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Highland High School (Gilbert, Arizona)
Encyclopedia
Highland High School is a public high school located in Gilbert, Arizona
, serving as part of the Gilbert Unified School District. The school has served the area since 1993.
team is the 39th AeroSquadron (FRC Team 39).
In previous years Highland high school had been partnered with two other schools under the parent known as "Team 64 — The Gila Monsters." As the Gila Monsters, the school garnered numerous awards at both regional and national competitions in technology and innovation, as well as becoming multiple regional champions. In 2002, the Gila Monsters team took 2nd place in the nation at the FIRST National Competition in Orlando, Florida at Walt Disney World. In 2005 the Gila Monsters won 14 awards and were Regional Champions in Las Vegas as well as bringing home 2nd place in the National FIRST Robotics National Competition in Atlanta, Georgia
.
The 39th AeroSquadron won the Arizona Regional (State) in 2007 and were finalists in the Las Vegas Regional. Additionally, they were quarter-finalists in the Newton Division at the World Championship event in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2008 the 39th Aero Squadron again won the AZ Regional (State) FRC competition with teams 60 and 1165 as their alliance partners. Team 39 also won the Las Vegas regional and were semifinalists in the Newton division at the World Championships in Atlanta Georgia.
In 2009 the 39th Aero Squadron again won the AZ Regional (State)FRC competition with teams 1726 and 1165 as their alliance partners.
In 2009 and 2010, HHS robotics team students took first place in NURC competing at the university level in partnership with several ASU students as Team 0x27. They had previously taken second place in 2008.
In 2011, HHS Robotics Team students won first place in the AZ Regional (State) FTC competition as Team 4314.
1-0, goal by Sean Miller.
They have also won in 2009 as well, defeating Red Mountain with a score of 1-0. This is the Highland boys second championship in 3 years, and 3rd straight year finishing in the top 4.
The boys cross country team is also noteworthy, featuring the highly attractive and talented junior Cory Breinholt, the third of the Breinholt triad. His older brothers Derek and Craig were also exceptional runners; Craig Breinholt won the state meet in 2004.
Kristi Rush is the freshman sensation of 2010, breaking school and meet records and earning herself a national ranking in the 1600m run with a time of 5:06.85.
Several of Highland's relay teams hold meet records. The boys distance medley relay, consisting of Colton Rutherford, Jef Marsicola, Cory Breinholt, and Jonathan Brown, broke the Basha Relays record in 2009 with a time of 10:58.16. The girls distance medley relay, run by Danielle Bonlender, Rachel Woods, Stephanie Helland, and Kristi Rush, broke the Basha Relays record as well in 2010 with a time of 12:50.49. The girls 4x800m relay team of Stephanie Helland, Danielle Bonlender, Maddie Riggs, and Kristi Rush broke the Mesa Hohokam Invitation record in 2010 with a time of 9:42.
on New Year's Day in 2001 and in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
in November 2004. Other accomplishments include marching in the Disneyland Light Parade in 2000 and in the Fiesta Bowl
Parade and National Band Championship Competition in 1999. The school's Marching Band frequently receives ratings of Superior With Distinction in Arizona festivals and often travels out-of-state to California and Nevada to compete. In 2007, The Marching Pride placed in the top ten in a Bands of America (BOA) competition, located in Flagstaff, AZ. In 2009, the band has qualified to compete in the ABODA State Championships. The competition featured the 10 best marching bands from each division. The band received first place in the division I competition.
in March 2007 to perform at Carnegie Hall
under the direction of then Mormon Tabernacle Choir
director Dr. Craig Jessop
, as well their own director, Ms. Rita Scholz, as part of the Carnegie Hall National High School Choral Festival. The Concert Choir and Advanced Vocal Ensemble have also sung at numerous state and national conferences, including the 1998 MENC
National Conference.
in December 1997 and 2007. Currently, HHS is the only school in Arizona to have been selected twice to perform at the Midwest Clinic.
Through participation in the learning process cadets are able to get a deeper understanding of the subjects and how they may apply what they have learned.
