Opelika High School

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Opelika High School
Opelika High School front entrance
Address
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1700 Lafayette Pkwy Opelika , Alabama 36801 United States
Coordinates	32°40′06″N 85°22′11″W / 32.6683°N 85.3697°W / 32.6683; -85.3697Coordinates: 32°40′06″N 85°22′11″W / 32.6683°N 85.3697°W / 32.6683; -85.3697
Information
Established	1911[2]
Status	Active
School district	Opelika City Schools
Superintendent	Mark D. Neighbors
Principal	Farrell Seymore
Teaching staff	83.00 (FTE)[1]
Grades	9-12
Enrollment	1,248 (2017–18)[1]
Student to teacher ratio	15.04[1]
Color(s)	Red and Black
Athletics	AHSAA (6A)
Nickname	Bulldogs
Newspaper	Mainstreet Gazette
Yearbook	Zig-Zag

Opelika High School is located in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. Opelika High School, of the Opelika City Schools, serves students in grades 9-12. The principal is Farrell Seymore. The school's Assistant Principals are Katherine Fisher, Russ Hardwick and Kendrick Myers.

Opelika High School was originally built in 1972. In August 2014, a $46 million renovation and construction project was completed. The new building contains 87 new classrooms on two floors including seven computer labs. Each classroom is outfitted with a Promethean interactive whiteboard, projector and ELMO document camera. The business technology labs are outfitted with ClearTouch 70” interactive displays that are fully integrated with new educational software. New classrooms include general classrooms for core classes, science labs, an ACCESS computer lab for distance learning and specialty classrooms for Consumer Science, Health Science, Driver's Education, Art, Special Education, Business Tech, Engineering, Publishing and Horticulture. OHS also features a new cafeteria, kitchen and serving area. Bulldog Stadium now has a turf field, new concession areas, new restrooms and ticket booths. A 22,000 square foot indoor athletic facility including a turf practice field, Varsity locker room, coaches offices and meeting rooms was also built. Renovations were also completed for the OHS baseball field, the Women's athletic facility, and the girls and boys PE areas.

OHS offers classes designed for each student's learning level, from individual assistance to Advanced Placement. Advanced Placement classes are offered in U.S.History, Biology, Chemistry, Government & Economics, English Composition, English Literature, Art, Physics, Statistics and Calculus. Dual enrollment is an option for students to earn both high school and college credits at Southern Union State Community College whose Opelika campus is located directly across the street from the high school. Courses available for dual enrollment include Pre-Calculus, Calculus and US History 1.

Career Technical classes prepare students for immediate transition following graduation into the workplace or articulated courses offered at Southern Union and other community colleges. Programs include horticulture, business information technology, family and consumer science, engineering, and health science. The annual horticulture department plant sale raises thousands of dollars for scholarships and program expenses. A new Avatar Apps and Answers class is leading the way for innovative programs which will allow students to stay abreast of the ever-changing technological world. Beginning January 2012 a new course, Direct Current, will be the first dual enrollment technical course.

OHS also provides unique opportunities for students in courses such as desktop publishing, guitar, and foreign languages including Latin, Spanish and French. Students enrolled in desktop publishing produce Perspectives, an award-winning literary magazine for which the art and graphics are provided by students enrolled in an advanced art class. Other publications include The Mainstreet Gazette, a student newspaper, and ZigZag, the student yearbook.

Athletics is another important component of the high school experience. The athletics program is a competitive 6A program that offers many different opportunities. Sports include football, baseball, track, cross country, soccer, wrestling, volleyball, golf, basketball, swimming, softball, tennis and competition cheerleading. Students may also choose to participate in any of approximately 30 clubs ranging from Future Farmers of America to the National Honor Society.

Academics[]

OHS offers classes designed for each student's learning level, from individual assistance to Advanced Placement. Advanced Placement classes are offered in U.S.History, Biology, Chemistry, Government & Economics, English Composition, English Literature, Art, Physics, Statistics and Calculus. Dual enrollment is an option for students to earn both high school and college credits at Southern Union State Community College whose Opelika campus is located directly across the street from the high school. Courses available for dual enrollment include English 101, English 102, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, and US History 1.

Career Technical classes prepare students for immediate transition following graduation into the workplace or articulated courses offered at Southern Union and other community colleges. Programs include horticulture, business information technology, family and consumer science, engineering, and health science. The annual horticulture department plant sale raises thousands of dollars for scholarships and program expenses.

