Bowie High School (Arlington, Texas)

Infobox School2
name = James Bowie High School


motto = Cross the Line
established = 1973, 1991
type = public high school
locale =
grades = 9-12
head_name = Principal
head = Michelle Wilmoth
head_name2 =
head2 =
city = Arlington
state = Texas
country = United States
students = 2900 (2004-2005 academic year)
faculty =
athletics = UIL Class 5A
school_colors = Blue, Orange, White
mascot = Volunteers
free_label =
free =
website = [http://www.aisd.net/schools/seniorhigh/bowie/index.html James Bowie High School]

James Bowie High School is a secondary school in Arlington, Texas. The school is a part of Arlington Independent School District and serves students in grades 9 through 12 in southeast Arlington and southwest Grand Prairie. Bowie High competes in Class 5A within the University Interscholastic League that governs interschool athletic, artistic, and academic competition in Texas.

History

The Original Bowie High

In 1973, James Bowie High School opened at 701 East Arbrook Boulevard in Arlington (presently the home of Workman Junior High School) . Due to the opening of Martin High School in southwest Arlington and the growth pattern of south Arlington moving more southwest (and into portions of Arlington served by other districts), Bowie was closed in 1983. The school was closed with the understanding that the next high school to be opened would be named Bowie, and the school's mascot, traditions, and records would carry over to the new school.

The New Bowie High

In 1991, construction concluded on the new Bowie High School at 2101 Highbank Drive in Southeast Arlington, just south of I-20 and west of State Highway 360. Bowie now draws attendance from southeast Arlington and parts of southwest Grand Prairie. New academic wings, a new gym and expanded cafeteria all helped with the fast growth in this area. The school's population was at its largest in 2002 with an enrollment of approximately 3100 students. The enrollment today is projected at around 2500 students. The first principal of James Bowie High School was Jean Richerson until her retirement. Following her was Cheryl Rose, Davey Jones, and Darrell Sneed, who has been Bowie's principal since 2001. He later left Bowie after the 2007-2008 school year ended and became the Associate Superintendant of Secondary Education of Mansfield ISD. The current principle was later announced to be Michelle Wilmoth at a reception.

Athletics

Prior to the 2006 season, Bowie struggled to win in football. The Volunteers had only one winning season in its history (ironically coming in 1982, the year the original Bowie High closed) and no playoff appearances. The school hired its third coach since re-opening in 1991 and fourth in its history, bringing in Kenny Perry as head football coach, leading to the breakthrough season Bowie enjoyed in 2006.

Bowie completed its 2006 varsity football regular season schedule at 7-3 overall and 5-2 in district play, finishing tie for second place behind eventual state 5A-Division II winner Cedar Hill. The Volunteers groundbreaking season lead to a first ever berth in the playoffs. They faced the South Grand Prairie Warriors in the opening round of the Class 5A-Division I tournament on Friday, November 17 and were defeated on a last minute interception in an exciting game that ended 24-21.

The 2006 football squad became the first Bowie team to win the mythical Arlington city championship by beating Arlington, Lamar, Sam Houston and Martin (Bowie did not play Seguin, an Arlington ISD school in Class 4A).

In 2007 Bowie was eliminated from the playoffs by the Trojans of Trinity High School.

Also, Bowie basketball, wrestling, track, baseball, and tennis have all enjoyed successful seasons.

Texas Class 5A state championships include:
*2002-2003 Boys Team Track Title
*2004-2005 Girls State Basketball Title
*2003-2004, 2004-2005 Girl's Doubles Tennis Titles
*2005-2006 Mixed Doubles Tennis Title
*2005-2006 Wrestler Title

Academics

In May 2006, Bowie High School joined the International Baccalaureate program. The Class of 2008 will be the first first students offered the opportunity to earn the IB Diploma.

The school participates in the Advanced Placement Program, offering the following Advanced Placement (AP) classes: AP Biology, AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP English, AP European History, AP Geography, AP Government, AP Latin, AP Macroeconomics, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Psychology, AP Spanish, AP Statistics, AP US History and AP World History.

Dual credit courses, taken at Tarrant County College (SE Campus) and/or UT Arlington, are offered in Algebra II, Art IV, English IV, Geology, Government/Economics, Music History, Psychology and Sociology.

1979-80 Jazz Band records Album live at the 13th Annual Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux Switzerland. Directed By Ron Koen

tudent Clubs and Organizations

* Academic Quiz League
* Academic Decathlon
* Anime Club
* Art Club
* Ballet Folklorico
* Bible Study
* Band
* [http://www.bowiebelles.com Bowie Belles Drill Team]
* Business Professionals of America
* Cheerleading, Freshmen
* Cheerleading, Junior Varsity
* Cheerleading, Varsity
* Chess Club
* Choir
* Creative Writing
* Crimestoppers
* DECA
* Drama
* FBLA
* French Club
* Golf
* Gospel Choir
* HOSA
* International Club
* Journalism
* Junior Class
* Key Club
* Latin Club
* LULAC
* Math Team
* Muslim Student Association(MSA)
* National Honor Society
* Orchestra
* The Real Volunteers
* Science Club
* Senior Class
* Step Team
* Special Olympics
* Speech and Debate
* Student Council
* Photography/Video
* Technology Student Association
* Video Game Club
* Winston Science Team

Famous alumni

*Darrell 'Dimebag' Abbot (d. 2004), class of 1984 - guitarist for the heavy metal band Pantera
*Vincent Abbott, class of 1982 - drummer for the heavy metal band Pantera
*Rex Brown - bassist for the heavy metal band Pantera
*Mersing Nguyen - American actress
*Vernon Wells - center fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays

External links

* [http://www.aisd.net/schools/seniorhigh/bowie/index.html James Bowie High School Official Web Site]
* [http://www.bowiebelles.com Bowie Belles Drill Team Site]
* [http://www.aisd.net Arlington Independent School District Website]