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Contents 7
Our History
In the four decades since its establishment, Lake Highland Preparatory School has undergone tremendous transformations in terms of the campus itself and the school’s people and programs.
23 Academics
Lower, Middle, and Upper School students enjoy the benefits of a challenging academic experience, guided by teachers committed to helping them develop the intellectual and social confidence necessary to be successful throughout their lives.
37 Athletics
World-class facilities for 56 competitive teams in 16 different sports provide the training ground for athletes and the places where students grow up learning good sportsmanship as individuals, team players, and leaders.
51 Arts
Music, drama, dance, and visual arts programs led by educators accomplished in their fields provide diverse and abundant opportunities for students to exercise creativity and complement their rigorous academic pursuits.
65 Traditions
In a Christian atmosphere of love and respect—where students are prepared for lives of leadership, scholarship, service, and achievement—time-honored traditions are plentiful, from showcasing student talents and success to celebrating as a community.
Lake Highland Preparatory School—6
Our History Cultivating Intellect and Character
Mission Statement: Within an atmosphere of love, concern and mutual respect, Lake Highland Preparatory School is committed to instilling Christian values, to inspiring patriotism, to developing future leaders, and to preparing students for college and lifetime learning through academically challenging programs and affirming competitive experiences.
Located just outside downtown Orlando, Lake Highland Preparatory School occupies 42 acres shaded by ancient oaks along the shore of the lake that gave the school its name. The quiet, verdant campus is both beautiful and historic. Its story begins in 1944. The site was originally occupied by Orlando Junior College, a private, two-year institution. The college’s trustees purchased the James Laughlin estate, 26 acres of land and citrus groves adjacent to Lake Highland, for $35,000 from John Martin, a former governor of Florida. The old Laughlin home became Laughlin Hall, which housed the administrative offices of OJC and provided classroom space on the third floor. Highland House, formerly a private home, and Maxwell Hall, then known as the Plaid Building, became classroom space.
Our History—7
The OJC trustees pursued an active building program, and in 1955 Hale Hall was completed and dedicated in honor of Morris S. Hale, the first dean of OJC. Johnston Hall was dedicated as the science building in 1958 and named for Ira J. Johnston, a board member. In 1964, the gymnasium was dedicated in honor of board members Dr. Paul Harrell and Mr. Addison Williams. Five years later, the college added an Olympic pool to the campus, made possible by a gift from Mr. and Mrs. R.D. Keene.
In the early 1960s, OJC added The University of Orlando to its incorporated name, and the school reached peak enrollment of more than 2,500 students in 1967. During the next two years, enrollment declined dramatically as a result of the founding of two competing statefunded colleges: Valencia Junior College and Florida Technological University. During that period, trustees considered plans to expand the institution into a fouryear college, and in 1969, they voted to rename the school The College of Orlando. Their deliberations throughout the decade culminated in a crucial decision
“We focus on building character and preparing young minds.” Warren Hudson, President
for the future of the school: should the board continue with its plan to expand the college, or should it transform the college into a private college preparatory school?
Lake Highland Preparatory School—8
Laughlin Hall
Our History—9
Joseph Guernsey
Charles Bradshaw
Joseph Guernsey, an Orlando businessman, was the
On September 9, 1970, LHPS opened its doors to 325
college’s chairman of the board, and Charles Bradshaw
students in grades 1-12, including a senior class of 23.
and Charles Rex were influential members. At a board
The first headmaster was Mr. Terrence O’Hara, who was
meeting in February of 1970, Mr. Bradshaw made a
recruited from a private school in Aiglon, Switzerland.
motion to create a college preparatory school and to
Although the facilities were modest—the Lower School
name it after the lake adjacent to the campus. The motion
occupied former Navy barracks that had been converted
passed by one vote, and Lake Highland Preparatory
into apartments, used as a dormitory for OJC, and finally
School was born. Everyone who has taught or been
transformed into classrooms for LHPS—Lake Highland
educated at LHPS owes a tremendous debt to these
succeeded in attracting outstanding teachers and
founding trustees; without their vision, dedication, and
administrators. From the very beginning, the faculty and
hard work, the school would not exist today.
