Puyallup High School

Infobox Secondary school
name = Puyallup High School
established = 1890
city = Puyallup
state = Washington
country = USA
campus = Suburban
type = Public secondary
principal = Jason Smith
grades = 10–12
enrollment= 1,761(2005)
district = Puyallup School District
mascot = Viking
colors = Purple and gold
newspaper = Viking Vanguard
website = http://schools.puyallup.k12.wa.us/high/puyallup/index.php

Puyallup High School is a high school in the Puyallup School District in Pierce County, Washington state, commonly referred to as PHS. Originally founded in 1890 as Central High School, [ [http://schools.puyallup.k12.wa.us/high/puyallup/index.php?p=resources&a=School%20History Puyallup High School Alumni Directory] ] PHS has survived several earthquakes, a fire, and numerous renovations and additions. The school is scheduled for renovation as part of the 2004 bond issue.

History

In 1893 the first nine students graduated from the school. In 1902, the first class to complete four years of high school graduated. In 1928 the new high school building was completed at an approximate cost of $30,000-$35,000. The name of the school then changed from Central High to Puyallup High School. In 1919 the school was expanded adding a junior high along with the gym and auditorium. In 1926 a total of 112 students graduated. [ [http://schools.puyallup.k12.wa.us/high/puyallup/index.php?p=resources&a=School%20History Puyallup High School Alumni Directory] ]

Fire

The next year fire hit PHS and graduation was held at the Liberty Theater. A new and larger auditorium was added in 1935. [ [http://schools.puyallup.k12.wa.us/high/puyallup/index.php?p=resources&a=School%20History Puyallup High School Alumni Directory] ]

Earthquakes

The Queen Charlotte earthquake on 22 August 1949 was the first major earthquake hit Puyallup High School. PHS was not spared as there was serious damage to the building and auditorium. On 27 March 1964 during the Good Friday Earthquake the school suffered from the effects of yet another earthquake and again damage was done to the school—Puyallup High School was the only school closed in Pierce County. The band was recording that day, and there are still records out there with the sounds of the earthquake. The Nisqually earthquake on 28 February 2001 was the next earthquake to effect the school.

Renovations

The first of the major remodeling projects occurred with the main classroom building in 1971. The gym was remodeled in 1984 and the Library Science Building in 1986. The entire campus was closed during the 1993-1994 school year during a major rennovation. The 1,600 students were housed in portable buildings, spare rooms in churches, and other facilities around the city of Puyallup. Walls, beams, and structures were altered or removed to improve the structure and enhance the teaching and learning methods of the day. Every effort was made to retain the original design of the structure. The old gym was lost, but a new commons area was added. Part of the front steps were removed, but the auditorium was improved while maintaining the architecture and elegance of the facility. The architectural firm of Burr, Rising, Lawrence and Bates was awarded a Historic Renovation - Citation Award in 1996 for their work on the renovation. [ [http://www.blrb.com/news/awards/aasa.aspx BLRB] ]

Academics

Academically, between the four comprehensive high schools in the Puyallup School District, Puyallup ranks 2nd out of four, beating Rogers and Walker with an 87% in the reading WASL, 47.1% in the math WASL, 85.8% in the writing WASL, and 36.6% in the science WASL. [ [http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/?schoolId=2019&reportLevel=School&orgLinkId=2019&yrs= Washington State Report Card ] ]

Daffodil Festival

Every year, Puyallup participates in the Pierce County Daffodil Festival. A competition is held in house to select the Puyallup Princess, who goes on to compete against other regional schools, for the Daffodil Festival Queen title. The Queen title is considered the highest honor of the regional festival. The Puyallup band accompanies the float of Puyallup's princesses every year in the parade, held annually in April.

Mascot

Puyallup High School's mascot is the viking. A mystery student dresses up at the viking for football games and assemblies.

Alumni Reunions

Puyallup High School reunion activities are managed by the Viking Booster Club [ [http://schools.puyallup.k12.wa.us/high/puyallup/index.php?p=resources&a=Alumni%20Information Puyallup High School Alumni Information] ] with the help of many alumni volunteers. A list of current activities and upcoming reunions is posted [http://schools.puyallup.k12.wa.us/high/puyallup/index.php?p=resources&a=Alumni%20Information here.]

Notable Alumni

*Billy Joe Hobert- former NFL quarterback.
*Brock Huard- former NFL quarterback; broadcaster for local news
*Damon Huard- NFL quarterback - Kansas City Chiefs
*Victor L. Kandle - World War II soldier, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient. Class of 1939
*Senator Jim Kastama 25th Legislative District, Washington state. Class of 1978. [http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/kastama/ Senator Jim Kastama]
*Dane Looker- NFL wide receiver - St. Louis Rams.
*Ryan Moore - professional golfer, lettered four years on Viking golf team while attending Class 1A Cascade Christian High School
*Darrin Taylor- World's most interesting man.

References

External links

* [http://www.puyalluphighschool.com Puyallup High School]
* [http://www.daffodilfestival.net/Royalty-Info/queens_page.htm Daffodil Festival Royalty]
* [http://www.amajn.com/phs Viking Booster Club]