Notre Dame High School (Harper Woods, Michigan)
Encyclopedia
Notre Dame High School was a Catholic
, all–male, non–residential college preparatory school in the Detroit suburb
of Harper Woods, Michigan
. It was closed in 2005, with 295 students, after more than 50 years due to budget concerns, according to the Archdiocese of Detroit
.The school had about 300 students at the time of closure, down from almost 1000 during its peak enrollment levels. It was founded in 1954 and operated by the Marist Fathers and Brothers, and the first class graduated in 1958.
Throughout its existence, the school was located next door to Regina High School
, a Catholic
, all–female school; and Lutheran High School East. Regina High School moved to Warren, Michigan
in 2007 and Lutheran East was closed.
The Friends of Notre Dame Incorporated filed a lawsuit to keep the school open, but a Wayne County
Circuit Court
judge ruled against them. Entertainer Bill Cosby
, who had spoken in support of keeping the school open, was scheduled to attend a meeting with activists protesting the school's closure, but canceled his appearance.
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
, all–male, non–residential college preparatory school in the Detroit suburb
Suburb
The word suburb mostly refers to a residential area, either existing as part of a city or as a separate residential community within commuting distance of a city . Some suburbs have a degree of administrative autonomy, and most have lower population density than inner city neighborhoods...
of Harper Woods, Michigan
Harper Woods, Michigan
Harper Woods is a city located on the eastside of suburban Detroit, Michigan, United States. The city is located in Wayne County. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 14,236.- History :...
. It was closed in 2005, with 295 students, after more than 50 years due to budget concerns, according to the Archdiocese of Detroit
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit is an archdiocese of the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church covering the Michigan counties of Lapeer, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne...
.The school had about 300 students at the time of closure, down from almost 1000 during its peak enrollment levels. It was founded in 1954 and operated by the Marist Fathers and Brothers, and the first class graduated in 1958.
Throughout its existence, the school was located next door to Regina High School
Regina High School (Michigan)
Regina High School is a Roman Catholic, private, four year college preparatory high school for girls in Warren, Michigan. From the school's founding in 1956 through June, 2007, Regina was located in Harper Woods, Michigan, but moved to Warren, Michigan at the start of the 2007-2008 school year...
, a Catholic
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
, all–female school; and Lutheran High School East. Regina High School moved to Warren, Michigan
Warren, Michigan
Warren is a city in Macomb County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2010 census places the city's population at 134,056, making Warren the largest city in Macomb County, the third largest city in Michigan, and Metro Detroit's largest suburb....
in 2007 and Lutheran East was closed.
Closing
The Archdiocese of Detroit announced in early March 2005 that 18 Detroit–area schools—including Notre Dame High School—would be shut down because declining enrollment and an escalating budget deficit. Archdiocese spokesman Richard Laskos called the decision "irrevocable" despite protests from family, students and alumni of the school.The Friends of Notre Dame Incorporated filed a lawsuit to keep the school open, but a Wayne County
Wayne County, Michigan
-History:Wayne County was one of the first counties formed when the Northwest Territory was organized. It was named for the American general "Mad Anthony" Wayne. It originally encompassed the entire area of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, as well as small sections that are now part of northern...
Circuit Court
Circuit court
Circuit court is the name of court systems in several common law jurisdictions.-History:King Henry II instituted the custom of having judges ride around the countryside each year to hear appeals, rather than forcing everyone to bring their appeals to London...
judge ruled against them. Entertainer Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby
William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr. is an American comedian, actor, author, television producer, educator, musician and activist. A veteran stand-up performer, he got his start at various clubs, then landed a starring role in the 1960s action show, I Spy. He later starred in his own series, the...
, who had spoken in support of keeping the school open, was scheduled to attend a meeting with activists protesting the school's closure, but canceled his appearance.
Notable alumni
- David Bonior, former United States Congressman
- Joe Borri, author of the short story collection, Eight Dogs Named Jack
- Doug Brown, U.S. Track & Field Olympian and Assistant Coach, Collegiate All–American, former Tennessee and Florida Head Track Coach
- Dave CoulierDave CoulierDavid Alan "Dave" Coulier is an American stand-up comedian, impressionist, television and voice actor, and television host. He is well-known for his role as Joey Gladstone on the ABC sitcom Full House, which ran from 1987 to 1995....
, comedian and entertainer - Chris "Volcano" Fortson, Entertainer and Graphic Designer; CEO of I-Ent Records and Central Media LLC
- Thomas Gladysz, author and arts journalist; Director, Louise Brooks SocietyLouise Brooks SocietyThe Louise Brooks Society is an internet resource - an online archive devoted to the silent film star Louise Brooks . The Louise Brooks Society, or LBS, was started in 1995 and launched on the web that same year...
- Eric E. Haas, CEO of Altruist Financial Advisors LLC
- Derrick Kuzak, Vice President, Ford Motor CompanyFord Motor CompanyFord Motor Company is an American multinational automaker based in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. The automaker was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. In addition to the Ford and Lincoln brands, Ford also owns a small stake in Mazda in Japan and Aston Martin in the UK...
Global Product Development. - Eric J. Pierzchala, author of The Ultimate Ultimate Detroit Tigers Trivia Book: A Journey Through Detroit Tiger History By Way of Trivia
- Matt Servitto, actor (The SopranosThe SopranosThe Sopranos is an American television drama series created by David Chase that revolves around the New Jersey-based Italian-American mobster Tony Soprano and the difficulties he faces as he tries to balance the often conflicting requirements of his home life and the criminal organization he heads...
) - Tim Timmerman, popular morning show radio personality - "Tim and George" Kiss 107 Cincinnati
- Doug WeightDoug WeightDouglas Daniel Weight is a retired American professional ice hockey player who is currently an Assistant Coach and Special Assistant to the General Manager for the New York Islanders. During his 19-year National Hockey League career, he played for the New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Carolina...
, a former Olympic hockey player and centreCentre (ice hockey)The centre in ice hockey is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play is the middle of the ice, away from the side boards. Centres have more flexibility in their positioning and are expected to cover more ice surface than any other player...
for the St. Louis Blues of the NHL