staff worked together to pursue the school’s mission
Lake Highland Preparatory School—10
“Our crowning achievement is the quality of our graduates—we’re not just developing scholars, we’re developing well-rounded young men and women.” Charles Rex, Founding Trustee
Charles Rex
of instilling Christian values, promoting democracy and
Mr. James Higginbotham, the former Superintendent of
free enterprise, preparing students for college, and
Orange County Public Schools, to the position. Under
producing future leaders who are successful, confident,
his leadership, Lake Highland’s academic success grew,
and compassionate citizens.
and the campus expanded. Only three years after its founding, Lake Highland received accreditation from the
After guiding Lake Highland through its inaugural year,
Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Southern
Mr. O’Hara returned to Europe. His replacement, Mr.
Association of Colleges and Schools. Lake Highland
Lowell Keene, continued the work of building the faculty
was the only private preparatory school in Central Florida
and establishing the curriculum, but he, too, left after
accredited by both associations.
one year’s service. The board then created the position of school president, and on May 10, 1972, named
Our History—11
Lake Highland Preparatory School—12
Following President Higginbotham’s death in 1982, Dr. Charles Millican, who had previously served as founding president of Florida Technological University (now the University of Central Florida), took the reins as president of LHPS. The school continued to grow in size, financial stability, and academic excellence, with the Board of Trustees providing steady guidance and leadership. In 1981, founding chairman Joseph Guernsey stepped down after 11 years, and Mr. Charles Bradshaw was elected to the chairman’s position, which he held for 24 years. Mr. Randall Rex, an alumnus from the class of 1979, followed Mr. Bradshaw as Chairman of the Board in 2005.
During the summer of 1985, Dr. Thomas Marcy became
Rex, Chairman of the trustees’ Building Committee, the
the school’s third president; Dr. Millican maintained a
Charles E. Bradshaw Jr. Building opened in August of
close relationship with the school, becoming President
1994. The Bradshaw Building significantly increased
Emeritus. In 1987, the school opened the College and
the number of Lower School classrooms, allowing a
Career Center to offer counseling and guidance services
dramatic increase in enrollment. In 2000, the school
to Upper School students. The center was dedicated
began constructing the Charles W. Rex Building, which
to Mildred “Mit” MacLeish, who served as Director of
houses administrative offices, science labs, classrooms
Admissions for many years and was the first woman
for math, music, and band, and the Top of the Dome, an
elected to the Board of Trustees. Under Dr. Marcy’s
elegant multi-purpose room. After extensive renovations
leadership, enrollment continued to grow, and by 1990 it
of the Leu Center, the building was renamed the Joseph
had reached 955 students. In the fall of 1991, Dr. J. Robert
S. Guernsey Building in April of 2001 for founding trustee
Mayfield became the fourth president of LHPS. During
Guernsey. The Guernsey Building now includes the
his tenure, the school broke ground on a new Lower
cafeteria, Lake Front Room, and Sixth Grade Center.
School building, and under the direction of Mr. Charles Our History—13
The LHPS presidency passed to Mr. Warren Hudson in
facility, the former home of North Park Baptist Church.
March of 2001. Mr. Hudson came to LHPS with broad
The Charles Clayton Middle School is home to seventh-
experience in business, education, and military service.
and eighth-grade students and features a gymnasium,
Under his leadership, the school has continued to prosper
the Bourne Family Chapel, a playing field, classrooms,
and grow, and the campus has expanded to include a
and science labs equipped with the latest technology.
wide array of facilities, many of which are normally found only on college campuses.
