Muskogee High School
Encyclopedia
Muskogee High School is a four-year comprehensive
public high school
in Muskogee, Oklahoma
. MHS has a steady enrollment of 1,700 students. It is accredited by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association
. The school year consists of two 18-week semesters with a 7 class flexible schedule, consisting of 55 minute periods.
Muskogee High School is part of the Muskogee Independent School District No. 20 of Muskogee County, Oklahoma
, more commonly known as Muskogee Public Schools
(MPS). MHS telephone number: 918-684-3750.
The modern history of high school education for students in Muskogee, Oklahoma started with the birth of Muskogee High School in 1970, but the roots for the education of the young adults of this community can be traced back to before statehood.
Muskogee High School came into existence on August 19, 1970, when Central High and Manual Training High were integrated by the Muskogee Board of Education. The two previous high schools were established several years before statehood. When the first Board of Education was established in 1898, one of its initial duties was to create public schools for students of different races to replace the church schools that had missionaries as teachers. Thus creating Central High School and Manual Training High School.
Central High School’s first graduating class was in 1908. In 1909, Central High became the first school in the state to be accredited by the North Central Association.
The legend of Manual Training High School goes back 61 years prior to integration. The construction of Manual Training High started in 1909. The first class occupied the building at the corner of Altamont and Girard Streets before its completion in 1910. The first graduating class was in 1912.
The last graduating classes from both Central and Manual were in May 1970. The following fall, all high school students integrated to what we now know today as Muskogee High School. This integration in 1970 marked the end of two historical institutions but also spawned a single school to carry on the best of both traditions.
In 1925 the Central football team won another state championship and the squad was tagged with the nickname “Roughers” because many of the players performed without helmets, due to lack of funding, and for their rough play. The current Rougher mascot is a roughneck with a bulldog face symbolizing the Oklahoma oil days and the Manual High bulldog mascot. This mascot we see today was created by MHS students in the mid-1970s. Both the mascot and the term “Roughers” are copyrighted and can never be used by any other institution.
Because of the rich history and tradition, the Muskogee High School Roughers have become an icon to the Muskogee community.
In order to graduate from MHS, a student must complete:
State Championships: 1910 - 1914 - 1919 - 1920 - 1923 - 1925 - 1935 - 1940 - 1947 - 1948 -1949 1950 - 1951 - 1986.
Break right through the line.
Throw the ball, and get that first down.
Touchdowns sure are fine! Fine, Fine fine!
On! Muskogee. On! Muskogee
Fight for Rougher fame.
Fight Roughers, fight! fight! fight!
To win this game.
Hey!
The book, Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign 1941-1945 was published in November 2006. It was written by Evan Thomas, editor of Newsweek. The book details Muskogee graduate, Commander Ernest Evans, in one of the last great battles of the Pacific Theater in 1944. Mr. Thomas visited the library media center at Muskogee High School as part of his research for this book.
Comprehensive school
A comprehensive school is a state school that does not select its intake on the basis of academic achievement or aptitude. This is in contrast to the selective school system, where admission is restricted on the basis of a selection criteria. The term is commonly used in relation to the United...
public high school
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....
in Muskogee, Oklahoma
Muskogee, Oklahoma
Muskogee is a city in Muskogee County, Oklahoma, United States. It is the county seat of Muskogee County, and home to Bacone College. The population was 38,310 at the 2000 census, making it the eleventh-largest city in Oklahoma....
. MHS has a steady enrollment of 1,700 students. It is accredited by the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association
Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association
The Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association , is an organization which organizes secondary school activities at the state level, such as sports, speech tournaments, and music competitions. Derald Glover is its president. The OSSAA is a member of the National Federation of State High School...
. The school year consists of two 18-week semesters with a 7 class flexible schedule, consisting of 55 minute periods.
Muskogee High School is part of the Muskogee Independent School District No. 20 of Muskogee County, Oklahoma
Muskogee County, Oklahoma
Muskogee County is a county located in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. As of 2010, the population was 70,990. Its county seat is Muskogee.-Government:...
, more commonly known as Muskogee Public Schools
Muskogee Public Schools
The Muskogee Public School district is a the primary public school district in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Their mascot is the Rougher. The district is governed by a five member Muskogee Board of Education, with members being elected to serve staggered five year terms...
(MPS). MHS telephone number: 918-684-3750.
