West High School (Bakersfield, California) Explained

West High School is a public high school located in Bakersfield, California, United States. The school serves about 2,000 students in grades 9 to 12 in the Kern High School District.^[2]

The school has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges—for the first time in 1969 and most recently in 2020, for a fixed term after each evaluation.^[3]

Notable alumni

• Nikki Blue, former UCLA and WNBA basketball player^{[4] [5]}
• Vince Fong, member of the United States House of Representatives from California's 20th congressional district^[6]
• A.J. Jefferson, now known as Anthony Orange, football player; undrafted rookie cornerback for the Minnesota Vikings^[7]
• Brock Marion, football player, NFL defensive back, 1993-2004^[8]
• Ryan Mathews, football player; first-round selection and 12th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft; San Diego Chargers, NFL running back^[9]

Notes and References

1. Web site: West High. California Department of Education. 25 March 2024. 18 May 2024.
2. Web site: West High. National Center for Education Statistics. May 21, 2024.
3. Web site: Directory of Schools. 2019–2020. Accrediting Commission for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 7 August 2024.
4. Web site: WNBA.com: Nikki Blue Player File . . 2008-03-04.
5. Web site: WNBA.com: Prospect - Nikki Blue . WNBA . 2008-03-04.
6. Web site: Assemblyman Vince Fong makes U-turn, announces run for Kevin McCarthy's Congress seat. December 11, 2023. KMPH FOX 26. Sinclair, Inc.. May 22, 2024. Fong was born and raised in Bakersfield, graduated from West High School, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from UCLA and a master’s from Princeton University..
7. Web site: West High graduate reintroduces himself to CFL in more ways than one. Bennett . Josh. November 4, 2018. bakersfield.com . The Bakersfield Californian. May 25, 2024 . Former West High standout and current Fresno State defensive back A.J Jefferson Jr. grabs UCLA's Kahili Bell during Saturday's at the Rose Bowl..
8. Web site: Brock Marion Presents Golden NFL Football To West High For His Appearance In Super Bowl. Barrios . Henry A.. February 26, 2016. bakersfield.com . The Bakersfield Californian. May 25, 2024 . Brock Marion signs autographs for students Friday at West High where he was a star football player who went on to play in college and the NFL..
9. Web site: West High looks back on magical season, 15 years later. Stapp. Ron. December 12, 2020. bakersfield.com . The Bakersfield Californian. May 25, 2024 . Ryan Mathews was named first-team all-area as a defensive lineman for West in 2005..