In August of 2008, a state-of-the-art complex, the Harriett Coleman Center for the Arts, opened on the
In 2002, the school dedicated the Holloway Track after
main campus, offering students a 776-seat auditorium,
a gift from John W. Holloway and his family—the same
supporting facilities, and the Johnny Holloway Black Box
family for whom Holloway Field was named in the late
Theatre. These spaces provide exciting opportunities
1970s. In August of 2006, the Middle School moved five
for students to learn and perform in drama, dance, and
blocks from the main campus to a renovated four-acre
music. The school is now able to host a broad range of
Lake Highland Preparatory School—14
Our History—15
Lake Highland Preparatory School—16
performances, assemblies, and speakers. Several other important expansions and improvements occurred in 2009 and 2010: the purchase of 16 acres across Lake Highland for playing fields, completion of an outstanding fitness center, installation of artificial turf on the main playing field, construction of classrooms in the 940 Building, and completion of Maxwel Station, an outdoor multi-purpose pavilion behind the Lower School.
“Lake Highland celebrates and teaches the principles our great country was founded upon.”
Joseph Guernsey, Founding Trustee
Our History—17
The school’s enrollment reached 2,075 in 2009, making Lake Highland one of the largest independent day schools in the United States. The following year, the Board of Trustees unanimously approved naming the main campus the Charles E. Bradshaw Jr. Campus. Since
1970,
Lake
Highland
Preparatory
School has enjoyed tremendous growth in the number of students and physical changes on campus. However, it is through the people of Lake Highland—students, teachers, alumni, staff, trustees, parents, and grandparents—and their commitment to intellectual pursuits and serving their communities that the school’s noble mission is achieved and celebrated.
Lake Highland Preparatory School—18
Our History—19
2010-2011 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Mr. Randall L. Rex ’79 Chairman of the Board Mr. Peter Fox Vice Chairman of the Board Mr. Robert W. Peacock, Jr. Secretary of the Board
“The responsibility of a trustee is to put together a good organization of people who know what they’re doing and then let them run the school.” Charles Bradshaw, Founding Trustee
Mr. Robert W. Meherg Treasurer of the Board Mr. Steve Blomeley Mr. Charles E. Bradshaw, Jr. Founding Trustee Mr. Haley D. Bronson ’89 Mr. Sid Cash Mr. Jeff Deery ’82 Mr. Tedford Eidson Life Trustee Mr. Joseph S. Guernsey Chaplain of the Board Founding Trustee Mr. Leon Handley Dr. David Jablonski ’84 Mr. Mike Mikkelson Mr. Charles W. Rex, Jr. Founding Trustee Mrs. Hope Roll Mr. Jay Whitehurst The Hon. D. Arthur Yergey
EX-OFFICIO Mrs. Mary Ann Gruenberg Arts League President Mrs. Deborah Mintzer LHPA President Dr. Robert Duggan Booster Club President Mrs. Karen O’Neill-Arredondo Board of Visitors Representative Ms. Megan Dowdy ’97 Alumni Association President Lake Highland Preparatory School—20
2010-2011 ADMINISTRATION Mr. Warren Hudson President
Mr. Brooks Mills Associate Director of Lower School
Mr. Jim Bartlett Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Mrs. Susan Keogh Associate Director of Lower School
Mrs. Susan Clayton Vice President of Advancement
Mrs. Sandra Hevner Associate Director for Curriculum & Instruction of Middle School
Mrs. Debbie DeLoach Director of Lower School Mr. David Bernatavitz Director of Middle School, Head of Charles Clayton Campus Mr. Michael Jakubisin Director of Upper School Mr. Frank Prendergast Director of Athletics Mrs. Ann Mills Director of Admission The Rev. Joe Sims Chaplain Mrs. Kathleen Taylor Special Assistant to the President for Curriculum and Academics PK-12 Mr. Jeff Turner Special Assistant to the President for Leadership Development Mrs. Barbara Blackwell Director of Development
Mr. Paul Quick Associate Director for Student Services of Middle School Mr. Tim Borcky Dean of Students of Middle School Mrs. Jacqueline Collazo Associate Director of Upper School Mrs. Michelle Odell Associate Director for Curriculum & Instruction of Upper School Mr. Steve Labadie Dean of Students of Upper School Ms. Vicki Englehart Dean of College Counseling and Guidance Mrs. Sally O’Brien Coordinator of Computer Education, PreK-6 Mrs. Jill Scott Coordinator of Science Education, PreK-6
Mrs. Bettie-Ann Candelora Arts Administrator Mrs. Chavonne Taylor Associate Director of Athletics Ms. Mary Anne Handley Associate Director of Lower School
Our History—21
Lake Highland Preparatory School—22
academics
Academics—23
H
ome to outstanding scholars, Lake Highland is
Lower School provides meaningful and challenging
devoted to preparing intelligent, motivated students to
educational experiences in a loving, nurturing climate.