Administration
| Office | Officer holder |
|---|---|
| Principal | Dewayne Pemberton |
| 12th Grade Assistant Principal | Sonja Humphrey |
| 11th Grade Assistant Principal | Kevin Carey |
| 10th Grade Assistant Principal | Coach Terry Scott |
| 9th Grade Assistant Principal | Brian Doerner |
| 12th Grade Counselor | Montie Montgomery |
| 11th Grade Counselor | Anita Benson |
| 10th Grade Counselor | Beverly Harmon |
| 9th Grade Counselor | Micki Akard |
School history
Muskogee High School came into existence on August 19, 1970, when Central High and Manual Training High were integrated by the Muskogee Board of Education. The two previous high schools were established several years before statehood. When the first Board of Education was established in 1898, one of its initial duties was to create public schools for students of different races to replace the church schools that had missionaries as teachers. Thus creating Central High School and Manual Training High School.
Central High School’s first graduating class was in 1908. In 1909, Central High became the first school in the state to be accredited by the North Central Association.
The legend of Manual Training High School goes back 61 years prior to integration. The construction of Manual Training High started in 1909. The first class occupied the building at the corner of Altamont and Girard Streets before its completion in 1910. The first graduating class was in 1912.
The last graduating classes from both Central and Manual were in May 1970. The following fall, all high school students integrated to what we now know today as Muskogee High School. This integration in 1970 marked the end of two historical institutions but also spawned a single school to carry on the best of both traditions.
In 1925 the Central football team won another state championship and the squad was tagged with the nickname “Roughers” because many of the players performed without helmets, due to lack of funding, and for their rough play. The current Rougher mascot is a roughneck with a bulldog face symbolizing the Oklahoma oil days and the Manual High bulldog mascot. This mascot we see today was created by MHS students in the mid-1970s. Both the mascot and the term “Roughers” are copyrighted and can never be used by any other institution.
Because of the rich history and tradition, the Muskogee High School Roughers have become an icon to the Muskogee community.
Academics
Muskogee High School offers a wide-range of academic courses.In order to graduate from MHS, a student must complete:
| Office | Officer holder |
|---|---|
| 4 Language Arts credits | 1 Grammar and Composition, and 3 of the following: American Literature, English Literature, World Literature, Advanced English |
| 3 Mathematics credits | 1 Algebra I, and 2 of the following: Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre Calculus, Calculus, and Statistics |
| 3 Science credits | 1 Biology I, and 2 of the following: Chemistry I, Physics, Biology II, Chemistry II, Physical Science, Earth Science, Forensics, Botany, Zoology, Physiology, Astronomy, Applied Physics, Principles of Technology, and qualified agricultural education courses (including but not limited to Horticulture, Plant and Soil Science, Natural Resources and Environmental Science, and Animal Science) |
| 3 Social Studies credits | 1 United States History, 1/2 or 1 United States Government, 1/2 Oklahoma History, and 1/2 to 1 of the following: World History, Geography, Economics, and Anthropology |
| 2 Fine Arts credits | 2 courses of the following: Art, Humanities, Speech and Drama, Video Production, Creative Writing, Native American History, African American History, Modern European History, Ancient Medieval History, Choir, Band, Housing and Interior Design |
| 8 elective credits | All courses at MHS |
Advanced Placement Program
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program provides college-level coures to MHS student through AP courses. Through AP Exams, students have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation's colleges and universities.Concurrent Enrollment
Juniors and seniors of exceptional ability are provided with the opportunity to gain college credit while completing their high school education. School counselors must verify that prerequisites are met and that enrollment in the college course has been completed, including payment for the course(s), prior to concurrent enrollment being changed on a student's schedule.Special Education Department
Muskogee High School provides comprehensive services to qualifying students.Technology and Business Department
Through different programs at MHS students are allowed to incorporate work experience into their academic plans. The DECA program allows students to attends MHS half the day and maintain a job the other half. Students interested in technical and career-specific skills to prepare for such careers as automotive, child care, computers, construction, cosmetology, industrial technology, health care, and landscape may enroll in programs at the Muskogee Indian Capital Technology Center, affiliated with the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education.Football
The Muskogee High School Roughers football team has become more and more successful in recent years. Now guided by New Head Coach Josh Blankenship, the Roughers hope to finish better than the 2010 regular season that fell below 500, but with new guidance they look forward to 2011. They excited about the leadership and knowledge the youthful coach Blankenship will brings to the field.State Championships: 1910 - 1914 - 1919 - 1920 - 1923 - 1925 - 1935 - 1940 - 1947 - 1948 -1949 1950 - 1951 - 1986.
