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{{multiple issues|
{{original research|date=October 2012}}
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{{more citations needed|date=October 2012}}
}}
{{Infobox school
{{Infobox school
| name = Albany High School
| name = Albany High School
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| zipcode = 94706
| zipcode = 94706
| country = United States
| country = United States
| colors = Red and white<ref>http://www.albany.k12.ca.us/ahs/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050529095939/http://www.albany.k12.ca.us/ahs/ |date=2005-05-29 }} [down]</ref>
| colors = Red and white<ref>http://www.albany.k12.ca.us/ahs/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050529095939/http://www.albany.k12.ca.us/ahs/ |date=May 29, 2005 }} [down]</ref>
| district = [[Albany Unified School District]]
| district = [[Albany Unified School District]]
| mascot = [[Cougar]]
| mascot = [[Cougar]]
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| established =
| established =
| type = [[State school|Public]] [[high school]]
| type = [[State school|Public]] [[high school]]
| enrollment = 1,168 (2018–19)<ref name=NCES>{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=0601860&ID=060186000059|title=Albany High|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|access-date=September 30, 2020}}</ref>
| enrollment = 1,151 (2022–2023)<ref name=NCES>{{cite web|url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/schoolsearch/school_detail.asp?Search=1&DistrictID=0601860&ID=060186000059|title=Albany High|publisher=National Center for Education Statistics|access-date=November 16, 2024}}</ref>
| motto =
| motto =
| ratio = 23.02<ref name=NCES/>
| ratio = 18.22<ref name=NCES/>
| staff = 50.73 (FTE)<ref name=NCES/>
| staff = 63.18 (FTE)<ref name=NCES/>
| principal = Darren McNally
| principal = Darren McNally
| yearbook =
| yearbook =
| newspaper = The Cougar [https://medium.com/the-cougar]
| newspaper = The Cougar [https://medium.com/the-cougar]
| website = {{url|ahs.ausdk12.org}}
| website = {{URL|ahs.ausdk12.org}}
| address = 603 Key Route Boulevard
| address = 603 Key Route Boulevard
| campus = Semi-urban
| campus = Semi-urban
| coordinates = {{coord|37.895890|-122.292421|type:edu_region:US-CA|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|37.895890|-122.292421|type:edu_region:US-CA|display=inline,title}}
| caption = Current building, December 2004
| pushpin_map = San Francisco Bay Area#California#USA
| pushpin_map = San Francisco Bay Area#California#USA
}}
}}


'''Albany High School''' (AHS) is a comprehensive [[public]] [[high school]] located in [[Albany, California]] in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]]. The school educates approximately 1,300 students from grades 9 through 12.
'''Albany High School''' (AHS) is a comprehensive [[public]] [[high school]] in [[Albany, California]] in the [[San Francisco Bay Area]]. Enrollment is approximately 1,300 students from grades 9 through 12.


==Achievements==
==Achievements==


In 2001, Albany was accredited by the [[Western Association of Schools and Colleges]] for the maximum term of six years. Albany High School was #756 nationally ranked in 2016, and #119 among California high schools.<ref>https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/california/rankings {{Bare URL inline|date=January 2022}}</ref>
In 2001, Albany was accredited by the [[Western Association of Schools and Colleges]] for the maximum term of six years. Albany High School was #756 nationally ranked in 2016, and #119 among California high schools.<ref>{{cite web |title=Find California High Schools {{!}} US News Best High Schools |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/california/rankings |website=[[U.S. News & World Report]]}}</ref> In 2013 Albany High School received an award for Distinction in Civic Learning from the California Courts. Associate Justice Carole Corrigan of the California Supreme Court presented the Award which honored the work of the social studies department and student clubs such as the Model United Nations program.<ref>{{cite news |title=AHS to Celebrate State 'Civic Learning' Honor |url=https://patch.com/california/albany/ahs-to-celebrate-state-civic-learning-honor |access-date=April 5, 2023 |agency=Albany Patch |publisher=Patch |date=May 9, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Civic Learning Award; Albany High School |url=https://www.courts.ca.gov/22183.htm |website=California Courts |publisher=State of California |access-date=April 5, 2023}}</ref>


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==Academic competitions==
The school is known for its athletic, science, math, and music programs.


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In the 2010–2011 academic year, Albany became home to a forensic (Speech and Debate) team. The Albany High School Speech and Debate team<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://albany.patch.com/announcements/ahs-debate-team-puts-up-a-good-fight |title=AHS Debate Team Puts up a Good Fight - Albany, CA Patch |access-date=April 30, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719225458/http://albany.patch.com/announcements/ahs-debate-team-puts-up-a-good-fight |archive-date=July 19, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> is a member of the Golden Gate Speech Association and the National Forensic League.
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===Music programs===


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==Music programs==
The music program at the school serves approximately 250 students and supports choral, orchestral, concert band, and [[jazz]] programs. Craig Bryant is the Director of Instrumental Music, a position he has held since the fall of 2007. Students participate in the Jazz School Studio bands, the [[Oakland, California|Oakland]], [[Berkeley, California|Berkeley]] and San Francisco Youth Orchestras, and the CMEA and CBDA All-State Bands, as well as with other area honor groups.


