Downey High School

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article does not cite any references or sources. (January 2008)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Downey High School is one of two senior high schools located in the Los Angeles suburb of Downey, California, and within the Downey Unified School District. It is located at 11040 Brookshire Ave. At the present time the school has an enrollment of about 3,800 students, of a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds and socio-economic levels.

Currently, Tom Houts is the principal. In addition to him, there are five other administrators, as well as seven full-time counselors. The instruction staff consists of 155 teachers and the operation functions with the assistance of a staff of 85 specialized employees (custodians, secretaries, nurses, security guards, etc.)

Contents

[edit] Recent Achievements

The Downey High School Jazz Ensemble made history on June 23, 2006, when they were the first ever high school band to perform at the Hollywood Bowl. Becoming the "first ever" high school band to perform such a feat.

The Downey High School Drumline and Percussion Ensemble were awarded 1st place Championship in the Open Division and Concert Division from the American Drumline Association in 2005.

[edit] Athletics

The school has great athletic background in the fields of Wrestling and Girls Water Polo (two consecutive CIF Div. VI Championships in 2005 and 2006). Currently Volleyball (both boys and girls) is the second best (Girls Water Polo been the best) overall athletic program offered at the school and consistently making CIF semi-final/final appearances.

The Allen Layne Stadium is one of the most advanced stadiums and training facilities in high school level in the Los Angeles area. It is a site for practice and it is also a sight for visiting lacrosse teams from universities, such as the University of Michigan.

[edit] Notable alumni

  • Suzy Powell, Olympic discus thrower.
  • The Carpenters (musical group - Richard Carpenter and Karen Carpenter).
  • Jo-Jo Starbuck, Olympic pairs figure skater.
  • James Hetfield, of the musical group Metallica.
  • George Horton, Head Baseball Coach at the University of Oregon, 2-time NCAA Baseball Championships.

[edit] Clubs and Organizations:

The school has over 30 clubs and organizations including Key Club, LEO club, Les Torchères, Normaneers, Eco Club, Science Club, JSA, Future Teachers of America, and many more.