Student Clubs and Organizations
- Air Force JROTC
- African-American Heritage Club
- Art Club
- Asian Club
- Business Professionals of AmericaBusiness Professionals of AmericaBusiness Professionals of America is a career and technical student organization that is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. BPA aims to develop leadership, academic, and technological skills in the workplace among students and leaders within the community...
- Muskogee Schools of Character Initiative
- Chess Club
- Choir
- DECADECA (organization)DECA, also known as Collegiate DECA on the college level) is an international association of students and teachers of marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality, and marketing sales and service . DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing,...
- Ecology Club
- Family, Career, and Community Leaders of AmericaFamily, Career, and Community Leaders of AmericaFamily, Career and Community Leaders of America , formerly known as Future Homemakers of America , is a nonprofit U.S. career and technical student organization for young men and women in family and consumer science education in public and private schools through grade 12 across the United States...
(FCCLA) - Future Farmers of America (FFA)
- Film Society
- French Club
- Future Educators of America
- History Buffs
- Junior Classical League
- Math Club
- 21st Century After School Program
- National Honor SocietyNational Honor SocietyThe National Honor Society is a recognition program for high school students in grades 10-12 in the United States and in several other countries...
- National Forensic LeagueNational Forensic LeagueThe National Forensic League is a non-partisan, non-profit educational honor society established to encourage and motivate American high school students to participate in and become proficient in the forensic arts: debate, public speaking and interpretation. NFL is the America's oldest and largest...
- Oklahoma Honor Society
- Pride of Muskogee (MHS marching band)
- Roughers Against Illegal Drugs (RAID)
- Revolution Color Guard / Winterguard
- Science Club
- Skills USA - VICASkillsUSASkillsUSA is a United States career and technical student organization serving more than 320,000 high school and college students and professional members enrolled in training programs in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations. Since 2010, SkillsUSA has had Thomas...
- Speech Club
- Muskogee High School Student Council
- Students Against Drunk Driving
- Students Working Against TobaccoStudents Working Against TobaccoStudents Working Against Tobacco or SWAT is the shared name of independent groups across the United States who work to educate and unite students against the alleged manipulation and targeting of youth by tobacco companies. Each division of SWAT is managed independently from state-to-state.The...
(SWAT) - Teens for ChristTeens for ChristTeens for Christ is a non-profit organization whose aim is that of "turning teenagers into fully committed followers of Jesus Christ". To reach young people who do not attend church, weekly meetings are held during the school year in various locations throughout local communities...
- The Chieftain (MHS yearbook)
- The Scout (MHS newspaper)
- Young Democrats
- Young Republicans
- Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC)
- All School Musical
- Academic Pursuit Team
- Fellowship of Christian AthletesFellowship of Christian AthletesThe Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a non-profit interdenominational Christian organization founded in 1954 and that has been based in Kansas City, Missouri since 1956. It falls within the tradition of Muscular Christianity. Although established by evangelical Protestants, the concept has...
(FCA) - Nutrition Advisory Council
Notable alumni
- John Tyler HammonsJohn Tyler HammonsJohn Tyler Hammons is the 47th and current Mayor of Muskogee, a city of about 40,000 people in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. He was elected on May 13, 2008, as a 19-year old freshman at the University of Oklahoma, after winning 70% of the vote in a runoff election against 70-year-old, three-time...
- current mayor of Muskogee - George FaughtGeorge FaughtGeorge Faught is an American businessman and Republican politician from Oklahoma. Faught is the current Representative for District 14 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. House District 14 encompasses Muskogee, Fort Gibson, Braggs, Hulbert, and outlying areas...
- current State RepresentativeOklahoma House of RepresentativesThe Oklahoma House of Representatives is the lower house of the Oklahoma Legislature, the legislative body of the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Its members are responsible for introducing and voting on bills and resolutions, providing legislative oversight for state agencies, and helping to craft the...
for Muskogee - Drew EdmondsonDrew EdmondsonWilliam Andrew "Drew" Edmondson , is an American lawyer and politician from Oklahoma. A member of the Democratic Party, Edmondson served as the 16th Attorney General of Oklahoma from 1995 to 2011...