The Albany High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Craig Bryant, was selected as a finalist for the 2010 Next Generation Festival, presented by the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the 2010 Essentially Ellington Festival, presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, New York.<ref>{{cite news |title=2018 Sports All Star Teacher |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/press/craig-bryant-albany-high-school-0 |access-date=April 5, 2023 |agency=NBC Sports |date=April 9, 2018}}</ref>
The instrumental music program is made up of two [[concert band]]s, two jazz bands, and a string orchestra. There are approximately 140 students involved in the program, with about half the jazz students also participating in one of the concert bands. Each group at the school meets three times per week to rehearse (for 50 minutes on Mondays, and 90 on Tuesdays/Thursdays or Wednesdays/Fridays).
The ensembles at AHS perform four main concerts a year in addition to participating in festivals and recording competitions. The groups have garnered positive attention through performances at Yoshi's Oakland, [[Ashkenaz (Berkeley, California)|Ashkenaz]], the Freight and Salvage, and other Bay Area venues.


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==STEM programs==
The Albany High School Jazz Band has received top ratings and awards at the Folsom, Reno, and [[Santa Cruz, California|Santa Cruz]] Jazz Festivals. The 2010 group performed as a featured ensemble at the 2010 California Music Education Association State Conference in [[Sacramento, California|Sacramento]]. The band was also selected as a finalist for the 2010 Next Generation Festival, presented by the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the 2010 Essentially Ellington festival, presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, New York.
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Albany High School has many competing STEM teams, including Science Bowl, National Ocean Science Bowl, and Science Olympiad.


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Since it was founded at Albany Middle School (Division B) in 2013, Albany's Science Olympiad has qualified for state 4 times. In 2017 and 2018, the Albany High School Science Olympiad (Division C) team won first place in the Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad, and placed 5th and 3rd overall respectively at State.<ref>{{cite web|title=Northern California Science Olympiad Results|url=http://www.norcalscienceolympiad.com/results.html|publisher=NorCal Science Olympiad|access-date=February 1, 2018}}</ref>
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===STEM programs===
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Albany High School has many competing STEM teams, most notably Science Bowl, National Ocean Science Bowl, and Science Olympiad.


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The Science Bowl team won the 1993 Department of Energy [[National Science Bowl]] competition.<ref name="NSB Past Results2">{{cite web|url=http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/nsb/pastprize.htm |title=NSB: 1st Place Teams and Prizes |access-date=January 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116070845/http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/nsb/pastprize.htm |archive-date=January 16, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Albany High won its 2008 Science Bowl regional competition, defeating academic rival [[Mission San Jose High School]]. In 2009, Albany won its regional [[National Science Bowl]] competition, placing fifth nationwide.
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Since it was founded at Albany Middle School (Division B) in 2013, Albany's Science Olympiad has qualified for state 4 times. In 2017 and 2018, the Albany High School Science Olympiad (Division C) team won first place in the Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad, and placed 5th and 3rd overall respectively at State.<ref>{{cite web|title=Northern California Science Olympiad Results|url=http://www.norcalscienceolympiad.com/results.html|publisher=NorCal Science Olympiad|access-date=1 February 2018}}</ref>


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In 2016, Albany went to North Carolina for Nationals, where it won first place in the 2016 Department of Commerce [[National Ocean Sciences Bowl]] competition.<ref>{{cite web|title=National Ocean Science Bowl|url=http://nosb.org/albany-high-school-wins-19th-annual-national-ocean-sciences-bowl/|publisher=National Ocean Science Bowl|date=April 25, 2016}}</ref> In 2019, Albany took home a second national championship in Washington, D.C., going undefeated in both the buzzer portion and the Scientific Expert Briefing portion of the competition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nosb.org/compete/competitions/finals-competition/2019-nosb-finals/|title = 2019 NOSB Finals|date = February 21, 2019}}</ref>
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The Science Bowl team won the 1993 Department of Energy [[National Science Bowl]] competition.<ref name="NSB Past Results2">{{cite web|url=http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/nsb/pastprize.htm |title=NSB: 1st Place Teams and Prizes |access-date=2008-01-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080116070845/http://www.scied.science.doe.gov/nsb/pastprize.htm |archive-date=2008-01-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Albany High won its 2008 Science Bowl regional competition, defeating academic rival [[Mission San Jose High School]]. In 2009, Albany won its regional [[National Science Bowl]] competition, placing fifth nationwide.

