Duluth High School

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Duluth High School
Location
3737 Brock Road, Duluth, GA 30096
Information
School district Gwinnett County Public Schools
Principal Pat Blenke
Enrollment

2180
Type Public
Grades 9–12
Campus Suburban
Motto Challenging All to Succeed
Mascot Wildcat
Color(s) Purple, Black, and White
Established 1958
Information (770) 476-5206
Accreditation SACS
Region 7A in Class AAAAA (GHSA)
Homepage www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/DuluthHS

Duluth High School is a secondary school of approximately 2,180 students in Duluth, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta. Built in 1958, the school currently stands at 3737 Brock Road, Duluth, Georgia 30096. The school is ranked 592 in Newsweek's list of the nation's top public high schools for 2007. It has also been named a Georgia School of Excellence and a National School of Excellence. The school colors are purple and white, the school mascot is the wildcat, and the principal is Pat Blenke, named Outstanding High School Principal by the Gwinnett County PTA and Principal of the Year by the state PTSA.

Contents

[edit] Highlights

  • Duluth's average SAT score (1580) is the second highest in the county, and the average score on the math section is the 12th highest in the state. [1]
  • The Governor's Office of Student Achievement listed Duluth as one of the top 25 schools in the state, based on SAT scores. Duluth is one of only two Gwinnett County high schools to hold this honor.
  • On Advanced Placement exams, 73.3% of students scored a 3 or higher, while 142 students scored a 5 (the highest score) on the test.
  • On the GHSGT, 84.7% of students scored at the pass-plus level in language arts, and 68.4% of students scored at the pass-plus level on the math portion of the test. 38 students had a perfect score (600) on one or more portions of this assessment.
  • Four Duluth students were National Merit Finalists.[2]
  • Duluth High is ranked statewide in the top 10 in the categories of Schools with most Governor's Honors Program Finalists (#7), Schools earning the most Music Awards (#7), and Top High Schools in Gwinnett (#2) by Atlanta Magazine.
  • Duluth High was selected as the recipient of 2005-2006 Siemens AP Award for the state of Georgia for being the high school with the strongest AP programs in the state.
  • The NJROTC at Duluth has attained "Unit Achievement" status by scoring number 1 in Area 12 and number 12 in the nation on the National Academic Exam, performing in excess of 3000 hours of community service, passing the Annual Military Inspection, supporting Gwinnett County schools with Color Guard's and other services, and fielding competitive athletic, drill, air rifle and academic teams.
  • Duluth had 48 AP Scholars, 17 AP Scholars with Honor, 42 AP Scholars with Distinction, and 9 National Scholars.

[edit] History

Education in Duluth appears on the records about 1880, according to Volume I of the History of Gwinnett County by Flanigan. The school, staffed by R. H. Villard and W. C. Wright, was called Duluth Academy. The 59 students in attendance were taught mathematics, science, and the classics. Duluth’s first public school building was a frame structure located on the site of the former Duluth Middle School at 3057 N. Peachtree Street. The land had been donated by Singleton Howell, son of Evan Howell, a successful merchant and farmer. In 1907, the frame building was moved to the front of the lot and a brick building replaced it. In 1912, Duluth had its first graduation with diplomas. Miss Nellie Summerour was a graduate. In 1913, Herb Dowis and Calvin Parsons, well-known Duluth businessmen, were graduates.

Walter Harvey, principal from 1919-24, would allow no students to graduate in 1924, since he felt they had not made significant progress. During this same period of time, it is significant to note that a student was awarded a certificate after a nine-week period for no tardies and no absences.

In 1933, Duluth was named an accredited school. Duluth public school was housed in one large building and employed 12 teachers. The school property was valued at $35,000. Competent and trained teachers were used in this school.

In the summer of 1935, lightning struck the steeple of the school, destroying the building by fire. A concerned citizen, John Gilbert, helped salvage furniture by throwing chairs out windows. Students had to attend classes in old Baptist and Methodist churches while a new building could be constructed.

There seem to be no records of the school until the mention of 14 graduates from the 1938 class. The school at that time included only grades one through 11. The 12th grade was not added until 1954.

