Brookwood High School (Snellville, Georgia)
Encyclopedia
Brookwood High School is an American
public secondary school
in Snellville, Georgia
with a student body of over 3,500. Brookwood serves several areas of Gwinnett County, Georgia
, including Lawrenceville
and Lilburn
.
and Parkview High School
. A committee of educators from Gwinnett County met to create and discuss specifications for the facility. The school officially opened in 1981 under principal Emmett Lawson.
The school derived its name from its location on the intersection of Holly Brook Road and Dogwood Road. A committee of three students selected the school mascot and the colors of maroon and gold, which were based upon the colors of Florida State University. The Brookwood school song and fight song were selected by Brookwood's first band director, the late Stewart Hughes. Both songs were based upon the songs from Tucker High School. The original school mascot had a horseshoe around the bronco, which was later removed. The original mascot was a realistic drawing of an entire bronco, but the current logo uses only a bronco's head.
Since opening, the school has grown greatly. The school first expanded when it added a two-story addition, which opened in 1997. Due to continued growth, the school added another two-story addition, which opened in 2006. A new band/orchestra room was added in 2006.
All but one Brookwood Cluster Schools was recognized by the Governor for outstanding academic achievement in 2010. The high school has a tremendous fine arts department featuring some of the best music, drama, and art programs in the area. Brookwood was recently named one of Atlanta Magazines Best All-Around High Schools for 2010.
that summer.
In 2001 Brookwood finished second at the state One-Act Competition with The Robber Bridegroom
, a production they would return to in 2008 to take third at the regional One-Act Competition. In 2005 Brookwood finished second at the state One-Act Competition with their production of Stephen Sondheim
's Into the Woods
. In 2006, Brookwood placed third at the regional One-Act Competition with Jekyll and Hyde. In 2007, Brookwood finished 3rd at the regional One-Act Competition with Grease
. In 2009 Brookwood finished fourth in the regional One-Act Competition with Thoroughly Modern Millie
. In 2010, Brookwood placed first at the regional One-Act Competition and 4th at the state One-Act Competition with "Godspell
". In February 2011 the same cast went on to perform at the Georgia Thespian Conference. The following year, in 2011, Brookwood once again placed first at the regional One-Act Competition and placed fourth at the state One-Act Competition with another production of Into the Woods
.
stations for MIDI music composition, using mainly the GarageBand
and Reason programs. One station is set up as a mini-recording studio
.
The yearbook
, also student-run, is called Cayuse. A literature club produces a yearly magazine, Pegasus, which is released alongside the yearbook. The magazine features short stories, essays, songs, and poetry written and submitted by current students.
is one of the most successful programs in Georgia. The team has won the 2007–08, the 2008–09, and the 2010-11 Georgia State Championships.
and Five Forks Middle School.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
public secondary school
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
in Snellville, Georgia
Snellville, Georgia
Snellville is a city in Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States, east of Atlanta. The population was 15,351 at the 2000 census. The city's mayor, Jerry Oberholtzer, was elected to a 4-year term in 2007. The city's commercial and residential development has grown enormously in recent years...
with a student body of over 3,500. Brookwood serves several areas of Gwinnett County, Georgia
Gwinnett County, Georgia
, Gwinnett County had a population of 805,321. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 53.3% white , 23.6% black , 2.7% Korean, 2.6% Asian Indian, 2.0% Vietnamese, 3.3% other Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 8.8% some other race and 3.1% from two or more races...
, including Lawrenceville
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Lawrenceville is a city in and the county seat of Gwinnett County, Georgia, in the United States. The Census Bureau estimates the 2008 population at 29,258...
and Lilburn
Lilburn, Georgia
As of 2010 Lilburn had a population of 11,596. The median age was 36.3. The racial and ethnic composition of the population was 52.7% white , 16.4% black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 4.8% Asian Indian, 10.4% other Asian, 12.3% from some other race and 2.8% from two or more races...
.
