West Ottawa High School
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| West Ottawa High School | |
|---|---|
| File:The new North Building | |
| Location | |
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3685 Butternut Dr. Holland, MI | |
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| School district | West Ottawa Public Schools |
| Principal | Kent Henson |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 2459 (2005-2006) |
| Color(s) | Black and White |
| Athletics conference | Ottawa-Kent Red, Class A, Division 1 |
| Mascot | Panthers |
| Information | 616-994-5000 |
| Website | Link |
West Ottawa High School is located in Ottawa County, Michigan. Along with Holland High School, Holland Christian High School and Black River Public School, West Ottawa is one of four high schools in the city of Holland, Michigan. Due to the large student body at the school (about 2,500 students), a new section of the high school was constructed and completed in 2005, and the high school campus now consists of two very large buildings approximately 500 yards apart. Students often walk between buildings along sidewalks to get to their next classes. There are also 4 principals and 6 counselors to manage the large student body. The interim head principal of both buildings is Kent Henson.
The new high school building is state-of-the-art, with top-end technology ranging from the computers and broadcast systems to the gyms and weight rooms. It is also one of the most energy efficient high schools in the state of Michigan. The cost of the building was estimated at $28 million.
Sports
West Ottawa offers a variety of sports and extracurricular activities. In 2005, the West Ottawa Panther football team qualified for the Michigan state playoffs and shared the Ottawa-Kent Conference Red Division Champion title. For the first time ever, the Men's Varsity Tennis team placed 2nd in the State championships, losing to powerhouse Ann Arbor Pioneer. Also the first ever mens Rugby team won state in 2008.
Language
The foreign language programs at West Ottawa are considered very in-depth. Trips to foreign countries are frequent opportunities, such as a trip to Peru for students enrolled in Spanish language classes, Paris for those enrolled in French Language classes, and Germany for students enrolled in German Language classes.
Academics
West Ottawa High School is known for the many courses it offers. They offer the most Advanced Placement courses of all the schools in the immediate area. Along with many AP and Honors Courses, students also have the opportunity to participate in dual-enrollment programs with area colleges. Participating colleges include Hope College and Grand Valley State University.
Music
In 2007 West Ottawa was awarded the Grammy Foundation Signature School. It is 1 out of 27 schools in the country to achieve this award. You have to excell in all 3 music groups to be a part of this award. West Ottawa is also known for its many musical opportunities. The West Ottawa Marching Panthers participate in the MSBOA District 10 Marching Festival, the area Christmas Parade, Tulip Time Parades, and Memorial Day Parade. The Marching Band also plays at all the home football games. West Ottawa also has a Pep-band that plays at all the home basketball games. There are, as well, the Senior High Concert and Symphony Bands as well as the Freshman 1st hour and 5th hour bands and two High School Jazz Ensembles. There is also Freshmen Orchestra and a Senior High Concert and Symphony Orchestra. Choir is also very big at West Ottawa. The Vocalaires, Concert Choir, West Ottawa Select Women's Ensemble, Bel Canto and Bella Voce always perform very well. The Vocalaires are an auditioned advanced choir, noted for their recent first place win at the Festival of Music in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, as well as many performances both in the community and out of the state. There are many groups at West Ottawa that perform in the MSBOA AA class.
Theatre
West Ottawa Theatre is one of the most renowned in the area. Each year they present 3 productions: a large-scale fall musical, a large-scale winter or spring play, and a one-act play or musical.
The fall musicals in recent years have included Annie Get Your Gun, Anything Goes, Once Upon a Mattress, Les Miserables, and The Sound of Music.
The spring or winter plays in recent years have included Scapino!, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Flowers for Algernon.
The 2007-2008 West Ottawa Theatre Season included the following productions: Hello Dolly, You Can't Take it With You, Into the Woods Jr. (the middle school theatre department production), and The Labors of Love.
In 2007, the competing MIFA show, Once Upon a Playground placed fourth in the state competition.
The Director of Theatre at West Ottawa is Joe Huber.