“LHS Setting New Standards.” That’s the motto of Lincoln High School. It stands as the only high school in the Van Dyke Public Schools district. This district serves Warren and a small part of Center Line.
Lincoln High School has a rich history. The cornerstone for the current building was laid in 1951. The school opened in 1953. It was named to honor James L. Truax. He was a teacher, principal, and superintendent. Sadly, he died in a car accident after serving the community for 20 years.
Van Dyke Public Schools began in 1879. The first school was a one-room schoolhouse. It was simply called “the school house.” It taught grades 1 through 8.
Growth led to a new three-story building in 1921-22. It housed grades 1 through 9. By 1925, an addition was needed for Lincoln School. The first 4-year graduating class had just three students in 1927. That year marked the start of sports. In 1930, the girls’ basketball team secured their first championship.
1933 was a significant year for Lincoln High School. The first yearbook was published. Boys began competing in baseball, basketball, football, and track. The girls’ basketball team called the “Lincoln Lassies” shared the football championship with Berkley in 1934. An organized band formed in 1934. The girls’ basketball team again shared the championship with Berkley in 1935. In 1936, both the girls and boys basketball teams won championships. The boys’ baseball team won the league championship in 1938.
A vocational wing was added to Lincoln High School in 1939. A Homemaking curriculum started in 1940. That same year, the student council was formed. In 1941, the school became a “Defense building.” The U.S.O. dedicated it. Initially used for recreation, it later became an administration building. It was torn down in 1973. The Cross Country team became regional champions in 1941. A Counseling Service began in 1942. An Orthopedic room was equipped for children with disabilities.
From 1954 to 1964, Macomb Community College held classes in the building. A pool was added to Lincoln High School in 1958. It was one of the first in the county. A new school library opened in 1964. An auditorium, stadium, and fine arts section were finished in 1972.
Lincoln High School has celebrated many athletic achievements. The wrestling team won Class A State Championships in 1993 and 1994. The volleyball team became District Champions in 1998. The basketball team was named Macomb County Basketball Team of the Year in 2005.
The Brown Jug rivalry football game is a big deal. It started in 1947. It’s between Center Line High School and Lincoln High School. This is one of Michigan’s oldest high school football rivalries.
In recent news, in 2023 Lincoln High School had 516 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.33.
Lincoln High School continues to uphold its motto. It sets new standards for its students and community.