- current Attorney General of OklahomaAttorney General of OklahomaThe Attorney General of Oklahoma is the State Attorney General for the state of Oklahoma. The Attorney General serves as the chief legal and law enforcement officer of the State of Oklahoma. The Attorney General is responsible for providing legal advise to the various agencies and departments of... - Ed EdmondsonEd Edmondson (U.S. politician)Edmond "Ed" Augustus Edmondson was a U.S. politician from Oklahoma.-Early life:He was born and raised in Muskogee, Oklahoma, where he attended public school before going on to attend Muskogee Junior College. Upon graduation from the University of Oklahoma in 1940, he joined the Federal Bureau of...
- former Congressman for Oklahoma's 2nd District - James E. EdmondsonJames E. EdmondsonJames E. Edmondson , is currently the Chief Justice on the Oklahoma Supreme Court. He was elected to this position by the other eight members of the Supreme Court in 2009 after he was appointed to the Court's District 7 seat by Governor Brad Henry in 2003.James Edmondson was born in Kansas City,...
- current Oklahoma Supreme CourtOklahoma Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court of Oklahoma is one of the two highest judicial bodies in the U.S. state of Oklahoma and leads the Oklahoma Court System, the judicial branch of the government of Oklahoma....
justice - J. Howard EdmondsonJ. Howard EdmondsonJames Howard Edmondson was the 16th Governor of Oklahoma from 1959 to 1963. Elected at the age of 33, Edmondson is the youngest governor in the history of the state.- Biography :...
- former Oklahoma GovernorGovernor of OklahomaThe governor of the state of Oklahoma is the head of state for the state of Oklahoma, United States. Under the Oklahoma Constitution, the governor is also the head of government, serving as the chief executive of the Oklahoma executive branch, of the government of Oklahoma...
and Senator - Mike SynarMike SynarMichael Lynn "Mike" Synar was an American Democratic politician who represented Oklahoma's 2nd congressional district in Congress for eight terms.-Early life and career:...
- former Oklahoma Congress from Oklahoma's 2nd District - Ernest E. EvansErnest E. EvansErnest Edwin Evans was an officer of the United States Navy who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in World War II.-Biography:...
- Commander, United States Navy. Died in combat 1944. - Jack JacobsJack Jacobs"Indian" Jack Jacobs was an American and Canadian football player in the National Football League and Western Interprovincial Football Union. He was a charter member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1963....
- former Canadian Football LeagueCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football....
quarterbackQuarterbackQuarterback is a position in American and Canadian football. Quarterbacks are members of the offensive team and line up directly behind the offensive line...
and one of the original inductees to the Canadian Football Hall of FameCanadian Football Hall of FameThe Canadian Football Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit corporation, located in Hamilton, Ontario, that celebrates great achievements in Canadian football. It is an open to the public institution. It includes displays about the Canadian Football League, Canadian university football and Canadian...
. - Glen D. Johnson, Jr.Glen D. Johnson, Jr.Glen D. Johnson Jr. is the 8th and current Chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education, a state system comprising 25 state colleges and universities, 10 constituent agencies, one higher education center and independent colleges and universities coordinated with the state...
- current Chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher EducationOklahoma State System of Higher EducationThe Oklahoma State System of Higher Education is the state’s legal structure for providing public education at the collegiate level. It is a coordinated system of colleges and universities located throughout the state.-State System Overview:... - Robert ReedRobert ReedRobert Reed was a prolific American character actor of stage, film and television. In his first big break, he played Kenneth Preston on the popular 1960s TV legal drama, The Defenders, alongside E. G. Marshall. But he was best remembered for portraying the father, Mike Brady, on the popular...
- actor.
Fight song
On! Muskogee. On! MuskogeeBreak right through the line.
Throw the ball, and get that first down.
Touchdowns sure are fine! Fine, Fine fine!
On! Muskogee. On! Muskogee
Fight for Rougher fame.
Fight Roughers, fight! fight! fight!
To win this game.
Hey!
The book, Sea of Thunder: Four Commanders and the Last Great Naval Campaign 1941-1945 was published in November 2006. It was written by Evan Thomas, editor of Newsweek. The book details Muskogee graduate, Commander Ernest Evans, in one of the last great battles of the Pacific Theater in 1944. Mr. Thomas visited the library media center at Muskogee High School as part of his research for this book.