Grand Rapids Christian High School
Encyclopedia
Grand Rapids Christian High School (GRCHS) is a parentally-controlled, private, Christian secondary school in Grand Rapids, Michigan
. Founded in 1920, "Christian High" is a member of Grand Rapids Christian Schools and Christian Schools International
. The school was first accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
in 1925–26—one of the first six high schools in Kent County to receive that honor. GRCHS is also a member of the Michigan Association of Non-public Schools.
The history of Protestant Christian secondary day school education in Grand Rapids, Michigan dates back to the founding of Calvin College
and Seminary in 1876 and its seven original students. In that year the Christian Reformed Church in North America
(a denomination in the Dutch Calvinist, or Reformed, tradition that had broken off from the Reformed Church in America) adopted a six-year curriculum for ministerial training. The first four of these years were spent in the Literacy Department and the last two in the Theological Department.
In 1894 students who were not pre-theological students were admitted to an expanded curriculum comparable to that of a present-day high school, and thus the school became a preparatory school or academy. In 1900 the curriculum was further broadened and made more attractive to students interested in teaching or in preparing for pre-professional courses in the universities.
By 1906 the Literary Department, which provided the four years of college preparatory and two years of college work, became known officially as John Calvin Junior College. The two-year college in time became the four-year Calvin College, awarding its first Bachelor of Arts degree in 1921. In 1920 the preparatory department stopped admitting new students with the opening of Grand Rapids Christian High School, and 1924 was the last year for college prep students at Calvin College and Seminary.
Grand Rapids Christian High School continued at its Franklin Street, S.E. location until 1964, when in response to demographic trends, the school was divided by the Grand Rapids Christian School Association into two new high schools, Central Christian and East Christian. Central Christian High was established at the previous Grand Rapids Christian High campus on Franklin Street, and a new campus on Plymouth Avenue, S.E. was built for East Christian High.
When realization set in that the baby boom had ended in 1964, the two new high schools merged in 1972, and the reconstituted Grand Rapids Christian High School utilized both the Franklin Street and Plymouth Avenue campuses. When the Franklin Street campus was sold, Christian High housed its tenth grade at the former Seymour Christian Junior High School on Nevada Street, S.E. for two years until facilities were expanded at the Plymouth Avenue campus. Some years later Grand Rapids Christian High was expanded again to accommodate the ninth grade.
Athletic Teams' Nickname: Eagles
Fight Song: "Cheer, Cheer for Our Christian High" - Tune: Chorus, Notre Dame Victory March
, written by Michael J. Shea (public domain in the United States)
Their Science Olympiad
has done well at the state level for the last few years, placing fourth at the 2008 State competition and second in the 2009 State competition, resulting in their participation at the national level in 2009.
Their forensics team is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Associationhttp://www.themifa.org/EventResults/20072008/tabid/989/Default.aspx, which placed fourth in Class A in 2008. Because of lower enrollment, the school was moved into Class B for the 2009 season; they placed first in the class. They were then moved back up to Class A for the 2010 season and placed 2nd at the 2010 State tournament. In addition the GRCHS multiples have garnered many state runner-up titles and a state championship in 2004. In 2011, GRCHS won first place in the one-act competition with "Kiss me Kate", their first win in this venue.
Grand Rapids Christian High School is a member of the Ottawa-Kent Conference
athletic league and also competes in statewide competitions of the Michigan High School Athletic Association
, the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association, and the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association.
After GRCHS was divided into two high schools in 1964, the new Central Christian Eagles joined the Grand Rapids City League
immediately for the 1964–65 school year while the new East Christian Panthers were independent for a year before entering City League competition in 1965–66. The Central Christian and East Christian football teams played as independents from their first years in 1967–68 through their last seasons in 1971–72. The reunited Grand Rapids Christian High began participation in the City League in 1972–73, with the football team starting league play a year later in 1973–74. To help overcome the fierce rivalry between the Central Christian and East Christian communities, the reconstituted Grand Rapids Christian High competed under Central Christian's Eagles nickname and East Christian's Columbia blue and black school colors.
Grand Rapids Christian Schools announced a $25 million Get Healthy fund raising campaign in 2006. Part of the plans for this campaign call for the construction of a new wellness center and north gymnasium and a new athletic stadium to be built on the site of the old stadium. The stadium was completed for the start of the 2007–08 football season, with the new Quest Center (North Gymnasium) slated for a September 6, 2008, opening, in time for the start of the 2008–09 school year.
