Tyler High School Explained

Tyler High School
Motto:Proud is our Pride.
Former Name:Tyler High School (1880–1958; original)
John Tyler High School (1958–2020)
Grades:9th–12th
Conference:UIL Class 5A
Principal:Claude Lane
Address:1120 N NW Loop 323
State:Texas 75702
Country:USA
Enrollment:2,097 (2018–19)[1]
Ratio:16.76
Teaching Staff:125.09 (FTE)
Campus Type:Urban
Mascot:Lion
Colors: Blue and White
Yearbook:Alcalde
Homepage:Tyler High School Website

Tyler High School, formerly known as John Tyler High School,[2] is a public, co-educational secondary school in Tyler, Texas. It is part of the Tyler Independent School District and serves 9th through 12th grade.

About

Tyler High School was named after President John Tyler and is a part of Tyler Independent School District, which is located in the northwest section of Tyler, Texas. As of the 2019-20 academic year, the school boasted an enrollment of approximately 2,110 students. Tyler offers academic avenues through the AP program, UIL competitions, and the College and Career Center. Tyler also carries a long history of athletic excellence in sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, and soccer.

Tyler High School shares a long-standing crosstown rivalry in sports with Tyler Legacy High School, formerly Robert E. Lee High School, located in south Tyler. Although both schools are in different classifications, they meet each year in a non-district game.

History

On February 14, 1981, fire destroyed nearly 90 percent of John Tyler High School's campus.[3]

Name changes

The school was named Tyler High School from 1880 until 1958; and in 1958 the name was changed to John Tyler High School, named after the 10th President of the United States. In 2020, the Tyler I. S. D. school board unanimously voted to change the name of the High School from John Tyler High back to Tyler High.[4] [5]

Campus safety

Historically safety has been an issue on campus and around 2009 hall monitors were replaced by uniformed police.[6] In September 23, 2009 a 16 year old student was held after a teacher and music therapist Todd Henry was fatally stabbed in their classroom.[7] [8] In 2022, a student had a gun on campus and was harassing a classmate; that student was taken in to custody and was held at the Smith County Juvenile Attention Center.[9]

Demographics

As of the 2020–2021 school year, the student population consisted of:[10]

Athletics

Tyler High is known for its elite football program. The Tyler Lions have won three state championships: first in 1930 under coach George Foltz, when the school was known as "Tyler High," its original name, then in 1973 under coach Corky Nelson and 1994 under coach Allen Wilson, when the school was known as "John Tyler High."

The 1994 championship season featured the noteworthy 1994 John Tyler vs. Plano East high school football game, which ultimately won ESPN's 1995 Showstopper of the Year ESPY Award. In the regional final against Plano East (played at Texas Stadium), John Tyler had a 41–17 lead with 2:42 remaining. Plano East scored a touchdown, then recovered three consecutive onside kicks and scored touchdowns on each of them to take a 44–41 lead with 24 seconds remaining. However, on the ensuing kickoff, John Tyler returner Roderick Dunn ran for a touchdown to win the game 48–44.[11]

Notable alumni

Notes and References

  1. Web site: JOHN TYLER H S. National Center for Education Statistics. May 13, 2020.
  2. Web site: Fenton . Ben . August 6, 2020 . John Tyler changes their name . 2023-04-06 . . en.
  3. http://www.e-yearbook.com/yearbooks/John_Tyler_High_School_Alcalde_Yearbook/1981/Page_8.html E-yearbook
  4. Web site: Frazier . Stephanie . Holl . Blake . Nuñez . Dante . Bass . Gary . 2020-07-17 . Historic Moment: Tyler ISD board votes 7-0 to change names of John Tyler, Robert E. Lee high schools . 2023-04-06 . KLTV . en.
  5. Web site: Wellerman . Zak . August 6, 2020 . Tyler ISD board picks new names for former Robert E. Lee, John Tyler high schools . 2023-04-06 . Longview News-Journal . en.
  6. Web site: 2009-09-24 . Classes resume at John Tyler High School following fatal teacher stabbing . 2023-04-06 . KTRE . en.
  7. Web site: Martinez . Edecio . September 24, 2009 . John Tyler High School Student Held in Teacher's Death . 2023-04-06 . CBS News . en-US.
  8. Web site: 2009-09-23 . Teacher dies in stabbing at John Tyler HS . 2023-04-06 . KLTV . en.
  9. Web site: August 31, 2022 . Mother claims daughter was threatened by student with gun at Tyler High School . 2023-04-06 . CBS19 . en-US.
  10. Web site: John Tyler High School Profile (2020-21) Tyler, TX . TX Schools . en.
  11. Web site: Play it again. David Thomas. November 28, 2004. Fort Worth Star-Telegram. https://web.archive.org/web/20041212073136/http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/sports/high_school/10288969.htm. December 12, 2004. January 31, 2011.
  12. Web site: Colston . Chase . August 10, 2012 . Ronnie Lee's Career Ignited By Mark Left at John Tyler High School . 2023-04-06 . ETSN.fm . en.
  13. Web site: Hicks . Phil . March 31, 2023 . Tyler football great Ronnie "Bo" Lee passes away . 2023-04-06 . . en.