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Long Beach Polytechnic High School

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This article is about the Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, California. For the high school in New York, see Long Beach High School (New York). For the Polytechnic School in Pasadena, California, see Pasadena Poly.

Long Beach Polytechnic High School, founded in 1895 as Long Beach High School, is a four-year public high school located at 1600 Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach, California, United States. The school serves portions of Long Beach, including Bixby Knolls, and some parts of the cities of Signal Hill and Lakewood. Polytechnic (more commonly known as Poly) is the flagship high school of the Long Beach Unified School District. It is a large urban high school with about 4,000 students.

Long Beach Polytechnic High School
Address
Map
1600 Atlantic Avenue

Long Beach
,
California

United States
Coordinates33°47′15″N 118°11′02″W / 33.78750°N 118.18389°W / 33.78750; -118.18389
Information
TypePublic
Motto"Home of Scholars & Champions"
"Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve"
Established1895; 129 years ago (1895)
School districtLong Beach Unified School District
PrincipalAlejandro Vega
Faculty167.55 (FTE)[1]
Grades9–12
Enrollment3,952 (2022–23)[1]
Student to teacher ratio23.59[1]
CampusUrban
Color(s)   
Athletics conferenceMoore League
Team nameJackrabbits
YearbookCaerulea
Websitehttp://lbpoly.schoolloop.com/

Polytechnic has long been distinguished in both academics and athletics. The PACE (Program of Accelerated Curricular Experiences, founded in 1975 by Dr. Nancy Gray,[2] a teacher and administrator for the Long Beach School system), and the CIC (Center of International Curriculum) magnet programs boast more total University of California admissions than any other high school in California. In 2005, Sports Illustrated magazine named Polytechnic the "Sports School of the Century," in recognition of the school's badminton, baseball, basketball, football, track, cross country, swimming, water polo, volleyball, wrestling, tennis, golf, and softball teams. Polytechnic has also received numerous prizes for its music program, including six Grammy Awards, two of them being "golden signature" Grammy Awards. Long Beach Poly has sent more players to the NFL than any other high school in the country, sending over 60 throughout the history of the school.[3] Long Beach Poly was also ranked number one in a list of the best high school athletic programs in the nation by Sports Illustrated.[4]

History

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Ethnic composition as of 2020–21
Race and ethnicity[5] Total
Hispanic or Latino 51.1% 51.1
 
Asian 20.5% 20.5
 
African American 15.6% 15.6
 
Non-Hispanic White/Anglo 7.6% 7.6
 
Other 3.3% 3.3
 
Pacific Islander 1.8% 1.8
 
Native American 0.1% 0.1
 

Early years

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Long Beach Polytechnic High School began offering classes in 1895 in order to help educate the growing population of Long Beach. The first classes were at the Methodist Tabernacle Chapel, and the first principal was Walter S. Bailey.[6] The first graduating class was in 1897 and only had one student. During this same year, classes were moved to Chautauqua Hall at Fourth Street and Pine Avenue as work began on the new Long Beach High School.[6] Long Beach High School was completed in 1898 and featured four classrooms and an assembly hall.

 
Long Beach High School, located at what is now the northwest corner of Long Beach Boulevard and Eighth Street, 1905[7]

The following year, the Long Beach High School Athletic Association was formed.

In 1903, the school yearbook, Caerulea, was first published.

Football and basketball programs began in 1904.

The first student government was established in 1906.[6]

David Burcham became school principal the following year, a position he would hold until 1941.

The girls' basketball program won three consecutive state championships, from 1907 to 1909.

In 1911, Long Beach Poly moved to the location at 16th Street and Atlantic, offering more space and amenities.[6]

JROTC began in 1917, and an influenza epidemic swept through the school population.

The following year, rabbits began invading the playing fields, inspiring the track team to call themselves the Jackrabbits; this eventually became the official school mascot.[6]

The athletic field was dedicated as "David Burcham Field" in 1924 to honor the long-serving principal.

During much of the 1920s, Poly was the largest high school west of the Mississippi River in terms of student population.[6]

A new Mediterranean Revival auditorium was designed by William Horace Austin in 1930,[8] and constructed in 1931. The Long Beach earthquake damaged the school in 1933.[9] Following the earthquake, bricks from the damage were sold in order to pay for a memorial flagpole which still stands. In 1935, a new science building was built and the auditorium was remodeled by architect Hugh Davies. The remodeling included PWA Moderne, Streamline Moderne, and Art Deco design.[8] A new administration building was completed the following year.