In 2007 arrangements were finalized for the Grand Rapids City League
high schools to join the Ottawa-Kent Conference
beginning in the 2008-09 school year. The initial divisional alignment had Grand Rapids Christian High School competing in the Ottawa-Kent White Division with East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Creston, Grand Rapids Northview, Greenville, and Lowell high schools. Grand Rapids Christian's main rival in the new conference is with the Pioneers of East Grand Rapids.
The 2012-13 school year will also bring a new conference. Christian High will remain in the OK White, however, the fellow members will now include; Jenison, Caledonia, Lowell, Forest Hills Central, and East Grand Rapids.
State Championships (all MHSAA unless noted)
State Runners-up (all MHSAA unless noted)
Individual State Champions (all MHSAA unless noted; some championships are Lower Peninsula only)
Unofficial Athletics Websites
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The city is located on the Grand River about 40 miles east of Lake Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 188,040. In 2010, the Grand Rapids metropolitan area had a population of 774,160 and a combined statistical area, Grand...
. Founded in 1920, "Christian High" is a member of Grand Rapids Christian Schools and Christian Schools International
Christian Schools International
Christian Schools International was established in 1920 and supports Christian school teachers who want Bible-based textbooks for their classrooms, principals and school administrators investigating employee benefit plans, Christian school board members seeking information about governance, and...
. The school was first accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools , also known as the North Central Association, is a membership organization, consisting of colleges, universities, and schools in 19 U.S. states, that is engaged in educational accreditation...
in 1925–26—one of the first six high schools in Kent County to receive that honor. GRCHS is also a member of the Michigan Association of Non-public Schools.
History
Calvin College
Calvin College is a comprehensive liberal arts college located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1876, Calvin College is an educational institution of the Christian Reformed Church and stands in the Reformed tradition of Protestantism...
and Seminary in 1876 and its seven original students. In that year the Christian Reformed Church in North America
Christian Reformed Church in North America
The Christian Reformed Church in North America is a Protestant Christian denomination in the United States and Canada. Having roots in the Dutch Reformed churches of the Netherlands, the Christian Reformed Church was founded by Gijsbert Haan and Dutch immigrants who left the Reformed Church in...
(a denomination in the Dutch Calvinist, or Reformed, tradition that had broken off from the Reformed Church in America) adopted a six-year curriculum for ministerial training. The first four of these years were spent in the Literacy Department and the last two in the Theological Department.
In 1894 students who were not pre-theological students were admitted to an expanded curriculum comparable to that of a present-day high school, and thus the school became a preparatory school or academy. In 1900 the curriculum was further broadened and made more attractive to students interested in teaching or in preparing for pre-professional courses in the universities.
By 1906 the Literary Department, which provided the four years of college preparatory and two years of college work, became known officially as John Calvin Junior College. The two-year college in time became the four-year Calvin College, awarding its first Bachelor of Arts degree in 1921. In 1920 the preparatory department stopped admitting new students with the opening of Grand Rapids Christian High School, and 1924 was the last year for college prep students at Calvin College and Seminary.
Grand Rapids Christian High School continued at its Franklin Street, S.E. location until 1964, when in response to demographic trends, the school was divided by the Grand Rapids Christian School Association into two new high schools, Central Christian and East Christian. Central Christian High was established at the previous Grand Rapids Christian High campus on Franklin Street, and a new campus on Plymouth Avenue, S.E. was built for East Christian High.
When realization set in that the baby boom had ended in 1964, the two new high schools merged in 1972, and the reconstituted Grand Rapids Christian High School utilized both the Franklin Street and Plymouth Avenue campuses. When the Franklin Street campus was sold, Christian High housed its tenth grade at the former Seymour Christian Junior High School on Nevada Street, S.E. for two years until facilities were expanded at the Plymouth Avenue campus. Some years later Grand Rapids Christian High was expanded again to accommodate the ninth grade.
