Galena Park High School

Galena Park High School is a secondary school located in Galena Park, Texas, United States and is one of three secondary schools in the Galena Park Independent School District (GPISD).

GPHS serves the city of Galena Park, the portion of Jacinto City south of Market Street, portions of Houston, and portions of unincorporated Harris County.

Origins

The school was originally known as Clinton High School but changed its name to Galena Park High School (GPHS) in 1928 when the town of Clinton, Texas became incorporated as Galena Park, named for the Galena Oil Company. It was assimilated into the Galena Park Independent School District (GPISD) in 1930. In 1970, GPISD closed the doors of Fidelity Manor High School and integrated the African-American population of that school into the ranks of GPHS and it's feeder schools.

Campus

The school moved into its first permanent building in 1929 on the site of the current Galena Park Middle School (GPMS). That building became Galena Park Junior High until it was torn down to build the current GPMS. GPHS moved into its current location at 1000 Keene Street in Galena Park in March 1950. The 1,500-seat auditorium (later named Timmy Turner Auditorium) and the band and choir wings were added in 1953. A new wing on the north side of campus was built in 1956 adding a new gym and more classroom space. A new library was added in 1964 allowing for more classroom space and books. In 1994 a new library, front office, science wing and cafeteria were added during a major facelift of the school. During a 2004 construction the Arthur C. Lilly Center, the Johnny Rountree Fine Arts Center and the new field house at Dement Field were all constructed and the entire school was given a facelift which included new dining areas and renovations in all three gymnasiums.

Principals

Billy Bob Backer was the first principal from 1928 until 1930. Mr. A. T. Johnson served as principal from 1930 until 1933. Mr. Don Slocomb became principal in 1933 and remained until 1952. From 1942-1945 Harold Dement was the acting principal while Mr. Slocomb served in the armed forces during World War II. Mr. John W. Hoke became the longest serving principal of GPHS, serving from 1952 until 1977. In 1977 Mr. Wayne Lucky became the principal and in 1986 the school was again remodeled adding space to the growing school. In 1990 Mr. Bill Burnett became the Principal of GPHS and remained until 1993, when George Banda took over those duties. In 1998, Mr. Arnold Ramirez became the Principal of GPHS and remained until 2000, when he moved into the GPISD administration. In 2000, GPHS ushered in the 21st Century with its first female principal, Mrs. Marsha Masi. Mrs. Masi presided over another school remodeling. During the 2004 construction the Arthur C. Lilly Center, the Johnny Rountree Fine Arts Center and the new field house at Dement Field were all constructed and the entire school was given a facelift which included new dining areas and renovations in all three gymnasiums. Mrs Masi implemented many new and innovative courses for the students of GPHS many of which offered student instruction in the career field of their choice. Students could receive college credit while still in high school. After 7 successful years for Mrs. Masi, Mr. Steven Kinney became principal for the 2007-2008 school year where he remains to the present date.

School Programs

The following programs are offered at GPHS:

Jacket Athletics

BaseballTennisBasketballFootballSwimming

Lady Jacket Athletics

* Basketball
* Bowling
* Cross Country
* Fútbol (Soccer)
* Golf
* Softball
* Swim Team
* Track
* Tennis
* Volleyball

Band

* [http://www.galenaparkisd.com/campuspages/gphs_campus/band.htm The Band of Gold (Marching & Concert Band)]
* The Band of Steel (Steel Pan Band)-No longer active

Choir

*Treble Choir
*Men's Choir
*Concert Choir
*Vocal Ensemble
*Vasity Women's Choir
*Varsity Men's Choir
*Chorale

Career and Technology Programs

* Auto Technology
* BPA Business Professionals
* Cosmetology
* Criminal Justice
* Culinary Arts
* DECA
* Electronics
* FCCLA
* FCCLA / HERO
* HOSA Health Professions
* National FFA Organization
* National Technical Honor Society
* Robotics Team
* TAFE (Future Teachers)
* VICA Vocational/Industrial
* Welding

"The Jacketeers" Dance Team

Clubs

* Academic Decathlon
* Advisory Board
* Air Force JROTC (deactivated-2006)
* Art Club
* Athletic Trainers
* Ballet Folklorico
* Best Buddies
* Cheerleading
* Debate Team
* Drama & Thespian Society
* FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)
* FCA / Youth For Christ
* FFA- Future Farmers of America
* Freestyle Crew (Dance)
* GENTS
* Madamoiselles
* Geography Bee
* Hi-Y & Sweethearts
* Interact
* International Club
* Link Crew
* LULAC
* Mariachi Band
* Math Honor Society
* Mu Alpha Theta
* National Honor Society
* PALs Peer Assistance Leaders
* PRIDE Team
* Quill & Scroll (Honor Society)
* SADD
* Science Club
* Spanish Club
* Student Council
* Texas Future Music Educators
* UIL Academic Teams

Notable alumni

*Howard Twilley (American football player)
*Dr. Shirley J. Neeley (former Texas Commissioner of Education)

External links

* [http://www.galenaparkisd.com/campuspages/gphs_campus/index.htm School website]
* [http://home.ellisor.org-a.googlepages.com:80/home Class of 1964 website]