In September 1915, the University City Senior High School was established in what was known as the Fine Arts Building, now part of the Ward Building. The original building also housed the Junior High School. At the opening of school there were three teachers, 45 pupils, and the Superintendent of Schools who acted as the Advisory Principal.
Between the years of 1919 and 1926, the building was enlarged three times. In 1926, the junior high section and the senior high section were separated. In 1929, construction began on the new Senior High building at its present site, located at 7401 Balson Avenue. The new building, serving 29 teachers and 500 pupils, was opened for classes on January 27, 1930.
In 1936, an auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,600 seats was added, along with several classrooms. The next major expansion came years later. Because of the need for an additional gymnasium and classroom units, a bond issue was approved by the voters on April 7, 1953. The new gymnasium wing was ready for occupancy in September 1954. It included a well-equipped, large gym, an indoor running track, a special room for girls' activities, a remedial Physical Education room, and a boys' locker and shower room.
In September 1957, swimming pool plans were accepted and construction began. When the Natatorium was finished in 1959, swimming instruction became a part of the regular Physical Education program for elementary and secondary school students. The University City Parks and Recreation department uses the pool when it is not in use by the schools.
Other additions to the high school since 1959 include the Alfred Fleischer Library, the design for which won an architectural award, a little theater auditorium, a computer laboratory, a counseling complex, a remodeled cafeteria, and new seating and equipment for the auditorium. In the gymnasium area, the weight room has been updated, and the stadium and track have been renovated and named in honor of our legendary coaches, Coach Muhl and Coach Schemmer. The beauty of the school has also been enhanced by memorials to two beloved deceased teachers: the Thomas J. Lawless Plaza and the Beverly D. Frazier Garden.
A new bond issue was passed in early 2009. We look forward to the many improvements this bond issue will allow at the high school.
School Song:
Hail, Hail to U. City High
All hail to our old gold and black
Hail, Hail to U. City High
Our friendship may she never lack.
Ever faithful, ever true
As we raise our song anew
Of the days we’ve spent with you
All Hail, U. City High.
Pictures:
Coming soon!
List of UCHS Principals:
- J. E. Baker 1919-1957
- Wesley Kettelkamp 1957-1958
- Dr. Mark Boyer 1958-1970
- Russell Tuck 1970-1971
- James Lanman 1971-1978
- Dr. Keith Shahan 1978-1982
- Dan McWhorter 1982-1986
- Doris Randolph 1986-1988
- Sam Austin 1988-1990
- Michael Thacker 1990-1996
- Charles Coker 1996-1998
- Dr. Elizabeth Bender 1998-2008
- Christopher Blumenhorst (Interim) 2008-2009
- Timothy R. Wernentin 2009-Present
Mascot:
In 1991 the school changed its mascot from the Indian to the Lion. The Lion was chosen to reflect the Lion Gates located in front of City Hall - long considered the symbol of University City.
UCHS Musicals:
| UCHS Musicals/MusicalRevues/Operas | |
|---|---|
| 1927 none 1928 Bohemian Girl 1929 Prince of Pilsen 1930 Chimes of Normandy 1931 Spring Maid 1932 The Firefly 1933 Pirates of Penzance 1934 The Red Mill 1935 Katinka 1936 Sweethearts 1937 H.M.S. Pinafore 1938 The Chocolate Soldier 1939 Eileen 1940 On Our Way (a musical revue with Webster & Clayton high schools) 1941 The Chimes of Normandy 1942 Bohemian Girl 1943 Sally 1944 none 1945 none 1946 Sweethearts 1947 none 1948 Prince of Pilsen 1949 Serenata of '49 (big musical revue) 1950 Firefly 1951 Serenata of '51 (St. Louis Blues) 1952 Showboat 1953 Stage Door (a revue) 1954 Paree (a musical revue/Can-Can) 1955 Brigadoon 1956 Roberta 1957 U. City Monitor (a revue) 1958 Bloomer Girl 1959 Gaslight Gambols (a revue) 1960 none 1961 Call Me Madam 1962 Monitor (revue - My Fair Lady, Music Man, Gypsy, West Side Story) 1963 Oklahoma 1964 The Boyfriend 1965 Music Man 1966 Sound of Music 1967 South Pacific | 1968 Mame (revue) 1969 Guys & Dolls 1970 Brigadoon 1971 Once Upon A Mattress 1972 Kiss Me Kate 1973 Sweet Charity 1974 Guys & Dolls 1975 Applause 1976 L'il Abner 1977 Two Gentlemen of Verona 1978 Anything Goes 1979 Oklahoma 1980 West Side Story 1981 The Wiz 1982 Hello Dolly 1983 Grease 1984 Barnum 1985 The Wiz 1986 Fame 1987 Bye Bye Birdie 1988 Guys & Dolls 1989 West Side Story 1990 Dream Girls 1991 Uptown/Downtown 1992 King & I 1993 City of Angels 1994 Little Shop of Horrors 1995 Purlie 1996 The Wiz 1997 South Pacific 1998 Damn Yankees 1999 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 2000 Bye Bye Birdie 2001 Guys & Dolls 2002 Oliver 2003 Play On! 2004 Babes in Arms 2005 Grease 2006 Once On This Island 2007 Phantom 2008 The Wizard of Oz 2009 Fame 2010 To Be Determined |