and others. McClatchy’s Jazz Band will also play from its repertoire of jazz standards. A suggested donation of $5 will be collected at the door.

“We are thrilled to continue our 20-year relationship with the ballet and to mark the beginning of McClatchy’s diamond anniversary year,” said Principal Peter Lambert. “This is a wonderful way to celebrate our school’s birthday and our community’s support of the arts.”

The cornerstone that marked completion of McClatchy’s construction was placed on May 20, 1937. The first students arrived that fall. Designed by architects Starks and Flanders (who also designed the Elks building downtown) and built through President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration, the school has remained the pride of the Land Park neighborhood ever since opening.

Famous alumni include United States Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, writer Joan Didion, California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye and the late Congressman Robert Matsui.

Today, McClatchy continues its longstanding tradition of academic excellence with its Law and Public Policy Academy, the Criminal Justice Academy, Air Force Junior ROTC and the well-respected Humanities and International Studies Program (HISP).

Three years ago, when the ballet was in financial trouble, CKM’s student government and the HISP Council sponsored a free performance for the community, which the ballet credits as an important step toward turning around its fortunes and keeping it strong and healthy.
CKM offers its diverse student population more than 40 clubs, an award-winning marching band and dozens of spring and fall sports, including rugby and competitive diving. Still strong at its diamond anniversary, McClatchy is the oldest high school in SCUSD.
                                                                                                                                                                                
WHAT:                 Sacramento Ballet at McClatchy High
WHEN:                 6 p.m. on Thursday May 3
WHERE:               C.K. McClatchy High School gym
                                3066 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95818