Union Mine High School is a public high school located in El Dorado, California, United States. It is a member of the El Dorado Union High School District. The school district purchased the property on which the school is located in 1971 for $65,000 to accommodate future growth, but did not need it for many years. Preliminary planning for the school began in 1991. After the defeat of a bond measure in 1993 to construct the new high school, a narrow vote to approve a bond in 1997 paved the way for construction to begin. The school's name was chosen in September 1998 during construction, and the school opened in 1999. The first graduating class was the class of 2002, but the first to go through all four years of high school at Union Mine was the class of 2003. Union Mine's school colors are burgundy, navy, and white. Its mascot is the Diamondback Rattlesnake. Union Mine is known for its 4×4 schedule, and its dedication to the arts. The art program comprises art and three-dimensionaldesign formats, dance classes, theater, and band. When it was first founded it was also known as "the technology school" due to its brand-new computer labs. The football team clinched the SVC title three consecutive years. Varsity softball and varsity boys' basketball have also won league championships. The boys' snowboarding team also claimed the state title in 2010 and in 2011, the girls' volleyball team won the Division 4 state championship. The boys' cross-country won the SVC title in 2007. The school has many typical clubs such as Christian club, Key Club, Robotics Club, National Honor Society, California Scholarship Federation, Rotary Interact Club, Drama Club, Environmental Club, and French Club, along with the now-defunct Philosophy Club and Nap Club. In 2008, Principal Carl Fickle left UMHS after being with the school from day 1, on Aug. 16th, 1999 to he was semi-retired in Dec. 2007, but was rarely on campus after Mr. DeVille took over in Jan. 2008. He made an appearance at Graduation of the Class of 2008 on May 22nd, 2008. To "graduate" with his last class as Principal. As of 2018, the school has an enrollment of 1,003 students.
Famous Alumni
Annie Le, 2003 Grad who went onto University of Rochester, she graduated from there and accepted into graduate program with Yale. She made headlines when she disappeared on September 8, 2009.
Student Memorials
The school has erected a few memorials in the memory of students who have died.
Derrick Weed - a sophomore student who died in a tragic accident in January 2006. His memorial is near the portable-like buildings near the Library. His memorial is a pine tree with a small plaque at the base of the tree.
Annie Le - a rose bush and plaque near the outdoor amphitheater.
Sky Mote - an alumni who died while serving in the military. His memorial is a large plaque along Union Mine Way between the Library and H buildings.
Alma Mater
Nestled in the golden country To your name we hail Union Mine, our pride and honor, Always will prevail Triumphantly we hail to you In burgundy and blue Our allegiance we do pledge ''Forever to be true'