Traditions
School Colors: Columbia Blue and BlackAthletic Teams' Nickname: Eagles
Fight Song: "Cheer, Cheer for Our Christian High" - Tune: Chorus, Notre Dame Victory March
Notre Dame Victory March
The "Notre Dame Victory March" is the fight song for the University of Notre Dame. It was written by two brothers who were Notre Dame graduates. The Rev. Michael J. Shea, a 1905 graduate, wrote the music, and his brother, John F. Shea, who earned degrees in 1906 and 1908, wrote the original lyrics...
, written by Michael J. Shea (public domain in the United States)
Extracurricular activities
Grand Rapids Christian High School also has a number of extracurricular activities for students. In 1978, the Senior Madrigals directed by Merle Mustert won the Michigan State Championship.Their Science Olympiad
Science 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...
has done well at the state level for the last few years, placing fourth at the 2008 State competition and second in the 2009 State competition, resulting in their participation at the national level in 2009.
Their forensics team is a member of the Michigan Interscholastic Forensic Associationhttp://www.themifa.org/EventResults/20072008/tabid/989/Default.aspx, which placed fourth in Class A in 2008. Because of lower enrollment, the school was moved into Class B for the 2009 season; they placed first in the class. They were then moved back up to Class A for the 2010 season and placed 2nd at the 2010 State tournament. In addition the GRCHS multiples have garnered many state runner-up titles and a state championship in 2004. In 2011, GRCHS won first place in the one-act competition with "Kiss me Kate", their first win in this venue.
Athletics
Ottawa-Kent Conference
The Ottawa-Kent Conference is an athletic league located in West Michigan. It has member schools from Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties. It has 51 member schools that partake in athletics. According to the MHSAA they have the main offices located at Grandville...
athletic league and also competes in statewide competitions of the Michigan High School Athletic Association
Michigan High School Athletic Association
-About:The Michigan High School Athletic Association is a service organization for high school sports in Michigan and is headquartered in East Lansing...
, the Michigan Interscholastic Horsemanship Association, and the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association.
After GRCHS was divided into two high schools in 1964, the new Central Christian Eagles joined the Grand Rapids City League
Grand Rapids City League
The Grand Rapids City League was a high school athletic league in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1909, the league's final membership consisted of the four public high schools of the Grand Rapids Public Schools that offered interscholastic sports, plus two parochial private schools and one...
immediately for the 1964–65 school year while the new East Christian Panthers were independent for a year before entering City League competition in 1965–66. The Central Christian and East Christian football teams played as independents from their first years in 1967–68 through their last seasons in 1971–72. The reunited Grand Rapids Christian High began participation in the City League in 1972–73, with the football team starting league play a year later in 1973–74. To help overcome the fierce rivalry between the Central Christian and East Christian communities, the reconstituted Grand Rapids Christian High competed under Central Christian's Eagles nickname and East Christian's Columbia blue and black school colors.
Grand Rapids Christian Schools announced a $25 million Get Healthy fund raising campaign in 2006. Part of the plans for this campaign call for the construction of a new wellness center and north gymnasium and a new athletic stadium to be built on the site of the old stadium. The stadium was completed for the start of the 2007–08 football season, with the new Quest Center (North Gymnasium) slated for a September 6, 2008, opening, in time for the start of the 2008–09 school year.
In 2007 arrangements were finalized for the Grand Rapids City League
Grand Rapids City League
The Grand Rapids City League was a high school athletic league in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1909, the league's final membership consisted of the four public high schools of the Grand Rapids Public Schools that offered interscholastic sports, plus two parochial private schools and one...
high schools to join the Ottawa-Kent Conference
Ottawa-Kent Conference
The Ottawa-Kent Conference is an athletic league located in West Michigan. It has member schools from Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, and Ottawa Counties. It has 51 member schools that partake in athletics. According to the MHSAA they have the main offices located at Grandville...
beginning in the 2008-09 school year. The initial divisional alignment had Grand Rapids Christian High School competing in the Ottawa-Kent White Division with East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Creston, Grand Rapids Northview, Greenville, and Lowell high schools. Grand Rapids Christian's main rival in the new conference is with the Pioneers of East Grand Rapids.
The 2012-13 school year will also bring a new conference. Christian High will remain in the OK White, however, the fellow members will now include; Jenison, Caledonia, Lowell, Forest Hills Central, and East Grand Rapids.
