Benton Harbor High School

History

The current high school opened on August 29, 1921, being dedicated the following September 15. The school's main outdoor athletic facility, Filstrup Field, opened in October 1924.

By 1965, as a result of redistricting, the school was the only public high school in Benton Harbor.

In 2009, the school received a $52,000 grant from the U.S. federal government's stimulus program to upgrade its cafeteria equipment. The school was eligible for the grant because more than half its students were eligible to receive free or reduced-cost school meals.

Demographics

The demographic breakdown of the 613 students enrolled in 2016-17 was:

Male - 50.7%

Female - 49.3%

Black - 94.5%

Hispanic - 2.1%

White - 1.8%

Multiracial - 1.6%

63.6% of the students were eligible for free or reduced-cost lunch. In 2016–17, Benton Harbor was a Title I school.

Athletics

The Benton Harbor Tigers compete in the Lakeland Conference. The school colors are orange and black. The following Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) sanctioned sports are offered:

Notable alumni

Joique Bell, NFL football player

Harry Joe Brown, film producer

Chris Burkam, MLB player (St. Louis Browns)

Wilson Chandler, NBA player, first round pick (#23) in draft; named Mr. Basketball in 2005

Tyrone Evans Clark, filmmaker, actor, video game designer, and musician

Kysre Gondrezick, WNBA basketball player

Don Hopkins, MLB player (Oakland Athletics)

Ernie Hudson, actor

Iris Kyle, professional bodybuilder

Dave Machemer, professional baseball player

Anthony Miller, NBA player for several teams

William Perigo, former University of Michigan basketball head coach, coached Benton Harbor High

Jim Reynolds, former Canadian football player

Sinbad, comedian and actor

Chet Walker, NBA basketball player in Hall of Fame

Robert Whaley, NBA player