Wichita North High School

Infobox High School
name= Wichita High School North


headmaster=
principal= Mr. Sherman Padgett (2006)
mascot= The Redskins.
established=1929
type= Public
location= Wichita, Kansas
enrollment= approx 1,900
campus= Urban
colors= Red and White
nicknames= the Redskins
conference= 6A
website= [http://north.usd259.org/ North High] |

Wichita High School North is a public, co-educational secondary school located north of the downtown center of Wichita, Kansas. North was the second of eight traditional public high schools to be built in USD 259, Wichita's Unified School District. The school's campus and the building's Modern American Indian and Pioneer theme make it an urban landmark.

History

Wichita High School North was the second high school for the city (following Wichita High School East). The school building for North High was completed in 1929.

Due to the high school being located by a river, North is one of the few high schools in the United States that teaches canoeing. During the spring, the students hold an annual water festival which includes floats from the various student organizations. Unique landmarks in close proximity to North are Meade Island and the Minisa Bridge.

Increases in enrollment at North necessitated a number of additions to the building: an auto mechanics shop (1950), girl's gymnasium (1951), and, in the fall of 1957 the three-story extension on the south wing. By 1972, thirteen annexes were in use. In 1975, North was allocated 1.7 million dollars from a bond issue. The funds were used to add a library, classrooms, provide extensive renovations to science classrooms, offices, and the woodworking room, add an extension to the small gymnasium, improve both the boys and girls physical education. dressing rooms and shower areas, and a number of other projects in rooms adjacent to the new or remodeled facilities. The improvements and/or additions made it possible to remove all but three annex buildings.

Acquisition of land across from the school in 1977, 1980, and 1982 enabled the school district to provide ample student parking. Several senior classes have donated funds each year to be used to purchase a marquee sign for the student parking lot. The marquee is used to highlight student activities and provide recognition for worthy accomplishments of students. During the summer of 1988, the cafeteria was relocated to the first floor and classrooms were constructed in the former cafeteria. The change was made to make additional classrooms available to accommodate ninth grade students who started high school as a part of the restructuring plan.

Since about 1977, the senior boys would participate in a rowdy school spirit club known as the "S" Section. The "S" Section is known for making obscure cheers and rants during North High's sporting events and pep rallies. Each member would have a red and white long sleeve t-shirt with the words "North High 'S' Section" on the front. The back would be the member's nickname as well as their graduation year. These would typically be worn by the members on days that pep rallies occurred.

One of the famous pranks of North High students is to attempt to steal "Butch." "Butch" is a buffalo head that is mounted in the main hallway across from the administrative offices. This has been thwarted due to elaborate anti-theft alarms on the mascot. Although a prank with harmless intent, students who have attempted to kidnap "Butch" have been prosecuted.

Famous graduates

*Class of 1995: Tara Snyder, Jr. US Open Champ
*Class of 1986: Barry Sanders, former NFL running back
*Class of 1983: Brian Holman, MLB pitcher
*Class of 1977: Lynette Woodard, first female Globetrotter
*Class of 1954: Judy Bell, first woman President of US Golf Association
*Class of 1953: Phil Ruffin, businessman and self-made billionaire
*Class of 1948: Vera Miles, Actress
*Class of 1944: Vernon L. Smith, Nobel Memorial Prize winner in economics
*Class of 1942: James Jabara, first American jet ace
*Class of 1940: Richard Cowan (soldier), Congressional Medal of Honor World War II
*Class of 1936: W. Eugene Smith, photojournalist

ee also

*Earlier Wichita High School East

External links

* [http://north.usd259.org/ Official website]
* [http://www.greenwdks.bravehost.com/northreunion2.html Photos of Wichita High School North 2006]
* [http://www.usd259.com/news/schoolloc/high/North/Default.htm Wichita Public Schools North High Description]