INDIANAPOLIS – Students and alumni of Broad Ripple High School celebrated what could be their last homecoming Friday night, as the Indianapolis Public Schools board will vote early next week on whether to close the building.
During the day students marched in a parade through Broad Ripple Village, and in the evening, alumni grilled food while reminiscing on old times.
“I'm just very proud to be a rocket,” said Johannon Tate of the class of 1997. “We just have a lot of school spirit and it's really, really sad to know this could be the last one.”
Brian and Jessica Deubner brought their son Jack to the festivities and said the school plays a significant role in their history.
“It's kind of surreal to think it won't be here any longer -- it has so many memories for us and a pretty special place in our history," said Jessica.
Without Broad Ripple High School, the couple said they may have never met.
"We met my sophomore year of high school. Started dating my senior year. We're married now with our sweet little baby," said Jessica.
In April, district officials announced they were recommended to close Broad Ripple High School and convert Northwest and Arlington High Schools into middle schools due to low enrollment.
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The class of 2019 may not get to call themselves Broad Ripple graduates.
“I'd really like to continue my years here and be able to say I was a Broad Ripple alum as well,” said junior Marqueshia Allen.
She said if the school closes, she will likely attend Shortridge High School.
Other students said the closure is a bit more complicated.
“Knowing I'll have to find another school to call home - especially with this being my junior year with only one year left. It's really stressful,” said Kaylah Wolfork.
IPS officials plan to transform the four remaining high schools into career academies starting in 2018.
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