succeed at the most selective colleges and universities.
Students are engaged in discovery. Dedicated, creative teachers plan and facilitate instruction in rich learning
The combination of quality teachers and a rigorous
environments to help all students reach their potential and
curriculum produces young men and women who are
to celebrate each student’s unique talents and abilities.
eminently prepared to excel in college, graduate school,
The Lower School child who is the scientist, the athlete,
and life. Highlanders graduate with the intellectual
the writer, the storyteller, the leader, or the artist has the
confidence and academic skills necessary to flourish in
opportunity to grow in spirit, mind, and body every day.
the next stage of their education.
Children are happily immersed in a community of caring teachers and enthusiastic fellow learners.
Lake Highland Preparatory School—24
Academics—25 Arts—2
Lake Highland Preparatory School—26
“As a community, we are passionate about making sure our children are successful and working to the best of their abilities.” David Bernatavitz, Director of Middle School At the nearby Charles Clayton Middle School campus,
technology like robotics and video production. Middle
teachers continue to inspire students in a vibrant
School students learn the interpersonal skills of team-
educational setting. The Middle School program teaches
building, communication, and accountability through
Highlanders the knowledge and skills they need to
lab assignments, projects, and other activities. All
succeed academically, socially, and emotionally as they
eighth graders take a life management skills class,
advance to high school. Honors classes in English,
which presents the opportunity to learn and write about
math, history, and science demonstrate a rigorous
important topics like nutrition, substance abuse, and
academic core. Curriculum choices include courses in
time management. Each Middle School student works
four foreign languages—Latin, Spanish, French, and
with a faculty mentor to develop personal character, set
Mandarin Chinese—as well as subjects that embrace
individual goals, and work to achieve those goals.
Academics—27
“The greatest joy is to see alumni—young adults I remember as little ones going all the way through here— come back to us to educate their children.” Debbie DeLoach, Director of Lower School
Lake Highland Preparatory School—28
The Middle School also incorporates a comprehensive program to refine writing, word processing, and research skills. Middle Schoolers work with experienced writers from the Upper School Rossman Writing Center, who help them acquire confidence in and command of their own writing styles. Likewise, the Upper School students’ mentoring experience solidifies their own knowledge base, and they further their skills through seminars in advanced creative and essay writing.
In the Upper School, a rigorous academic program and dedicated faculty members challenge and motivate students. Students are encouraged to take classes that build strong scientific, language, mathematical, and critical thinking skills and help prepare them to succeed and excel in college. Broad offerings in College Prep and Honors classes and 24 Advanced Placement (AP) courses focus on giving graduates the skills they need to meet the challenges of a demanding college curriculum: to read with an analytical perspective, to write clearly,
Academics—29
to solve problems, and to use technology effectively. Begun in 1994, the Merit Studies Program offers Lake Highland’s high school students the most challenging course of study. The program requires participants to successfully complete a rich combination of Honors and AP courses for graduation.
Lake Highland’s ASPIRE program matches highly motivated science and math students in the Upper School with leading scientific researchers in the state. Students actively participate in research projects under the direction of their professional mentors, gaining analytical and research skills. ASPIRE students have won local, state, national, and international science Lake Highland Preparatory School—30
“Our students enter the world with awareness and purpose; Lake Highland prepares them to do great things!” Dr. Brenda Walton, Upper School English Teacher competitions and have co-authored articles in scientific journals. Highlanders’ success at the International Science and Engineering Fair rivals that of any school in the world. In addition, the school’s speech and debate team consistently wins or places at prestigious debate tournaments and enjoys a high national ranking.
