Fort Vancouver High School
Encyclopedia
Fort Vancouver High School, known as FVHS, is a public high school located in Vancouver, Washington
. It is named after Fort Vancouver
, an early trading outpost (now restored and located near the banks of the Columbia River, a few miles from where the school is located). The FVHS symbol is the Trapper, in reference to the fur trade
in the early 19th century by such groups as Hudson's Bay Company
voyageurs
.
The Vancouver School District decided to change the name of the school in 1956 when a second high school, Hudson's Bay was built just east of the main downtown area, near Clark College. In the fall of 1970, the campus of Fort Vancouver High School was relocated to its present location in central Vancouver at 5700 E. 18th Street. Less than a decade later, against much public protest, the original classical three-story brick building was torn down, the city government being unable to resist the influence of real-estate interests.
tornado
hit the Portland/Vancouver metro area. The tornado's path changed and did not damage Fort Vancouver High School, however, it destroyed almost all of neighboring elementary school, Peter S. Ogden. Students from Fort Vancouver rushed to the aid of the students and teachers of the elementary school when it collapsed.
Also, at 33 years of age, Jeff Snell is the youngest high school principal in Washington State.
The Legal Magnet founded was founded in 1992. Dr. Christine Gourley championed foundation of the program, and was its director until her 2009 retirement. The Legal Magnet hosts many programs that further students' knowledge of judicial and governmental proceedings. Their Mock Trial program had, for the past 18 years, been the district champion, moving on to the state, and on several occasions, the national level. In the 2011 district competition, they came in second place. The FVHS Legal Magnet is also one of two public high schools in the nation to have a functioning courtroom facility on its campus. The court room is used for actual judicial proceedings from the Washington State Court of Appeals and the Clark County Student Traffic Court.
The Medical Magnet, founded also in 1992, strives to give students an in-depth knowledge of the medical field. Many students who enroll in the program go on to college to pursue degrees in the medical field. The medical magnet leads the students of the FVHS Red Cross Club in organizing blood drives and humanitarian aid projects.
The Culinary Arts Program at FVHS, founded in 1972, is the oldest magnet at FVHS. Students in this program gain a comprehensive knowledge of the hospitality industry as well as the experience of cooking during their class time. Many will intern at the cafes in the VSD headquarters.
The Industrial Arts Magnet provides students with an introduction to the skills necessary for a successful career in the manual trades. Students also gain knowledge of the artistic and practical side of welding and machine technologies.
The ELL program at FVHS is the only one of its kind in the district. Students from diverse backgrounds come together here to learn a common language and culture, to become better acclimated with America. Fort Vancouver has students from all over the world speaking practically every language and it is here in the ELL Magnet that a melting pot of world cultures comes together so that students can learn from one another.
, which allows students to receive both college and high school credits while attending Clark College
. Students may also take advantage of vocational programs offered through Clark College. Additionally, some classes at FVHS offer credit through the WSU-Vancouver campus.
Vancouver, Washington
Vancouver is a city on the north bank of the Columbia River in the U.S. state of Washington. Incorporated in 1857, it is the fourth largest city in the state with a 2010 census population of 161,791 as of April 1, 2010...
. It is named after Fort Vancouver
Fort Vancouver
Fort Vancouver was a 19th century fur trading outpost along the Columbia River that served as the headquarters of the Hudson's Bay Company in the company's Columbia District...
, an early trading outpost (now restored and located near the banks of the Columbia River, a few miles from where the school is located). The FVHS symbol is the Trapper, in reference to the fur trade
Fur trade
The fur trade is a worldwide industry dealing in the acquisition and sale of animal fur. Since the establishment of world market for in the early modern period furs of boreal, polar and cold temperate mammalian animals have been the most valued...
in the early 19th century by such groups as Hudson's Bay Company
Hudson's Bay Company
The Hudson's Bay Company , abbreviated HBC, or "The Bay" is the oldest commercial corporation in North America and one of the oldest in the world. A fur trading business for much of its existence, today Hudson's Bay Company owns and operates retail stores throughout Canada...
voyageurs
Voyageurs
The Voyageurs were the persons who engaged in the transportation of furs by canoe during the fur trade era. Voyageur is a French word which literally translates to "traveler"...
.
History
Originally named Vancouver High School, the institution opened in 1888. Classes were first held in the basement of Central School. During 1905-1913, classes were held in the old Franklin School building, then from 1913-1955 in its own building at 26th and Main Street (what is now the corner of Main Street and Fourth Plain Boulevard). The first graduating class was in June 1891, when 12 students (9 girls and 3 boys) received their diplomas. By 1912, 276 students had received diplomas from the high school, before the permanent Vancouver High School was even opened for the 1912-1913 school year.The Vancouver School District decided to change the name of the school in 1956 when a second high school, Hudson's Bay was built just east of the main downtown area, near Clark College. In the fall of 1970, the campus of Fort Vancouver High School was relocated to its present location in central Vancouver at 5700 E. 18th Street. Less than a decade later, against much public protest, the original classical three-story brick building was torn down, the city government being unable to resist the influence of real-estate interests.