A bond issue in 1955 provided $659,000 to be added to $1,807,000 of state funds to erect these four high school buildings: Central Gwinnett in Lawrenceville, South Gwinnett in Snellville, West Gwinnett in Norcross, and North Gwinnett in Suwanee. Included in the building of these high schools were Hooper-Renwick Elementary, Sugar Hill Elementary, Harmony Elementary and Hull Elementary. From these same funds, additions were added to Dacula, Lilburn, Duluth, Centerville, Norcross, Snellville, Grayson, Bethesda, and Suwanee schools.

In the school year of 1957–58, Duluth High School, as such, ceased to exist for the secondary-level (grades 8-12) students. The Duluth High School students were consolidated into a school called West Gwinnett High School in Norcross. The school was located so far from Duluth that parents of many of the students were most unhappy. They demonstrated their displeasure by campaigning for the recreation of a high school in the Duluth vicinity.

The strong parental influence was heard as the people of Gwinnett County voted for a school bond and construction program to begin on a school to be located on Brock Road. Duluth High School would once again be in existence. Before Christmas in 1958, the high school students attended classes at Duluth Elementary School, while awaiting the completion of their new building.

Duluth High School, home of the Duluth Wildcats, is now located at 3737 Brock Road, N. W., Duluth. When the recreated Duluth High School was opened for attendance in 1958, the building consisted of 12 classrooms and an enrollment of 200. The faculty was comprised of 10 teachers, as compared to the 150 employed in 2006.

Several traditions were established for the school: purple and white were chosen as the colors and the Wildcat, a feline of fierce nature and keen vision, was named the mascot. Brooks Coleman, then assistant superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools and a long-time resident of Duluth, became known as “the voice of the Wildcats.” He has been announcing and describing every football game since 1963.

The 60s brought about several building projects. In 1962, the original gymnasium was completed on lands bought from Frank Mattison. Later, he graciously donated land for other purposes. The school building was extended from 12 to 16 rooms in 1963, and then to 18 in 1967, with the vocational building was added in 1971. In comparison, there are now 60-plus classrooms at Duluth High School.

New football stands were constructed in 1966, and the Lion’s Club donated money for tennis courts to be built in 1967. The Duluth Athletic Club helped finance a new football field house in the spring of 1969, and Vantress Farms sponsored an underground sprinkler system for the football field in that year, showing strong community support for the local school.

Before the school term of 1970–71, a new vocational building was completed, which housed an expanded home economics department, library, and industrial arts department. Benches were built and placed in the landscaped area completed between the original building and the vocational building, giving Duluth High a “campus” look second to none in the area.

On September 18, 1985, a stunning new stadium in a natural setting with a 5,000-seat capacity opened as the new home of Wildcat football fans. The Tim Maxwell Memorial Stadium was named for the first Duluth resident to be killed in World War II.

Growth in Duluth High School and in the community continued in dramatic fashion, especially with the construction of Gwinnett Place Mall in 1984. In 1986, new additions and renovations included a 300-seat theater, four science laboratories, a choral suite, new art facilities, expanded band room, media center, a new cafeteria, and 24 new classrooms.

Enrollment grew to approximately 1,200. The administrative staff built a strong curriculum by adding more course offerings. Enhancement of courses included fine arts, foreign languages, gifted, AP/joint enrollment, debate, and computer programs. The Guidance Department, begun in 1968, increased to a full-time staff of three. Greater involvement with students generated more school spirit through curricular and extra-curricular activities. In May 1984, a unique and successful venture took place. “Project Twin City” was conceived. The idea was to have a cultural exchange between six students from Duluth, Georgia, and Duluth, Minnesota. The Duluth Organization for Scholastic Achievement and journalism clubs sponsored this activity with the cooperation of the PTSA and community groups.

School spirit was apparent in the DHS sporting events and activities. In 1969, 1971, and 1972, the football team claimed regional championships with North Georgia championships won in 1973, 1975, and 1980. To the delight of the Wildcats, George Rogers, a graduate of Duluth High, was awarded the Heisman Trophy while playing at the University of South Carolina. Cecil Morris, the successful football coach of the Wildcats, was named “Sportsman of the Decade” in 1990 by the Gwinnett Extra newspaper as it cited his 151 career victories on the gridiron.

Girls’ and boys’ basketball teams were highly competitive, making it to state tournaments for several years. Girls’ and boys’ track, girls’ softball, boys’ baseball, soccer, golf, cross country, and tennis teams continued to excel and won numerous competitions in each of their respective areas.

