East Kentwood High School
Encyclopedia
East Kentwood High School (EKHS) is a public high school
located just outside the city of Kentwood, Michigan
, United States
. It is part of the Kentwood Public Schools district, working together with the Crossroads High School, an alternative learning center. The school has achieved Blue Ribbon Exemplary School status, for many years running.
s, and a 1,600-seat Fine Arts Auditorium.
The original Kentwood high school, which is now Crestwood Middle School, opened in 1960. When the new site was built in 1969, the new school was named East Kentwood because there were plans to eventually build a second high school, which would have been known as West Kentwood a few years later. West Kentwood would have built on the same physical campus as East Kentwood. When the first vote for a second high school was turned down in the early 1970s it led to the construction of East Kentwood's first swimming pool as well as what was referred to as the Freshman wing. To this day, talks of building a second high school periodcially resurface but have so far been turned down in favor of the economic advantages of running one large high school. Thus, East Kentwood continues to grow while West Kentwood remains the answer to a trivia question.
Current discussions for future development projects include creating a college-campus like setting with multi-storied buildings specializing in math and science, literature and the arts, and business and apprentice training (health, medical, etc.) programs. Included in the arts building would be a small theatre for dancing/drama productions.
In 2003 a $85.5 million bond was passed that allowed new construction at the High School Campus. A new athletic stadium was built with a capacity of over 7,500 along with a new 38 meter pool and a 75 foot community pool. Further work was done at the Freshman Campus to build it to the supportable core of 1,450 students with the moving of office and support staff to a new highly visible wing, and renovation of the previous office space with 6 classrooms and adding onto the existing classroom wings with 10 rooms. Additional work was done at the 10-12 main campus with the addition of more performing arts space including new practice rooms along with work at the auditorium with more dressing rooms, staging areas, and a new lighting and sound system. Furthermore the seating was also refurnished.
Another major project was the expansion of the east wing cafeteria
and renovation of classrooms in that wing. The circle drive that has been a mainstay of the school was removed with a new corridor built to link the west and east wings. The new corridor also puts a large commons area in front of the school with the pools, field house, and auditorium on each side. This hallway added 6 entrances, which is twice as many as before, along with creating two courtyards. Beyond the front of the school work the art department was given a remodel which includes a new art gallery. Along with all of this new carpeting has been placed through the school. Furthermore, a south side road was placed between the school and the practice fields along with a possible storage facility was added between the new south road and the field house. A renovation of the softball
and baseball
diamonds was also done then which included new home plate structures, scoreboard
s, and permanent bleacher
s.
In the summer of 2011, the library is being renovated as well as the weightroom, which is being completely remodeled.
East Kentwood High School has a student population of over 2,600 students. Over 700 of them are in the Freshman Campus while sophomores, juniors, and seniors are in the 10-12 building.
Within the student body, 47.12% of students are Caucasian, 29.34% African American, 8.44% Hispanic, 9.82% Asian American, 0.57% Native American and 1.34% Multi-racial. 92% of Kentwood Public Schools parents, 96% of staff, and 85% of students believe it is important to attend a school in a culturally diverse community, such as Kentwood.
s with IDs
to provide better security throughout the campus. Lanyards are different colors based on which building the student mostly uses. The Freshman Campus students are required to wear a white lanyard, the High School students wear a red lanyard, and all teachers wear black lanyards. A strict security policy was instated along with the lanyards requiring students who forget their lanyard to attend detention on their second offense, Saturday school on their third offense, and suspension for subsequent offenses. Such a demanding policy has been a source of controversy over the past few years and is often seen as unnecessary by students and faculty alike.
Regardless of AP classes, students need 28.0 credits to graduate. This begins on day one with every trimester worth of a class contributing to this goal. Class requirements are as follows for 2001-2013:
4 credits of English and Math
3 credits of science
3 credits of social studies
.5 credits activity based PE
1 credit visual or performing applied arts course.
The AP Government class offers students the opportunity to compete in We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
, a program in which teams of students debate issues related to the United States Constitution
by delivering prepared statements on constitutional issues and citing case law
and Common law
to support their assertions. The EK team has won several state competitions in Michigan
as well as placing in the top 10 in the country several times.
