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"One of the things I'll always remember about Lowell High School is being named MVP in soccer my junior year." -Erica Jutras, '90
Female students' participation in sports was generally limited to drill and calisthenics-type activities until the 1970's. At that time, Lowell High's young women began to demand sports programs equal to those provided for male students. By the end of the 1980's, girls' athletics had advanced considerably at Lowell High.
"Here will be found great opportunities for learning in preparation for desirable and useful careers... to help them develop to the greatest possible extent their inborn possibilities."
-Supt. Vincent M. McCartin, 1933
Lowell High School is an institution dedicated to enhancing the intellectual development of its students in order that they are better prepared for their role as members of society. Its curriculum has been designed and redesigned over the past 150 years to respond to the changing times. Academic excellence has been facilitated and encouraged by the faculty and also by the local business community.
"...to see your name up there and to know that it will be around for years to come ... I feel it is quite an achievement. "
-Carrie Regan, '89, Carney Medalist
The ultimate symbol of academic achievement at Lowell High School has been the much-coveted Carney medal. Each year, the top three male and top three female students of the graduating class are presented with this medal. The award was established in 1858 by James G. Carney, a successful businessman and graduate of Lowell High.
Lowell High School ... an incredibly social place.."
-Rodney Seaforth '87
Lowell High School has always offered opportunities outside the classroom for students to grow and realize their full potential. For many students, activities such as the school newspaper and the band provide an alternative to participation in athletics. Student clubs and extracurricular activities have changed as society's tastes and values have changed. In post-World War II times, Lowell High had organizations such as the Marksmen's Club (a women's club), a returning Veteran's Club, and a Military Police organization, a youthful version of the U.S. Army MP's. During the 1980's newly-arrived immigrant groups, including Laotians, Vietnamese, and Cambodians, have formed organizations to provide assistance in relating to the broader high school community.
"I can't imagine Lowell High without Girl Officers... I just can't imagine it."
-Rachel Raquin, '59
Lowell High Cadet Officers and Girl Officers represented a long and proud tradition at Lowell High School. Membership in these organizations was often a multi-generational experience for many Lowell families.
The Cadet Officers were begun after the Civil War, when it was felt young men needed military instruction. Civil War General Benjamin Butler is believed to have had a major role in instituting the Cadet Officers training program at the high school. About a decade later, the Girl Officers' program was born. The Cadet and Girl Officers were largely responsible for organizing and leading the annual Field Day parade and Memorial Day activities.
As values changed, both the Cadet Officers and Girl Officers lost their appeal for Lowell High students. The Cadet Officers and Field Day ended in the mid-1970's and the Girl Officers ended in June 1990. In their place is the junior Air Force ROTC, which began in 1977.
