Home » SCHOOLS & EXHIBITIONS » Eastern » 100 Years of Eastern High School
Made possible by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation
As Eastern grew, more activities were added, such as a debate club, thespian society, and a school newspaper called "The Easterner" that utilized the printing department’s equipment. They moved into a new building in 1923 on East Capitol Street when student enrollment exceeded capacity.
Courtesy of Library of Congress
Betty Lee Sung (Sing) graduated with honors from Eastern High School in 1944. Living in Washington, D.C. during segregation, Sung and her family experienced harsh discrimination as Chinese-Americans. After graduating college, her activism grew and she went on to pioneer coursework in Asian American Studies at City College. Dr. Sung began the Asian American Collection at the Library of Congress and has written several books about the Chinese experience in America.
Courtesy of Betty Lee Sung
In the late 1950s, Franklin McCain moved to Washington, D.C. with his family and attended Eastern. He later enrolled in college where he became deeply passionate about how racial inequalities impacted the country. In 1960, McCain and three friends became famously known as the Greeensboro Four. Their “sit-in” protest at the Woolworth’s diner in Greensboro, N.C. added new, non-violent strength to the Civil Rights Movement.
Courtesy of John G. Moebes/Corbis and taken from The Washington Post
Eastern students take a test by punching holes in an IBM card with a stylus.
Courtesy of DC Public Library
The Modern Strivers was a student group at Eastern that created the Freedom School with money raised by the community. Full-time teachers were hired, and Eastern students were permitted to leave school to attend classes that focused on Black history and culture.
Courtesy of DC Public Library
Eastern students walked out to protest Principal Tignor's request that a teacher’s draft deferment be withdrawn. John Lord was a 26-year-old English teacher at Eastern, a former Peace Corps volunteer, and a faculty advisor for the Modern Strivers.
Courtesy of DC Public Library
“Many groups were formed to bring awareness of the racial inequality in this country. During my time at Eastern…I was a member of the Modern Strivers and an honor roll student. We began to gain some power in the student government…and students were granted the right to attend African American studies but not in the Eastern building. A Freedom School was established...” —Sheila Stevens, Class of 1970
When a demand for needed school budget increases was not met, students created a calendar called The Washington We Know. It was illustrated with linoleum block prints created by Eastern art students. The Lunn Gallery printed 2,000 calendars at no expense to the school, and the proceeds were used to buy supplies for the Eastern art department.
Courtesy of The Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives
“Eastern had a walkout and the students refused to go back into the school. We were protesting outdated school materials and books…not having equal funding and materials for education like the other high schools in the Washington, D.C. area.” —Richard Taylor, Class of 1971
“In 1980 the DC Public Schools budgets were cut. They decided to cancel music and arts programs across the city. We had just spent the summer getting the Eastern band program up and running…we were outraged so we all walked out of school in protest. Our actions made a difference…” —Karl Bennett, Class of 1983
Courtesy of Karl Bennett
“Bill Clinton was running for office and it was the first time that I understood and could follow politics. Watching the race was very exciting after taking U.S. Government. It shaped my political views.” —Juanette Poles, Class of 1994
“Eastern stood out because it had unique programs like HHSA and the Pre-Law program. Not too many schools had established and successful school-within-a-school programs.” —Jacquelyn Moore, Class of 1996
The Washington Post challenged Eastern students to get all A’s and B’s on their report cards. For each semester this was achieved, The Post donated $500 toward their college education. At the time of this article, 1,086 students benefitted from this scholarship program.
Courtesy of Artilie Wright
Eastern students organized a school walkout, acknowledging those who lost their lives to gun violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, F.L.
Photo taken from usatoday.com, Jim Lo Scalzo, EPA-EFE
Eastern teacher, Kate Gaskill, organized a group of students to participate in the Capitol Pride Parade in Washington, D.C.
Courtesy of Kate Gaskill
In honor of a tradition that goes back many decades, only Eastern High School alumni are allowed use the iconic marble staircase in the middle of the school. All current students and school visitors must use the side staircases to the left and right.