In addition, EK offers a four year debate curriculum. EK debaters have won numerous state titles, tournament championships, and speaker awards. EK competes throughout the country and at all levels (novice, junior varsity, and varsity).
The Model UN curriculum at East Kentwood High School has been offered both as a class and as an after school program. As a part of EK's model UN team, students take on the role of a United Nations member in proposing and debating resolutions at Mid American Model United Nations (MAMUN) competitions. In 2009, the team took home the prestigious "Best Prepared School" award from their competition in Kalamazoo, Michigan. East Kentwood students have also won a number of individual awards.
, science, math, English, and technology. Unique classes, such as aviation technology; A+ Certification; computer networking, programming, operating systems certification; computerized accounting; a young entrepreneurs club providing real-world experience and application. Additionally, East Kentwood offers a newly built art gallery focusing on a dozen art classes from drawing to sculpturing, painting to ceramics, jewelry making to computerized graphics, photography and film development/editing, and even air-brushing under hooded workstations.
The recent Michigan graduation requirements passed by Lansing will require an updated class requirements for the 2011 class and then additional requirement for the 2016 class, although it appears they may be moving towards those goals sooner. From the 05-06 course catalog little change in requirements has occurred. English went from 3.5 years to 3 years, Math, History, Government, Economics (Social Science), and Science are still 2 years, Humanities (Art, Foreign Language, World History, Vocal and Instrumental Music, Acting, Public Speaking) and Life Skills (Business, Technology, and Life Management) are still 1 year. Physical Education, however, went from 2 years to just 1 year. Elective amounts have gone up and down as the school went from a straight 6 hours back in 1999, to the block scheduling in 2005. In 2006, the school went to trimester scheduling, allowing students to pursue electives from astronomy to wild animal care and biology, electronics and metal shop to personal finance and do-it-yourself home care and fix-it projects (plumbing, electricity, etc.), to meal-preparation for young single adults and young children nutrition and baby care.
s and is under the direction of James Ross and James Sawyer. The band is composed of the usual marching instruments, which are trombones, trumpets, mellophones, baritones, tubas, clarinets, flutes, all kinds of saxophones, and marching percussion. The marching band meets for a week in the summer for band camp where they learn the half time show they will be performing for that season. They have regular Monday night rehearsals during the school year that last from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and are mandatory. The band runs on student leadership which is the role of the drum majors and section leaders. Both of these roles are audition based and require training before the season starts. Section leaders help run the section by teaching how each section works in the band and also helps keep rehearsals running smoothly. Drum majors are student conductors who not only help conduct the band but teach good marching fundamentals. The band has been a long standing tradition at East Kentwood High School and in 2004, had the largest high school marching band in the state, with over 350 members.
EK has one of the top jazz programs in the state, frequently posting top results in area and state jazz competitions. In addition, Kentwood has a Summer Stock
Theatre Program that involves children in grades kindergarten to 12. 147 students were represented in the most recent production. East Kentwood also offers a policy debate
program that has done well at numerous state and national competitions.
EK also has some of the best choirs in Michigan. Kentwood Public Schools introduces students to formal vocal music groups beginning in the 6th grade. Each of Kentwood's three middle schools offer choir programs in grades six, seven and eight. After leaving middle school, our vocal music students have opportunities to perform in numerous groups as they progress in their high school years. Those groups are: Varsity Voices, Madrigal Singers, Women's Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, 9th Grade Mens, and 9th Grade Women's Choir. High School music classes have been show-cased at the state music conference 10 times since 1993. The Varsity Voices have gone to the Michigan Youth Arts Festival twice, in the years 2010 and 2011, as one of the top 12 choirs in the state. The High School curriculum includes 7 choirs, 5 bands, and 2 orchestras that have received superior ratings at festivals for over 30 years.
EK has an amazing theater program. In the 2010-2011 school year, they presented the musical "Hairspray," being the second school in the nation to present this show. Each year there are multiple opportunities for students to participate, including the Freshman play, the fall play for 10-12, Children's Performance Troupe, and the spring musical.