Layout
The school is separated into various halls, named A through F. 'A' Hall is primarily for senior core classes, chemistry and physics classes, and foreign language studies. 'B' Hall is primarily for electives such as art, engineering, computing, and others. 'C' Hall is primarily special education classes, as well as some biology, chemistry, math, and foreign language courses. 'D' Hall contains the two gyms, locker rooms, and the dance room. 'E' Hall contains the Theatre and almost all sophomore classes, while 'F' hall, commonly known as "Freshman Hall," is designated for ninth graders. There are also over 20 trailer classes outside of the building.History
Planning for Brookwood High School was started in 1977 to lessen the overcrowding of nearby South Gwinnett High SchoolSouth Gwinnett High School
South Gwinnett High School is a public high school in the United States for students in grades 9–12. The school is located in Snellville, Georgia and is part of the Gwinnett County Public Schools system, one of the 15 largest public school systems in the country...
and Parkview High School
Parkview High School (Georgia)
Parkview High School, the "Home of the Panthers," is located in Lilburn, Georgia in Gwinnett County. The current principal is Mr. David T. Smith.-History:During the early 1970s, Gwinnett County, Georgia led the country in growth...
. A committee of educators from Gwinnett County met to create and discuss specifications for the facility. The school officially opened in 1981 under principal Emmett Lawson.
The school derived its name from its location on the intersection of Holly Brook Road and Dogwood Road. A committee of three students selected the school mascot and the colors of maroon and gold, which were based upon the colors of Florida State University. The Brookwood school song and fight song were selected by Brookwood's first band director, the late Stewart Hughes. Both songs were based upon the songs from Tucker High School. The original school mascot had a horseshoe around the bronco, which was later removed. The original mascot was a realistic drawing of an entire bronco, but the current logo uses only a bronco's head.
Since opening, the school has grown greatly. The school first expanded when it added a two-story addition, which opened in 1997. Due to continued growth, the school added another two-story addition, which opened in 2006. A new band/orchestra room was added in 2006.
All but one Brookwood Cluster Schools was recognized by the Governor for outstanding academic achievement in 2010. The high school has a tremendous fine arts department featuring some of the best music, drama, and art programs in the area. Brookwood was recently named one of Atlanta Magazines Best All-Around High Schools for 2010.
Boys
Football (2010 AAAAA State Champs, 1996 AAAA State Champs), hockey, Cross Country (currently ranked #1 in the Southeast; 1989, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998 AAAA State Champs; 2001, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2011 AAAAA State Champs, 2009 Nike Cross Nationals Southeast Regional Champions, 2009 Nike Cross Nationals 18th place finish, 2010 Nike Cross Nationals Southeast Regional Runner-Up, 2010 Nike Cross Nationals 22nd place finish), basketball, wrestling, swimming (2008, 2009, 2010 AAAAA State Champs), soccer (2001, 2004 AAAAA State Champs), tennis (1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000 AAAA State Champs, 2011 AAAAA State Champs), baseball (2008 AAAAA State Champs, 1986 AAAA State Champs,) and track (2010 AAAAA State Champs and runner-up National Champs)Girls
Cross country (1985, 1989, 1990, 1991 AAAA State Champs), cheerleading (football, basketball, and competition), basketball, swimming (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 AAAAA State Champs), soccer (1998 AAAA State Champs; 2003 AAAAA State Champs), tennis (2000 AAAA State Champs), softball (1991 Slow Pitch AAAA State Champs), volleyball, track (1985, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994 AAAA State Champs).Fine arts and clubs
As in its academics and sports, Brookwood High exhibits a variety of activities from dance to theatre, to a renowned band program and full orchestra.Literary and debate
Brookwood was the 1999 AAAA State Literary Champion, and the 2006 AAAAA State Debate Champion.Theatre
In 1998–99 Brookwood finished first at the state One-Act Competition with their production of The 1940s Radio Hour. The same cast went on to perform at the International Thespian Conference in Lincoln, NebraskaLincoln, Nebraska
The City of Lincoln is the capital and the second-most populous city of the US state of Nebraska. Lincoln is also the county seat of Lancaster County and the home of the University of Nebraska. Lincoln's 2010 Census population was 258,379....
that summer.
In 2001 Brookwood finished second at the state One-Act Competition with The Robber Bridegroom
The Robber Bridegroom
For other uses, see The Robber Bridegroom The Robber Bridegroom is a 1942 novella by Eudora Welty.The story, inspired by and loosely based on the Grimm fairy tale The Robber Bridegroom, is a Southern folk tale set in Mississippi. At the opening of the novella, the legendary Mike Fink meets...
