East High School

Story

East High School in Waterloo, Iowa is a public high school consisting of approximately 1000 students in grades 9-12.HistoryThe school was founded at its current site in 1874, with the present building being built in 1918. In 1939, the Music and Industrial Arts wing was added, and the Fred J. Miller gymnasium was built in 1957. The "new wing" which includes a swimming pool and classrooms was built in 1962. In 1981 East High transformed from a three-year to a four year high school. In April 2002, a new administrative and counseling center and an addition that features a new cafeteria/commons, practice gymnasium, wrestling room and locker rooms were opened. The old cafeteria area on the 4th floor was converted into eight new classrooms. The newly renovated Elizabeth A.H. Green Auditorium reopened in October 2007. The Reggie Roby Fitness Center was opened in 2008. Additional renovations will take place in the years to come, funded by a local 1 cent local option sales tax.Culture/DiversityEast High is known throughout the state for its diverse student body consisting of proportions of minority students that far outpace the state averages. African Americans, Bosnian, and, increasingly, Hispanic students make up a significant portion of the student body alongside white students. The racial makeup of the school during the 2015-16 school year was 49% White, 33% African-American, 11% Hispanic, 5% Multiracial and 2% from other races.AthleticsThe East High Trojans have a long tradition of athletics in both high school achievements and in athletes who have gone on to play collegiately and professionally. Some sports alumni include NFL all-Pro punter and 1980s All-Decade Team member Reggie Roby, NFL wide receiver/returner J.J. Moses and sprinter Kim Sykes, who held the state record in the 400m dash from 1979-1989.