The dual enrollment program allows students to augment their curriculum by taking classes through local colleges and universities. In 2006, in partnership with Grand Valley State University
, an introduction to nursing course has been brought on campus.
and Board Games Club, DECA Club, Drama Club, FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America), Forensics Club, G.S.A (Gay Straight Alliance), Graphics Design Club, Latin Club, Michigan Junior Classic League, Multicultural Art Club, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society
, Photography Events Club, Shakespeare Club, Ski Club, Strive Club, Swing Dance Club, World Languages Club, Teen Institute, Y.E.A. (Young Entrepreneur Association), Young Democrats, Young Republicans, Model United Nations
, Newspaper, Yearbook, Debate, and Mock Trial.
In addition to the standard clubs East Kentwood offers, students can create their own club that is funded by the school.
. East Kentwood High School competes in the Ottawa-Kent Conference
Red Division. In the 2009-2010 school year, the AP Government class won the state Championship in the "We the People" state competition, and went to the National competition in Washington D.C. where the team placed in the top 10 in the country. The athletic teams have routinely won Conference titles and most sports have been in the MHSAA Playoffs.
EK also has a competitive policy debate program which has secured numerous awards.
Model UN and Mock Trial are a few other competitive academic programs offered.
Women's Competitive Cheer,
Women's Golf,
Women's Dance,
Women's Gymnastics,
Women's Sideline Cheer,
Women's Softball,
Women's Volleyball,
Boys' Sports
Men's Baseball,
Men's Football,
Men's Ice Hockey,
Men's Wrestling,
Coed Sports
Men's & Women's Basketball,
Men's & Women's Bowling,
Men's & Women's Cross Country,
Men's & Women's Soccer,
Men's & Women's Swimming & Diving,
Men's & Women's Tennis,
Men's & Women's Track & Field,
Men's & Women's Water Polo,
Equestrian
Girl's Gymnastics Athletic Training Center used for girl's aerobic and fitness training. Additionally used for extra-curricular classes for elementary and middle school ages.
The Falcon Stadium is an artificial turfed arena seating 10,000 spectators with separate in-stadium facilities for the public and for visiting teams. It doubles up in the springtime as a state-sponsored track-and-field site.
An Aquatics Center featuring a 38 meter pool with movable bulkhead, 2-1 meter and 2-3 meter diving platforms, balcony and side conference rooms and separate locker/shower facilities. A 25 meter, 83 degree community pool with separate locker/shower facilities and community classes. A shallow pool for small children, and two racquetball courts. Programs offered include year round swim lessons and fitness classes.
The Kentwood Ice Arena featuring warming stands, community room, pro shop, concession and locker rooms. East Kentwood is the only public high school in the state to have an ice arena on-campus.
Baseball Sportsplex featuring two baseball fields and a softball field. The outer circumference and woods along the back providing for a maintained cross-country meet circuit. The upper ball fields each have their own multi-level buildings for scoring, dugouts, stands and a general public concessions/restrooms facility.
An off-campus Soccer Sportsplex which is renowned in the state for its artificial turfed field and facilities. The field is still called Pat Patterson as it was before the remodel. It is also in the same location on the campus of one of Kentwood's three middle schools, Crestwood Middle School.
Note: The MITCA is the majority of the Track and Field coaches and Cross Country coaches in the State of Michigan for High and Middle Schools. Each year since 1998 they have hosted meets for a team track and field championship. The teams represented are the regional winners and given the option of attending. Where the MHSAA State Meet only has the best individuals of each region attending, the full team attends for the MITCA meet and competes against other teams.
High school
High school is a term used in parts of the English speaking world to describe institutions which provide all or part of secondary education. The term is often incorporated into the name of such institutions....
located just outside the city of Kentwood, Michigan
Kentwood, Michigan
Kentwood is a city in Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 48,707 at the 2010 census, making it the second most populous suburb of Grand Rapids and the 25th most populous city in Michigan.-History:...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. It is part of the Kentwood Public Schools district, working together with the Crossroads High School, an alternative learning center. The school has achieved Blue Ribbon Exemplary School status, for many years running.