 
The 1976 edition of the school's Caerulea yearbook

1940s–1970s

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The school celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1945.

Wooden bleachers that had lined the athletic fields burned down in 1952 and the new Veterans Memorial Stadium became the new home field for the Jackrabbits.

The library was completed in 1953.

In 1969, a racist leaflet was published, prompting approximately 100 Euro-American and African-American students to fight, leaving 24 students injured.[6]

Homecoming titles (King and Queen) were ended in 1971 due to racial tensions.

In 1975, the Program of Additional Curricular Experiences (PACE) began, one of the first high school programs to offer advanced college placement courses. Badminton began in 1977, and girls' track and gymnastics teams started the following year.[6]

1980s–present

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The Center for International Commerce (CIC) began in 1982.

In 1984, Poly was recognized by USA Today as the top ranked school nationally in terms of Moore League, CIF, and state titles.[6] Poly received the Distinguished School Recognition Award in 1986, the California Department of Education's highest award.

Poly became a four-year school in 1989.

A new science building was completed in 1993.

The school celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 1995.

The Poly music program was recognized as a Grammy Signature School Gold in 2000, one of the top ten music programs in the country.[6] Poly received this honor in 2003 as well.

In 2005, Harvard recognized Poly as the most successful high school in the nation in terms of number of graduates.[6] Also in 2005, Sports Illustrated named the Poly as the #1 sports high school in the nation.[4][6]

In 2006, security was increased and school IDs were required to be worn at all times while on campus.

In 2018, Poly dedicated its library to honor former principal Bob Ellis.[10]

In 2019, the auditorium was renamed the Andrew Osman Performing Arts Center to honor the school's music program director of 36 years.[11]

Academics

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The school motto states that Poly is the "Home of Scholars and Champions." The PACE and CIC magnet programs are highly desired destinations for students throughout the South Bay and Northern Orange County.

In 2008, 1,573 AP exams were administered at Poly with over 75% of testers receiving a passing score of 3 or higher.[12] The national pass rate in 2008 was slightly over 58%.[13]

Poly also has the highest academic performance index of any traditional high school in Long Beach with a 2009 score of 747. It consistently ranks a 9 out of 10 when compared to schools with similar demographics since 2007.

Pac Rim is a California magnet academy for students interested in business. Polytechnic High also includes the Beach, Justice, METS, and MEDS academies.[14]

Poly also hosts the PACE program (Program of Additional Curricular Experiences), a competitive college-preparatory magnet program. Entrance is predicated upon a combination of grade-point-average and standardized test scores.

Athletics

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Long Beach Polytechnic offers a wide variety of sports and activities due to its large size and diverse student population. Athletic teams compete in Division I within the California Interscholastic Federation and are known as the Jackrabbits. Throughout the school's history, the Jackrabbits have won many state championships and have produced several collegiate and professional athletes. In 2005, Sports Illustrated magazine named Polytechnic the "Sports School of the Century," in recognition of the school's badminton, baseball, basketball, football, track, cross country, swimming, water polo, tennis, golf, and softball teams.[4]

Football

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Long Beach Poly (right) lines up before the snap during a 2021 game against Mission Viejo High School at Veterans Memorial Stadium

Long Beach Poly has maintained a successful football program and has produced more NFL players than any other high school in the nation, over 60 throughout school history.[3]

Early years

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Poly played its first football game in 1908 and featured its first African-American player in 1934.[15]

After losing their opener, the Jackrabbits won their first game 10–0 vs. Occidental Prep.[15]

In 1917, head coach Eddie Kienholz left the team to fight in World War I.

The 1919 Poly team went 12–0 and won their first state championship over Berkeley High School by a score of 21–14. Following the state championship, Poly defeated Phoenix High School by a score of 102–0 in the Southwest Championship.[15] Poly won additional CIF titles in 1923 and 1927.

Orian Landreth became the head coach in 1929 and won the CIF title vs. Santa Barbara High School.