, a production they would return to in 2008 to take third at the regional One-Act Competition. In 2005 Brookwood finished second at the state One-Act Competition with their production of Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Sondheim
Stephen Joshua Sondheim is an American composer and lyricist for stage and film. He is the winner of an Academy Award, multiple Tony Awards including the Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre, multiple Grammy Awards, a Pulitzer Prize and the Laurence Olivier Award...
's Into the Woods
Into the Woods
Into the Woods is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. It debuted in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre in 1986, and premiered on Broadway in 1987. Bernadette Peters' performance as the Witch and Joanna Gleason's portrayal of the Baker's Wife brought acclaim...
. In 2006, Brookwood placed third at the regional One-Act Competition with Jekyll and Hyde. In 2007, Brookwood finished 3rd at the regional One-Act Competition with Grease
Grease (musical)
Grease is a 1971 musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. The musical is named for the 1950s United States working-class youth subculture known as the greasers. The musical, set in 1959 at fictional Rydell High School , follows ten working-class teenagers as they navigate the complexities of love,...
. In 2009 Brookwood finished fourth in the regional One-Act Competition with Thoroughly Modern Millie
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Thoroughly Modern Millie is a 1967 American musical film directed by George Roy Hill and starring Julie Andrews. The screenplay by Richard Morris focuses on a naive young woman who finds herself in the midst of a series of madcap adventures when she sets her sights on marrying her wealthy boss.The...
. In 2010, Brookwood placed first at the regional One-Act Competition and 4th at the state One-Act Competition with "Godspell
Godspell
Godspell is a musical by Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak. It opened off Broadway on May 17, 1971, and has played in various touring companies and revivals many times since, including a 2011 revival now playing on Broadway...
". In February 2011 the same cast went on to perform at the Georgia Thespian Conference. The following year, in 2011, Brookwood once again placed first at the regional One-Act Competition and placed fourth at the state One-Act Competition with another production of Into the Woods
Into the Woods
Into the Woods is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. It debuted in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre in 1986, and premiered on Broadway in 1987. Bernadette Peters' performance as the Witch and Joanna Gleason's portrayal of the Baker's Wife brought acclaim...
.
Dance
The Dance Department is composed of several different levels and types of classes, and performs two shows a year, each with a different theme.Music
The school's jazz program has grown to three full bands. There is also a Music Technology program featuring three introductory classes and an advanced class. The classroom boasts 25 iMacIMac
The iMac is a range of all-in-one Macintosh desktop computers built by Apple. It has been the primary part of Apple's consumer desktop offerings since its introduction in 1998, and has evolved through five distinct forms....
stations for MIDI music composition, using mainly the GarageBand
GarageBand
GarageBand is a software application for Mac OS X and iOS that allows users to create music or podcasts. It is developed by Apple Inc. as a part of the iLife software package on Mac OS X.-Audio recording:...
and Reason programs. One station is set up as a mini-recording studio
Recording studio
A recording studio is a facility for sound recording and mixing. Ideally both the recording and monitoring spaces are specially designed by an acoustician to achieve optimum acoustic properties...
.
School publications
The Brookwood High student paper is titled The Sentinel and features school, political, and entertainment articles.The yearbook
Yearbook
A yearbook, also known as an annual, is a book to record, highlight, and commemorate the past year of a school or a book published annually. Virtually all American, Australian and Canadian high schools, most colleges and many elementary and middle schools publish yearbooks...
, also student-run, is called Cayuse. A literature club produces a yearly magazine, Pegasus, which is released alongside the yearbook. The magazine features short stories, essays, songs, and poetry written and submitted by current students.
Science Olympiad
Brookwood High School's Science OlympiadScience Olympiad
Science Olympiad is an American elementary, middle, or high school team competition which tests knowledge of various science topics and engineering ability. Over 6,200 teams from 49 U.S. states compete each year. Most teams compete in three levels of competition: regionals, states, and nationals...
is one of the most successful programs in Georgia. The team has won the 2007–08, the 2008–09, and the 2010-11 Georgia State Championships.
Reader's Rally
Brookwood High School's Reader's Rally was the runner up when competing with Sweetwater Middle and first place of the Gwinnett County schools in 2010.Feeder schools
Brookwood is the high school of the Brookwood cluster, a group of schools which feed into one primary high school for an area in Gwinnett County. The middle schools that feed into Brookwood are Alton C. Crews Middle SchoolAlton C. Crews Middle School
Alton C. Crews Middle School is a middle school in the Brookwood Cluster of Gwinnett County, Georgia. Dr. Vince Botta is the school principal.Founded in 1996, the school is named after Dr. Alton C. Crews , a 13-year former superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools .With student population...
and Five Forks Middle School.
