North Central High School (Washington)
| North Central High School | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
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1600 N. Howard St. Spokane, Washington United States |
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| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Motto | Yes we can! |
| Established | 1908 (1981) |
| School district | Spokane Public Schools |
| Principal | Steve Fisk |
| Administrators | Wendy Bromley Jessica Everman Marybeth Smith James Ashlock Michael Ranieri |
| Faculty | 148 |
| Grades | 7–12 |
| Number of students | 1,610 |
| Campus | urban |
| School color(s) | Red and black |
| Athletics | 13 Sports (6 of these both boys and girls) |
| Athletics conference | Greater Spokane League |
| Mascot | Indian |
| WIAA Class | 3A |
| Elevation | 1,900 ft (580 m) AMSL |
| Website | NCHS |
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North Central High School is a four-year public high school in Spokane, Washington, part of the Spokane Public Schools. It opened in 1908 as the second high school in the city; the original structure was razed and the new building opened in 1981. Enrollment during the 2006-07 school year was 1,610 in grades 9–12.
Each year Newsweek magazine ranks the top public high schools in the nation when it comes preparing students for college and life. In 2009, NC ranked 692 in the nation. In 2010, 608th in the nation. In 2011, NC ranked 697th in the nation, 10th in the state of Washington, and 1st in Eastern Washington. North Central is home to the 2008 Nike Cross National Champions.
North Central High School opened in September 1908 with only half a wing and 12 classrooms ready for the 200 newly enrolled students. Events in the school's history include the outbreak of scarlet fever that led to every student being checked twice a week by throat specialist, visits by William Jennings Bryan who spoke of the importance of public speaking and Booker T. Washington who spoke of being a slave boy and the founding of a college in Tuskegee, Alabama. Following the fire at South Central High School in June 1910, its students attended North Central until it was rebuilt. The new school on the SCHS site was renamed Lewis and Clark High School and opened in 1912. South Central opened in 1891 and was "Spokane High School" until North Central opened in 1908.
In 1991, NC and its rival school, Shadle Park, began a spirit competition named Groovy Shoes. The first theme NC chose for its Groovy Shoes T-Shirts was "Shadle Park on the Spot" and featured the "Spot" from 7-Up commercials that year. While the two basketball teams battle it out on the court, the more important competition takes place in the stands annually at the Spokane Arena. Using school symbols and colors, art students at each school created a "groovy" looking shoe. The pair of shoes became the Groovy Shoes. Possession of the shoes goes to the winner of the spirit competition. The Indians have without a doubt been the dominant school at Groovy Shoes, winning 13 times compared to Shadle Park's 6 wins. Prior to the actual competition there is a week long build up. Students decorate the school hallways according to the year's theme in a competition between the classes. Students also wear past Groovy Shoes shirts the week before the game. The spirit week accumulates on the day of Groovy Shoes where students can hardly pay attention in class. During the pep con at the end of the day, students learn all of the cheers, meet the characters of the years theme (past themes have included Star Wars, Circus, Alice in Groovyland, Toy Story, Groovy Pop Awards, Magic, Big Red Storm, 007, School of Rock, Pirates of the Caribbean - the curse of the lost shoe, and most recently, Code Red, where North Central won the shoe), and get excited for the game. Following the convocation, students enjoy free pizza before marching over to the Spokane Arena with the streets blocked off and a firetruck escort. After the game, win or lose, students walk back to NC and dance the night away at the school. Groovy Shoes has become one of NC's largest events of the year.
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