Poly repeated as CIF champions in 1930, and also won titles in 1934 and 1936.[15] From 1942 to 1956, the football program experienced down years, producing just four winning seasons.[15] The 1959 and 1960 teams led by quarterback Bud Hollowell went 22–0–1 and claimed two CIF titles.[16]

The 1959 team is best known for the "ICBM" backfield of Lonzo Irvin, Harvey Crow, Willie Brown and Willie Martin.[16]

1960s–present

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From 1965 to 1979, the Jackrabbits experienced a second drought of success, making the playoffs five times in 15 seasons.[15] The 1973 team went winless and the 1979 team was forced to forfeit all of its wins due to ineligible players.[15] Poly won the CIF title in 1980 and were runners-up in 1981 and 1982. The Jackrabbits shared a title with Edison High School in 1985 after a 14–14 tie.[15]

Poly experienced increased success in the 1990s and 2000s, winning CIF titles in 1997, 1999 and 2000. The 2001 team featured Marcedes Lewis, Hershel Dennis, Winston Justice, and Darnell Bing. Despite the talent, the team finished runner-up to De La Salle High School.[15] The Jackrabbits won the CIF title in 2004 behind DeSean Jackson and won additional titles in 2007, 2008 and 2012.[15]

Former New York Giant Antonio Pierce was hired as head coach before the 2014 season.

4th and Forever

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A reality television on Current TV, titled 4th and Forever, focuses on the school's strong football program. It has been called the real-life version of Friday Night Lights, but has also been derided as inaccurate and "[relying] on repetitive reality-show conventions".[17][18]

Filming location

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Long Beach Poly has been the backdrop for many commercials, television shows, and films.

Notable alumni

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See also: Category:Long Beach Polytechnic High School alumni