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In 2012, the school National Ocean Sciences Bowl team went to Baltimore for Nationals, where they took seventh place. In 2013, the National Ocean Sciences Bowl team went to Milwaukee for Nationals and took fifth place. In 2016, Albany went to North Carolina for Nationals, where it won first place in the 2016 Department of Commerce [[National Ocean Sciences Bowl]] competition.<ref>{{cite web|title=National Ocean Science Bowl|url=http://nosb.org/albany-high-school-wins-19th-annual-national-ocean-sciences-bowl/|publisher=National Ocean Science Bowl|date=2016-04-25}}</ref> In 2018, Albany won the regional NOSB competition, and placed fourth overall in the national finals in Colorado later that year. In 2019, Albany took home a second national championship in Washington, D.C., going undefeated in both the buzzer portion and the Scientific Expert Briefing portion of the competition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://nosb.org/compete/competitions/finals-competition/2019-nosb-finals/|title = 2019 NOSB Finals|date = 21 February 2019}}</ref>


== Athletics ==
== Athletics ==
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The school [[mascot]] is the cougar and the [[school color]]s are red and white.


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In February 2014, the girls' wrestling team took first place at the CIF State tournament.<ref>{{cite web|title = California Interscholastic Federation|url = http://www.cifstate.org/sports/girls_wrestling/past_results_records/2014_CIF_State_Girls_Wrestling_Championships_Final_Brackets.pdf|website = www.cifstate.org|access-date = September 26, 2015}}</ref> In November 2021 Sophia Nordenholz won the individual Division IV State Cross-Country Championship with the 7th fastest time in state meet history. At the same meet the boys' team won the Division IV State Championship, with Sean Morello taking 3rd place and Lucas Cohen taking 13th.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2021 CIF State Cross Country Championships - California Interscholastic Federation|url=https://www.cifstate.org/sports/cross_country/champ_info/index|access-date=November 29, 2021|website=www.cifstate.org}}</ref> In May 2023 Sean Morello took 7th in the 3200 meter race in the State Track and Field Championships and Lucas Cohen took 9th in the 1600 meters.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2023 CIF State Track & Field Championships - California Interscholastic Federation|url=https://cifstate.org/sports/track_and_field/tf_champs|access-date=June 2, 2023|website=www.cifstate.org}}</ref>
=== Athletic teams ===
Athletic teams of Albany High School belong to the Tri Counties Athletic League (TCAL) in the North Coast Section (NCS) of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), which manages all high school sports teams in California.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|title = ATHLETICS MAIN PAGE - Albany High School|url = http://ahs.ausdk12.org/athletics/ATHLETICS-MAIN-PAGE|website = ahs.ausdk12.org|access-date = 2015-09-26|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150928010016/http://ahs.ausdk12.org/athletics/ATHLETICS-MAIN-PAGE|archive-date = 2015-09-28|url-status = dead}}</ref> Fall sports include football, girls' and boys' cross country, girls' volleyball, girls' golf, and girls' tennis. Sports offered during the winter are girls' and boys' soccer, girls' and boys' basketball, and girls' and boys' wrestling. Sports teams offered during the spring include softball, baseball, girls' and boys' track and field, girls' and boys' swimming, boys' golf, and boys' tennis.<ref name=":0" />

=== Athletic achievements ===
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Albany High's soccer team was successful in 2010, with the varsity boys' and girls' teams going undefeated in the winter season of 2010. The girls' volleyball team went to the Northern California State Championships in 2011, but lost. In February 2014, the girls' wrestling team took first place at the CIF State tournament.<ref>{{cite web|title = California Interscholastic Federation|url = http://www.cifstate.org/sports/girls_wrestling/past_results_records/2014_CIF_State_Girls_Wrestling_Championships_Final_Brackets.pdf|website = www.cifstate.org|access-date = 2015-09-26}}</ref> In November 2021 senior Sophia Nordenholz ran the fastest girls time in the State Cross-Country Championships while winning the individual Division IV State Championship, posting the 7th fastest time in state meet history. At the same meet the boys' cross-country team won the Division IV State Championship, with junior Sean Morello taking 3rd place and sophomore Lucas Cohen taking 13th.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2021 CIF State Cross Country Championships - California Interscholastic Federation|url=https://www.cifstate.org/sports/cross_country/champ_info/index|access-date=2021-11-29|website=www.cifstate.org}}</ref>


