Colonial High School

Colonial High School
Location
Orlando, Florida, United States
Information
Type	Public magnet school/ Public High School
School district	Orange County
Superintendent	Ronald Blocker
Principal	Douglas Loftus
Number of students	3,500+
Color(s)	Red and Black
Mascot	Grenadier
Website	http://www.colonialhigh.ocps.net/

Colonial High School is a high school located in Orlando, Florida. As of August 2008 the school serves over 3,500 students in grades 9 through 12, making it one of the largest schools in Florida. Colonial has one of the biggest production studios in Orange County, Florida, headed by Nathan Whaley. From 1999-2002, the school received a large ($49 Million) facelift. The graduating class of 2003 was the first class to have graduated from the new campus; however the commencement took place in the then-called TD Waterhouse Arena (now the Amway Arena). In 2008, they celebrated in their 50th anniversary. The class of 2009 was their 50th graduating class. The school's principal is Douglas Loftus. Colonial High School has a large Hispanic population, at 65%, 21% White, 10% Black, 3% Asian, and 1% multicultural.

Athletics

The school's athletic teams are known as the Grenadiers. They have one of the state's best athletic traditions, having won 34 Metro Championships.^{[citation needed]}

In 2007 Coach Steven Breitbeil lead the Colonial football team to a 4-0 start and finished the season 5-5, led by 30 seniors and standouts such as; Cedric Griffin, Alvis Graham, Kevin Elliott and Colson Marsh. This was the most athletic group of student athletes to come through Colonial in years. That year Colonial sent 3 athletes to the state championship in track.

Kevin Elliott won the triple jump (48'6") and the high jump (6'8")becoming the first athlete at Colonial to win two state championships in one year. Elliott also broke the schools triple jump (48'6") and high jump record (6'11"). Alex Wills also won the mile and place third in the two mile and also broke Colonial's record in both events. Colson Marsh, who played running back and place kicker for the Grenadiers, placed 3rd in the pole vault that year and was named Athlete of the year at Colonial. He also lifted for Colonial's Weight Lifting Team, who won back to back District and Regional Championships.

Each year, Colonial High School and its rival, University High School, vie for possession of a stylized leather boot, the eponymous symbol of the much-hyped annual football game known as "The Boot Game". The winning school gets to display the boot in a trophy case until the following year, when the next Boot Game is won. The Fall 2002 season was the first time in thirty three years that the Grenadiers won the boot from West Orange High School. As of the Fall 2011 season, University is in possession of the Boot.

The fall 2002 boys swim team meldey (400 Medley) made it to the state championship. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the boys couldn't attend and they were disqualified. Among them were Michael Rodriguez, Raúl E. Fernández, Kyle Gartley, and a fourth.

Extracurricular Clubs

Colonial High School hosts many extracurricular clubs, among which are chapters of the National Beta Club, National Honor Society, and National FFA Organization.

Ninth Grade Center

The Ninth Grade Center was established as part of an effort to lessen the crowding at Colonial High School's main campus. The campus has recently (the process finished in 2006) been renovated, complete with new classrooms, offices, basketball courts, lockers, a gymnasium and a cafeteria. The students can also take a bus over to main campus after school for sports, drama, and other extra curricular activities. The gym was dedicated to Robert C. Allen, Jr., the [Assistant] Principal of the Center for many years.

WCHS News

WCHS News is the name for Colonial High School morning announcements. Morning announcements are produced every morning during first/second period under the supervision of Nathan Whaley, then announcements are broadcasted every third/fourth period and the duration of the broadcast last around 5 to 10 minutes. In recent months, WCHS News has gone under a major transformation involving changes to the studio news set, graphics and newscast pace.

On August 27, 2009 WCHS News debuted with a new set, graphics and news theme. On October 2009, WCHS news inaugurated a new webpage using wix.com's flash platform.

Student Government Association

Colonial High School's Student Government Association (SGA) is one of the most committed in Orange County. SGA organizes and overlooks all school events, such as pep rallies, fundraisers, dances, and community service. They have held positions in the district, state, and national offices. Club sponsor, Cynthia Andrews is a Colonial Alumnus.

Notable Alumni

• Delta Burke (1974), film and television actress
• Joel Piñeiro (1996), current MLB Pitcher (Los Angeles Angels)
• Casey Anthony, Class of 2004

References

External links

• Colonial High School
• School profile
• WCHS 7 News Official Website

Coordinates: 28°33′13″N 81°18′17″W / 28.553511°N 81.304604°W / 28.553511; -81.304604