Hudson High School (Ohio)

Hudson High School
Address
2500 Hudson-Aurora Road Hudson, Ohio, 44236 United States
Coordinates	41°15′15″N 81°25′00″W / 41.254097°N 81.416674°W / 41.254097; -81.416674Coordinates: 41°15′15″N 81°25′00″W / 41.254097°N 81.416674°W / 41.254097; -81.416674
Information
Type	Public
Established	1885
School district	Hudson City School District
Principal	Brian Wilch
Grades	9-12
Enrollment	1,631 [1] (2014-2015)
Color(s)	Navy Blue and White
Athletics conference	Suburban League National Division
Mascot	The Explorers (In honor of Lincoln Ellsworth)
Rival	Solon Comets[2] Stow-Munroe Falls Bulldogs[3]
Newspaper	The Explorer
Yearbook	The Log
Website	Hudson High School

Hudson High School, part of the Hudson City School District, is a public high school located at 2500 Hudson-Aurora Road in Hudson, Ohio, United States. The school sits on a 72-acre (290,000 m²) campus that has been developed to include a variety of athletic fields, such as six tennis courts, a lighted baseball field, and a track. The high school football stadium is a new, privately funded stadium with 6,000 seats located on the high school's current campus replacing the 3000-seat Lavelli Field at the old high school. This new turf field, now known as Hudson Memorial Stadium, is dedicated by the Murdough Family in honor of all the men and women, including those of Hudson, who have sacrificed their lives in war.^[4]

Administration

There are four principals at Hudson High School. Since 2009, the head principal has been Brian Wilch.^[5] The three unit principals are Natalie Wininger, Bryan Bedford, and Maureen Gorsuch.^[6] Former head principals include:

• Jay Tyree (2005 - 2009^[7])
• Roger Howard (2002–2005)
• Joe Spiccia (1997–2002)
• Robert Hardesty (1988–1997)
• Michael A. "Arch" McDonnell (1973–1987)
• Gerald Reeves (? - 1973)
• William Pletzer

In March 2005, many of Hudson High School's student body staged a walkout to protest the firing of their principal, Roger Howard. The story caught the attention of local television stations, as well as Michael Moore, who mentioned it on his website.^[8]

Facilities

The current building, opened in August 1992, is designed to grow with the community. It was designed by Lesko Architects of Cleveland, Ohio. The current student population is just over 1600.^[1] The academic wing of the high school was built to accommodate 1600 students in 104 teaching stations, while the core facilities such as the library, commons, auditorium, hallways, and offices were designed for a student population of 2200 to 2400. The academic wings are expandable at the east and west ends to increase its capacity to 2400 students. An expansion on the west side of the building was completed in time for the 2006-2007 school year.

Education

The school recognizes 1885 as the year Hudson High School was established, as the first class of students graduated that year.

Today, a full range of special education programs and educational options for gifted students are available to meet the needs of a wide range of students. Hudson offers numerous courses at the Accelerated level, as well as 22 AP courses, including an AP Studio Art class for the 2011-12 school year. HHS also offers several multi-period enrichment classes that include English and Social Studies curricula, including Networking, Contemporary Issues, Service Learning, and New Dimensions.^[9] In addition, HHS has technical offerings including basic computer skills, AP Computer Science, and a web design and programming class.^[10] Hudson High School also has a music program that includes five choirs, two orchestras, a full marching band, three jazz bands, four concert bands, and a percussion ensemble. The high school also publishes a student newspaper, The Explorer.

In 2013 the school was ranked #447 on the America's Most Challenging High Schools list by The Washington Post.^[11] Hudson High School was ranked #64 in the nation in 2014.Hudson High was also ranked #235, #179 and #221 in US News Best High Schools Rankings in 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively..^[12]

The high school is also part of the Six District Educational Compact, a joint program of six area school districts (Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Kent, Stow-Munroe Falls, Tallmadge and Woodridge) to share access to each of their vocational training facilities and career resources.^[13]

Athletics

Hudson High School is a member of the Ohio High School Athletic Association and the National Division of the Suburban League and offers 25 sports and 58 teams in athletic competition. The school colors are navy blue and white. The sports teams are called the Hudson Explorers, named in honor of Hudsonite Lincoln Ellsworth. Hudson's rivals include Solon High School^[2] and Stow-Munroe Falls High School.^[3] Hudson High School's motto is "Don't Give Up The Ship", in honor of Commodore Perry's ship on Lake Erie during the War of 1812.

State championships

• Girls Field Hockey – 1984,1986,1996
• Girls Soccer – 2000
• Boys Soccer – 2002
• Boys Cross Country – 2001^[14]
• Girls Softball – 2007
• Boys Lacrosse – 2011

National championships

• Boys Soccer – 2002 by ESPN^[15]

Musical groups

Hudson High school has prominent wind ensemble, orchestral, and choral programs. Together they form the Hudson High School Music Association

Bands

The school's band program primarily includes their marching band, concert bands, and jazz bands.

Marching band

During the summer and fall, all students enrolled in the school's band course perform with the full marching band, attending a week-long band camp over the summer. The marching band, whose motto is "Loud is Good", has achieved great success, performing at events such as the Ohio State University's first skull session of 2014. They regularly attend the football team's games, attend numerous local band shows throughout the fall season, and serve as a pep band for school events such as pep rallies and athletic send-offs. They annually host the "Parade of Bands", inviting local bands to perform at Memorial Stadium.

Concert bands

The concert bands are divided into three concert bands by audition: Wind Symphony, Blue Symphonic Band, and White Symphonic Band. Wind Symphony is recognized as the most advanced group with the Blue Symphonic Band and White Symphonic Band being equal in skill. Seating is determined by individual auditions with the directors.

Jazz bands

The jazz band currently has three divisions: Jazz I, Jazz II, and Jazz Lab.

Orchestra

Hudson High School's orchestra is split into the Chamber Orchestra and the Sinfonietta group, the Chamber Orchestra exhibiting the more advanced players. Many of the individuals enrolled in the school's orchestral program also attend strong orchestral programs outside of school such as the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and the Akron Youth Symphony.

Choir

There is a general choir program, a chamber choir, and a show choir. They were invited to and traveled to Carnegie Hall in New York to perform.

Clubs and activities

Some active student organizations include the following. Others can be formed with faculty adviser support.

Notable alumni

• Elmer Brandt - also known as Buzz Clic, guitarist for punk rock band the Rubber City Rebels
• John Edwards - professional basketball player in the National Basketball Association and NBA Development League
• David Kirkpatrick- film producer, screenwriter, and studio executive
• Dante Lavelli - former professional football player in the National Football League and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Liam Lynch - musician
• Bill Nagy - professional football player in the National Football League
• Louie Rolko - professional soccer player in the USL First Division
• Ward Welch - better known as Rod Firestone, guitarist and lead singer for punk rock band the Rubber City Rebels
• Brian Winters - professional football player in the National Football League

References

External links

• Hudson City School District
• Hudson High School Music Association
• The Explorer