==Campus history==
==Campus history==
In 1997, Albany High School's main building and gymnasium, both completed in 1934, were deemed to be seismically unsound. They were demolished, and construction began on a new campus. During the four years of construction, between 1997 and 2001, classes were held in portable trailers. The new school building and gymnasium opened in 2001.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Norin |first1=Bill |title=Fall Class of 1945 |url=https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~norin/genealogy/AlbanyHSClass1945.html |website=Fall Class of 1945 |access-date=April 5, 2023}}</ref> In 2020, a new addition was opened on the campus, including 8 large classrooms and a future design-build space.<ref>{{cite web |title=Albany Unified School District Opens $9.8M High School Addition with Eight Modern Classrooms, Including a Design+Build Workshop |url=https://ahs.ausdk12.org/ahs-news/2020/2/3/albany-unified-school-district-opens-98m-high-school-addition-with-eight-modern-classrooms-including-a-design-amp-build-workshop |website=Albany High School |publisher=Albany Unified School District |access-date=April 5, 2023}}</ref>
{{more citations needed section|date=October 2011}}
[[Image:Albany High School (Albany, California) (front entrance - 2 December 2004).JPG|thumb|right|300px|Albany High School's new building]]
In 1997, Albany High School's main building and gymnasium, both completed in 1934, were deemed to be seismically unsound. They were demolished, and construction began on a new campus. During the four years of construction, between 1997 and 2001, classes were held in portable trailers. The new school building and gymnasium opened in 2001.

During the 2004–2005 school year, several security cameras were installed in the building to prevent vandalism.

In 2004, the school suffered overcrowding due to an overly large freshman class. The large influx of students was caused in part by an Albany Unified School District policy, which allowed students from other cities such as [[El Cerrito, Contra Costa County, California|El Cerrito]] and [[Richmond, California|Richmond]] to enter Albany schools.

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The school [[mascot]] is the cougar and the [[school color]]s are red and white. As of 2023 the principal is Darren McNally.

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==Academic competitions==
Albany participates in many local competitions, including [[NAQT]], [[NOSB]]'s Otter Bowl (which they won in 2006 and took fourth in nationwide), and the [[National Science Bowl]], in which they also took fourth place nationwide.


{{As of|2023}}, the principal is Darren McNally.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last=Slater |first=Dashka |date=2023-08-17 |title=The Instagram Account That Shattered a California High School |language=en |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/17/magazine/california-high-school-racist-instagram.html |access-date=2023-08-21}}</ref>
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The school hosts a well-established Model United Nations program. In the 2010–2011 academic year, Albany became home to a forensic (Speech and Debate) team. The Albany High Speech and Debate team<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://albany.patch.com/announcements/ahs-debate-team-puts-up-a-good-fight |title=AHS Debate Team Puts up a Good Fight - Albany, CA Patch |access-date=2011-04-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719225458/http://albany.patch.com/announcements/ahs-debate-team-puts-up-a-good-fight |archive-date=2011-07-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> is a member of the Golden Gate Speech Association and the National Forensic League. Both programs are established in club format; while other local schools have classes dedicated solely to Model UN and debate, Albany runs both programs as student clubs.


==Racist Instagram Event==
===Instagram controversy===
In fall of 2016 an Albany High student named Cedric Epple started an [[Instagram]] account on which he posted unauthorized photos of Black classmates along with the N-word and images evoking lynchings. By March of 2017, the account became public knowledge at the school, causing disruption. Cedric Epple and one other student, Kevin Chen, were suspended and recommended for expulsion. Epple was expelled in July of 2017.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Walsh |first1=Mark |title=Court Upholds Discipline of Students for Instagram Posts That Targeted Black Classmates |url=https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/court-upholds-discipline-of-students-for-instagram-posts-that-targeted-black-classmates/2022/12 |website=Education Week |publisher=Education Week |access-date=4 April 2023}}</ref> In the weeks following the suspension of students there was a rally and a student sit-in protesting racism at the school.<ref>{{cite news |title=Albany students express anger, sadness after 'chaotic, crazy' meeting on racist Instagram |url=https://abc7news.com/albany-high-school-racist-instagram-page-at-hs-instagrams-alexandra-campbell-jones/1827368/ |access-date=4 April 2023 |agency=ABC7 News KGO |date=March 30 2018}}</ref>
In fall of 2016 an Albany High student started an [[Instagram]] account on which he posted unauthorized photos of Black classmates along with the word [[nigger]] and images evoking [[lynching]]s.<ref name="walshmark">{{cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Mark |date=December 29, 2022 |title=Court Upholds Discipline of Students for Instagram Posts That Targeted Black Classmates |website=Education Week |publisher=Education Week |url=https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/court-upholds-discipline-of-students-for-instagram-posts-that-targeted-black-classmates/2022/12 |access-date=April 4, 2023}}</ref> By March 2017, the account became public knowledge at the school, causing disruption.<ref name="walshmark"/> The student who posted the content was [[Expulsion (education)|expelled]] from the school;<ref name="walshmark" /> additionally, all students who had followed the account were [[Suspension (punishment)#School discipline|suspended]] for five days, the maximum allowed under California law, including three students who had never [[Like (social media)|liked]] any of the content or indicated any approval of it.<ref name=":0" /> In the weeks following the suspension of students, there was a community rally and a student sit-in protesting racism at the school.<ref>{{cite news |title=Albany students express anger, sadness after 'chaotic, crazy' meeting on racist Instagram |url=https://abc7news.com/albany-high-school-racist-instagram-page-at-hs-instagrams-alexandra-campbell-jones/1827368/ |access-date=April 4, 2023 |agency=ABC7 News KGO |date=March 30, 2018}}</ref> One of these protests was held in April, at the same time and place as a voluntary [[Mediation|mediation session]] between the suspended students and the affected Black classmates.<ref name=":0" /> The mediation was scheduled by the district at the end of the suspensions, because the suspended students would have to return to school.<ref name=":0" /> What began as a quiet protest by uninvolved students ended in a melee as police attempted to [[Police escort|escort]] the students and their parents off campus after the mediation session, during which student protesters threw things at and hit the students.<ref name=":0" />


