Ottumwa High School

Ottumwa High School is a public high school located in Ottumwa, Iowa, United States, and is part of the Ottumwa Community School District. The school has a long history, dating back to 1864, and has been accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1907. Ottumwa High School has a strong reputation for academic excellence, with many graduates going on to attend prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and University of Iowa. The school's athletic teams, the Bulldogs, compete in the CIML conference and have won several championships, including the Iowa High School Athletic Association state football title in 2003.

● History

Ottumwa High School was founded in 1864, with the first graduating class consisting of just 12 students, including Abraham Lincoln's nephew, Robert Todd Lincoln. The school has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, including the addition of a new building in 1917, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's colleague, Prairie School architect Walter Burley Griffin. During World War II, the school played an important role in the war effort, with many students and faculty members participating in the USO and Red Cross. In the 1960s, Ottumwa High School was a hub for Civil Rights Movement activity, with visits from notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. The school has also been recognized for its commitment to STEM education, with partnerships with organizations such as NASA, MIT, and Google.

● Academics

Ottumwa High School offers a wide range of academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses in subjects such as Calculus, Physics, and English Literature. The school has a strong focus on STEM education, with courses in Computer Science, Engineering, and Biotechnology. Students can also participate in programs such as DECA, FFA, and National Honor Society. The school has a high graduation rate, with many students going on to attend top universities such as Yale University, Princeton University, and University of California, Berkeley. Ottumwa High School has also been recognized for its commitment to Special Education, with programs and services for students with Autism, Down syndrome, and other disabilities, in partnership with organizations such as Autism Speaks and Special Olympics.

● Athletics

The Ottumwa High School Bulldogs compete in the CIML conference and have won several championships, including the Iowa High School Athletic Association state football title in 2003. The school offers a range of sports programs, including Football, Basketball, Baseball, and Volleyball. The Bulldogs have a long-standing rivalry with neighboring schools such as Fairfield High School and Mount Pleasant High School. The school's athletic teams have produced several notable athletes, including NFL players Kurt Warner and Trent Green, as well as Olympic athletes Shawn Johnson and Lolo Jones. The school has also hosted several major athletic events, including the Iowa High School State Track Meet and the CIML Conference Championships.

● Campus

The Ottumwa High School campus is located in the heart of Ottumwa, Iowa, and features a range of modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art Performing Arts Center and a newly renovated Gymnasium. The school's campus is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Ottumwa Public Library and the Bridge View Center. The school has a strong commitment to Sustainability, with initiatives such as Recycling programs and Energy-efficient lighting, in partnership with organizations such as Sierra Club and Environmental Defense Fund. The campus is also home to several Public Art installations, including works by notable artists such as Grant Wood and Thomas Hart Benton.

● Student Life

Ottumwa High School offers a range of extracurricular activities and clubs, including Drama Club, Debate Team, and Student Council. The school has a strong focus on Community Service, with programs such as Volunteer Work and Food Drives, in partnership with organizations such as American Red Cross and Salvation Army. Students can also participate in programs such as Foreign Exchange and Study Abroad, with opportunities to visit countries such as Japan, China, and France. The school has a diverse student body, with students from a range of backgrounds and cultures, including Latin American, African American, and Asian American communities.

● Notable Alumni

Ottumwa High School has a long list of notable alumni, including Randy Duncan, the 1958 Heisman Trophy winner, and Tom Vilsack, the former United States Secretary of Agriculture. Other notable alumni include Asa Hutchinson, the current Governor of Arkansas, and Leonard Boswell, the former U.S. Representative from Iowa's 3rd congressional district. The school has also produced several notable athletes, including Kurt Warner, the former NFL quarterback, and Shawn Johnson, the Olympic gold medalist. Other notable alumni include John W. Reynolds Jr., the former Governor of Wisconsin, and James B. Pearson, the former U.S. Senator from Kansas. Category:High schools in Iowa