History
East Kentwood High School was built in 1969. Since then it has undergone numerous renovations, including the addition of the West Wing in 1975 and the construction of the Freshman Campus in 1994. Further construction was done in 1983, 1986, and 1994. The 1994 project included a renovation of the fieldhouse and expansion of the West Wing, which involved adding several new science classrooms. In the mid-1980s a south corridor was completed to shelter students crossing each wing. East Kentwood is the only public school in the state of Michigan to have its own ice arena on campus, it is often referred to as the best ice arena in the state as well; East Kentwood also has its own competitive and community swimming poolSwimming pool
A swimming pool, swimming bath, wading pool, or simply a pool, is a container filled with water intended for swimming or water-based recreation. There are many standard sizes; the largest is the Olympic-size swimming pool...
s, and a 1,600-seat Fine Arts Auditorium.
The original Kentwood high school, which is now Crestwood Middle School, opened in 1960. When the new site was built in 1969, the new school was named East Kentwood because there were plans to eventually build a second high school, which would have been known as West Kentwood a few years later. West Kentwood would have built on the same physical campus as East Kentwood. When the first vote for a second high school was turned down in the early 1970s it led to the construction of East Kentwood's first swimming pool as well as what was referred to as the Freshman wing. To this day, talks of building a second high school periodcially resurface but have so far been turned down in favor of the economic advantages of running one large high school. Thus, East Kentwood continues to grow while West Kentwood remains the answer to a trivia question.
Current discussions for future development projects include creating a college-campus like setting with multi-storied buildings specializing in math and science, literature and the arts, and business and apprentice training (health, medical, etc.) programs. Included in the arts building would be a small theatre for dancing/drama productions.
Renovation
Another major project was the expansion of the east wing cafeteria
Cafeteria
A cafeteria is a type of food service location in which there is little or no waiting staff table service, whether a restaurant or within an institution such as a large office building or school; a school dining location is also referred to as a dining hall or canteen...
and renovation of classrooms in that wing. The circle drive that has been a mainstay of the school was removed with a new corridor built to link the west and east wings. The new corridor also puts a large commons area in front of the school with the pools, field house, and auditorium on each side. This hallway added 6 entrances, which is twice as many as before, along with creating two courtyards. Beyond the front of the school work the art department was given a remodel which includes a new art gallery. Along with all of this new carpeting has been placed through the school. Furthermore, a south side road was placed between the school and the practice fields along with a possible storage facility was added between the new south road and the field house. A renovation of the softball
Softball
Softball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of 10 to 14 players. It is a direct descendant of baseball although there are some key differences: softballs are larger than baseballs, and the pitches are thrown underhand rather than overhand...
and baseball
Baseball
Baseball is a bat-and-ball sport played between two teams of nine players each. The aim is to score runs by hitting a thrown ball with a bat and touching a series of four bases arranged at the corners of a ninety-foot diamond...
diamonds was also done then which included new home plate structures, scoreboard
Scoreboard
A scoreboard is a large board for publicly displaying the score in a game or match. Most levels of sport from high school and above use at least one scoreboard for keeping score, measuring time, and displaying statistics. Scoreboards in the past used a mechanical clock and numeral cards to...
s, and permanent bleacher
Bleacher
Bleachers is an American term used to describe the raised, tiered rows of seats found at sports fields or at other spectator events...
s.
In the summer of 2011, the library is being renovated as well as the weightroom, which is being completely remodeled.
Diversity
Within the student body, 47.12% of students are Caucasian, 29.34% African American, 8.44% Hispanic, 9.82% Asian American, 0.57% Native American and 1.34% Multi-racial. 92% of Kentwood Public Schools parents, 96% of staff, and 85% of students believe it is important to attend a school in a culturally diverse community, such as Kentwood.