On May 1, 2017, four Albany High students filed suit against the school arguing that they had been punished unfairly for their involvement with racist harassment on [[Instagram]]. The students and their lawyers claimed that the school had violated their [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment rights]] by punishing them for actions that took place outside of school grounds and outside of school hours.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Renda|first1=Matthew|title=Students Punished Over Racist Posts File Free-Speech Suit|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/students-punished-racist-posts-file-free-speech-suit/|access-date=29 May 2017|work=Courthouse News Service|date=2 May 2017}}</ref>
The next month, ten Albany High students filed suit against the school arguing that they had been punished unfairly for their involvement with the Instagram account. The students and their lawyers claimed that the school had violated their [[First Amendment to the United States Constitution|First Amendment rights]] by punishing them for actions that took place outside of school grounds and outside of school hours.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Renda|first1=Matthew|title=Students Punished Over Racist Posts File Free-Speech Suit|url=http://www.courthousenews.com/students-punished-racist-posts-file-free-speech-suit/|access-date=May 29, 2017|work=Courthouse News Service|date=May 2, 2017}}</ref> The lower court ruled in favor of five of the ten students in November 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/11/30/judge-issues-ruling-on-albany-high-online-posting-lawsuits/ | title=Judge issues ruling on Albany High online posting lawsuits | date=November 30, 2017 }}</ref> Eight of the ten ultimately settled their claims with the school,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://abc7news.com/albany-high-school-racist-instagram-racism-ant/3388772/ | title=Albany parents furious over racist Instagram settlements for students }}</ref> provoking distress in the victims' families.<ref name=":0" /> Two appealed their claims to the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit|Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals]]. In December 2022, the Ninth Circuit Court ruled unanimously in favor of the school district, saying that the Instagram account amounted to "severe bullying" and "contributed nothing to the 'market of ideas'."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Aron |first1=Hillel |title=Ninth Circuit backs student expulsions over racist Instagram posts |url=https://www.courthousenews.com/ninth-circuit-backs-student-expulsions-over-racist-instagram-posts/ |website=Courthouse News Service |access-date=April 4, 2023}}</ref> The last lawsuit against the district was resolved in 2023, in the district's favor.<ref name=":0" /> Additionally, one of the students who was victimized in the account filed a lawsuit against the account creator and two other students who had been significantly involved, which eventually settled for a cash payment in late 2020.<ref name=":0" />


