Kalamazoo Central High School
| Kalamazoo Central High School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006 |
|
| Information | |
| School type | public high school |
| Motto | “Every child, every opportunity, every time.” |
| Founded | 1858 |
| School district | Kalamazoo Public Schools |
| Principal | Von Washington Jr. |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 1650+ (2010) |
| Language | English |
| Color(s) | Maroon,White |
| Mascot | Maroon Giants |
| Website | http://www.kalamazoopublicschools.com/schools/high-schools/central-high-school |
Kalamazoo Central High School is a public high school in Kalamazoo, Michigan serving students from ninth through twelfth grades. It was the first public high school in Michigan. It began operating in 1858 and graduated its first class of five men and three women in 1859. It moved to its current location in 1972. It is rated Class A by the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). On May 4, 2010, the White House announced that Central High had won the first annual Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge and that President Barack Obama will deliver the school’s 2010 commencement address[1].
Kalamazoo Central students are eligible for the Kalamazoo Promise, which provides reduced or free college tuition for students attending public colleges in Michigan.
Contents |
[edit] History
The first legal public high-school in Kalamazoo, and in the state of Michigan began operating in 1858, and graduated its first class, consisting of five men and three women, in 1859.[2] Charles E. Stuart sued the Kalamazoo School Board in 1874 alleging that the school-board's use of taxpayer money to fund secondary education was unconstitutional (up until that point taxpayers money was only for elementary schools). The School Board prevailed, setting a precedent allowing publicly funded secondary education throughout the country.[3] In 1925, the school moved to the building currently known as Old Central High School.[4] On the fourth floor of the Old Central High School is currently located the Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center, or KAMSC. Following the largest graduating class of 799 students in 1960, some Central High School students transferred to the newly-opened Loy Norrix High School in 1961. Central High School moved to its current location in 1972.[5]
After the introduction of the Kalamazoo Promise scholarship program, the school (and the Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) system) was placed into the national spotlight highlighted with a Katie Couric visit. Enrollment in KPS has risen significantly, and the surrounding area has begun to find economic benefits.
[edit] Student activities
The Kalamazoo Central Debate Society went to the 2008 MIFA (Michigan Interscholastic Forensics Association) State Debate Finals. The team has placed at every W.M.L.D.L. competition and is a rising force in Michigan Legislative Debate.[citation needed]
The Choir program, under the direction of Mr. F. Colgren, is a state-recognized choir and competes in the MSVMA (Michigan State Vocal Music Association) competitions and consistently receive top ratings.[citation needed][peacock term] At the 2007 Solo and Ensemble, the choir combined for over 15 level I ratings.[citation needed] They also have had members involved in State Honors Choir, the SWMVF Honors Choir that performs at Royal Albert Hall.[citation needed]
The Marching Band, under the direction of Mr. D. Stout, experiences success at local competitions, and in 2006 ranked first in a national competition at Walt Disney World. The Concert Band, also directed by Stout, has recently excelled in MSBOA (Michigan State Band & Orchestra Association) competition, receiving top marks.[citation needed][peacock term]
The Photography department, is one of the many Education For Employment (EFE) classes offered to students.
The Mock Trial team has represented its state at the National Competition seventeen times (as of 2009), more than any other school in the country. The team took first place at Nationals in 1996 under the coaching of Ms. S. Ransford, and second in 2006, 2007 and 2008.{http://www.nationalmocktrial.org/history.cfm} Longtime coach and team founder Mikell Griffith was honored with the Justice Gene Franchini Golden Gavel Award in 2008. Hon. Robert Kinney from Wisconsin was actually presented the award, but chose to honor Griffith by giving her the trophy. She exemplifies dedication and commitment to the goals and ideals of high school mock trial, and was a great coach to everyone she mentored.
During the late 80s and the 90s, the KC Forensics Team, headed by Mr. G. Chandler was a national caliber team and took 6 of 14 I.E. events in the year 1999 at the State Championship. The tradition continues under the new direction of Mr. C. Bullmer, who has also started a Debate Society.
The Kalamazoo Central Activists for Action was awarded the 2008 STAR Youth Volunteer Group of the Year.[citation needed]
On March 27, 2010, Kalamazoo Central's Men's Basketball Team won the Class A State Basketball Championship at the Breslin Student Events Center. This was the first Basketball Championship title for Kalamazoo Central in 59 years. According to MaxPreps.com, the team is ranked #9 in the nation. There was a parade held in downtown Kalamazoo on April 10th celebrating the accomplishment. It ended with a ceremony held in Bronson Park where the National Guard presented the team with a trophy.
[edit] Offered athletics
- Football
- Baseball
- Basketball (men's/women's) MHSAA 2010 & 2011 Boys Basketball Class A Champions
- Softball
- Soccer (men's/women's)
- Track (men's/women's)
- Tennis (men's/women's)
- Wrestling
- Swimming (men's/women's)SMAC West Conference Women Co-Champions 2011
- Lacrosse (men's/women's) (Kalamazoo United team with Loy Norrix High School)
- Hockey (Kalamazoo United team)
- Volleyball
- Golf (men's/women's)
- Fighting (men's/women's)
[edit] Notable alumni
- Don Boven, NBA basketball player
- Jerome Harrison, Philadelphia Eagles football player
- Bill Haveman, Michigan's last high school champion in the javelin throw; set Class-A record of 53.92 meters (1931 MHSAA finals)
- Greg Jennings, Green Bay Packers football player, Super Bowl champion
- Derek Jeter (1992), Captain of the New York Yankees (2003-present), five time World Series champion and ten time All-Star, member High School Athletic Hall of Fame
- Mike Squires, Chicago White Sox Major League Baseball player
- James McDivitt (1947), NASA astronaut[4]
- Kurt Thoroughman, Noted Professor of Biomedical Engineering
- Duane Young, San Diego Chargers football player
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ White House Press Release, http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/kalamazoo-central-high-school-wins-commencement-challenge
- ^ Kalamazoo Central High School History 1885-1898
- ^ Michigan's Legal Milestones
- ^ a b Kalamazoo Central High School History 1905-1948
- ^ Kalamazoo Central High School History 1951-1989
[edit] External links