Notable alumni
- Jason BulgerJason BulgerJason Patrick Bulger is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball. Bulger played collegiate baseball at Valdosta State University....
- MLB pitcher - Jason ElamJason ElamJason Elam is a retired American football placekicker. He was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hawaii....
– Retired NFL Place Kicker. Played for the Atlanta FalconsAtlanta FalconsThe Atlanta Falcons are a professional American football team based in Atlanta, Georgia. They are a member of the South Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
and the Denver BroncosDenver BroncosThe Denver Broncos are a professional American football team based in Denver, Colorado. They are currently members of the West Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
; He is tied with Tom DempseyTom DempseyThomas Dempsey is a former American football placekicker in the National Football League for the New Orleans Saints , Philadelphia Eagles , Los Angeles Rams , Houston Oilers and Buffalo Bills . He attended high school at San Dieguito High School and played college football at Palomar College...
for the longest field goal in NFL history (63 yards) - Jennifer FerrinJennifer Ferrin-Early life:Ferrin was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia. She attended Brookwood High where she was the lead in many high school plays and was a member of the choir...
– Daytime Emmy-nominated actress, As the World TurnsAs the World TurnsAs the World Turns is an American television soap opera that aired on CBS from April 2, 1956 to September 17, 2010. Irna Phillips created As the World Turns as a sister show to her other soap opera Guiding Light...
, 2003–06 - Stephon HeyerStephon HeyerStephon Heyer is an American football offensive tackle currently playing for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was originally signed by the Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2007...
– NFL Lineman for Washington RedskinsWashington RedskinsThe Washington Redskins are a professional American football team and members of the East Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The team plays at FedExField in Landover, Maryland, while its headquarters and training facility are at Redskin Park in Ashburn,... - Michael KellyMichael Kelly (American actor)Michael Joseph Kelly is an American actor.-Early life:Kelly was born in Philadelphia and raised in Lawrenceville, Georgia, the son of Maureen and Michael Kelly. He has one brother and two sisters . He graduated from Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia...
– Actor, The SopranosThe SopranosThe Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase that revolves around the New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads...
and The Changeling - Jackson PearceJackson PearceJackson Pearce is an American author. Her debut novel, As You Wish, was published by HarperCollins in 2009.-Personal life and education:Pearce was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia...
– Author of As You Wish, Sisters Red, and Sweetly, and the upcoming Purity and Fathomless. - Amy RobachAmy RobachAmy Joanne Robach is a national correspondent for NBC's Today, as well as the co-anchor of their Saturday edition.-Biography:...
– Anchor of NBCNBCThe National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
's Weekend TodayWeekend TodayWeekend Today is the unofficial title of the weekend editions of Today, an American morning news and talk show which airs daily on NBC.-History:... - Amanda WeirAmanda WeirAmanda Weir is an American swimmer.At the 2004 Summer Olympics, Weir swam the third leg in the US team for the Women's 4×100 m freestyle relay. Leading after her leg of the relay, the US team finished second to the Australians, setting an American Record with their finishing time...
– American Olympic swimmer. Two-time silver medalist in the 2004 Olympic Games. American record holder in the Women's 100m Freestyle - Mansfield WrottoMansfield WrottoMansfield Chell Wrotto, Jr. is an American football guard for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
– NFL Lineman for the Seattle Seahawks - Rennie CurranRennie CurranRennie Curran is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He played college football at the University of Georgia. Curran was considered one of the top weakside linebackers of his class, and has been called "the most dominant defensive player in the game" by The Sporting News...
– College Football Linebacker for the University of GeorgiaUniversity of GeorgiaThe University of Georgia is a public research university located in Athens, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1785, it is the oldest and largest of the state's institutions of higher learning and is one of multiple schools to claim the title of the oldest public university in the United States...
; Drafted by the Tennessee TitansTennessee TitansThe Tennessee Titans are a professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. They are members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Previously known as the Houston Oilers, the team began play in 1960 as a charter...
(3rd Round—97th overall) in the 2010 NFL Draft