March 3: The Highland Hawk Battalion has become one of the few units in the nation to achieve Honor Unit with Distinction after the Brigade Formal Inspection. It took a lot of hard work and long hours for the students to achieve this recognition.
Gilbert, Arizona
-Demographics:As of July 1, 2009, Maricopa Association of Governments, Census 2000. United States Census Bureau. there were 217,521 people, 74,147 housing units, and 3.01 persons per household....
, serving as part of the Gilbert Unified School District. The school has served the area since 1993.
Robotics
Highland High's official FIRST RoboticsFirst
First or 1st is the ordinal form of the number one.First or 1st may also refer to:* First , minor summit below the Schwarzhorn in the Bernese Alps in Switzerland* First , mountain in Bernese Alps in Switzerland...
team is the 39th AeroSquadron (FRC Team 39).
In previous years Highland high school had been partnered with two other schools under the parent known as "Team 64 — The Gila Monsters." As the Gila Monsters, the school garnered numerous awards at both regional and national competitions in technology and innovation, as well as becoming multiple regional champions. In 2002, the Gila Monsters team took 2nd place in the nation at the FIRST National Competition in Orlando, Florida at Walt Disney World. In 2005 the Gila Monsters won 14 awards and were Regional Champions in Las Vegas as well as bringing home 2nd place in the National FIRST Robotics National Competition in Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
.
The 39th AeroSquadron won the Arizona Regional (State) in 2007 and were finalists in the Las Vegas Regional. Additionally, they were quarter-finalists in the Newton Division at the World Championship event in Atlanta, Georgia.
In 2008 the 39th Aero Squadron again won the AZ Regional (State) FRC competition with teams 60 and 1165 as their alliance partners. Team 39 also won the Las Vegas regional and were semifinalists in the Newton division at the World Championships in Atlanta Georgia.
In 2009 the 39th Aero Squadron again won the AZ Regional (State)FRC competition with teams 1726 and 1165 as their alliance partners.
In 2009 and 2010, HHS robotics team students took first place in NURC competing at the university level in partnership with several ASU students as Team 0x27. They had previously taken second place in 2008.
In 2011, HHS Robotics Team students won first place in the AZ Regional (State) FTC competition as Team 4314.
Tennis
Highland is well known for their accomplished tennis team over the years.Soccer
The Highland Hawks varsity soccer team took home its first 5A-I state championship in 2007, defeating rival Gilbert High SchoolGilbert High School
Gilbert High School is a public high school located in Gilbert, Arizona, United States. It is part of the Gilbert Unified School District. The mascot is the Tiger. The school was Gilbert's first high school, as it opened in 1917. Gilbert High School's former building from the 60's was converted...
1-0, goal by Sean Miller.
They have also won in 2009 as well, defeating Red Mountain with a score of 1-0. This is the Highland boys second championship in 3 years, and 3rd straight year finishing in the top 4.
Cross Country
Highland High School has a very impressive girls cross country team. In 2008 and 2009, the Lady Hawks finished 3rd in state in the very competitive 5A I Division, with 6 of the 7 runners finishing in the top 28 places. They consistently win their region and city meets as well. They are not only one of the best teams in Arizona, but also in the surrounding five state Southwest region. They were ranked by Nike Cross Nationals as 12th in the Southwest Region which includes Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. Four of Highland's runners were recognized by the East Valley Tribune for their talent. Freshman Ashley Hatch earned a spot on the 2009 All-Tribune Second Team, while freshman Kristi Rush, sophomore Tory Haberman, and senior Danielle Bonlender were listed under Honorable Mention. Despite the deep talent of this team, no girl has yet broken the 5000m run record of 18:50.40 set by Ann Bawden in 2008. These ladies owe their success to their excellent coach, Coach Monty.The boys cross country team is also noteworthy, featuring the highly attractive and talented junior Cory Breinholt, the third of the Breinholt triad. His older brothers Derek and Craig were also exceptional runners; Craig Breinholt won the state meet in 2004.
