South High School: A Legacy of Education and Notable Alumni
Minneapolis South High School, a comprehensive public high school with a rich history, has been a cornerstone of the Corcoran neighborhood in Minneapolis, Minnesota, since its founding in 1885. Over the years, South High has not only provided a strong academic foundation for its students but has also fostered an environment where they can excel and make significant contributions to various fields. This article explores the school's history, its evolution, and most notably, some of its distinguished alumni who have left their mark on the world.
A Historical Overview
South High's journey began in humble surroundings, with classes initially held in four rooms of the Adams School attic. The school quickly established traditions, with the student body launching "The South High Observer," a precursor to the current school paper, "The Southerner." In 1892, the South High Theater staged its first play, "Cox and Box," marking the beginning of a vibrant performing arts program. The first graduating class comprised 27 students, setting the stage for the countless graduates who would follow.
The original school building, a castle-like structure of red brick and sandstone, boasted unique architectural features such as turrets, stained-glass bay windows, and a six-story bell tower. However, the bell tower never received a bell, possibly due to the adoption of an electric bell system. As the school grew, the auditorium was divided into classrooms to accommodate the increasing number of students.
Significant changes occurred in the early 20th century, with the addition of manual and training wings in 1910, enabling students to pursue business and commercial professions. A new auditorium, with a seating capacity of 1,913, opened in 1911, a stark contrast to the current auditorium's capacity of 715. Further expansion in 1916 resulted in a blend of architectural styles, described as "ancient, medieval, and modern."
After World War I, an athletic field was developed across Cedar Avenue. In 1924, parents and teachers advocated for improvements, including a new chorus room, fireproofing of the auditorium, a new gymnasium, and upgrades to the athletic field. The auditorium was remodeled in 1926, reducing the seating capacity but enhancing safety. During this period, the band program flourished, inspiring other schools to follow suit. The athletic field was completed with a concrete fence, seating, and a gateway dedicated to South alumni who died in World War I.
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The period from 1916 to 1940 is considered South's Golden Age, a time of great achievement despite the challenges of the Great Depression. However, the original building began to deteriorate in the 1940s, leading to its demolition in 1950, which sparked protests from alumni.
In 1961, Principal Carl Lundin proposed a new building, leading to a period of debate and planning. Construction finally began in 1968, a time of national unrest due to the Vietnam War. The new building's design, with its lack of windows, was seen by some as a response to potential student unrest. However, alternative explanations included the architect's focus on energy efficiency and the building's initial "Open School" concept, which relied on small windows for light.
Today, South High School is a three-story building centered around the auditorium, commons area, and balcony. Security measures include identification card checks at all entrances. The school offers a variety of programs and resources, including special education programs and programs for teenage parents.
Academic and Extracurricular Achievements
South High School has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence and a wide range of extracurricular activities. In the 1980s, programs like the Open Program and the MAGNET Program were designed to prepare students for college. Today, the school has two Small Learning Communities (SLCs): Liberal Arts and All Nations American Indian. The Liberal Arts program offers a broad array of subject areas, while the All Nations Program involves the American Indian community in student learning.
The school offers courses in general education, special education, athletics, and world languages, including French, Spanish, Arabic, Latin, Chinese, Ojibwe, and Somali. South High is known for its cultural diversity, with students from various ethnic backgrounds.
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Despite its many strengths, South High faces challenges, including an achievement gap between students from different socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds. The school has implemented various programs to address this issue and ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
South High School offers a variety of annual events and extracurricular activities, including ethnic student associations, language clubs, competitive academic groups, mock trial, Academic Decathlon, Quiz Bowl, debate, and political groups. The school also has an active theater company and competes in national academic competitions.
The South Mock Trial team achieved significant success in the late 1990s and early 2000s, winning the state championship in 1999 and placing fourth in the nation in 2005. In athletics, the girls' basketball team rose to prominence under coach Ahmil Jihad, with player Tayler Hill leading the team to a state championship in 2009.
Notable Alumni: A Source of Pride
South High School has produced a remarkable array of alumni who have excelled in diverse fields, bringing honor to their alma mater. To recognize these achievements, South High School periodically inducts distinguished graduates into its Hall of Fame. These individuals serve as an inspiration to current students, demonstrating the potential that lies within the walls of South High.
During Homecoming Week, South High School welcomes back distinguished alumni, providing an opportunity for current students to connect with those who have walked the same halls and achieved remarkable success. Principal Arwen Lyp has expressed pride in recognizing these exceptional alumni for their accomplishments since graduating from South High School.
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The school has recognized 25 alumni since the inception of the program, with inductions taking place in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022 and 2024. Among the notable alumni are:
Jon Hansen: An Emmy Award-winning TV, Radio, podcast, and entertainment host. He's hosted multiple programs on WGN Radio, reported for dozens of local and national TV stations, and energized crowds as the arena host for the Chicago Blackhawks.
Lee Ann Kim: A mother, an Emmy Award-winning former TV journalist, community advocate, yoga teacher, and founder of the San Diego Asian Film Festival and its presenting nonprofit Pacific Arts Movement.
Paul Kludac: After earning a business degree at the College of DuPage, Paul Kludac was called into active duty in the United States Marine Corps and fought in Iraq. While still in high school, he founded Detail Kings car wash, growing it into multiple locations and employing over 40 people. Paul helped veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with the Wounded Warrior Project.
Michael J. Taylor: Has been teaching, performing, and recording West African percussion since 1994. He authored the book “Remembering Your Ancestral Fire,” published in 2023, he is the Director of the Tam Tam Mandingue, Chicago school of percussion (est. 2006) and founder and driving force behind Holy Goat Percussion (est. 1995).
South High School in Denver, Colorado
It is also worth mentioning South High School in Denver, Colorado, another institution with a rich history and notable alumni. Established in 1893, this high school has been a landmark in the Washington Park neighborhood. The architectural firm of Fisher & Fisher designed South High School in the Romanesque style. Sculptor Robert Garrison created many of the building's adornments, including the 3 foot (1 meter) tall gargoyle above the building's main entrance.
South High School in Denver has an active alumni association (SHAFI), which maintains a database of graduates and a school museum. The school's athletic teams are known as the Ravens, a change from the previous mascot.
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