Fort Myers Senior High School
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
|
|
|
| Name |
Fort Myers Senior High School |
| Address |
2635 Cortez Blvd. |
| Town |
Fort Myers, FL 33901 |
| Established |
October 19, 1911 |
| Grades |
9 to 12 |
| District |
Lee County Public Schools |
| Mascot |
Tsunami Sam/Greenwave |
| Colors |
Green and White |
Fort Myers Senior High School, (also known as "FMHS"), is a public school in Fort Myers, FL, USA. It was opened October 19, 1911, making it one of the oldest schools in the state of Florida. It is managed by the Lee County School District. The enrollment for the current 2005-2006 school year is 2200 students.
Many previous principals of Fort Myers High have gone on to hold leading positions in the Lee County School District, including the current Superintendent of Lee County Public Schools, Dr. James Browder.
Fort Myers Senior High School offers the International Baccalaureate program, Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Vocational, Honors and general education classes. Additionally, FMHS is the only school in Southwest Florida with an Academy of Finance program. In addition to the educational programs, the school has thirty FHSAA athletic teams for both young men and women.
Fort Myers High School is home to several Nationally Board Certified teachers and several past winners of the prestigious Golden Apple award, given to six of Lee County's finest teachers by the Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.
The graduating Seniors from the 2004-2005 school year amassed over $5 million in scholarships. The graduating seniors from the 2005-2006 school year raised the bar for the future of Fort Myers High with their scholarship awards totalling in excess of $7 million dollars, including several "full rides" to prestigious schools such as Florida Gulf Coast University.
[edit] Reputation
Academically, Fort Myers High School has recently been ranked among the top of America's high schools by Newsweek magazine, due to the number of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests it administers to students every year. In the 2004-2005 school year, the school was ranked the 62nd best school in the United States; in the 2003-2004 school year, it ranked as the 32nd best. Newsweek claims that their rankings indicate which schools are America's "best;" however, some argue that the use of this qualifier is misleading.[1] In an effort to clarify what the rankings actually mean, the Washington Post chose to state that the rankings actually denoted not the "best" American high schools, but rather the "most challenging" American high schools.[2]
The Fort Myers High School marching band recently made national and international news after the school Superintendent James Browder decided not to allow the marching band to participate in the London New Year's Day Parade (participation by invitation only.) Dr. Browder cited safety and terrorism concerns, leading to a frenzy in London. Parade officials actually released a statement to the media to boycott Lee county. In a rare exception, the Lee County School District voted to overturn Dr. Browder's decision, and put the decision to the parents of the band students. The parents voted to send them to London despite the foiled terrist attacks.
In the 2004-2005 school year, the Fort Myers Senior High School mathematics team placed twentieth in the Nation in the 2004 Ciphering Time Trials contest.
Notably in athletics, the 2004-2005 school year, Fort Myers Senior High School had the second most district wins in the state. In the 2005-2006 school year, Fort Myers High School's beloved football team went undefeated throughout their entire regular season.
In the 2005-2006 school year, both of the Fort Myers High School Odyssey of the Mind Teams won their competions at regional and state levels. The Ancient Egypt Team swept the board at states scoring within 4pts of a perfect score. They were able to continue on to the prestigious World Finals held in Ames Iowa.
[edit] Rivals
Cypress Lake High School: (The Panthers) The Cypress Lake High School Varsity football team has only ever won four games against the Fort Myers Green Wave, most recently on Friday September 8th, 2006. The recent win broke an amazing 23 year losing streak.
North Fort Myers High School: (The Red Knights) The North Fort Myers Varsity football team is talented and games between the two teams are crowded. The upcoming Varsity football game between North Fort Myers and Fort Myers, on October 27th 2006, will be covered live by ESPNU.
Bishop Verot High School: (The Vikings) The Bishop Verot Varsity volleyball team is a significant rival for the Fort Myers Lady Wave Varsity volleyball team, and the Green Wave Varsity Basketball team, who plays the Vikings yearly at the City of Palms Classic. Recent games between the two teams have became quite intense, with several students suspended over arguable events.
[edit] Notable alumni
The school has produced several notable alumni:
