Huron High School (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

History

Huron High School opened in September 1969. Prior to Huron's opening, the student body at the city's only other public high school, Ann Arbor High, experienced overcrowding. In 1968, before Huron's building was completed, Eastside students who were to be designated to the new school shared the Pioneer building in a split schedule. Pioneer students attended classes in the morning from 7:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. and Huron students in the afternoon from 1 P.M. to 6 P.M, despite petitions from Huron students to the Board of Education for them to attend school in the morning.

Due to delays from construction strikes and other issues the planned opening date was pushed back two years from 1967 to 1969. In July 1969, Paul K. Meyers, the first principal of Huron High School, and assistant principal Albert Gallup and staff moved in.

When Huron opened, the school board deliberated over what the new high school would be named. After a poll was taken among the school community to determine the name, "River Rats" was suggested as a write-in option. Despite opposition from the school board, the "River Rat" name maintained popularity among students. The press began using the term "River Rats" and eventually the name stuck.

From 1969 to 1979, Paul K. Meyers served as principal, and was succeeded by Ronald Tesch. His goal was to revive and enhance the cooperation and communication between the school faculty and student body. He left the position in 1986, and from 1986 to 1987, Al Gallup served as interim principal. In 1987, Huron saw Dr. Joetta Mial begin her tenure as principal, which she served as until 1993. In 1988, the Ann Arbor Board of Education passed a $31 million renovation and construction program. From 1988 to 1991, Huron underwent major renovations in which library and lunchrooms were enlarged. Science and math wings were added and so was the band room. The athletic wing was also added and included a new pool and gym. Huron's dome gym and athletic department were constructed during these renovations. On May 12, 1993, the auditorium was dedicated to Paul K. Meyers.

After Dr. Joetta Mial's departure, from 1993 to 1994, Jane Johnson served as interim principal. In 1994, Dr. Arthur Williams began his tenure at Huron, and was a strong advocate for reforms. He retired with the class of 2014, and by serving as principal for 20 years, he has become Huron's longest-serving principal. From the 2014-2015 school year, Jennifer Hein began serving as principal.

Overcrowding became an issue again. Portables were used to house classes outside of the main building. In 2008 Skyline High School was opened and slowly branched off the existing two, starting with only a freshman class.

The movie Jumper was filmed on location at Huron High School and neighboring Gallup Park in February 2007. One hundred students were chosen from Huron to be extras for the movie. The screenplay of Jumper was written by Huron High School graduate David S. Goyer and was released in February 2008.

Academics

As of the 2015-16 school year, IB courses are being offered.

Music

Ann Arbor Huron boasts one of the top high school bands in the country, in the Huron Symphony Band, which is constantly lauded with top ratings at both of its annual judged events, Band Festival (in March), and Bands in Review (in April). Huron boasts three bands, Symphony Band, as well as Concert Band, and the lowest tier Varsity Band. An audition is needed to be in Symphony and Concert Bands. The Ann Arbor Huron Symphony Band recently was invited to the 2016 Michigan Music Conference, the third time in the school's history that they had been accepted. Under the direction of Stephen Roberts, in his 26th year of directing the Huron Bands, Symphony Band performed at the Music Conference in early February 2016. Band members also participate in the yearly Band Camp trip for one week in the summer up to the internationally renowned Interlochen Center for the Arts in northern Michigan, where band members spend the week learning marching technique and perform in a final three band strong concert on the final Saturday. The Ann Arbor Huron Band program also includes the Rhythm Rat Marching Band which marches at all Huron Football home games during the fall months. The Rhythm Rat Marching Band is composed of the members of the Symphony Band and is also directed by Stephen Roberts and a drum major who is voted for by the entire body of band members from all three bands. The Rhythm Rat Marching Band, though not a registered competitive marching band, is widely considered one of the top high school marching bands in the State of Michigan and has also been recognized nationally as one of the best high school marching bands in the nation, as a new set of music is prepared and performed for each game. The Ann Arbor Huron fight song, played by the marching band during the pre-game routine is "Go Huron" and was composed in 1969.

Athletics

Huron High School is a member of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). Huron joined the Southeastern Conference "SEC" in the 2007-2008 school year.

The Huron athletic program offers the following sports:

Publications

Sports

Music and entertainment

Media and literature

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