Security
Private security officers patrol the halls, and classes are dismissed on a staggered basis during lunches to prevent the overcrowding of the halls. Starting in January 2007, students and teachers were required to wear lanyardLanyard
A lanyard is a rope or cord exclusively worn around the neck or wrist to carry something. Usually it is used where there is a risk of losing the object or to ensure it is visible at all times. Aboard a ship, it may refer to a piece of rigging used to secure objects...
s with IDs
Identity document
An identity document is any document which may be used to verify aspects of a person's personal identity. If issued in the form of a small, mostly standard-sized card, it is usually called an identity card...
to provide better security throughout the campus. Lanyards are different colors based on which building the student mostly uses. The Freshman Campus students are required to wear a white lanyard, the High School students wear a red lanyard, and all teachers wear black lanyards. A strict security policy was instated along with the lanyards requiring students who forget their lanyard to attend detention on their second offense, Saturday school on their third offense, and suspension for subsequent offenses. Such a demanding policy has been a source of controversy over the past few years and is often seen as unnecessary by students and faculty alike.
Curriculum
East Kentwood offers 16 Advanced Placement courses; more than any other school district in the area. Those courses include AP Biology, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP English language, AP US Government and Politics, AP Latin, AP Psychology, AP Physics, AP Spanish Language, AP Spanish Literature, AP Statistics, and AP U.S. History, AP English Literature, AP Studio Art.Regardless of AP classes, students need 28.0 credits to graduate. This begins on day one with every trimester worth of a class contributing to this goal. Class requirements are as follows for 2001-2013:
4 credits of English and Math
3 credits of science
3 credits of social studies
.5 credits activity based PE
1 credit visual or performing applied arts course.
The AP Government class offers students the opportunity to compete in We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution
We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution, sponsored by the Center for Civic Education, is a yearly competition for American high school students held in Washington D.C. The competition is styled as a congressional hearing. Each team is divided up into six units, each composed of three or...
, a program in which teams of students debate issues related to the United States Constitution
United States Constitution
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It is the framework for the organization of the United States government and for the relationship of the federal government with the states, citizens, and all people within the United States.The first three...
by delivering prepared statements on constitutional issues and citing case law
Case law
In law, case law is the set of reported judicial decisions of selected appellate courts and other courts of first instance which make new interpretations of the law and, therefore, can be cited as precedents in a process known as stare decisis...
and Common law
Common law
Common law is law developed by judges through decisions of courts and similar tribunals rather than through legislative statutes or executive branch action...
to support their assertions. The EK team has won several state competitions in Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
as well as placing in the top 10 in the country several times.
In addition, EK offers a four year debate curriculum. EK debaters have won numerous state titles, tournament championships, and speaker awards. EK competes throughout the country and at all levels (novice, junior varsity, and varsity).
The Model UN curriculum at East Kentwood High School has been offered both as a class and as an after school program. As a part of EK's model UN team, students take on the role of a United Nations member in proposing and debating resolutions at Mid American Model United Nations (MAMUN) competitions. In 2009, the team took home the prestigious "Best Prepared School" award from their competition in Kalamazoo, Michigan. East Kentwood students have also won a number of individual awards.
Performance overview of the school system
Students exposed to a variety of coursework through requirements in life skillsLife skills
Life skills are problem solving behaviors used appropriately and responsibly in the management of personal affairs. They are a set of human skills acquired via teaching or direct experience that are used to handle problems and questions commonly encountered in daily human life...
, science, math, English, and technology. Unique classes, such as aviation technology; A+ Certification; computer networking, programming, operating systems certification; computerized accounting; a young entrepreneurs club providing real-world experience and application. Additionally, East Kentwood offers a newly built art gallery focusing on a dozen art classes from drawing to sculpturing, painting to ceramics, jewelry making to computerized graphics, photography and film development/editing, and even air-brushing under hooded workstations.
The recent Michigan graduation requirements passed by Lansing will require an updated class requirements for the 2011 class and then additional requirement for the 2016 class, although it appears they may be moving towards those goals sooner. From the 05-06 course catalog little change in requirements has occurred. English went from 3.5 years to 3 years, Math, History, Government, Economics (Social Science), and Science are still 2 years, Humanities (Art, Foreign Language, World History, Vocal and Instrumental Music, Acting, Public Speaking) and Life Skills (Business, Technology, and Life Management) are still 1 year. Physical Education, however, went from 2 years to just 1 year. Elective amounts have gone up and down as the school went from a straight 6 hours back in 1999, to the block scheduling in 2005. In 2006, the school went to trimester scheduling, allowing students to pursue electives from astronomy to wild animal care and biology, electronics and metal shop to personal finance and do-it-yourself home care and fix-it projects (plumbing, electricity, etc.), to meal-preparation for young single adults and young children nutrition and baby care.