Tornado
On the early afternoon of April 5, 1972, a class 3 Fujita scaleFujita scale
The Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation...
tornado
1972 Portland-Vancouver Tornado
The 1972 Portland–Vancouver Tornado was a destructive tornado that struck on April 5, 1972. The tornado carved a nine mile path of destruction across Oregon and Washington. The tornado left 6 people dead, 301 injured and $3–5 million dollars in damage...
hit the Portland/Vancouver metro area. The tornado's path changed and did not damage Fort Vancouver High School, however, it destroyed almost all of neighboring elementary school, Peter S. Ogden. Students from Fort Vancouver rushed to the aid of the students and teachers of the elementary school when it collapsed.
Current
Fort Vancouver High School has 86 teachers serving a little more than 1500 students. Students at Fort Vancouver have diverse backgrounds and economic status. 16.8% of the students are in Fort Vancouver's ELL (English Language Learning) program and 11.9% are in Special Education. Approximately one-third of Fort Vancouver's students speak a language other than English when at home. Fort Vancouver High School is the only high school in Vancouver School District with an ELL (English Language Learning) program.Also, at 33 years of age, Jeff Snell is the youngest high school principal in Washington State.
Magnets
Fort Vancouver High School is home to several of the Vancouver School District's "magnet" programs. The Legal, Medical, Culinary Arts, Industrial Arts, and ELL magnets draw students to FVHS for specialized education programs.The Legal Magnet founded was founded in 1992. Dr. Christine Gourley championed foundation of the program, and was its director until her 2009 retirement. The Legal Magnet hosts many programs that further students' knowledge of judicial and governmental proceedings. Their Mock Trial program had, for the past 18 years, been the district champion, moving on to the state, and on several occasions, the national level. In the 2011 district competition, they came in second place. The FVHS Legal Magnet is also one of two public high schools in the nation to have a functioning courtroom facility on its campus. The court room is used for actual judicial proceedings from the Washington State Court of Appeals and the Clark County Student Traffic Court.
The Medical Magnet, founded also in 1992, strives to give students an in-depth knowledge of the medical field. Many students who enroll in the program go on to college to pursue degrees in the medical field. The medical magnet leads the students of the FVHS Red Cross Club in organizing blood drives and humanitarian aid projects.
The Culinary Arts Program at FVHS, founded in 1972, is the oldest magnet at FVHS. Students in this program gain a comprehensive knowledge of the hospitality industry as well as the experience of cooking during their class time. Many will intern at the cafes in the VSD headquarters.
The Industrial Arts Magnet provides students with an introduction to the skills necessary for a successful career in the manual trades. Students also gain knowledge of the artistic and practical side of welding and machine technologies.
The ELL program at FVHS is the only one of its kind in the district. Students from diverse backgrounds come together here to learn a common language and culture, to become better acclimated with America. Fort Vancouver has students from all over the world speaking practically every language and it is here in the ELL Magnet that a melting pot of world cultures comes together so that students can learn from one another.
Other Programs
Students at Fort Vancouver High School can also be involved in Running StartRunning Start
The Running Start program in Washington state allows high school juniors and seniors to attend college courses numbered 100 or above, tuition-free, while completing high school. It is similar to dual enrollment programs common at public and private colleges and universities in other states...
, which allows students to receive both college and high school credits while attending Clark College
Clark College (Washington)
Clark College is a community college located in Vancouver, Washington.The college, which celebrated its 75th anniversary on October 1, 2008, was founded as a private, two-year, junior college in 1933...
. Students may also take advantage of vocational programs offered through Clark College. Additionally, some classes at FVHS offer credit through the WSU-Vancouver campus.
Notable alumni
- Travis ClaridgeTravis ClaridgeTravis Claridge was an American football offensive lineman in the National Football League. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he played for the Atlanta Falcons between 2000 and 2003 and for the Carolina Panthers in 2004....
- NFL, 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... - Steve DilsSteve DilsStephen Whitfield "Steve" Dils is a retired American football quarterback who played 10 seasons in the National Football League.-College career:...
- 1974, NFL quarterback - Brian Hunter (outfielder)Brian Hunter (outfielder)Brian Lee Hunter is a former center fielder in Major League Baseball. At 6'3" and around 180 lbs, he was known for stealing over 70 bases in 1997.-Minor league career:Hunter was born on March 5, 1971 in Portland, Oregon...
- MLB, Houston AstrosHouston AstrosThe Houston Astros are a Major League Baseball team located in Houston, Texas. They are a member of the National League Central division. The Astros are expected to join the American League West division in 2013. Since , they have played their home games at Minute Maid Park, known as Enron Field... - Jim MoellerJim MoellerJames C. "Jim" Moeller is an American politician and mental health professional from Washington State and a member of the Washington State House of Representatives representing the 49th Legislative District...
- 1973, Washington State House of Representatives - Craig PridemoreCraig PridemoreCraig A. Pridemore is a Democratic Washington State Senator, representing the 49th district since 2005. He is also a candidate for Washington State Auditor in 2012. He was a candidate for the United States House of Representatives for Washington's 3rd congressional district in the 2010 election to...
- Washington State Senator - Eric Michael ColeEric Michael ColeEric Michael Cole is an American actor, producer and editor.-Early life:Cole was born in Sacramento, California. He grew up in the Pacific Northwest, living in Hillsboro, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington.-Career:...
- 1994, ActorActorAn actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
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