Track and Field
Legendary record holders from Highland include Jonathan Brown, who ran a 4:12 1600 as a senior and was the 2009 5A I State Champion in the 1600m run and 3200m run, and runner-up in the 800m run. He was known for his signature tie-dye tube socks. Hurdle records were set by Callie Davis in 2009. Tyler Arnold was a top sprinter, setting records in 100m, 200m, and 400m in 2006. Notable jumpers include Josh DeKonty, Chelsea Johnson, Shannon Jacobs, Chenea Schacher and Rob Harrison. Shannon Jacobs is also one of the top sprinters in the state in the year 2010, with a 12.02 100m time. The girls 4x100m relay team is one of the top in the state in 2010, with a time of 48.11. Prominent throwers of Highland track include Nuku Latu and Kourtney Harney.Kristi Rush is the freshman sensation of 2010, breaking school and meet records and earning herself a national ranking in the 1600m run with a time of 5:06.85.
Several of Highland's relay teams hold meet records. The boys distance medley relay, consisting of Colton Rutherford, Jef Marsicola, Cory Breinholt, and Jonathan Brown, broke the Basha Relays record in 2009 with a time of 10:58.16. The girls distance medley relay, run by Danielle Bonlender, Rachel Woods, Stephanie Helland, and Kristi Rush, broke the Basha Relays record as well in 2010 with a time of 12:50.49. The girls 4x800m relay team of Stephanie Helland, Danielle Bonlender, Maddie Riggs, and Kristi Rush broke the Mesa Hohokam Invitation record in 2010 with a time of 9:42.
Marching Band
The HHS "Marching Pride" has received national recognition, marching in the Tournament of Roses ParadeTournament of Roses Parade
The Tournament of Roses Parade, better known as the Rose Parade, is "America's New Year Celebration", a festival of flower-covered floats, marching bands, equestrians and a college football game on New Year's Day , produced by the non-profit Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association.The annual...
on New Year's Day in 2001 and in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, often shortened to Macy's Day Parade, is an annual parade presented by Macy's. The tradition started in 1924, tying it for the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States along with America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit, and four years younger than...
in November 2004. Other accomplishments include marching in the Disneyland Light Parade in 2000 and in the Fiesta Bowl
Fiesta Bowl
The Fiesta Bowl, now sponsored by Frito-Lay and named with their Tostitos brand, is a United States college football bowl game played annually at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Between its origination in 1971 and 2006, the game was hosted in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil...
Parade and National Band Championship Competition in 1999. The school's Marching Band frequently receives ratings of Superior With Distinction in Arizona festivals and often travels out-of-state to California and Nevada to compete. In 2007, The Marching Pride placed in the top ten in a Bands of America (BOA) competition, located in Flagstaff, AZ. In 2009, the band has qualified to compete in the ABODA State Championships. The competition featured the 10 best marching bands from each division. The band received first place in the division I competition.
Choirs
The choirs at Highland frequently perform in-state and out-of-state at festivals, consistently earning superior ratings. The Concert Choir traveled to New York CityNew York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
in March 2007 to perform at Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall
Carnegie Hall is a concert venue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States, located at 881 Seventh Avenue, occupying the east stretch of Seventh Avenue between West 56th Street and West 57th Street, two blocks south of Central Park....
under the direction of then Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, sometimes colloquially referred to as MoTab, is a Grammy and Emmy Award winning, 360-member, all-volunteer choir. The choir is part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints . However, the choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to...
director Dr. Craig Jessop
Craig Jessop
Craig D. Jessop is an American academic, musician and singer best known for his tenure as the music director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from 1999 to 2008.-Biography:...
, as well their own director, Ms. Rita Scholz, as part of the Carnegie Hall National High School Choral Festival. The Concert Choir and Advanced Vocal Ensemble have also sung at numerous state and national conferences, including the 1998 MENC
MENC: The National Association for Music Education
MENC: The National Association for Music Education is an organization of American music educators dedicated to advancing and preserving music education and as part of the core curriculum of schools in the United States...
National Conference.
Orchestras
Highland's orchestra program is also award-winning, having performed at Carnegie Hall in 2002. The Highland High Symphonic Orchestra has performed at the Midwest Clinic in ChicagoChicago
Chicago is the largest city in the US state of Illinois. With nearly 2.7 million residents, it is the most populous city in the Midwestern United States and the third most populous in the US, after New York City and Los Angeles...
in December 1997 and 2007. Currently, HHS is the only school in Arizona to have been selected twice to perform at the Midwest Clinic.
