Sally Field honored at high school alma mater

[November 13, 2010]  VAN NUYS, Calif. (AP) -- Sally Field's high school still really likes her.

The 64-year-old Oscar and Emmy winner was honored Friday at the Los Angeles-area school during festivities dedicating its performing arts center in Field's name.

Students and faculty gathered outside the Birmingham Community Charter High School auditorium, originally built in 1976, for the unveiling of the Sally Field Performing Arts Center sign.

Field graduated from Birmingham High School in 1964 before going on to star in "Gidget" on television and later winning Academy Awards for roles in the films "Norma Rae" and "Places in the Heart."

She recalled that the school's drama department "quite simply saved my life" and was the place she could "most truly and absolutely" be herself.

[Associated Press; By DERRIK J. LANG]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.