Lindbergh Senior High School (Renton, Washington)

Lindbergh High School Main Entrance Commons and Skybridge

Lindbergh High School is a (senior) high school located in the southeastern section of Renton, Washington, a suburb of Seattle, in the Renton School District. Named after Charles A. Lindbergh, the famous aviator who was first to fly solo across the Atlantic in 1927, the school was founded in 1972. Freshmen, sophomores and juniors attended the first year. The class of 1974 was the first to graduate. Lindbergh's school motto is ad astra, which is Latin for "to the stars". The crest features the Spirit of St. Louis (the plane that Charles Lindbergh flew), and the school's motto flanked by stars with the dates 1927 and 1972, respectively.

Facilities

Architecture

Lindbergh High School in the 1970s, as seen from the skybridge

Lindbergh features unusual architecture compared to traditional boxy buildings. The school is mainly constructed with concrete floors and brick walls with wooden beams supporting sloped roofs. It was originally built around two "houses", where home rooms and lockers were located, with a third planned house for expansion that was never built. The first floor is called "Washington House" and the third floor is "Lincoln House". A third, unbuilt house was to be named "Kennedy House". House names are still used by many students and staff. The houses still function as a kind of departmental divide, with Lincoln House containing most of the math department and Washington house containing the English department.

The original lockers feature coats stored out in the open with small wooden cubes, but this use was abandoned as coats could not be securely hung and the wooden hangers were found to be easily broken. They were replaced by conventional steel lockers in 1992. Another distinct architectural feature is a skybridge linking the main building with the gymnasium and the student parking lot.

The school was also originally built featuring many open areas in addition to conventional walled classrooms, but most of these spaces were closed by the 1990s. The former steel and auto shop was converted to a robotics lab as of the mid-1990s. As of June 2006, building of a new commons area is complete, and as of the 2007-2008 school year, all bathrooms within the school have been remodeled. A large stuffed bald eagle is displayed in a giant case just outside the library. There is an elevator in the main building connecting all three floors, however, use of the elevator is limited to students with disabilities and injuries. In 1998 the Renton voters approved a construction bond to rebuild, remodel, and renovation projects of school buildings throughout the district. So in 2003 Lindbergh undergoes a 2-year remodel in some parts of the school without using asbestos building materials. In spring of 2009, the auditorium was closed for a minor remodel. After the auditorium was complete, the auditorium had two ccv television screens, brand new blue chairs, new sound stereos, additional lighting, and on the stage, a brand new curtain, and a remodeled floor. Also during the spring of 2009, a football and track field have been constructed behind the school. In 2010, the weight room has been renovated along with replacing the roofs and window exterior. At the start of the 2011-2012 school year, the staff parking lot, walkways have been remodeled and added throughout the school. When the summer vacation 2012 started, the hill in the center of the lower parking lot has been torn out to make improvements on both student and lower parking lots have begun, this all summer long construction consists of making more parking spaces and the improvement of traffic when dropping and picking up students, and an undercover area for students to stand in when it rains or on warm sunny days to keep them dry and away from the sun's rays up in the upper parking lot. While that was in process, inside the building had some undergone renovations as well. Classrooms with emergency exit doors have all been replaced with brand new doors.

Demographics

When the school was opened in 1972, each class had only a handful of Asian, Hispanic and African American students, though one notable Asian American family sent seven children to MIT and Stanford, and many other families would send their graduates to elite colleges as well. Two Asian graduates of the class of 1976 attended their 2006 reunion.

By 2006, Lindbergh had an Asian student population well over 22%, as well as nearly 20% African American, and 13% Hispanic; Caucasian students compromise 43% of students, making Lindbergh comparable to some Seattle schools as demographics for diverse groups moved out of Seattle towards the southern county.^[1] 42% of students are eligible for free or reduced price meals, 13% are special education, 12.5% are transitional bilingual. 69 percent of 10th graders passed WASL writing, and 38 percent passed math, somewhat lower than state average.

Many of the parents and graduates have historically been employed by the area's large employers such as Boeing and Microsoft. Most of the students entering Lindbergh went to Nelsen Middle School, the primary feeder school. Feeder elementary schools include Cascade, Renton Park, Benson Hill,and Tiffany Park elementary schools, which range across the Fairwood, Cascade, southeastern Renton and unincorporated areas with the Kent school district serving to the south, and Renton and Hazen high schools serving to the west and north.

Sports

In 2011 the Lindbergh Eagles boys cross country team won the state 2A cross country meet. They edged Bellingham's Sehome Mariners by one point for the win. This was Lindbergh's first cross country title as a team. Lindbergh's Sarah Reiter won the girls 2A individual title in 2010 and Sam Ahlbeck won the boys 3A individual title in 2004.

The Lindbergh Eagles baseball team during the mid-90's became state champions, the Eagles had back to back championships in 1994-1995. Lindbergh had produced David Riske who was a long time veteran in the MLB. Lindbergh softball also won the state championships in 1990.

In the 2004-2005 Tennis season, the Boy's tennis team was District champions, and sent 3 athletes to state. In the 2005-2006 season for tennis they also had 3 state athletes.

The wrestling team has also produced a 4 time state qualifier and Girl's State Champion in Sierra Paull, who graduated in 2007.

In the 2008-2009 wrestling season, the Eagles produced a Seamount League high of three state placers including Mark Garcia (6th Place at 103 lbs), Luke Garcia (8th Place at 112 lbs), and Isiah Corwin (5th Place at 152 lbs). Corwin was again a state placer in the 2009-2010 season (3rd Place at 160 lbs).