Extra-curricular activities
EKHS has one of Michigan's largest high school marching bandMarching band
Marching band is a physical activity in which a group of instrumental musicians generally perform outdoors and incorporate some type of marching with their musical performance. Instrumentation typically includes brass, woodwinds, and percussion instruments...
s and is under the direction of James Ross and James Sawyer. The band is composed of the usual marching instruments, which are trombones, trumpets, mellophones, baritones, tubas, clarinets, flutes, all kinds of saxophones, and marching percussion. The marching band meets for a week in the summer for band camp where they learn the half time show they will be performing for that season. They have regular Monday night rehearsals during the school year that last from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and are mandatory. The band runs on student leadership which is the role of the drum majors and section leaders. Both of these roles are audition based and require training before the season starts. Section leaders help run the section by teaching how each section works in the band and also helps keep rehearsals running smoothly. Drum majors are student conductors who not only help conduct the band but teach good marching fundamentals. The band has been a long standing tradition at East Kentwood High School and in 2004, had the largest high school marching band in the state, with over 350 members.
EK has one of the top jazz programs in the state, frequently posting top results in area and state jazz competitions. In addition, Kentwood has a Summer Stock
Summer Stock
For the article about the theatre genre, see Summer stock theatre.Summer Stock is a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer musical made in 1950. The film was directed by Charles Walters and stars Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Eddie Bracken, Gloria DeHaven, Marjorie Main, and Phil Silvers...
Theatre Program that involves children in grades kindergarten to 12. 147 students were represented in the most recent production. East Kentwood also offers a policy debate
Policy debate
Policy debate is a form of speech competition in which teams of two advocate for and against a resolution that typically calls for policy change by the United States federal government or security discourse...
program that has done well at numerous state and national competitions.
EK also has some of the best choirs in Michigan. Kentwood Public Schools introduces students to formal vocal music groups beginning in the 6th grade. Each of Kentwood's three middle schools offer choir programs in grades six, seven and eight. After leaving middle school, our vocal music students have opportunities to perform in numerous groups as they progress in their high school years. Those groups are: Varsity Voices, Madrigal Singers, Women's Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, 9th Grade Mens, and 9th Grade Women's Choir. High School music classes have been show-cased at the state music conference 10 times since 1993. The Varsity Voices have gone to the Michigan Youth Arts Festival twice, in the years 2010 and 2011, as one of the top 12 choirs in the state. The High School curriculum includes 7 choirs, 5 bands, and 2 orchestras that have received superior ratings at festivals for over 30 years.
EK has an amazing theater program. In the 2010-2011 school year, they presented the musical "Hairspray," being the second school in the nation to present this show. Each year there are multiple opportunities for students to participate, including the Freshman play, the fall play for 10-12, Children's Performance Troupe, and the spring musical.
The dual enrollment program allows students to augment their curriculum by taking classes through local colleges and universities. In 2006, in partnership with Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University
Grand Valley State University is a public liberal arts university located in Allendale, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1960, and its main campus is situated on approximately west of Grand Rapids...
, an introduction to nursing course has been brought on campus.
Clubs
East Kentwood offers these clubs: Book Club, ChessChess
Chess is a two-player board game played on a chessboard, a square-checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an eight-by-eight grid. It is one of the world's most popular games, played by millions of people worldwide at home, in clubs, online, by correspondence, and in tournaments.Each player...
and Board Games Club, DECA Club, Drama Club, FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America), Forensics Club, G.S.A (Gay Straight Alliance), Graphics Design Club, Latin Club, Michigan Junior Classic League, Multicultural Art Club, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society
National Honor Society
The National Honor Society is a recognition program for high school students in grades 10-12 in the United States and in several other countries...
, Photography Events Club, Shakespeare Club, Ski Club, Strive Club, Swing Dance Club, World Languages Club, Teen Institute, Y.E.A. (Young Entrepreneur Association), Young Democrats, Young Republicans, Model United Nations
Model United Nations
Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda....