Athletes

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Baseball

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Basketball

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Football

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Track and field

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Other sports

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Entertainers

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Other alumni

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Polytechnic High". National Center for Education Statistics. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved May 27, 2024.
  2. ^ "About PACE". Poly PACE Parent Support Group. Archived from the original on 2020-11-25. Retrieved 2020-12-17.
  3. ^ a b "Pipeline to the NFL? Big states, schools are key" (English). USA Today. Archived from the original on 2008-04-22. Retrieved 2006-04-21.
  4. ^ a b c "Best High School Athletic Programs". Archived from the original (English) on 2006-04-22. Retrieved 2005-05-11.
  5. ^ "2020-21 Enrollment by Ethnicity and Grade: Polytechnic High". California Department of Education. Archived from the original on 9 April 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2022.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Poly's Historical Timeline" (English). Archived from the original on 2015-02-13. Retrieved 2014-06-29.
  7. ^ "LONG BEACH POLYTECHNIC HIGH SCHOOL, AUDITORIUM" (PDF). Library of Congress. p. 7. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-04-20. Retrieved 2021-04-20.
  8. ^ a b "Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Auditorium, 1600 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, CA". Library of Congress. Archived from the original on 2021-03-10. Retrieved 2021-02-27.
  9. ^ Grobaty, Tim (9 March 2013). "80 years later, children of 1933 Long Beach earthquake recall fear, excitement". Press Telegram. Retrieved 11 March 2018.
  10. ^ Rasmussen, Emily (11 September 2018). "Long Beach Poly High School dedicates library to former principal Bob Ellis". Press Telegram. Archived from the original on 24 July 2021. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  11. ^ Archbold, Rich. "Long Beach Poly Music Man Andy Osman Dies". www.Gazettes.com. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 17 December 2020.
  12. ^ "DataQuest (CA Dept of Education)". Data1.cde.ca.gov. 2010-03-23. Archived from the original on 2010-08-26. Retrieved 2010-09-24.
  13. ^ "AP Data & Reports". Professionals.collegeboard.com. 2007-06-18. Archived from the original on 2010-04-30. Retrieved 2010-09-24.
  14. ^ "Education Data Partnership Home Page". Ed-data.k12.ca.us. Archived from the original on 2011-01-14. Retrieved 2010-12-29.
  15. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Championship game victory would only add to Long Beach Poly football legacy" (English). Press-Telegram. 13 December 2012. Archived from the original on 2014-07-14. Retrieved 2014-06-29.
  16. ^ a b "Poly star Bud Hollowell dies at 71". ocregister.com. 27 May 2014. Archived from the original on 13 October 2016. Retrieved 15 January 2016.
  17. ^ Knowles, David (24 May 2011). "4th and Forever: TV Review – The Hollywood Reporter". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  18. ^ McNamara, Mary (26 May 2011). "'4th and Forever': TV review – latimes.com". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 12 July 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
  19. ^ a b c d MLB Draft Factories, Maxpreps.com, Jun 03, 2008.
  20. ^ "Jim Marshall Stats". Baseball-Reference.com. Archived from the original on 2018-12-24. Retrieved 2018-12-24.
  21. ^ Armour, Mark. "The Baseball Biography Project: Vern Stephens". Society for American Baseball Research. Archived from the original on November 16, 2019. Retrieved November 16, 2019.
  22. ^ City of Long Beach Baseball Hall of Fame Archived 2017-10-18 at the Wayback Machine, City of Long Beach Parks and Recreation
  23. ^ "Kenny Booker". Long Beach City College Vikings. Archived from the original on June 13, 2015.
  24. ^ "Joshua Munzon - Men's Basketball". Cal State LA Athletics.
  25. ^ a b The Reason Archived 2007-06-16 at the Wayback Machine, WeAreSC.com, May 13, 2007.
  26. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k One high school, so many future NFL players , USATODAY, APR 22, 2008. Archived 2011-05-29 at the Wayback Machine
  27. ^ Dodd, Dennis (20 July 2021). "Ole Miss' Matt Corral faced a reckoning head on, allowing a team leader to emerge on the other side". CBS Sports. Archived from the original on 25 September 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  28. ^ a b Two High Schools Share Lead for Most NFL Players Archived 2008-11-09 at the Wayback Machine, USA Football.com, SEP 27, 2007.
  29. ^ a b c d e "Long Beach area Olympic alumni - Press-Telegram". Archived from the original on 2012-02-14. Retrieved 2011-01-14.
  30. ^ 18-year-old California woman scales Everest, becoming youngest to complete 'seven summits' Archived 2009-11-05 at the Wayback Machine, The Associated Press, 19 May 2007
  31. ^ "Charles McCallister". USA Water Polo. Archived from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  32. ^ Genzlinger, Neil (1 March 2022). "Dottie Frazier, a Pioneer in Diving the Deep Seas, Dies at 99". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  33. ^ "Percy Daggs III". SideReel. 1982-07-20. Archived from the original on February 23, 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-24.
  34. ^ Stanton, Scott (2003). The tombstone tourist : musicians (2nd ed.). New York: Pocket Books. pp. 136. ISBN 0-7434-6330-7. Spike Jones high school polytechnic.
  35. ^ Leonard, Vince (19 March 1964). "Jo Stafford Easy Talker". The Pittsburgh Press. Archived from the original on 15 December 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2011.
  36. ^ Williams, Vera (August 21, 1955). Independent Press-Telegram from. Long Beach, California. p. 68. {{cite news}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  37. ^ a b c Shuit, Douglas (26 March 1998). "Despite All Odds, Poly Still Excels". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2 May 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  38. ^ Ruhl, Ashleigh. "Local Dancer Bobby Burgess Pens "Ears & Bubbles"". www.Gazettes.com. Archived from the original on 2021-02-05. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  39. ^ "Heflin, Emmett Evan". www.okhistory.org. Oklahoma Historical Society. Archived from the original on 2021-09-15. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
  40. ^ Capace, Nancy (2001). Encyclopedia of Utah. St. Clair Shores, MI: Somerset Publishers, Inc. pp. 180–182. ISBN 9780403096091.
  41. ^ Grobaty, Tim (2012). Location Filming in Long Beach. Charleston, SC: The History Press. ISBN 9781614237761. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
  42. ^ Kennedy, Mark (2 February 2024). "Carl Weathers dies at 76; ex-Raiders linebacker played Apollo Creed in 'Rocky' films". Orange County Register.
  43. ^ "The Honorable Beverly O'Neill". California State University, Long Beach. 2 August 2017. Archived from the original on 12 January 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  44. ^ Rich Archbold (26 September 2020). "Who was Gerald Desmond, and why was a bridge named after him?". Press Telegram. Archived from the original on 11 January 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  45. ^ "Trump names Long Beach Poly grad to serve as acting national security adviser". Press-Telegram. February 13, 2017. Archived from the original on 14 February 2017. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
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