==Neighborhoods zoned to Albany==
==Neighborhoods zoned to Albany==
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==Notable alumni==
==Notable alumni==
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{{more citations needed section|date=August 2023}}
<!-- KEEP THIS LIST IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER, PLEASE. -->
<!-- KEEP THIS LIST IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER, PLEASE. -->
* [[Tim Armstrong]], 1984 - [[punk rock]], musician, singer and guitarist for [[Operation Ivy (band)|Operation Ivy]] and [[Rancid (band)|Rancid]]<ref name=Garofoli>{{cite news | title=Rancid Proves It's Punk Enough In A Blazing Show | last=Garofoli | first=Joe | date=1995-12-13 | work=[[Contra Costa Times]] | page=F01}}</ref>
* [[Tim Armstrong]], 1984 - [[punk rock]], musician, singer and guitarist for [[Operation Ivy (band)|Operation Ivy]] and [[Rancid (band)|Rancid]]<ref name=Garofoli>{{cite news | title=Rancid Proves It's Punk Enough In A Blazing Show | last=Garofoli | first=Joe | date=December 13, 1995 | work=[[Contra Costa Times]] | page=F01}}</ref>
* [[Rick "Grizzly" Brown]], 1978 - former professional strongman; competed in [[World's Strongest Man]] competitions in 1985 (6th) and 1986 (8th)
* [[Rick "Grizzly" Brown]], 1978 - former professional strongman; competed in [[World's Strongest Man]] competitions in 1985 (6th) and 1986 (8th)
* [[Jordan Capozzi]], 2008 - rapper who is known by her stage name Lil Debbie
* [[Jordan Capozzi]], 2008 - rapper who is known by her stage name Lil Debbie
Line 99: Line 79:
*[[DeVon Franklin]], 1996 - Preacher, Television Personality
*[[DeVon Franklin]], 1996 - Preacher, Television Personality
* [[Edi Gathegi]], 1997 - actor; ''[[House (TV series)|House MD]]'', ''[[Twilight (2008 film)|Twilight]]''
* [[Edi Gathegi]], 1997 - actor; ''[[House (TV series)|House MD]]'', ''[[Twilight (2008 film)|Twilight]]''
* [[Tyson Griffin]], 2002 - professional [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] fighter, formerly with the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]]<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-15529066_ITM | title=Getting kick out of mixed martial arts: Griffin, a former Times' top 100 athlete from Albany High School, carries a 6-0 record into tonight's lightweight fight | last=Heater | first=Jay | date=2006-06-09 | access-date=2008-04-22 | work=[[Contra Costa Times]]}}</ref>
* [[Tyson Griffin]], 2002 - professional [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] fighter, formerly with the [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]]<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-15529066_ITM | title=Getting kick out of mixed martial arts: Griffin, a former Times' top 100 athlete from Albany High School, carries a 6-0 record into tonight's lightweight fight | last=Heater | first=Jay | date=June 9, 2006 | access-date=April 22, 2008 | work=[[Contra Costa Times]]}}</ref>
* [[Matt Haney]], 1982 - politician
* [[Ron Hansen (baseball)|Ron Hansen]], 1956 - Major League Baseball player; 1960 American League Rookie of the Year; one of the few players in history to turn an unassisted triple play, July 30, 1968
* [[Ron Hansen (baseball)|Ron Hansen]], 1956 - Major League Baseball player; 1960 American League Rookie of the Year; one of the few players in history to turn an unassisted triple play, July 30, 1968
* [[Louis A. Mackey]] - NFL football player
* [[Louis A. Mackey]] - NFL football player
* [[Lil B|Lil B The BasedGod]], 2005 - member of [[The Pack (group)|The Pack]] rap group, real name Brandon McCartney
* [[Lil B|Lil B The BasedGod]], 2005 - member of [[The Pack (group)|The Pack]] rap group, real name Brandon McCartney
* [[Sho Nakamori]], attended – Artistic gymnast and member of the [[United States men's national artistic gymnastics team]]<ref name='shotime'>{{Cite news |last=Pena |first=Michael |date=September 27, 2002 |title=It's Sho time |url=https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/It-s-Sho-time-Gymnast-claims-third-junior-2792530.php |newspaper=[[San Francisco Chronicle]] |access-date=August 17, 2024}}</ref>
* [[Young L]], 2005 - member of The Pack rap group, real name Lloyd Omadhebo<ref name=Drop>{{cite web|url=http://www.dropmagazine.com/the-pack-interview/ |title=The Pack Interview |last=Viard |first=Alex |date=2007-10-30 |access-date=2008-04-22 |work=Drop Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212085232/http://www.dropmagazine.com/the-pack-interview/ |archive-date=2008-02-12 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Young L]], 2005 - member of The Pack rap group, real name Lloyd Omadhebo<ref name=Drop>{{cite web|url=http://www.dropmagazine.com/the-pack-interview/ |title=The Pack Interview |last=Viard |first=Alex |date=October 30, 2007 |access-date=April 22, 2008 |work=Drop Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080212085232/http://www.dropmagazine.com/the-pack-interview/ |archive-date=February 12, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Ron Silliman]], 1964 - poet and author
* [[Ron Silliman]], 1964 - poet and author
* [[Kellita Smith]], 1986 - actress, ''[[The Bernie Mac Show]]''{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}}
* [[Kellita Smith]], 1986 - actress, ''[[The Bernie Mac Show]]''{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}}
Line 113: Line 95:
{{Portal|San Francisco Bay Area|Schools}}
{{Portal|San Francisco Bay Area|Schools}}
* [[Albany Unified School District]]
* [[Albany Unified School District]]
* ''[[Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L.]]'' – Supreme Court case affirming that schools can discipline students for social media posts made off campus, if the contents disrupt the school


==References==
==References==
Line 119: Line 102:
== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://ahs.ausdk12.org/ Albany High School official website]
* [http://ahs.ausdk12.org/ Albany High School official website]
* [https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/17/magazine/california-high-school-racist-instagram.html?unlocked_article_code=FX6aeasdN7FCmh7ARlcgRKHDMRCEzeLKkqx-3cqq9Z2zH2wpFirXhINPQ_pfOCfBhINBN2N7ugOvrGZknVrFMxWmU4OEmvD_IjKzWHamLWcw0pZ6YOBCGroZAM9v0KGhWf-2OiKeXETbLkmFYWiAOs7K8WEUD3wJkHzl3XpCTZyBwIu6xPgEVIdjNrRMxX5Uw7krZGZBd38ueTCTPnmdh4djwfwk57KgXYlF4lk5HqYd-IGKae3PYnl28F89_s-zMaDaWSKIP2nQV3__rgmq9ojRdkQNAPHTdpI7VkcrODls8qBJ-vgtBIRFoI2r7VII0axS76YIe5lPcRVT8xXkzkFAL5v7gqUdgJSU14-iUlSzJQ&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare The Instagram Account That Shattered a California High School] - detailed ''New York Times'' account of Instagram controversy