Continuing the arts program of the school system, OHS offers band, chorus, visual arts, theater, and video production. The band department includes concert, symphonic and jazz bands in addition to the award-winning “Spirit of the South” marching band. Four different choirs are offered by the choral department: the Ovations coed show choir, the Impressions girls’ show choir, Women's Chamber Choir and Chamber Choir. The show choir groups perform and compete all over the country and have received countless accolades including Grand Champion in the Fame Showchoir America Competition in Washington, D.C., Best Show Design, Best Choreography and Best Vocals awards in numerous competitions, and was the highest ranked Alabama school in the 2009 National Showchoir Ranking System.

The Opelika High Theatre Society is known around the region and state for its quality performances. In 2014, the cast of The Quilt was awarded "Best Ensemble" and "Best of Show" at the State Trumbauer Competition. Multiple performances each year attract hundreds from surrounding communities. In addition to performances, theatre department courses include set design, set-up and light/sound production.

OHS also provides unique opportunities for students in courses such as desktop publishing, guitar, and foreign languages including Latin, Spanish and French. Students enrolled in desktop publishing produce Perspectives, an award-winning literary magazine for which the art and graphics are provided by students enrolled in an advanced art class. Other publications include The Mainstreet Gazette, a student newspaper, and ZigZag, the student yearbook.

Athletics is another important component of the high school experience. The athletics program is a competitive 6A program that offers many different opportunities. Sports include football, baseball, track, cross country, soccer, wrestling, competitive cheerleading, volleyball, golf, basketball, swimming, softball and tennis. Students may also choose to participate in any of approximately 30 clubs ranging from Future Farmers of America to the National Honor Society.

History[]

While several private high schools, including two that went by the name "Opelika High School", existed in Opelika as early as the 1860s, the current Opelika High School wasn't founded until 1911. From 1902 to 1911, Opelika offered classes through the 10th grade at the Opelika Public School, but was not able to afford a high school.^[2][3] A 1907 law called for the formation of a "county high school" in each county run by the county board of education; when the state high school commission looked to establish such a high school in Lee County in 1911, only Opelika applied, and so the school was located there.^[4] This school's opening in the fall of 1911 marks the founding of Opelika High School.^[2] In 1914, Auburn High School successfully petitioned the state high school commission to take the county flagship status as the "Lee County High School" away from Opelika, starting the two schools long-standing rivalry, and the Opelika school became officially known as "Opelika High School" for the first time, operating as a town school.^[3]

Opelika kept the old county high school building until 1917. On Saturday, January 20, 1917, Opelika High School burned to the ground.^[5] The two prior private schools in Opelika named "Opelika High School" also burned, in 1867 and in 1894.^[6] For the next year, classes were held in the old Opelika Public School building, until a new structure could be built on the same grounds. With the new building, Opelika High School was renamed in 1918 Henry G. Clift High School, after the then-mayor of Opelika.^[2] Opelika High School football started in 1922, with OHS falling to Alexander City (today Benjamin Russell) 71–0 in both schools' first-ever game.^[7] It would be 1925 before Opelika High met Auburn High for the first time on the gridiron, a 21–6 loss; the Bulldogs and Tigers have met each year in football since 1933, with the OHS leading the overall series 42–38–3.^[8]

In 1959, Opelika High moved into a new building on Denson Drive and was subsequently renamed "Opelika High School" again. In 1972, OHS moved again, this time into the current facility on LaFayette Parkway.^[2]

Publications[]

Opelika High School students produce a school newspaper called "The Bulldog". The Bulldog includes Editorial, Entertainment, News, Feature, Sports, and Club News sections. The staff sells ads to local businesses to fund the paper, which is printed by Media General.^{[citation needed]}

The high school's yearbook is titled "Zig-Zag."^{[citation needed]}

Perspectives magazine[]

Students also prepare and distribute a literary-art magazine of student-submitted work called Perspectives. It is published once a year and distributed during the spring semester. Charles Hannah started the magazine in 1987 as an after-school activity. Since then, Perspectives has become a full class that meets first block every other day. ^{[needs update]}

Perspectives magazine achievements

Alabama Scholastic Press^[9] All Alabama: 1997, 2002–04, 2006–08 Superior: 1996, 1999, 2005, 2009–11 Excellent: 2000–01

Alabama Writers Forum^[10] Certificate of Commendation: 2001 Exceptional Graphic Design: 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008 Best Overall Literary Content & Graphic Design: 2003