Courtesy of Mark Roy
Sociology student displays classroom project on police brutality
Courtesy of Kate Gaskill
Eastern students participate in an Author Talk with Leslye Penelope.
Courtesy of Ellen Dodsworth
Eastern was known for its strong cadet companies that participated in various competitions across the city. It was said, they had the most students out of any D.C. high school to serve in the military.
Courtesy of Eastern High School
Every Eastern student took gym class during the day and gym uniforms were worn.
Courtesy of Library of Congress
Eastern Football
Courtesy of Library of Congress
Eastern Baseball Team
Courtesy of Eastern High School
Eastern Football Team
Courtesy of Library of Congress
"Playing football at Eastern was a feat in itself, but playing for a Hall of Fame coach and his staff meant everything! As time passed, I know my teammates commanded respect and really cared! All the athletes are close today because of the lessons we were taught.” —John Nelson, Class of 1977
Courtesy of John Nelson
Eastern Volleyball Team
Courtesy of Eastern High School
“There was a great sense of pride from the staff to the students. When I began attending, the school had just completed an extensive renovation complete with a new football field so we were pretty happy with how it had turned out…It was THE high school to attend.” —Joe Goodwin, Class of 1989
Eastern Soccer
Courtesy of Eastern High School
“One of my favorite memories is being a member of the Eastern High School Ski Team! Here we had this all-Black ski team, with kids who had never stepped foot on skis prior to joining, earning 1st runner up in the State Ski Championship...I’d be remiss not to mention Mrs. Katherine Gray and Mr. Harold Plummer who helped to create and lead the program for many years, exposing hundreds of inner city scholars to winter sports.” —Cienai Wright-Wilkins, Class of 2004
Courtesy of Eastern High School
Eastern Flag Football
Courtesy of Mark Roy
The Lady Gems compete and regularly place in regional and national dance championships. “The team is hard working, dedicated, and an academically sound group of young ladies that strive for excellence.” —Coach Jaime, 2022
Courtesy of Mark Roy
Eastern Football
Courtesy of Mark Roy
Now nationally ranked, Eastern's E-Sports has gained much popularity at the school.
Courtesy of William Jenkins
Multiple theater productions were produced every year at Eastern.
Courtesy of Eastern High School
Courtesy of Eastern High School
An Eastern student walks into school carrying his band instrument.
Courtesy of DC Public Library
Teresa Grana (Covacevich) inspired her art students to design and create linoleum cuts and prints depicting Washington, D.C. scenes.
Courtesy of the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives
“Everyone marveled when Stevie Wonder gave a concert at the school....” —Mark Roy, Eastern volunteer
Courtesy of DC Public Library
“...My senior year was the first year we had a real marching band. Mr. Robert Sands was the director and he did a phenomenal job…I was a pom pom girl (captain) at the time and we had lots of fun…” —Melissa Graham, Class of 1981
Courtesy of Melissa Graham
Courtesy of Karl Bennett
Under Joyce Garrett’s leadership, an Eastern Choir was established in 1972. The choir won back-to-back national gospel and high school competitions. They performed at the Kennedy Center and the White House. In 1988, they traveled to Vienna, Austria, and won second place at the International Youth and Music Festival. Ms. Garrett retired from teaching in 1999, but remained active with the choir until about 2005.
Courtesy of Joyce Garrett
“There were many talented students who attended Eastern. You would hear music all throughout the building, especially after school…It was the norm hearing students singing in the hallways, playing a R&B tune on the piano, or hearing the choir and band rehearsing. And let’s not forget our fabulous talent shows!” —Kamal Cooper, Class of 1998
In 2016, Akilah Johnson, an Eastern 10th grader, won the national Doodle 4 Google competition, and her drawing, “My Afrocentric Life,” was posted on the Google homepage. The first Black American to win the contest, she received a college scholarship.