State Championships (all MHSAA unless noted)
- 1938 - Boys' Basketball - Lower Peninsula Class B
- 1966 - Boys' Basketball - Class B (East Christian Panthers)
- 1966 - Boys' Cross Country - Lower Peninsula Class B (East Christian Panthers)
- 1979 - Girls' Cross Country - Lower Peninsula Class B
- 1980 - Girls' Track & Field - Lower Peninsula Class B
- 1997 - Girls' Basketball - Class A
- 1998 - Boys' Soccer - Division 2
- 2001 - Girls' Team Track & Field - Division 2 (MITCA)
- 2001 - Boys' Soccer - Division 2
- 2002 - Girls' Team Track & Field - Division 2 (MITCA)
- 2003 - Coed Equestrian - Division C (MIHA)
- 2005 - Girls' Cross Country - Lower Peninsula Division 2
- 2006 - Girls' Cross Country - Lower Peninsula Division 2
- 2007 - Girls' Team Track & Field - Division 2 (MITCA)
- 2010 - Girls' Cross Country - Lower Peninsula Division 2
State Runners-up (all MHSAA unless noted)
- 1939 - Boys' Basketball - Lower Peninsula Class B
- 1963 - Boys' Cross Country - Class A
- 1973 - Girls' Basketball - Class A
- 1978 - Boys' Cross Country - Lower Peninsula Class B
- 1986 - Girls' Track & Field - Lower Peninsula Class B
- 1987 - Girls' Track & Field - Lower Peninsula Class B
- 1988 - Girls' Tennis - Lower Peninsula Class B (tied)
- 2003 - Girls' Cross Country - Lower Peninsula Division 2
- 2004 - Girls' Cross Country - Lower Peninsula Division 2
- 2005 - Boys' Baseball - Division 2
- 2008 - Girls' Team Track & Field - Division 2 (MITCA)
- 2008 - Girls' Cross Country - Lower Peninsula Division 2
- 2011 - Boys' Baseball - Division 2
Individual State Champions (all MHSAA unless noted; some championships are Lower Peninsula only)
- 1969 - John De Jonge - boys' long jump - Class B (Central Christian)
- 1970 - Rick Van Dellen - boys' 500-yard freestyle - Class B (East Christian)
- 1971 - Don Tamminga - boys' mile - Class B (Central Christian)
- 1977 - Julie Boerman - girls' 220-yard dash - Class B
- 1978 - Bob Krikke - boys' high jump - Class B
- 1978 - Sandy Van Sponsen-Lori Van Essen-Amy Boerman-Julie Boerman - girls' 880-yard relay - Class B
- 1978 - Julie Boerman - girls' 220-yard dash - Class B
- 1979 - Bob Krikke - boys' high jump - Class B
- 1980 - Tanya De Vries-Gayle Heyer-Amy Boerman-Dawn Walstrom - girls' 1600-meter relay - Class B
- 1980 - Joan De Maat - girls' 1600-meter run - Class B
- 1980 - Joan De Maat - girls' 800-meter run - Class B
- 1983 - Takens-Andrsn-VnDrager-Honderd - girls' 1600-meter relay - Class B
- 1983 - Gwen De Maat - girls' 200-yard intermediate - Class B
- 1983 - Gwen De Maat - girls' 500-yard freestyle - Class B
- 1984 - Gwen De Maat - girls' 200-yard freestyle - Class B
- 1984 - Gwen De Maat - girls' 500-yard freestyle - Class B
- 1985 - Gwen De Maat - girls' 200-yard freestyle - Class B
- 1985 - Gwen De Maat - girls' 500-yard freestyle - Class B
- 1986 - Start-Griffioen-Stapert-Prince - girls' 3200-meter relay - Class B
- 1988 - Cathie Vos - girls' high jump - Class B
- 1996 - Brad Flikkema - boys' 500-yard freestyle - Class A
- 1997 - Jennifer Meekhof - girls' floor exercise - Division 2
- 2000 - Missy Smith - girls' pole vault - Division 1
- 2002 - Missy Smith - girls' pole vault - Division 2
- 2002 - Heather Scholten - girls' golf - Division 2
- 2005 - Emily Schlatter - girls' 100-yard breaststroke - Division 2
- 2005 - Katie White - girls' 50-yard freestyle - Division 2
- 2009 - Geoff Ludema - boys' 100-yard breaststroke - Division 2
External links
Unofficial Athletics Websites