F. Scott Fitzgerald said there are no second acts in American lives. Fitzgerald never met William Virchis.

Southwestern College’s most prolific director during its golden age of theater in the 1980s and 90s, Virchis was honored by the Sweetwater Union High School District when it named its new facility at 670 L Street the William Virchis Visual and Performing Arts Department.

Sweetwater Superintendent Dr. Brand called Virchis “a genius that gives so much to the community.”

“Bill is the epitome of celebrating life,” he said. “ He is one of the greatest people on the planet.”

Chula Vista City Councilman Rudy Ramirez gave Virchis a commemorative coin on behalf of the mayor.

Leo Sandoval, 56, said it was a nice ceremony and that his former professor deserved everything that he has received. Sandoval met Virchis in a class in 1974.

“I remember before I met Bill, I saw one of his rehearsals for a play and it made me think that I should be apart of that,” he said. “I saw how he interacted with students and that convinced me to join.”

SUHSD Director of Technical Education Gerardo Chavez said Virchis is influential and charismatic, someone who can inspire the world.

“My son and daughter call Bill their uncle, because that’s what he is to them, family,” he said. “He has influenced them to be who they want and they love him for that.”

Erick Minella said he loved Virchis very much.

“It was great to hear people who have known him longer to tell stories about him,” he said. “It was really nice to see him cry.”

Virchis has won more than 100 state and national awards, such as the “Excellence in Arts” and “Arts Foundation Achievement Award.” He has also been introduced into the SWC Athletic Hall of Fame and the Alumni Hall of Fame. Virchis said he has acted in, directed or produced about 250 plays.

Virchis welcomed everyone affectionately, thanking them for their love and support.

“I might be the captain of this ship, but it is the crew that makes this ship great,” he said. “Thank you all for the support.”