Why does Strawberry Mansion High School stand here today? It is a question worth pondering as we gaze upon its walls. Strawberry Mansion High School opened its doors in 1965. It has been a cornerstone of this community ever since.
Once upon a time, Strawberry Mansion High School served both middle and high school students. It even carried the name Strawberry Mansion Junior / Senior High School. Later, it was known as Strawberry Mansion Middle/High School.
In the early 1990s, Strawberry Mansion High School faced challenges. Despite a high dropout rate, it fostered hope. A Business Academy was established to teach job skills. The academy prepared students for further education and employment.
Strawberry Mansion High School’s story is one of change. In 2011, students from closed schools like Thomas FitzSimons High School came here. The Young Women’s Leadership School at Rhodes High School also sent students.
By 2013, Strawberry Mansion High School had 435 students. Many graduates gained acceptance to colleges. However, some could not afford deposit fees. Security measures were increased, including metal detectors and cameras.
Academically, Strawberry Mansion High School has seen its ups and downs. In the 1990s, a science club called Science Force 2000 emerged. It achieved recognition at science fairs. One student’s project even highlighted lead levels in water.
After a hiatus of almost 50 years, the Strawberry Mansion High School football team returned in 2015. They even won a game in their first season back.
Strawberry Mansion High School faced the stigma of being labeled a dangerous school. Yet, the school fought to overcome this reputation. It was removed from Pennsylvania’s list of persistently dangerous schools in 2013.
Several elementary and middle schools feed into Strawberry Mansion High School. These include Ethel Allen, James G. Blaine and William Dick. Also included are Frederick Douglass, Edward Gideon and William D. Kelley. Thomas M. Pierce, E. Washington Rhodes and Richard Wright are also included.
Strawberry Mansion High School boasts several notable alumni. These include basketball players Dwayne Davis and Devonte Jerrell “D. J.” Newbill. Boxer Tevin Farmer and graffiti artist Darryl “Cornbread” McCray also attended. Former NBA player Ronald “Flip” Murray and singer Jazmine Sullivan are alumni. Perhaps most famously, rapper Robert Rihmeek Williams, known as Meek Mill, walked these halls.
Strawberry Mansion High School continues to evolve. It strives to provide opportunities for its students. The school faces challenges head-on. It remains a vital part of the Strawberry Mansion community.