A new larger gym was finished and ready for use by the school term 1989–90. The new gym provided a larger seating capacity. The old gym was used for physical education classes, enabled a basketball team to practice at the same time one was practicing in the new gym, and provided an excellent place for wrestling teams to practice. The growth and expansion of Duluth High School continued throughout the decade of the 1990s, seeing student population and building facilities expand as Gwinnett County grew. Duluth High School was recognized as an outstanding public school and received National School of Excellence status in 1991, as well as being recognized by Redbook Magazine as one of the “Nation’s Best 140 Schools” in 1992.

As the student population approached the 2,000-student mark, construction on additional facilities was started. The 500 Building opened in the fall of 1997 with a new media center, new Main Office, and classrooms for Science, Language Arts, and Mathematics. Duluth High School was taking on the look of a college campus with numbered buildings (100, 200, 300, 400, and 500) each with its own department. Even new buildings did not provide all the classroom space needed and trailers began to spot the campus. By school year 1998–99, enrollment reached 2,155.

As Duluth High School entered the 21st century, the student population continued to grow and to become more diversified. The school building was expanding including the several new or improved athletic facilities. A new field house with weight room, coach’s offices, media room, and locker rooms was completed in 2001. An expanded community stadium with new home stands and track was completed for the opening of the fall football season in 2002. The Brooks Coleman press box was dedicated to and named for “the voice of the Wildcats,” State Representative Brooks Coleman. The old gymnasium built in 1962 was torn down and replaced by a large new gym with indoor walking track, exercise room, coach’s offices, and physical education classrooms. In 2003, the new gym was dedicated and named for former Duluth basketball coach and athletic director, Joe Marelle. The Joe Marelle Gymnasium officially opened for 2003 basketball season.

Duluth’s enrollment reached its high point of 2,620 in the 2002–03 school year. As construction began on the new 600 building, 54 temporary classrooms filled every empty space on campus and parking became a premium commodity. A new principal, Pat Blenke, started the 2002-03 school year as 17 year principal, Dr. Ted Neuman, retired. Duluth was entering a new phase in its history. Approximately 1,000 students would be transferred to a new high school in the area (Peachtree Ridge) in the fall of 2003. Enrollment dropped immediately but returned to approximately 2,000 by 2005 – an enrollment level seen in the early 1990s.

By the opening of this 2005–06 school year, the campus of Duluth High was brand new. The cafeteria has been expanded and was flanked by landscaped courtyards featuring a circular bricked entrance to the new 600 building. The 400 Fine Arts building features a refurbished and enlarged choral room, band and orchestra rooms, and art facilities. The 200 Technology Building houses updated multimedia and computer labs. The four story 600 Building includes the new Main office, a 600-seat theater, and 60-plus classrooms for Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language and Special Education. Early graduates of DHS would have a difficult time recognizing the Duluth High School of the 21st century.

Despite the growth and numerous physical changes at Duluth, the commitment of faculty and staff to academic excellence has not changed. That commitment has produced student success in all realms of achievement – 19.5% of the student body took Advanced Placement tests and the school average SAT of 1096 is the highest in school history. In 2004 and 2005, Duluth students earned over $3 and $2.8 million in scholarships, respectively, not including Hope scholarship grants. The success of the Advanced Placement program resulted in Duluth receiving the 2005 "Siemens Award for Advanced Placement for Georgia" bestowed by the College Board to schools showing excellence in Math and Science.

Student extracurricular clubs and activities continued to be recognized locally and nationally. State championships in Girl’s Softball and Competitive Cheerleading (two), along with championship soccer keep Duluth’s athletes in the news. The 2005 National Geography Champion came from Duluth. Duluth’s Orchestra was ranked the #1 public high school orchestra at the 2005 National Orchestra festival in Reno, Nevada. Duluth’s musicians and choral students hold seats in state orchestras and choirs. Duluth student writers, essayists, artists and broadcast students are recognized and awarded locally and at the state level for their talents and accomplishments. The students at Duluth High school have a tradition of success and achievement.

In his annual principal report, Blenke states, “Over the last decade, Duluth High School has developed a reputation for academic and extracurricular excellence. This past year’s accomplishments will enhance this already sterling record. This reputation has developed because of the quality of our students, teachers, parents, and community. DHS’s many awards and recognitions serve to highlight our standing in the state and the nation.” [3]

[edit] Academics

For the 2005-2006 year, Duluth had an average score of 1593 on the SATs, the second-highest average score in the county. Duluth High has also been selected as the recipient of the 2005-06 Siemens Award for Advanced Placement in Georgia based on its performance and participation in the disciplines of math, science, and technology.