Complementing the challenging academic experience on campus, juniors take learning outside the classroom. Three-day internships allow students to investigate
Academics—31
Lake Highland Preparatory School—32
“No one can step onto the campus without noticing the energy, purpose, and joy about the school. It is a uniquely positive community.� Mike Jakubisin, Director of Upper School
possible career and academic opportunities. The Broadened Horizons Travel program allows students to study while seeing the world and expanding their cultural awareness.
Experienced counselors in the College and Career Center provide individualized guidance as students choose their high school course of study. Juniors and seniors work closely with counselors to research colleges, determine the best college match, and complete their applications. Representatives from more than 110 colleges and universities visit the Lake Highland campus each year, providing students the opportunity to explore the variety of collegiate programs available to them. Approximately 1520% of each senior class earn recognition from the National Merit Scholarship program; more than 90% qualify for Florida Bright Futures scholarships. Academics—33
“When students are successful in college, we know that we’ve done our job preparing them.” Kathleen Taylor, Special Assistant to the President for Curriculum and Academics PK-12
The intense academic environment at Lake Highland is coupled with an emphasis on serving others. Students begin a dedicated and enthusiastic commitment to community service in the Lower School. Continuing through Middle and Upper Schools, Lake Highland students and their families generously give time, talent, and funds to children, adults, and organizations in need. In 2010-11, Upper School students contributed more than 42,000 volunteer hours to the Central Florida community. Later, as college students and adults, Lake Highland graduates continue this inspiring tradition of serving their communities.
The school’s curriculum also addresses the importance of instilling character in students. In the Lower School, the guidance counselors teach students to adopt the character qualities represented by the fruit of the spirit verses in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Middle and Upper Schools hold voluntary chapel services each Wednesday, and the Upper School curriculum offers elective courses in Old Testament, New Testament, and comparative religions. Lower, Middle, and Upper School student councils include the elected office of chaplain, a student who works closely with the school’s faculty chaplains to plan meaningful programs and service projects.
For the past 40 years, Lake Highland has provided students with a place to learn and grow, to test themselves and their ideas, and to equip themselves with a significant base of knowledge so they enter the world armed with conviction and understanding.
Lake Highland Preparatory School—34
Academics—35
Lake Highland Preparatory School—36
athle tics Athletics—37
A
thletic competition began soon after the founding
As the school’s enrollment grew in the next year, more
of Lake Highland Preparatory School. In its first year, three
teams formed—boys golf, boys and girls swimming, and
varsity teams were organized: boys soccer, boys tennis,
boys baseball, basketball, and cross country. Highlander
and girls tennis. All students took swimming lessons.
parents were very active in supporting the school and
The physical education program, though new and small,
its athletic teams, creating the Lake Highland Athletic
adopted the purpose that animates it today—to provide
Association—originally called the Dad’s Club—which
students with an environment that nurtures physical,
assumed full responsibility for raising funds to construct
social, and emotional development. Students learn how
a football field and finance the first football program in
to cooperate with others and appreciate personal fitness
1973. More teams in different sports were formed, and by
and lifelong physical activities.
the 1979-80 school year, 65% of students participated in interscholastic athletic competition.
Lake Highland Preparatory School—38
Athletics—39 Arts—2
Lake Highland Preparatory School—40
“LHPS athletes are truly blessed to mature in a place where leadership skills are fostered, competitive experiences are affirmed, and long-lasting relationships are established.” Chavonne Taylor, Associate Director of Athletics
In May of 1981, President Higginbotham urged the Board of Trustees to create and fund the position of athletic director, initially held by Gary Kornfield and then by Tom Ruby. In the fall of 1981, the football team posted its best year in the nine-year history of football at LHPS, earning a 9-1 record and a ranking of seventh in the state. The athletic programs continued to thrive through the decade—especially the basketball teams, which were consistent contenders, winning district championships and advancing to the state playoffs.