, Newspaper, Yearbook, Debate, and Mock Trial.
In addition to the standard clubs East Kentwood offers, students can create their own club that is funded by the school.
Competition Teams
School colors are red and black and school mascot is the falconFalcon
A falcon is any species of raptor in the genus Falco. The genus contains 37 species, widely distributed throughout Europe, Asia, and North America....
. East Kentwood High School competes in the Ottawa-Kent Conference
Ottawa-Kent Conference
The Ottawa-Kent Conference is an athletic league located in West Michigan. It has member schools from Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties. It has 51 member schools that partake in athletics. According to the MHSAA they have the main offices located at Grandville...
Red Division. In the 2009-2010 school year, the AP Government class won the state Championship in the "We the People" state competition, and went to the National competition in Washington D.C. where the team placed in the top 10 in the country. The athletic teams have routinely won Conference titles and most sports have been in the MHSAA Playoffs.
EK also has a competitive policy debate program which has secured numerous awards.
Model UN and Mock Trial are a few other competitive academic programs offered.
Athletic Teams & Facilities
Girls' SportsWomen's Competitive Cheer,
Women's Golf,
Women's Dance,
Women's Gymnastics,
Women's Sideline Cheer,
Women's Softball,
Women's Volleyball,
Boys' Sports
Men's Baseball,
Men's Football,
Men's Ice Hockey,
Men's Wrestling,
Coed Sports
Men's & Women's Basketball,
Men's & Women's Bowling,
Men's & Women's Cross Country,
Men's & Women's Soccer,
Men's & Women's Swimming & Diving,
Men's & Women's Tennis,
Men's & Women's Track & Field,
Men's & Women's Water Polo,
Equestrian
Athletic Facilities
Main Fieldhouse Gym incorporating 4 full-size basketball courts, a large balcony training area, a wrestling center, and a West-Wing wood-floor gym for girl's volleyball practices. The main fieldhouse will seat 3500 fans. Moreover, the fieldhouse integrates a number of athletic events throughout the school year to accommodate as many sporting events as is possible.Girl's Gymnastics Athletic Training Center used for girl's aerobic and fitness training. Additionally used for extra-curricular classes for elementary and middle school ages.
The Falcon Stadium is an artificial turfed arena seating 10,000 spectators with separate in-stadium facilities for the public and for visiting teams. It doubles up in the springtime as a state-sponsored track-and-field site.
An Aquatics Center featuring a 38 meter pool with movable bulkhead, 2-1 meter and 2-3 meter diving platforms, balcony and side conference rooms and separate locker/shower facilities. A 25 meter, 83 degree community pool with separate locker/shower facilities and community classes. A shallow pool for small children, and two racquetball courts. Programs offered include year round swim lessons and fitness classes.
The Kentwood Ice Arena featuring warming stands, community room, pro shop, concession and locker rooms. East Kentwood is the only public high school in the state to have an ice arena on-campus.
Baseball Sportsplex featuring two baseball fields and a softball field. The outer circumference and woods along the back providing for a maintained cross-country meet circuit. The upper ball fields each have their own multi-level buildings for scoring, dugouts, stands and a general public concessions/restrooms facility.
An off-campus Soccer Sportsplex which is renowned in the state for its artificial turfed field and facilities. The field is still called Pat Patterson as it was before the remodel. It is also in the same location on the campus of one of Kentwood's three middle schools, Crestwood Middle School.
Championships
The following teams have won their respective Michigan state titles:- Soccer (boys): 2010
- Track & Field (boys): 2010 (MITCA), 2009 (MITCA), 2008 (MITCA), 2007 (MITCA), 2006 (MITCA)
Note: The MITCA is the majority of the Track and Field coaches and Cross Country coaches in the State of Michigan for High and Middle Schools. Each year since 1998 they have hosted meets for a team track and field championship. The teams represented are the regional winners and given the option of attending. Where the MHSAA State Meet only has the best individuals of each region attending, the full team attends for the MITCA meet and competes against other teams.
Notable alumni
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