How about stepping onto the grounds of Friendly High School? This public school first opened its doors in 1970. The school serves the Friendly CDP. It also serves sections of Fort Washington and Oxon Hill CDPs. A small portion of the Clinton CDP is served too.
Friendly High School is located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Its address is 10000 Allentown Road, Fort Washington.
Let’s dive into some history. In 2009, Sheryll Cashin noted Friendly High School in her book. She mentioned it as an underachieving school, relative to its black middle class student population. Fewer than half the seniors attended four-year colleges.
Did you know Friendly High School has a uniform policy? It started in the 2006-2007 school year.
Now let’s talk sports. The Friendly High School Patriots have clinched state championships in several sports. Basketball victories came in 1998, 2003, and 2004. Football championships happened in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2006. Indoor and outdoor track teams also brought home titles.
The 2006 football season was perfect. The Patriots, led by Joe Haden, won the 3A state championship. They beat River Hill High School. In 1998, they also secured a football state championship. They defeated Eastern Technical High School. Earlier championships were won in 1974 and 1978. Byron Stewart led the 1974 team.
In 1996, the boys’ basketball team stormed through the playoffs. They won the County Championship. Then they won the Maryland State Championship against City College. They finished with a 13-15 record. They became known as the Cinderella team of 1998.
From 1997 to 2000, the boys’ basketball team dominated. They secured three consecutive county championships. Tony Reid, under Coach Gerald Moore Jr.’s leadership, spearheaded these wins.
Friendly High School boasts impressive alumni. Mark Henderson is an Olympic champion swimmer. Dickey Simpkins and Sam Young played in the NBA. Calvin Tiggle played in the Canadian Football League. He even won the Grey Cup. Robert Green played in the NFL for the Washington Redskins. Martin Lawrence the famous actor also went to Friendly High School. Roslyn Brock became the NAACP chairman. Joe Haden made it to the NFL.
Friendly High School is about six miles from Washington D.C. It sits in a suburban area.
Friendly High School won two Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association championships. Coach George Early led the football team in 1998 and 2006. Coach Gerald Moore Jr. guided the basketball team to victory in 1998 and 2006.
In 2008, the baseball team saw a resurgence. They captured the County 3A/2A/1A title. In 2011, the boys’ basketball team reclaimed the County 3A/2A/1A title. They defeated Henry Wise.
Friendly High School is more than just a school. It’s a place of champions. It is a place that has shaped many successful individuals. Its legacy continues to inspire students. The school’s colors are blue and red. The school’s nickname is the Patriots.