Athletics—41
A Lake Highland alumnus vividly recalls the lively atmosphere of the 1980s, when competitors knew exactly what to expect upon entering the school’s stadium. Opponents played a well-coached team that never, ever gave up. Student spectators were rowdy, funny, fired-up, armed with face paint and homemade banners, singing spirited songs to match the play of the moment. Then, as now, everyone who attends a Lake Highland sporting event notices the distinctly interactive experience and lively attitude that the students and their families create.
By the mid-1990s, NCAA Division I colleges were recruiting Highlanders because of the success of the school’s teams. The 1998-99 school year marked the first state championship for the school as the girls basketball team achieved top honors. Their success helped Lake Highland win the Sunshine Cup All-Sports Award for Florida 2A schools, an award celebrating the success of all varsity teams. The girls teams collectively placed first in the state, and the boys teams placed fourth, giving the school the highest ranking. Lake Highland won again in 2002, this time for the girls program, boys program, and overall program.
Lake Highland Preparatory School—42
“We want to give our kids the opportunity to be successful in their endeavors and meet challenges with character, tenacity, and commitment.” Frank Prendergast, Athletic Director
Athletics—43
Lake Highland Preparatory School—44
The 2002 year was a pinnacle for Highlander athletics,
comparable to those found at most small colleges
with teams going to the playoffs in almost every sport,
and a turf field and synthetic track at CNL Stadium
showing the program’s enormous growth and success.
and Holloway Field. Moved from Atlanta, the 50-meter
Lake Highland also received the Orlando Sentinel’s
pool originally hosted the water polo competition at
inaugural Varsity Cup for Central Florida, which recognizes
the 1996 Olympic Games. Many swimmers, divers,
the top sports program among all classifications and
and relay teams have won state championships.
reflects FHSAA standings and rankings for each sport.
Track and cross country athletes and teams have also
The athletic program was also named the FACA Class
won top honors at state competitions over the years.
2A Athletic Program of the Year.
In 2002, Lake Highland opened the Mark O’Meara Family Sports Complex, which added tennis courts, a
Today, the athletic program has 56 competitive teams
wrestling facility, practice fields, and a softball field. The
in 16 different sports complemented by Captains
softball team responded by winning back-to-back state
Council, a team captains leadership program. Athletes
championships in 2002 and 2003. Under the direction
enjoy top-of-the-line facilities, including a weight room
of Coach Charmaine Cox, the volleyball teams followed
Athletics—45
Lake Highland Preparatory School—46
suit by winning five straight state championships from 2004-2008—an impressive feat in any sport, at any level of play. In 2009, Lake Highland added 10 more acres to the athletic complex for parking and practice fields to support the soccer, lacrosse, and football programs. A new baseball complex was dedicated in early 2011. The boys lacrosse team won the state championship in 2011, only five years after the school adopted lacrosse as a varsity sport.
With world-class facilities and dedicated coaches who ensure that everyday practice experiences are as fulfilling as game days, students can focus on bettering themselves as individuals and as team players. That positive attitude paired with a great deal of hard work has resulted in countless memorable moments in playing games and in winning championships. Reflecting on their athletic experiences in Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, alums commonly remark that these programs have made them who they are today. More than 130 Highlanders have continued their athletic careers after graduation by competing at the collegiate level, and some have achieved notable professional success afterward. The vibrant athletic program owes its success to talented athletes and dedicated coaches who provide training, character development, and leadership opportunities for every athlete. Charles Bradshaw said it best: “Nothing builds pride, solidarity, and spirit like team sports.�
Baseball Basketball Bowling Cross Country Football Golf Lacrosse Soccer Swimming & Diving Tennis Track & Field Weight Lifting Wrestling
Lake Highland Preparatory School—48
Basketball Bowling Cheerleading Cross Country Golf Lacrosse Soccer Softball Swimming & Diving Tennis Track & Field Volleyball Athletics—49