Girl’s Basketball over the last few years has improved. The 2002-2003 team was first to represent LHS at the State Tournament at the Tacoma Dome. The 2005-2006 team, buoyed by the play of Center Marcisa McMillan, not only returned to State, but has the distinction of being the first to win a play-off game. The Lady Eagles were Seamount Co-Champions with Kennedy Catholic in 2006.

Boy's Basketball also had some relative success as of late appearing in the West Central District Playoffs every year since 2011, even placing 5th in state in 2012.

Football

In 1973, the Lindbergh Eagles went undefeated in football with a record of 9-0, beating the likes of Kennedy, Yelm, and Glacier High Schools. Also the Eagles had back to back Baseball State Championships in 1994 and 1995. In 1990 the Lindbergh Eagles Fastpitch team won the State Tourney. In the Eagles heyday, Lindbergh produced State Championship Wrestlers, and sold out the gymansium.

During the 2009-2010 season, the Lindbergh football team won the Seamount Championship, their first league title since 1986, the year they were a part of the NPSL (now defunct) they compiled a 9-0 undefeated league record, and a 9-1 over all record, this was the first time since 1986 Lindbergh had beaten Seamount league rival Kennedy High School. Lindbergh in this year also won their first state playoff game in school history against Ferndale High School, by a score of 52-21. They then lost against the then third ranked Liberty Patriots in the 3A State Quarterfinals, in 3 overtimes, by 20-17.

The Lindbergh Eagles football were the Renton City Champs for the 2005-2006 season. The Eagles made their first state berth after beating Franklin Pierce 19-17, and Sequim 7-6. They lost in the first round against Bellevue High School Wolverines, 7-63. The Eagles went from a 0-9 record in 2003 to an impressive record of 9-2 in four years tenure under the direction of Coach N.B. Long.

In the 2008 Football Season, the Eagles again captured the Renton City Championship and made their second playoff berth in school history, led by Quarterback Jacob Allie. Allie smashed school records in many different categories for quarterbacks. The Eagles were eliminated in the first round again by the then number one ranked Bellevue High School. The Eagles record was 8-3 and second in the Seamount League.

In 2013, the eagles once again became Seamount league Champions. Capturing the once forgotten winning season, they continued their journey cruising past Orting High School 21-0, then finally being taken down in a late game comeback by Mark Morris High School 14-7.

Sports programs

• Baseball
• Basketball (Boys)
• Basketball (Girls)
• Cheer
• Cross Country
• Dance
• Fastpitch
• Football
• Golf
• Gymnastics
• Soccer (Boys)
• Soccer (Girls)
• Softball
• Swimming (Boys)
• Swimming (Girls)
• Tennis
• Track & Field
• Volleyball (Girls)
• Wrestling

Extracurricular organizations

Lindbergh High School has a number of extracurricular activities, ranging from student government to pre-professional organizations to cultural clubs.

A number of organizations focus on cultural identification. International Club organizes around regular presentations about certain countries. The Black Student Union and Latino Club serve more specific communities.

Other organizations are focused on career exploration or pre-professional pursuits. Career Explorers allows students to learn about a variety of career options. Future Business Leaders of America prepares students for business careers, while DECA focuses on marketing. Skills USA helps students develop career and technical skills.

Meanwhile, members of Key Club focus on community service. As part of Division 32 of the Pacific Northwest District of Key Club, members perform service in and around the Renton area.

Some organizations are organized around hobbies, allowing students to participate while meeting peers of similar interests. Examples include the Drama Club, Art Club and Environmental Club. The Robotics Club hosts annual competitions for the Seamount League.

The school hosts several literary and design organizations. Speech and Debate members participate in regional and state competitions. Many students are also involved in journalism, working for the school newspaper, The Egalitarian. The yearbook allows students to design pages.

There are also several performing arts organizations. Stomp Team performs stomp. The Vocal Jazz Choir performs at school events. The dance team has also placed in major invitationals. In 2007 at State, they received 6th for hip hop and in 2008, they received 4th place.

Finally, National Honor Society rewards academic achievement.

Student government

Student government is run by the Associated Student Body, or ASB. The Lindbergh ASB Executive Board makes high-level decisions and includes the offices of president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer. The Executive Board intends to foster school spirit, and encourage involvement in the Benson Hill community. The ASB Student Senate is composed of student senators representing each advisory period. The Senate is headed by the ASB Vice President.

Club Aery serves similar purposes and helps plan school-wide events. Ignite is also similar.

The school participates in several regional, state, and national associations. Lindbergh is also part of the Seamount Association of Student Councils. Lindbergh High School is now a member of the Washington Association of Student Councils. Lindbergh High School is also a member of the National Association of Student Councils.

Feeder schools

• Cascade Elementary
• Tiffany Park Elementary
• Renton Park Elementary
• Benson Hill Elementary
• Nelsen Middle School

Notable people

John Nelson, Class of 1980, voice talent and radio personality. http://www.johnnelson.net/

Nick Pollock, Class of 1986, singer-songwriter who has played in many bands including Alice N' Chains, My Sister's Machine, Soulbender, and Tanks of Zen.

David Riske, former Major League Baseball relief pitcher and a 1995 graduate.

Awards

Lindbergh High School has received several awards. It was Nationally Recognized for Excellence through the Blue Ribbon Schools Program from 1983 to 1984. From 2002-2005, the school participated in the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Program Award

References

External links

• Renton School District
• Lindbergh H.S.
• Cross Country website

Coordinates: 47°27′17″N 122°10′01″W / 47.45472°N 122.16694°W / 47.45472; -122.16694