Grand Rapids South High School

Grand Rapids South High School is a public high school located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and is part of the Grand Rapids Public Schools district. The school has a long history, with many notable events and alumni, including Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, who attended Grand Rapids South High School before moving to Grand Rapids Christian High School. The school is also known for its strong programs in STEM education, with partnerships with local organizations such as Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University. Many students from the school have gone on to attend top universities, including University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Harvard University.

● History

The history of the school dates back to the early 20th century, with the first classes held in 1915. The school was established to serve the growing population of Grand Rapids, Michigan, which was experiencing rapid growth due to the expansion of industries such as furniture manufacturing and automotive manufacturing. The school has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a major renovation in the 1960s and a new addition in the 1990s. Many notable historical figures have visited the school, including John F. Kennedy, who spoke at the school during his 1960 presidential campaign. The school has also been recognized for its historic significance, with the National Register of Historic Places designating the school as a historic landmark in 1980. The school's history is also closely tied to the history of the city, with many notable events taking place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, including the Grand Rapids Furniture Strike of 1911 and the Grand Rapids Riot of 1967.

● Academics

The school offers a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses in subjects such as mathematics, science, and English literature. The school is also known for its strong programs in fine arts, with courses in music, theater, and visual arts. Many students from the school have gone on to attend top universities, including Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Yale University. The school has also been recognized for its academic excellence, with awards from organizations such as the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Michigan Association of School Administrators. The school's academic programs are also supported by partnerships with local organizations, including Grand Rapids Community College and Western Michigan University.

● Athletics

The school's athletic teams, known as the Grand Rapids South High School Rebels, compete in the Ottawa-Kent Conference and have won several championships in sports such as football, basketball, and baseball. The school has also produced several notable athletes, including Tom Izzo, the head coach of the Michigan State University men's basketball team, and Dan Devine, a former coach of the Green Bay Packers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish football. The school's athletic programs are also supported by partnerships with local organizations, including the Grand Rapids Griffins and the West Michigan Whitecaps. Many students from the school have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, including at universities such as University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Ohio State University.

● Campus

The school's campus is located in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and features a mix of historic and modern buildings. The school's main building was constructed in the 1920s and features a distinctive Art Deco design. The school has also undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including a new addition in the 1990s and a major renovation in the 2000s. The school's campus is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Grand Rapids Public Library and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. Many students from the school have gone on to attend universities with notable campuses, including University of California, Berkeley, Harvard University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

● Notable_alumni

The school has a long list of notable alumni, including Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, and Tom Izzo, the head coach of the Michigan State University men's basketball team. Other notable alumni include Dan Devine, a former coach of the Green Bay Packers and Notre Dame Fighting Irish football, and Roger B. Chaffee, a NASA astronaut who was killed in the Apollo 1 fire. The school has also produced several notable business leaders, including Richard DeVos, the co-founder of Amway, and Helen DeVos, a philanthropist and Republican Party activist. Many alumni have also gone on to attend top universities, including Stanford University, Yale University, and Princeton University.

● Demographics

The school's student body is diverse, with students from a wide range of backgrounds and ethnicities. The school has a strong diversity and inclusion program, with initiatives such as the National Honor Society and the Student Council. The school also has a high percentage of students who go on to attend college, with many students attending top universities such as University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Harvard University. The school's demographics are also reflective of the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, which has a diverse population with a mix of European American, African American, and Hispanic and Latino American residents. Many students from the school have also gone on to attend universities with diverse student bodies, including University of California, Los Angeles, New York University, and University of Texas at Austin.

Category:High schools in Michigan