American Scholastic Press^[11] First Place with Special Merit: 1997–2011 Most Outstanding High School Literary-Art Magazine: 2001, 2003, 2007–08, 2010–11 First Place: 1996

Columbia Scholastic Press^[12] Gold Medalist Certificate: 1997–99, 2001–11 Silver Medalist Certificate: 2000

NCTE^[13] Superior: 1997, 1999–2002, 2004, 2007–11 Highest Award: 1996, 1998, 2003, 2005–06

Athletics[]

Opelika competes in class 6A of the AHSAA. Its primary athletic rival is the Auburn High School Tigers. The mascot is the bulldog. More specifically, there are 2 bulldogs called "Ope" and "Lika" which represent Opelika High School. The school colors are red and black. The school fields 11 varsity sports teams:

• Football
• Baseball
• Softball
• Wrestling (Boys)
• Track and Field (Boys and Girls)
• Cross Country (Boys and Girls)
• Volleyball (Girls)
• Basketball (Boys and Girls)
• Soccer (Boys and Girls)
• Golf (Boys and Girls)
• Tennis (Boys and Girls)

Football achievements[]

• 2019 Class 6a Region 3 Championship 4th Round Playoffs
• 2016 Class 6a Region 3 Championship State Runner Up
• 2015 Class 6a Region 3 Championship 3rd Round Playoffs
• 2014 Class 6a Region 3 Championship 2nd Round Playoffs
• 2012 6a State Champion Runner Up
• 2009 6a State Champion Runner Up
• 2008 Region 3 AHSAA Championship
• 2007 Region 3 AHSAA Championship
• 2006 Region 3 Champions 4th Round Payoffs
• 2005 Region 3 AHSAA Champions 4th Round Playoffs
• 2004 Region 3 4th Place 1st Round Playoffs
• 2003 Region 3 Champions 3rd Round Playoffs
• 2002 Region 3 Champions 3rd Round Playoffs
• 2001 Region 3 Runner-up 2nd Round Playoffs
• 2000 Region 3 Runner-up 2nd Round Playoffs
• 1999 Area 5 Runner-up 2nd Round Playoffs
• 1998 Area 5 AHSAA Championship
• 1994 Area 5 1st Round Playoffs
• 1993 Area 5 3rd Round Playoffs
• 1992 Area 5 2nd Round Playoffs
• 1991 Area 5 2nd Round Playoffs
• 1990 Area 5 1st Round Playoffs
• 1986 Area 5 Champions 3rd Round Playoffs
• 1985 Area 5 Champions 1st Round Playoffs
• 1984 Area 5 1st Round Playoffs

Basketball achievements[]

Boys[]

• 2004 Area 3 3rd Place 1st Round Southeast Sub-Regional
• 2003 Area 3 Runner-up 1st Round Southeast Sub-Regional
• 2002 Area 4 Runner-up Quarterfinals Southeast Regional
• 2001 Area 4 Runner-up 1st Round Southeast Sub-Regional

Track & Field achievements[]

Boys[]

• 2007 6A State Champions^[14]
• 2006 6A State Champions^[14]
• 2004 6A State Champions^[14]
• 2003 6A State Champions^[14]
• 2000 6A State Champions^[14]
• 1999 6A State Champions^[14]
• 1998 6A State Champions^[14]
• 1997 6A Freshman State Champions^[14]

Tennis achievements[]

Boys[]

• 1991 6A State Champions ^[15]
• 1979 6A Individual State Champion, Mike Gunter^[15]

Wrestling achievements[]

Team State Champion[]

1958 (Opelika High School was also known as Clift)^[16]

1956 (Opelika High School was also known as Clift)^[16]

Other organizations[]

Opelika High Theatre Society[]

The Opelika High Theatre Society is known around the region and state for its quality performances. A play in the fall, an advanced theatre competition at mid-year and a spring musical all attract hundreds from surrounding communities. In 2014, the cast of The Quilt won "Best Ensemble" and "Best of Show" at the State Trumbauer Theatre Festival. In addition to performances, theatre department courses include set design, set-up and light/sound production. Past productions include Sweeney Todd, Oliver, Les Misérables, Beauty and the Beast, Our Town, Brighton Beach Memoirs, the Sound of Music and many more.

The Opelika High Theatre Society is under the direction of Mr. Revel Gholston.