FFA
Highland's Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter has competed for many years with other schools and has done well to get Highland recognized. In the 2006-2007 year, The Ag Sales Team got first in state, as well as the Ag Business Team. Jace M. got second place at the Creed competition. The Soils Team came with a close second.AcDec
Highland's Academic Decathlon (AcDec) has been around since the opening of the school. The club has won many awards. They also have competitions every year. This class counts as an elective credit.Army JROTC
The Program of Instruction is taught using the latest instructional technologies and focuses on student centered learning in a structured environment.Through participation in the learning process cadets are able to get a deeper understanding of the subjects and how they may apply what they have learned.
March 3: The Highland Hawk Battalion has become one of the few units in the nation to achieve Honor Unit with Distinction after the Brigade Formal Inspection. It took a lot of hard work and long hours for the students to achieve this recognition.
Drill Team
The Drill Team is an organization in which cadets compete with different JROTC units in different regulations of Army Drill. Highland High School Army JROTC offers a highly acclaimed Drill Team. Known as the "Black Hawk Drill Team." The Drill Team has won awards in Color Guard (1st place, Gilbert Days Parade, 2009) Inspection (3rd place, West Mitchael Air base, 2009) Armed Exhibition (3rd place Cesar Chavez hs,2011)and Armed Exhibition again (2nd place Carl Hayden hs, 2011) Participation in the Drill Team earns the cadet awards based on performance. Drill Team members compete in Regulation Drill, Exhibition Drill, Color Guard, and may also compete in solos and duet teams. Regulation Drill has two components: Armed and Unarmed. Exhibition Drill has two components: Armed and Unarmed, and provides for Duets and Solo performances. Color Guard has two components; Competition Color Guard and Battalion Color Guard.Notable alumni
- Cooper BrannanCooper BrannanNels Cooper Brannan is a former US Marine who briefly played minor league baseball for the San Diego Padres...
, minor league baseball player - Marquis CooperMarquis CooperMarquis Victor Cooper was an American football linebacker in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 2004 NFL Draft...
, former linebacker for the Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Ryan FitzpatrickRyan FitzpatrickRyan Joseph Fitzpatrick is an American football quarterback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Harvard....
, quarterback for the Buffalo BillsBuffalo BillsThe Buffalo Bills are a professional football team based in Buffalo, New York. They are currently members of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League... - Tyson Stevens, lead vocalist for post-hardcore band Scary Kids Scaring KidsScary Kids Scaring KidsScary Kids Scaring Kids was an American post-hardcore band formed in Gilbert, Arizona in 2002. The band's name comes from the Cap'n Jazz song of the same name...
- Spencer LarsenSpencer LarsenSpencer Larsen is an American football fullback and linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Broncos in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, fullback/linebacker for 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... - Shane LouxShane LouxShane A. Loux is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants organization.Loux graduated from Highland High School in Gilbert, Arizona after a great prep career....
, relief pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels of AnaheimLos Angeles Angels of AnaheimThe Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles... - Matt PagnozziMatt PagnozziMatthew Thomas Pagnozzi is an American professional baseball catcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates of Major League Baseball....
, catcher for the St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to... - Kimberly JoinerKimberly JoinerKimberly Ann Joiner is a beauty queen from Gilbert, Arizona who competed in the Miss USA pageant in 2008.Joiner won the Miss Arizona USA 2008 title in a state pageant held in Phoenix, Arizona on October 20, 2007. This was Joiner's first attempt at the title, and her second pageant competition...
, Miss Arizona USAMiss Arizona USAThe Miss Arizona USA competition is the pageant that selects the representative for the state Arizona in the Miss USA pageant.In 2005 the rights to produce the Miss Arizona USA pageant were given to Casting Crown productions...
2008 - Chaz SchilensChaz SchilensChazeray "Chaz" Schilens is an American football wide receiver for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Raiders in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft...
, Wide Receiver for the Oakland RaidersOakland RaidersThe Oakland Raiders are a professional American football team based in Oakland, California. They currently play in the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...