{{Albany, California}}
{{Albany, California}}

Latest revision as of 20:45, 16 November 2024

Albany High School
Current building, December 2004
Address
Map
603 Key Route Boulevard

Albany
,
California
94706

United States
Coordinates37°53′45″N 122°17′33″W / 37.895890°N 122.292421°W / 37.895890; -122.292421
Information
TypePublic high school
School districtAlbany Unified School District
PrincipalDarren McNally
Staff63.18 (FTE)[2]
Grades9-12
Enrollment1,151 (2022–2023)[2]
Student to teacher ratio18.22[2]
CampusSemi-urban
Color(s)Red and white[1]
MascotCougar
NewspaperThe Cougar [1]
Websiteahs.ausdk12.org

Albany High School (AHS) is a comprehensive public high school in Albany, California in the San Francisco Bay Area. Enrollment is approximately 1,300 students from grades 9 through 12.

Achievements

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In 2001, Albany was accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges for the maximum term of six years. Albany High School was #756 nationally ranked in 2016, and #119 among California high schools.[3] In 2013 Albany High School received an award for Distinction in Civic Learning from the California Courts. Associate Justice Carole Corrigan of the California Supreme Court presented the Award which honored the work of the social studies department and student clubs such as the Model United Nations program.[4][5]

Academic competitions

[edit]

In the 2010–2011 academic year, Albany became home to a forensic (Speech and Debate) team. The Albany High School Speech and Debate team[6] is a member of the Golden Gate Speech Association and the National Forensic League.

Music programs

[edit]

The Albany High School Jazz Band, under the direction of Craig Bryant, was selected as a finalist for the 2010 Next Generation Festival, presented by the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the 2010 Essentially Ellington Festival, presented by Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, New York.[7]

STEM programs

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Albany High School has many competing STEM teams, including Science Bowl, National Ocean Science Bowl, and Science Olympiad.

Since it was founded at Albany Middle School (Division B) in 2013, Albany's Science Olympiad has qualified for state 4 times. In 2017 and 2018, the Albany High School Science Olympiad (Division C) team won first place in the Bay Area Regional Science Olympiad, and placed 5th and 3rd overall respectively at State.[8]

The Science Bowl team won the 1993 Department of Energy National Science Bowl competition.[9] Albany High won its 2008 Science Bowl regional competition, defeating academic rival Mission San Jose High School. In 2009, Albany won its regional National Science Bowl competition, placing fifth nationwide.

In 2016, Albany went to North Carolina for Nationals, where it won first place in the 2016 Department of Commerce National Ocean Sciences Bowl competition.[10] In 2019, Albany took home a second national championship in Washington, D.C., going undefeated in both the buzzer portion and the Scientific Expert Briefing portion of the competition.[11]

Athletics

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The school mascot is the cougar and the school colors are red and white.

In February 2014, the girls' wrestling team took first place at the CIF State tournament.[12] In November 2021 Sophia Nordenholz won the individual Division IV State Cross-Country Championship with the 7th fastest time in state meet history. At the same meet the boys' team won the Division IV State Championship, with Sean Morello taking 3rd place and Lucas Cohen taking 13th.[13] In May 2023 Sean Morello took 7th in the 3200 meter race in the State Track and Field Championships and Lucas Cohen took 9th in the 1600 meters.[14]

Campus history

[edit]

In 1997, Albany High School's main building and gymnasium, both completed in 1934, were deemed to be seismically unsound. They were demolished, and construction began on a new campus. During the four years of construction, between 1997 and 2001, classes were held in portable trailers. The new school building and gymnasium opened in 2001.[15] In 2020, a new addition was opened on the campus, including 8 large classrooms and a future design-build space.[16]

As of 2023, the principal is Darren McNally.[17]

Instagram controversy

[edit]

In fall of 2016 an Albany High student started an Instagram account on which he posted unauthorized photos of Black classmates along with the word nigger and images evoking lynchings.[18] By March 2017, the account became public knowledge at the school, causing disruption.[18] The student who posted the content was expelled from the school;[18] additionally, all students who had followed the account were suspended for five days, the maximum allowed under California law, including three students who had never liked any of the content or indicated any approval of it.[17] In the weeks following the suspension of students, there was a community rally and a student sit-in protesting racism at the school.[19] One of these protests was held in April, at the same time and place as a voluntary mediation session between the suspended students and the affected Black classmates.[17] The mediation was scheduled by the district at the end of the suspensions, because the suspended students would have to return to school.[17] What began as a quiet protest by uninvolved students ended in a melee as police attempted to escort the students and their parents off campus after the mediation session, during which student protesters threw things at and hit the students.[17]

