Notre Dame High School (Harper Woods, Michigan)

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Notre Dame High School was a Catholic, all-male, non-residential college preparatory school in the Detroit suburb of Harper Woods, Michigan. It was closed in 2005 after more than 50 years due to budget concerns, according to the Archdiocese of Detroit. The school had about 300 students at the time of closure, down from almost 1000 during its peak enrollment levels. It was founded in 1954 and operated by the Marist Fathers and Brothers. Throughout its existence, the school was located next door to Regina High School, a Catholic, all-female school; and Lutheran High School East. Regina moved to Warren, Michigan in 2007, while Lutheran East was closed.

1 Closing
2 Notable alumni
3 References
4 External links

[edit] Closing

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The Archdiocese of Detroit announced in early March of 2005 that 18 Detroit-area schools -- including Notre Dame High School -- would be shut down because declining enrollment and an escalating budget deficit. Archdiocese spokesman Richard Laskos called the decision "irrevocable" despite protests from family, students and alumni of the school.^[1]

Friends of Notre Dame Incorporated filed a lawsuit to keep the school open, but a Wayne County Circuit Court judge ruled against them.^[2]

Entertainer Bill Cosby, who has spoken in support of keeping the school open, was scheduled to attend a meeting with activists protesting the school's closure, but canceled at the last minute.^[2]

When the school raised more than the necessary amount of money that the Archdiocese needed from it with the help of Regina High School and other supporters, and when the Archdiocese were approached by someone willing to buy the building for even more money so the it could remain Notre Dame the Archdiocese refused the money claiming they had already sold the building. Two weeks after the school year ended a large for sale sign was placed in front of the old Notre Dame. After many angry letters, and calls to the Archdiocese the sign was taken down. The building has essentially been abandoned ever since, a dead tree can be seen through the front windows which was an old biology room. Many Notre Dame and Regina students along with their families are still upset with the Archdiocese for this.

Displaced students from the closed schools had to decide where to finish their high school education, and were forced to enroll in many other Catholic, private and public schools.

[edit] Notable alumni

David Bonior, former United States Congressman.^[3]
Joe Borri, author of the short story collection, Eight Dogs Named Jack^[4]
Doug Brown, U.S. Track & Field Olympian and Assistant Coach, Collegiate All-American, former Tennessee and current Florida Head Track Coach.^[5]
Dave Coulier, comedian and entertainer.^[6]
Chris "Volcano" Fortson, Hip Hop Artist and Producer. CEO of Invincible Ent., Volcanic Productions, and Cheat Code Publishing Company
Thomas Gladysz, arts journalist & Director of the Louise Brooks Society.^[7]
Derrick Kuzak president, North America Engineering, Ford Motor Company.^[8]
Eric J. Pierzchala, author of The Ultimate Ultimate Detroit Tigers Trivia Book: A Journey Through Detroit Tiger History By Way of Trivia
Matt Servitto, actor from The Sopranos.
Doug Weight, a former Olympic hockey player and centre for the St. Louis Blues of the NHL.^[9]