Robert E. Lee High School (Baytown, Texas)
| Robert E. Lee High School | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
|
1809 Market Baytown, Texas 77520 United States | |
| Coordinates | 29°43′52″N 94°59′11″W / 29.73111°N 94.98639°WCoordinates: 29°43′52″N 94°59′11″W / 29.73111°N 94.98639°W |
| Information | |
| Type | Public school(government funded)Public |
| Established | 1928 |
| School district | Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District |
| Principal | Joseph C. Farnsworth |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Color(s) | Maroon & White |
| Athletics conference | University Interscholastic League/UIL 5A |
| Mascot | Gander |
| Accreditation | Texas Education Agency/TEA |
| Website | Lee High School |
Robert E. Lee High School (often referred to as Baytown Lee) is a 5A public high school in Baytown, Texas, that serves grades 9 through 12. Lee is one of four high schools in the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District, which serves all of Baytown and Highlands, Texas. The other three are Ross S. Sterling High School, Goose Creek Memorial High School, and IMPACT Early College High School. As of 2008 the school's ethnic breakdown is 38 percent White, 42 percent Hispanic, 19 percent African-American, and 1 percent other.[1]
School founding and traditions
Founded in 1928, Lee High School sits on the banks of Goose Creek in the southern part of Baytown. As such, the school adopted the Gander as its mascot, the only school in Texas to do so. In 2007, the Gander was voted as the best mascot in Texas.[2] The school's colors are maroon and white. Over the years, REL has garnered several fight songs. Traditionally, the official fight song from the 1930s is "Dull Razor Blues", a foxtrot that is played up-tempo featuring a trumpet solo. Nicknamed "the Blade", Dull Razor Blues has fallen into disuse since the mid 2000s. Now, the song most commonly associated as the school's fight is "Washington and Lee Swing". Another traditional song is "Southern Special", a swing version of the traditional song "Dixie", played at a very fast tempo which was played after football touchdowns for several years. The final traditional school song, commonly referred to as the 'medley', consists of a compilation of three songs: "Are You From Dixie?", "Waitin' on the Robert E. Lee", and "Washington and Lee Swing".
The Robert E. Lee High School Alma Mater is an original composition.
History
On April 29, 1987, a three-alarm fire destroyed the interior of the main building. Initially thought to be accidental, the fire was eventually ruled arson. The main building interior was rebuilt and formally rededicated in 1988. The incident is mentioned in the Mean Gene Kelton song "Cruising Texas Avenue".
The Lee Brigadiers
From the early 1930s to 2001, REL High School was also home to a unique and famous tradition. The Lee Brigadiers were an all-female drum and bugle corps that marched military style in football games and parades. While a more common group in the middle of the 20th century, all-female drum and bugle corps were all but extinct by the 1980s, having been replaced by dance teams and pep squads. The Lee Brigadiers continued their traditions of marching in maroon military uniforms with boots and skirts until they were the last group of its kind, finally succumbing to lack of student interest. Now the school is home to a dance team, the Lee Celebrities.
State Historical Site
In February 2011, at the request of the The Baytown Historical Preservation Association, the school was designated by the state as a historical site. The Historical Preservation Association believed that Lee was eligible for the designation because of its age, unique architectural facade, and its importance to the Baytown community, and deserved to be recognized. A dedication ceremony took place on April 27, 2013.
Academics
Alongside the typical core courses offered at all high school, Lee also offers some advanced courses in various fields. The school offers Advanced Placement courses for Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics, Physics, Art History, World History, U.S. History, European History, English Language, English Literature, American Government, Computer Science A, and Computer Science AB. In 2007, the school produced twenty five AP Scholars,[3] and twenty nine in 2006.[4] Lee also participates, annually, in the UIL competitions.
Notable alumni
- Kirk Botkin (former NFL player and collegiate football coach
- Gary Busey (Born in Goose Creek, now Baytown, went to Robert E. Lee.)
- James Cleveland (Houston Cougars wide receiver)
- Jimmy Herndon (Offensive Lineman for the University of Houston, Jacksonville Jaguars, Chicago Bears, and Houston Texans)o
- Quentin Coryatt (Former Texas A&M and Indianapolis Colts linebacker)
- Reggie Craig NFL wide receiver 1975-1977, University of Arkansas WR.[5]
- Charles Godfrey (Carolina Panthers)[6]
- Brian Johnson (former Utah Utes quarterback - Current Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive coordinator );[7]
- Ell Roberson III Former Kansas State Quarterback
- Clayton Shields, professional basketball player and coach.[8]
- Clint Stoerner Former Quarterback for University of Arkansas, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Dolphins.
- Tom Stolhandske NFL and CFL player
- Drew Tate (Former University of Iowa and current Calgary Stampeders quarterback)