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Lowndes High School

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Lowndes High School is a public high school in Valdosta, Georgia, United States. The school is part of the Lowndes school system, which serves Lowndes County except for the city of Valdosta. The district includes the following municipalities: Dasher, Hahira, Lake Park, and Remerton, as well as the following census-designated places: Bemiss, Clyattville, Moody AFB, and Naylor.[2]

Lowndes High School
Address
Map
1606 Norman Drive

Valdosta
,
Georgia
31601

United States
Coordinates30°50′15″N 83°19′35″W / 30.83750°N 83.32639°W / 30.83750; -83.32639
Information
School typePublic
Motto"Excellence Every Day"
Established1966
School boardLowndes County Board of Education
School districtLowndes County School District
School number1606 Norman Drive, Valdosta, Georgia 31601
PrincipalKrista Pearson
Teaching staff180.20 (on an FTE basis)[1]
Grades9–12
Enrollment3,201 (2022–2023)[1]
Student to teacher ratio17.76[1]
Color(s)(Official) Crimson and white
   
(Alternate) Maroon and gray    
Fight songLHS Fight song (an adaptation of Old Mountain Dew)
SportsFootball, basketball, soccer, track & field
MascotViking
NicknamePlowboys
Team nameVikings
RivalValdosta High School
AccreditationSouthern Association of Colleges and Schools
PublicationThe Hugin
NewspaperThe Saga
YearbookThe Munin
Websitelhs.lowndes.k12.ga.us

History

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In 1957, voters in Lowndes County approved an $800,000 bond issue and the board got assistance from the State of Georgia for the construction of a new high school.

Lowndes County High School opened in 1959 in the southern portion of the county below Valdosta, serving a totally white enrollment of 671 students. In 1961 students from the local black high schools, Lowndes County Training School and Webb-Miller, were integrated into Westside High School.

In 1966 LCHS and Hahira High School consolidated to form the new Lowndes High School (LHS) and began with an enrollment of 805. The new school was relocated to its present facility on Norman Drive near I-75 on the western side of Lowndes County. The former facility became Lowndes Middle School.

In 1969, when the county integrated their schools, the former black school, Westside High, was also combined into Lowndes. LHS became a comprehensive high school in 1972 and was classified as a Georgia School of Excellence in 1980.[3]

LHS is now one of the largest high schools in the state of Georgia, with a student enrollment of over 3000 students and 170 faculty members.[4]

Expansion

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The facility built in 1966 has undergone multiple expansions to accommodate continued growth in student population.

In 2001, 17 classrooms were added to the freshman building. In January 2002, a $5 million cafetorium was constructed which significantly expanded seating capacity over the former space. The new structure also featured updated cooking and disposal technology and a full multi-purpose stage.[5]

In 2007, a new $8 million 49,549-square-foot (4,603.3 m2) gymnasium was completed. The former gym, built in 1966, seated approximately 1,600, while the new facility seats approximately 3,056. The building also contains five classrooms, locker rooms, and coaches' offices.[6] The project was funded through SPLOST II. The gym was designed by Manley Spangler Smith Architects.

In 2007 a new main road entrance to the school was opened on Norman Drive, along with a new front parking lot and office entrance. The old entrance on St. Augustine Road was closed due to congestion but is still used for large events. JCI Construction of Moultrie built the gym and Rountree Construction of Valdosta built the new entrance, new parking lot, and portico.[7]

At the start of the 2018–2019 school year, portions of the school, including most of the original school buildings that opened in 1966, were demolished to make way for the new building that started construction later that summer. The new building was completed and occupied with students and teachers by early 2022. The new additions to the campus includes a three-story building that includes a large performing arts center, media center, and state-of-the-art technology labs. [8][9]

Death of Kendrick Johnson

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Main article: Death of Kendrick Johnson

In January 2013, three-sport athlete Kendrick Johnson was found deceased at the school in a rolled up wrestling mat.[10][11][12] On October 31, 2013, the U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Georgia announced he would open a formal review into Johnson's death.[13] On June 20, 2016, the US Department of Justice announced that they would not be filing any criminal charges related to Johnson's death, stating "After extensive investigation into this tragic event, federal investigators determined that there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that someone or some group of people willfully violated Kendrick Johnson's civil rights or committed any other prosecutable federal crime."[14] As of March 2021, the investigation has been reopened by the Lowndes County Sheriff's Department after receiving documents it had long requested from the Justice Department.[15]

Pride flag incident

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On September 3, 2021, a video went viral on multiple social media platforms of a student being assaulted by another student. The video features the student being dragged across the floor of the cafeteria by a pride flag wrapped around their shoulders. The perpetrating student was charged with disorderly conduct, simple battery, and disruption of a public facility.[16][17]

National Principal of the Year

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On August 26, 2010, Lowndes High Principal Wes Taylor was named the 2011 MetLife/NASSP National High School Principal of the Year.[18] In April, Taylor was named the 2011 Principal of the Year by the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals and in July was named one of six finalists for the national honor.[19] Taylor received a $5,000 grant to use for either professional development or school improvement projects. The event featured guests such as State Representative Amy Carter, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives David Ralston, and state superintendent of schools Brad Bryant.[20]

