North Mecklenburg High School is a high school in Huntersville, North Carolina. The school mascot is the Viking, and the school colors are royal blue, red, and white. Founded in 1951, the school was integrated during the 1960s. The principal is Stephanie Hood.
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History
North Mecklenburg High School first opened its doors to students on September 4, 1951. Many of North Meck's first expansions occurred in 1957, with the addition of the H-hall to meet the needs of the growing student population. During the 1960s, North's curriculum expanded to include instruction in Art, Orchestra, Drama, Spanish, Child Care, Auto Mechanics and ROTC.
Desegregation began at North Meck during the 1965–1966 school year. By 1969, the school had been fully integrated. During the early 1970s, North Meck's student population had reached around 1,100 students.
By the 2000–2001 school year, North Meck had grown into the largest high school in North Carolina, with over 2,700 students. To help alleviate with the growing student body, the school added more buildings and mobile classrooms. In the 2001–2002 school year, nearby Hopewell High School opened its doors, to help with the needs of the growing Huntersville community.
Curriculum
North Mecklenburg High School offers a comprehensive program including International Baccalaureate, which is the most rigorous program at North Meck, Advanced Placement, Academically Gifted, and advanced classes, fine arts programs, Air Force JROTC, and a variety of workforce development courses. The school serves as a World Language Magnet High School for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The school has one of two auto tech courses in North Carolina. Eighty-six percent of graduates attend four-year colleges, universities, or junior colleges.
Extracurricular activities
Sports
North Mecklenburg High School is a member of the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) and is classified as a 7A school. North Mecklenburg competes in the Meck Power Six 7A/8A Conference. The conference consists of Charlotte/Mecklenburg County Schools.
Speech and Debate team
The Speech and Debate team, a member of the National Speech and Debate Association, is active in both North and South Carolina, as well as in the national circuit. The team hosts the annual "The Jimmy K Poole Viking Classic" each October. They have coached several students who went onto be state champions, ranked number 1 nationwide in their events, and several National Semi-finalists, Finalists, and Champions.
Notable alumni
Duggar Baucom, college basketball head coach
Isaiah Evans, basketball player who played for the Duke Blue Devils Before getting drafted by the Brooklyn Nets 33rd Overall before getting traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves
Jeff Hammond, NASCAR personality and commentator
Larry Hefner, NFL linebacker with the Green Bay Packers 1972–1975
Melvin Hoover, former NFL wide receiver
Robert Jackson, NFL offensive guard with the Cleveland Browns 1975–1985
DeMarco Johnson, professional basketball player
Eddie Knox, mayor of Charlotte and state senator
Bishop Eddie L. Long, served as senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia
Mujtaba A. Mohammed, American politician, member of the North Carolina Senate
Alyssa Ramsey, soccer player who played for the United States women's national team
River Ryan, MLB pitcher in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization
Ryder Ryan, MLB pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization, member of USA 2020 Olympic baseball team
Jamie Skeen, professional basketball player
Andrea Stinson, three-time WNBA All-Star with the Charlotte Sting