[edit] Sports

The school has won three state titles in competition cheerleading (2004, 2005, 2007) and has been past state champions or finalists in softball (1999 champions), baseball (1951 champions, 1995 runner-up), football (1973, 1975, 1980 runner-up), and boys' soccer (2003 runner-up).1

The CLAW Squad (Competition Cheerleaders) was named 2007 Team of the Year by the Georgia Cheerleading Coaches Association and 2007 National Team of the Year. They also won the 2007 Georgia High School Sports Association's CO-ED Cheerleading State title, for the third time in the past 5 years.

[4]

[edit] Fine Arts

[edit] Orchestra

The Duluth High School Chamber Orchestra was ranked third in nation after performing at the 2007 National Orchestra Festival in Detroit, Michigan. The orchestra consists of talented, young musicians, ranging from all different skill levels. The Duluth High School Orchestra is directed by Dr. Peter Lemonds.

  • Beginning Orchestra provides an opportunity for students to learn how to play an instrument
  • Concert Orchestra is made up of the new inductees who join the Duluth Orchestra family from their middle schools
  • Symphonic/Symphonia Orchestra are filled with intermediate players who have been playing their respective instruments for many years
  • Philharmonic Orchestra requires auditioning in order to join this select group of players
  • Chamber Ensemble, the highest level of orchestra offered at Duluth, will be performing next year at the prestigious Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago

[edit] Band

The Duluth High School Wildcat Band has over 90 musicians ranging from 14 to 18 years of age, and a color guard of 21 young ladies from the same age group. It is located in Duluth Georgia and is led by Drummajors Natisha Lee and Lindsay MacLean and Band Director Danelle Keck who in the summer of 2008 quit.

The band comprises two major groups:

  • The Wildcat Marching Band & Color Guard
  • DHS Concert Band

Both groups serve as a "goodwill ambassadors" for the high school, with the Class-AAA Marching Band playing at both the home and away football matches, competing for honors in local, regional and state level competitions, and providing musical performances for local organizations and sponsors. Additionally, the Concert Bands also compete for honors in local, regional and state level competitions, and are available for musical performances for local organizations and sponsors.

The Color Guard also has a "Winter Guard" that performs during the Winter Season.

The Band received 1st place in their Division and also received 1st in class for Drum Major and Flag Line in the 2006 Georgia Bandmasters Competition, October 14, 2006 in Cumming, Georgia. [5]

[edit] Chorus

Greg Smith's Duluth High School Choirs have received Superior ratings at Festival, also called L.G.P.E., every year since 2003. Superior ratings are the highest available honor at L.G.P.E. The Duluth High Choral Program also sends many students to Honor and All-State Choirs each year. In 2007, the Duluth High School Advanced Women's Ensemble (AWE) was chosen to perform at the annual GMEA convention in Savannah, Georgia.[6]

[edit] Clubs & Activities

Some of the clubs and extracurricular activities offered at Duluth include:

  • Academic Team
  • Beta Club
  • Chess Club
  • Diamond In The Rough
  • Drama Club
  • Environmental Club
  • Epiphany (Literary and Art Magazine)
  • Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
  • Fiddle Club
  • French Club
  • Future Educators of America (FEA)
  • Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Helping Hands Club
  • Interact Club
  • Japanese Club
  • Juntos
  • Key Club
  • Korean Community Club
  • Mock Trial
  • Model United Nations
  • National German Honor Society
  • National Honor Society
  • Red Cross Club
  • Robotics Club
  • Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD)
  • Science Olympiad
  • Spanish Club
  • Student Council
  • Table Tennis Club
  • Tae Kwon Do
  • Tri-M Music Honor Society

[edit] Student Data

Duluth has an enrollment of 2,180 for the 2007-2008 school year. The student body is 35% White, 24% Asian, 20% Hispanic, 18% Black, and 3% Multiracial. Over 53 countries are represented in the student body, with 60 languages spoken.

[edit] Feeder Schools

[edit] Elementary Schools

  • Berkeley Lake Elementary
  • Chattahoochee Elementary
  • Charles Brant Chesney Elementary
  • B.B. Harris Elementary

[edit] Middle Schools

[edit] Notable alumni

[edit] External links