Sports

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Football

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With the arrival of head coach Randy McPherson in 2002, the Lowndes High football program has undergone tremendous growth. The Lowndes High School Vikings were ranked by ESPN at #2 in the United States on August 18, 2008.[21] The team has been the Georgia State 5A Champion in 1980, 1999, 2004, 2005, and 2007.[22] They were undefeated in 2004 for a perfect 15–0.[23]

In the summer of 2008, Valdosta was featured on ESPN as a candidate for Titletown USA.[24] The month-long segment started in the spring of 2008 and continued through July. Fans nominated towns and cities across the country based on their championship pedigree. A panel reviewed the nominees and fan voting in May determined the 20 finalists. SportsCenter visited each city in July, and fan voting July 23–27 determined the winner.[25] On July 28, 2008, Valdosta was named Titletown, United States by ESPN. The history of athletic accomplishments at Lowndes was a factor in Valdosta achieving the title.

Martin Stadium

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The home field of the Lowndes football team is Martin Stadium, named to honor former Lowndes County Schools superintendent A.B. "Sonny" Martin. He served 20 years (1960–1980) as the superintendent of the Lowndes County School System. He previously served as a teacher, coach, and principal of Hahira High School for 10 years. The stadium, nicknamed "The Concrete Palace," was built in 1966 and has been expanded over the years to hold 12,365 fans.[26]

Basketball

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The girls' basketball team at Lowndes has won four National Championships (1977, 1978, 1979, 1980), and four State Championships.[4]

Baseball

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Lowndes won the 1981 and 2000 Class AAAA, and the 2023 and 2024 Division AAAAAAA baseball State Championships.[27][28][29]

Golf

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The boys' golf team won the 2011 Class AAAAA state championship at Summit Chase Country Club in Snellville, Georgia. The state title was the school's first in golf.[30][31]

State Titles

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  • Baseball (3) – 1981(4A), 2000(4A), 2023 (7A), 2024 (7A)[27]
  • Girls' Basketball (4) 1977(3A), 1978(3A), 1979(4A), 1980(4A)[32]
  • Football (5) – 1980(4A), 1999(4A), 2004(5A), 2005(5A), 2007(5A)[33]
  • Boys' Golf (1) – 2011 (5A)[34]

Other GHSA State Titles

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  • Literary (4) – 1974(3A), 1980(4A), 2016 (6A), 2017 (7A) [35]

Music

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Georgia Bridgemen

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The Lowndes High marching band, The Georgia Bridgemen, are a nationally recognized musical ensemble numbering over 475 members that performs at all Lowndes varsity football games.[36]

Over the past two decades, the Bridgemen have received national recognition from participation in parades across the country such as:

Lowndes High Jazz Ensemble

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The jazz band at Lowndes High School performs throughout the school year at many local and state level functions.[48] The group has recorded four CDs since 2004. Each was produced by New York-based professional musician and record producer and former Lowndes High band student J. Chris Griffin in Nashville, Tennessee.[49] The last CD was released in 2010 and is sold locally to support the band.

The Jazz Band has performed for Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue on multiple occasions, as well as for Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox, Georgia Congressman Sanford Bishop, and US Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings.

In 2006 these musicians were invited to perform in Pasadena, California, for the "Tournament of Roses Executive Committee Luncheon" by Tournament President Libby Evans-Wright and for the 2006 parade grand marshal Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.[38]

LHS Off-Broadway

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LHS Off-Broadway consists of Acting Classes, a Technical Theatre program, a Drama Club, an Audition Only Acting Company, and Thespian Troupe 1359. Troupe 1359 was awarded Gold Level Status in 2018, which is the highest level of distinction within the Georgia Thespian Society.[citation needed]

