Monterey High School is honoring its longtime drama teacher by dedicating its theater to him. Larry Welch taught for more than 50 years in the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District and 31 of those years were at Monterey High before retiring in 2009. "Sometimes you wonder if all the stuff you've done. You know if anyone noticed if it was passing in the world, and some people noticed and that's really nice," he said.Under his leadership, Monterey High produced more than 150 plays, and during some years produced more than 10 productions a year.Larry prioritized the “complete process” and students learned everything from building sets and setting lights to acting parts and, often, directing plays for each production. They also helped make costumes. His open-door policy encouraged students, regardless of their backgrounds, to give drama a try.He also took students on field trips to New York and London to experience productions on Broadway and in the West End. Prior to serving at Monterey High School, Larry also taught creative writing, Shakespeare, stage production for high school through Monterey Peninsula College, drama 1, drama 2, and advanced drama at Seaside High for 21 years.