Brandon High School (Brandon, Florida)

Brandon High School
Location
Brandon, Florida
United States
Information
Type Public secondary
Established 1914
School district Hillsborough County Public Schools
Principal Carl Green[1]
Grades 9-12
Number of students appx. 2,300 as of 2007-2008
Color(s) Maroon and white
Mascot Eagle
Website

Brandon High School is a high school in Brandon, Florida, United States.

Contents

History

The school originally opened in 1914 on the current site of McLane Middle School. In 1972, the school moved to its current location on Victoria Street in Brandon. The school colors are maroon and white. The school mascot is the Eagle. Brandon High is currently a "B" school on SDHC's high school grading scale. The school has been awarded Blue Ribbon School status.[2]

Athletics

Wrestling Team

The Brandon wrestling team holds the national record for the longest winning streak (34 years, 459 wins) by a high school sports team. This accomplishment is often referred to as "The Streak".[3][4] The streak came to an end on January 5, 2008, when Brandon was defeated by South Dade High School 32-28.[5] The team also boasts 19 Florida State Team Championships and over 100 state placers.[4] The state placers are listed on the west wall of the Brandon Wrestling Workout room by first initial and last name, followed by their place and the year they placed.[3]

Arts

The Brandon High School Orchestra, directed by Mr. Donald Langland, is one of the largest and longest continuously running orchestra programs in the state of Florida. In 2007 the Brandon Orchestra celebrated it's Ruby Anniversary. The program was started by T. Edison James in 1967 and has had only 4 directors in its 40 year existence. Currently the BHS String Orchestra consists of 83 musicians and the Symphony Orchestra has 115 members. The BHS Orchestra is renowned both state and nation-wide, earning the title of "Best-Overall Orchestra" in competitions in New York, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington D.C., as well as earning straight Superior Ratings at State MPA 4 out of the last 5 years.(one of less than 10 high school orchestras to do so) The orchestra program has shown itself to be one of the top programs in the state of Florida, including performing-arts schools.

Extra-Curricular

E-Board

The Student Executive Board, better known as E-board, is held responsible for coordinating most of the school events and activities. Some of the better known events made possible by E-board are homecoming, Flick on the Field, and Battle of the Belts. This class and club of students also plans the pep rallies that continue Brandon's history of pride and tradition.

Emblem

Emblem is a student-run newspaper. This paper is worked on by a class of students who write on a diversity of topics. The paper is started from scratch. The students create story ideas, follow leads, interview, and write the stories. The stories are then laid-out using Adobe InDesign. After final edits, it is sent to the printer. The paper is then distributed throughout the school and community free of charge. This class is a long running tradition at Brandon High School.

Alma mater

by Philip Mook - Class of `49

Hail to this, our Alma Mater, hail to Brandon High As the eagle soars to greatness, 'neath its wings we fly.

Many you have led to greatness, through your halls so bright, Many others still are striving to attain this height.

Many too have heard the summons to the home above; As they backward look upon you they recall your love.

As your progress is recorded, your fame will never die Hail to thee, our Alma Mater, Hail to Brandon High.

Brandon High School Nature Preserve

This approximately 1.5-acre (6,100 m2) wooded site located on the south side of the campus was designated an official Schoolyard Habitat in 2006 by the National Wildlife Federation. Ecology students help collect animal and plant data annually using a variety of tools and technologies including Global Positioning Satellite receivers and digital cameras. They also construct nesting boxes for birds and roosting boxes for bats to help increase the biodiversity of the area. Many other classes use the area as an outdoor classoom, including art, English, performing arts, and technology.

Notable alumni

References

External links