Notable alumni

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "Lowndes High School". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved May 29, 2024.
  2. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Lowndes County, GA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved September 26, 2024. - Text list - 2010 map
  3. ^ Waters, LaShayla. "Desegregation in Lowndes County". Valdosta State University. Archived from the original on April 4, 2012. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  4. ^ a b Irwin, Ron. "Our Noble Quest: Three Centuries of Educational Excellence, the History of Lowndes County Schools". 2009. Indigo Publishing Group, LLC. Lowndes County School System.
  5. ^ 2001-2002 Lowndes High School "Munin" Year Book
  6. ^ "JCI General Contractors Educational Facilities". Jcicontractors.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2013. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  7. ^ "Lowndes High dedicates new $8 million gymnasium". Valdosta Daily Times. September 23, 2007. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  8. ^ "Ground to Break on New Lowndes High School". January 17, 2019.
  9. ^ Wheeler, Emma. "School board moves forward with new Lowndes High design". www.wctv.tv.
  10. ^ "Gym mat death: Attorneys call for surveillance video". CNN.com. October 11, 2013. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  11. ^ "Kendrick Johnson Lowndes County High School gym mat death: Lawyers ask for surveillance video". Wptv.com. Archived from the original on January 19, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  12. ^ "Gym Mat Death Shocker: Body Stuffed With Newspaper | KTLA 5". Ktla.com. October 10, 2013. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  13. ^ "Federal prosecutor will look into Kendrick Johnson case". CNN. Retrieved October 31, 2013.
  14. ^ Dandron, Jennifer. "US Justice Department: No criminal charges in gym mat death". Associated Press. Retrieved September 2, 2016.
  15. ^ Treisman, Rachel. "Probe Reopened In Death Of Kendrick Johnson, Georgia Teen Found In Rolled-Up Gym Mat". Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  16. ^ Richards, Terry. "UPDATE: Charges filed in LHS Pride flag incident". Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  17. ^ Slisco, Aila. "High School Student Charged After Video of Teen in Pride Flag Being Assaulted Goes Viral". Retrieved September 3, 2021.
  18. ^ "2011 MetLife/NASSP Natl. High School Principal of the Year". Principals.org. Archived from the original on September 9, 2012. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  19. ^ Miller, Dave. "Lowndes High Principal wins national honor - WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports". Walb.com. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  20. ^ Johnna Pinholster. "Wes Taylor named national principal of the year » Local News". Valdosta Daily Times. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  21. ^ "Lowndes ranked No. 2 in the nation by ESPN". Valdosta Daily Times. Retrieved September 7, 2008.
  22. ^ "Lowndes Football official website". Retrieved September 7, 2008.
  23. ^ "Vikings beat Warner Robins, improve to 10-0". Retrieved November 8, 2008.
  24. ^ "Titletown" (English). Retrieved July 24, 2008.
  25. ^ "ESPN - TitleTown USA - SportsCenter". Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  26. ^ "Martin Stadium". Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved March 21, 2010.
  27. ^ a b "GHSA Baseball Champions". Georgia High School Association. Archived from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
  28. ^ Kirkland, Caison (May 20, 2024). "Lowndes baseball takes back-to-back state championship titles". Valdosta Daily Times. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  29. ^ "Lowndes High School defeats Parkview to win 2023 GHSA AAAAAAA baseball state championship". WTXL ABC 27. May 17, 2023. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  30. ^ "Lowndes Vikings win state golf championship". Archived from the original on September 1, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  31. ^ "Congratulations to the 2010-2011 GHSA State Golf Champions! | GHSA.net". Archived from the original on July 20, 2011. Retrieved May 4, 2011.
  32. ^ "GHSA Girls Basketball Champions". Georgia High School Association. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  33. ^ "GHSA Football Champions". Georgia High School Association. Archived from the original on April 27, 2017. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  34. ^ "GHSA Boys Golf Champions". Georgia High School Association. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  35. ^ "GHSA Literary Champions". Georgia High School Association. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  36. ^ a b "Georgia Bridgemen accomplishments". Archived from the original on November 26, 2010. Retrieved July 2, 2010.
  37. ^ Conklin, Mike (November 23, 2000). "Battle Of The Bands". Chicago Tribune.
  38. ^ a b c Jennifer Tanner. "Lowndes High band marches in nationally televised parade » Local News". Valdosta Daily Times. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  39. ^ "77th on Seventy-Seventh; Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R) Still the Holiday Season Favorite. – Free Online Library". Thefreelibrary.com. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  40. ^ "Band is D. C. bound – WALB.com, Albany News, Weather, Sports". Walb.com. January 18, 2005. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  41. ^ "Georgia Band Carries Banner in Inaugural Parade". Archived from the original on October 8, 2010. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  42. ^ "2006 McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade 11/23/06". Abclocal.go.com. November 23, 2006. Archived from the original on June 5, 2010. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  43. ^ Anonymous. "Bridgemen in today's Disney World parade » Local News". Valdosta Daily Times. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  44. ^ "The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade 2008 in Washington, DC". Godc.about.com. March 9, 2008. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  45. ^ "Georgia Bridgemen official website". Retrieved November 3, 2009.
  46. ^ "Georgia Bridgemen Marching in Chicago • News – Lowndes County Schools". Lowndes.k12.ga.us. November 18, 2012. Archived from the original on April 22, 2013. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  47. ^ "2012 Lowndes High School | McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade". Chicagofestivals.org. Archived from the original on August 17, 2014. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  48. ^ "The Lowndes High Jazz Band". Archived from the original on August 8, 2007. Retrieved December 18, 2010.
  49. ^ Anonymous. "Grooviticity - LHS Jazz Ensemble gets its groove on for third CD » Entertainment". Valdosta Daily Times. Retrieved October 15, 2013.
  50. ^ "Michael Barrett - Football". University of Michigan Athletics.
  51. ^ He’s HBK for ‘Heartbreak Kid,’ and this Miami QB commit gave his heart to Hurricanes
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