Crockett High School (Austin, Texas) facts for kids
David Crockett Early College High School is a public high school in South Austin, Texas. It opened in 1968 and is part of the Austin Independent School District (AISD). The school is named after the famous U.S. frontiersman, Davy Crockett.
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Discovering Crockett High School's History
Crockett High School is located at the corner of Menchaca Road and Stassney Lane. When the school first opened, the cafeteria was not ready. So, the first principal, Forrest Kline, teachers, and students ate lunch outside. They enjoyed their meals among large rocks and oak trees in the school's courtyard.
A famous actor, Fess Parker, visited the school's first pep rally. He was well-known for playing Davy Crockett in movies for Walt Disney in the 1950s.
In 1971, a federal judge made an important decision. He ordered Anderson High School in East Austin to close. This was because it was still separated by race. Starting that fall, African-American students from the old Anderson High School began attending Crockett High School.
Who Are the Students at Crockett High?
In October 2020, about 1,550 students were enrolled at Crockett High School. Most of the students, 73.2%, were Hispanic. About 16.7% were White, 5.9% were African American, and 1% were Asian.
Many students at Crockett High School faced economic challenges. About 63.4% were considered economically disadvantaged. Also, 18.2% of the students were learning English as a new language.
Exciting Programs and Achievements
Crockett High School has had many successful programs over the years.
Award-Winning Band
The school's band achieved great success in the early 1980s. They won First Place at the UIL State Marching Band Contest in 1980. They won again in 1981 in the Class 5-A category. Texas Monthly Magazine even called them the "Best Band Ever."
Cosmetology Training
By 2008, Crockett High School started offering free cosmetology training. This program helps students learn skills to work in the beauty industry. Students can begin working right after they graduate high school.
Entrepreneurship Program
A special Entrepreneurship program began in the 2015-2016 school year. This program teaches students how to start and run their own businesses. The Bazaarvoice Foundation helped fund this exciting program.
This was the first program of its kind in the Austin Independent School District. When combined with similar programs at Cunningham Elementary and Covington Middle School, it became the first K-12 Entrepreneurship Program in the United States.
Famous People Who Attended Crockett High
Many talented individuals have graduated from David Crockett High School. Here are a few notable alumni:
- Roger Huerta, a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter.
- Gabriel Luna, class of 2001, who is an actor and producer.
- Bruce Scholtz, class of 1977, a former professional football player.
- Karen Tumulty, class of 1973, a political columnist for The Washington Post newspaper.