News

Welcome Alumni! This is the first entry of our newest tradition, the CHS Alumni Update! We are bringing news from our alma mater, and stories from alumni who have travelled beyond, and they can all be found right here on cityhighalumni.org/news

| "I truly believe this year will be the Year of the Little Hawk!! -Principal John Bacon

The City High Alumni Association holds monthly Board meetings, and is almost always graced with the presence of City High’s longtime principal John Bacon, and we’re thankful to have him!  However, starting off the 2024-25 year, September is perhaps the busiest month, and while the Alumni Board gathered in the box overlooking Bates Field, Principal Bacon was overseeing Back to School Night, when new students and parents get acquainted with the halls that we Alumni know so well.  Nevertheless, we were able to track him down for some updates from him about how the school is doing, and what programs are absolutely thriving at City High!

This is our first update on the new website, and we plan to post these every month aligning with the meetings of the Alumni Association Board.  We will start with John’s recap of several activity updates from the Spring.  Watch for future updates on this page including the ongoing athletic seasons, our strong academic traditions, and some facility updates that have been improving our school.

For now, on to the Activities!

Mock Trial (2023-24)

The Mock Trial program at City High is flourishing!  The program swelled to enough practice-attorneys to sport four teams: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior.  At regionals back in March, with only four spots available to go to State, and twelve teams in competition, the City Mock Trial teams had a full sweep, claiming all four spots!  The State tournament was then held in the Iowa Supreme Court Chambers, and City Mock Trial had three teams claim top spots:  The Seniors took 8th-place, the Sophomores 6th, and the Junior team claimed the State Runner-Up trophy, falling short to Robins (CR Xavier) in the finals.  What a year for Mock Trial!

The Mock Trial program was started several years ago by alum Matt Hayek (Class of ‘88), and is currently coached by CHS social studies teachers Jenna Eastman and Jason Schumann along with CHS paraeducator Chip Hardesty, and School Board member Lisa Williams.  The CHAA of course hopes that you stay out of legal trouble, but if you need a good attorney in 7 to 10 years, these future alumni might be a good place to start.

Jazz Ensemble (2023-24)

It was a busy Spring season for many Little Hawks, and events came one after another.  In early April, on the heels of their debate-happy counterparts’ return from Des Moines, the City High Jazz Ensemble (the top Jazz Band), also competed at State in the form of the Iowa Jazz Championships.  They had anticipated an early evening return to Iowa City, but were instead informed that they would need to stay late, as they had qualified for the final evening competition!  I’m sure they would tell you it was worth the late night though, after that performance, the 2024 City High Jazz Ensemble had achieved a height previously unknown in the history of jazz at our school, as they were crowned State Champions! Congratulations to their director, band teacher and CHS alum Aaron Ottmar! (Class of ‘11)

Spring Musical (2023-24)

In Late April, the CHS Drama Department put on their annual Spring musical, Singin’ in the Rain.  It was filled with impressive performances, and included some great sets to transport the audience back to the 1930’s and the transition from silent film to “talkies”.  These creative kids even filmed a couple of black and white films to incorporate into the performance, and most impressive of all, the technical group figured out how to make it RAIN ON STAGE!!  Don’t worry dear Alum Reader, not a drop of water hit the actual Opstad stage due to a clever false floor and drainage system.  These Little Hawks are crafty as well as talented!

Congratulations to Director Lauren Darby, and kudos for the hard work of all the performers, accompanying musicians and set design folks.  Can’t wait to see what they come up with next Spring!

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Principal Bacon’s list of thriving extracurriculars truly goes on and on.  City High’s focus on the arts, athletics, journalism and countless smaller clubs and activities continue to give each Little Hawk a well-rounded plethora of opportunities.  

John also thanks the CHAA for our efforts in the Spring, planning the Banner Carriers at Graduation, and choosing three Scholarship recipients, and everything that we are planning for Homecoming Week.

Our school had an excellent 2023-24, and is looking forward to a fantastic 2024-25!

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As always, please direct comments, errors or omissions to [email protected]

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Photo credit: Liz Matel of The Little Hawk / City High Theatre Company

Once a Little Hawk, Always a Little Hawk!!