Showchoir[]

Four different choirs are offered by the OHS choral department: the Ovations coed show choir, the Impressions girls’ show choir, Women's Chamber Choir and Chamber Choir. The show choir groups perform and compete all over the country and have received countless accolades including Grand Champion in the Fame Showchoir America Competition in Washington, D.C., Best Show Design, Best Choreography and Best Vocals awards in numerous competitions, and was the highest ranked Alabama school in the 2009 National Showchoir Ranking System.

The OHS Choral Department is under the direction of Mrs. Allyson Petrone, Assistant Director, and Mr. Jeremy Robinson, Director.

Bands[]

The Opelika Band program is a source of pride for the Opelika City School System, its students, as well as parents and the entire community. The band program begins in the 7th grade at Opelika Middle School and continues through the 12th grade at Opelika High School. The band maintains 20% of the student population, almost 350 students.

Beginning in 7th grade, students at Opelika Middle School are encouraged to discover their musical talents in Beginning Band. Students have the opportunity to “audition” the instruments and become acquainted with the basics of music notation as well as proper technique on the instrument. As students progress, they may be invited to become a member of the Concert Band. This band consists of students who are progressing adequately but may need further instruction before moving into the Symphonic Band.

Students who progress to the 8th grade can become members of the Symphonic Band. This group is composed of students who have achieved their musical goals in the 7th grade and intend on being a part of the band into high school. This band has maintained a long history of success whether it is being recognized at Music Performance Assessment or competing in competitive festivals in Orlando, FL.

Opelika Middle School Bands have also featured Percussion Ensembles as the schedule allows.

The Opelika High School Band Program consists of several music ensembles: The Marching band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. There are also two new indoor visual ensembles, the Winter Guard and Indoor Percussion Ensemble and Concert Percussion Ensemble. Below is a brief description of each ensemble.

The Opelika High School Marching Band, also known as “The Spirit of the South” meets and practices during the summer and through the fall semester. With rehearsals after school, this ensemble regularly practices and works towards achieving a high level of musicianship and marching technique. This group performs at every football game and competes at marching competitions throughout the year. The marching band averages 200 students per year and consists of the 8th–12th grade students who play wind or percussion instruments along with a visual ensemble made up of majorettes, color guard, and the “Showstoppers” kickline. The “Spirit of the South” has traveled to many different destinations throughout the southeast and the nation. Some of the more recent trips and achievements have been multiple trips to Orlando, Philadelphia, and Chicago in 2011 to participate in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The “Spirit of the South” has twice performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, in 1989 and 1994.

The band is under the direction of Mr. Neil Sasser. The assistant band director is Mike McGlynn. The OMS band director is under the direction of BreAnna North.

FFA[]

Opelika High School's FFA includes over 300 members.^{[citation needed]}

Vibe[]

The Opelika High School vibe is a class that students audition for each position. It features singers, guitar players, bass players, drummers, and a pianist. They perform multiple styles of music from rock to pop and jazz to hip hop. They were a part of the first annual Troy University Open mic event in 2017. They have concerts each year in the lunchroom, as well as in the OPAC (Opelika Performing Arts Center) auditorium.

The vibe is under the direction of Patrick Bruce.

Notable former students[]

• Mallory Hagan, Miss America 2013
• Robert L. Howard, awarded the Medal of Honor for his service in the Vietnam War.
• William S. Key, Major general during World War II
• James S. Voss, astronaut who flew in space five times on board the Space Shuttle and International Space Station.^[17]

Professional baseball players[]

Player Name	College Team	Position	Draft Pick	Career Duration	MLB Team
Roy Lee Jackson	Tuskegee	P	Round 2 / Pick: 273	1977–1986	New York Mets, Toronto, San Diego, Minnesota
Rod Lindsey	None	OF	Round 39 / Pick: 1074	2000-2000	Detroit

Professional football players[]

Player Name	College Team	Position	Draft Pick	Career Duration	NFL Team
Corey Grant	Auburn	RB	UDFA	2015–Present	Jacksonville
Zach Clayton	Auburn	DT	Round: 7 / Pick: 212	2011–Present	Tennessee
Will Herring	Auburn	LB	Round: 5 / Pick: 161	2007–2015	Seattle, New Orleans, St. Louis
T.J. Jackson	Auburn	DT	Free Agent	2006–2008	Atlanta, Kansas City
Melvin Oliver	LSU	DT	Round: 6 / Pick: 197	2006–2007	San Francisco

References[]

External links[]

• Opelika High School Official Website