School History

Posted by NHSAF 3

HISTORY OF NORTHLAND HIGH SCHOOL

With expanding growth in the north end of Columbus in the early 1960s, new developments took shape and brought families to Salem Village, Devonshire, Forest Park, Karmel, and Woodward Park.  Northland Shopping Center was built, elementary schools overflowed, and the ground broke for a new high school in 1965.  The doors to NORTHLAND JUNIOR/SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL opened to students in September 1966, with classes for 7ththrough 11th grades.  Seniors stayed for their final year at rival Brookhaven High.

Principal Leslie M. Evans and Vice Principal Richard Hayes took the helm of this new Viking ship and helped students and teachers set sail.  A Nordic theme was chosen and the Viking mascot, school colors of green and gold, the Valhalla yearbook and Valkyries drill team all came to life.  Many new traditions were begun!

With a bulging north-end population, Woodward Park Junior High opened its doors in September 1967 for grades 7 and 8.  Northland Senior High School was now home to grades 9-12.  As the neighborhood grew, Northland was at capacity having students in grades 10-12, with 9th graders attending Woodward Park Junior High.  Today, Northland High School is home for grades 9-12.

What are your memories of Northland?

Maybe some of these come to mind from the early years:

  • Homecoming bonfires by the Old Oak Tree at the football stadium
  • Early morning marching band practices with drum majors and majorettes leading the way
  • Cheerleaders selling GO VIKING ribbons before football and basketball games. Viking football player Bobble-heads were even sold to raise money!
  • GAA (Girls Athletic Association) for intramural sports, complete with fields trips to go canoeing and camping at Mohican State Park and sleepovers in the school gym (girls sports were not sanctioned in the early years!)
  • Booster groups that raised money for the music department, theater groups and athletics
  • The ZBGs (Administrator Hubert “Zaayer’s Bad Guys”, which kept many guys out of trouble!)
  • Music albums recorded at Musi-Col by the vocal groups -Concert Chorale, The Young Adults, and many of the various choirs
  • Work shop, metal and drafting classes for the boys; Home economics (cooking and sewing) for the girls