The next month, ten Albany High students filed suit against the school arguing that they had been punished unfairly for their involvement with the Instagram account. The students and their lawyers claimed that the school had violated their First Amendment rights by punishing them for actions that took place outside of school grounds and outside of school hours.[20] The lower court ruled in favor of five of the ten students in November 2017.[21] Eight of the ten ultimately settled their claims with the school,[22] provoking distress in the victims' families.[17] Two appealed their claims to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In December 2022, the Ninth Circuit Court ruled unanimously in favor of the school district, saying that the Instagram account amounted to "severe bullying" and "contributed nothing to the 'market of ideas'."[23] The last lawsuit against the district was resolved in 2023, in the district's favor.[17] Additionally, one of the students who was victimized in the account filed a lawsuit against the account creator and two other students who had been significantly involved, which eventually settled for a cash payment in late 2020.[17]

Neighborhoods zoned to Albany

[edit]

The entire city of Albany is zoned to this school.[24] The University Village development, a student housing complex of the University of California Berkeley which houses families, is assigned to this school.[25]

Notable alumni

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ http://www.albany.k12.ca.us/ahs/ Archived May 29, 2005, at the Wayback Machine [down]
  2. ^ a b c "Albany High". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved November 16, 2024.
  3. ^ "Find California High Schools | US News Best High Schools". U.S. News & World Report.
  4. ^ "AHS to Celebrate State 'Civic Learning' Honor". Patch. Albany Patch. May 9, 2013. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  5. ^ "Civic Learning Award; Albany High School". California Courts. State of California. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  6. ^ "AHS Debate Team Puts up a Good Fight - Albany, CA Patch". Archived from the original on July 19, 2011. Retrieved April 30, 2011.
  7. ^ "2018 Sports All Star Teacher". NBC Sports. April 9, 2018. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  8. ^ "Northern California Science Olympiad Results". NorCal Science Olympiad. Retrieved February 1, 2018.
  9. ^ "NSB: 1st Place Teams and Prizes". Archived from the original on January 16, 2008. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
  10. ^ "National Ocean Science Bowl". National Ocean Science Bowl. April 25, 2016.
  11. ^ "2019 NOSB Finals". February 21, 2019.
  12. ^ "California Interscholastic Federation" (PDF). www.cifstate.org. Retrieved September 26, 2015.
  13. ^ "2021 CIF State Cross Country Championships - California Interscholastic Federation". www.cifstate.org. Retrieved November 29, 2021.
  14. ^ "2023 CIF State Track & Field Championships - California Interscholastic Federation". www.cifstate.org. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  15. ^ Norin, Bill. "Fall Class of 1945". Fall Class of 1945. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  16. ^ "Albany Unified School District Opens $9.8M High School Addition with Eight Modern Classrooms, Including a Design+Build Workshop". Albany High School. Albany Unified School District. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  17. ^ a b c d e f g h Slater, Dashka (2023-08-17). "The Instagram Account That Shattered a California High School". The New York Times. Retrieved 2023-08-21.
  18. ^ a b c Walsh, Mark (December 29, 2022). "Court Upholds Discipline of Students for Instagram Posts That Targeted Black Classmates". Education Week. Education Week. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  19. ^ "Albany students express anger, sadness after 'chaotic, crazy' meeting on racist Instagram". ABC7 News KGO. March 30, 2018. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  20. ^ Renda, Matthew (May 2, 2017). "Students Punished Over Racist Posts File Free-Speech Suit". Courthouse News Service. Retrieved May 29, 2017.
  21. ^ "Judge issues ruling on Albany High online posting lawsuits". November 30, 2017.
  22. ^ "Albany parents furious over racist Instagram settlements for students".
  23. ^ Aron, Hillel. "Ninth Circuit backs student expulsions over racist Instagram posts". Courthouse News Service. Retrieved April 4, 2023.
  24. ^ "INITIAL STUDY ALBANY HIGH SCHOOL COUGAR FIELD IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT." Albany Unified School District. April 2006. 2. Retrieved on October 2, 2011. "The high school campus, with an enrollment of approximately 1,200 pupils in grades 9-12, and the middle school, with about 900, serve students in the entire District attendance area which coincides with the boundaries of the City of Albany"
  25. ^ "Local Schools." University Village. Retrieved on October 2, 2011.
  26. ^ a b Garofoli, Joe (December 13, 1995). "Rancid Proves It's Punk Enough In A Blazing Show". Contra Costa Times. p. F01.
  27. ^ Heater, Jay (June 9, 2006). "Getting kick out of mixed martial arts: Griffin, a former Times' top 100 athlete from Albany High School, carries a 6-0 record into tonight's lightweight fight". Contra Costa Times. Retrieved April 22, 2008.
  28. ^ Pena, Michael (September 27, 2002). "It's Sho time". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved August 17, 2024.
  29. ^ Viard, Alex (October 30, 2007). "The Pack Interview". Drop Magazine. Archived from the original on February 12, 2008. Retrieved April 22, 2008.
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