Courtesy of Google
Courtesy of Eastern High School
“Over the course of the last few months, I worked with Jen and my friends
within The Story of Our Schools program. I learned the importance of
cherishing a school’s historical value along with learning about Eastern alumni
like Franklin McCain, a Civil Rights Activist, and his overall importance to the
school and the nation…
—Demar Franklin, Eastern Student
Courtesy of Jen Harris
…Being able to express Eastern’s own history is important for the ones who may
not find inspiration within the building. Seeing the accomplishments of
influential figures that came before them, allows current students to make
positive decisions for their own lives…
—Demar Franklin, Eastern Student
Courtesy of Jen Harris
…My hope for Eastern students of the future is that they’re confident enough to
believe in themselves and create a future they truly believe is meant for them.” –Demar Franklin, Eastern student
Courtesy of Jen Harris
To learn more about Eastern High School’s history, visit the exhibit in person!
The exhibit is open during normal school hours (weekdays from 9am – 3pm), but by setting an appointment we can alert the school of your visit allowing for smooth entry.
You can read more about the exhibit in The Washington Post, The Washington Informer, and Hill Rag
Eastern High School
1700 East Capitol St, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Appointments: email Jen Harris at jen@storyofourschools.org
”I am over the moon excited about this exhibit. You guys did an awesome job in telling the history of Eastern.
Melissa GrahamClass of 1981
”It is my hope this exhibit allows future generations of Eastern students to be inspired by the Ramblers who came before them, adding their own remarkable chapters to our school history.
Steve MillerEastern Principal
”I think what you have is terrific and will be enjoyed at the school and will help the broader community learn of the great work that has gone on at Eastern over the years. Excellent work!
Mark WeinheimerCapitol Hill Community Foundation Grant Chair
Exhibit Acknowledgments
The Story of Our Schools would like to thank the following for their generous grants and donations:
Capitol Hill Community Foundation | Washington D.C. Alumnae Foundation | EJF Philanthropies | The Policy Academies | Penn Hill Group | Alex and Maryam Nock | Danica Petroshius and Greg Whitsell | Cathy Albright | Georgetown Public Affairs | Janet and Dave Hunke | Erin and Brian Roth
PLATINUM SUPPORTERS
Kevin McIntyre ‘94 with Samson Protection Services LLC | Jeanne Phil Meg Team at Compass
GOLD SUPPORTERS
Dr. Sean & Tyler Williams ’06 | Peter Grimm Real Estate Group | The Rob and Brent Group with TTR Sotheby’s International Real Estate | Artilie Wright ‘02 | Cienai Wright-Wilkins ‘04 | Brittney A. Wright ‘06 | Cortanai Wright ‘08 | Brian Wilkins ‘02 | Diane Hammonds Gorman
SILVER SUPPORTERS
Steve and Stephanie Miller | Michelle C. Walker ‘79 | Belinda Jackson ‘74 | Mercedes Simpson-Kearney ‘92 | Lenora Aiken-Simpson ‘65 | The Simpson Family | Anais Buhr & Agnes Buhr | Vicki and Kate Langbein | James and Joyce Garrett | Catherine Hutchinson ‘64 | Tijuan Bradford | Richard E. Taylor ’71 | Amy and Joe Weedon | Cecil Haney | East City Bookshop | James E. Washington ‘61 | Fritz and Karen Mulhauser | William Wright | The Trusheim Family | The Eckert Family | Capitol Hill Restoration Society
With great respect and appreciation, we acknowledge the following for their invaluable contributions in making this exhibit possible:
Steve Miller | Ellen Dodsworth | Amy Weedon | Raymond Woodfork | Kimberly Springle | Rodney “Red” Grant | Heather Schoell | Mark Roy | Melissa Graham | Karl Bennett | Rebecca Millner | Tinika Jackson | Christina Tilghman | Aona Jefferson | Jenna Lee | Joe Weedon | Slice Joint | We the Pizza | DC PROPER® | Phyllis Anderson | Sheila Stevens | Richard Taylor | Ralph Neal | Yoki Smith-Jeffers | Joyce Garrett | Scott Perry | Chevelle Starks | Juanette Poles | Joe Goodwin | Kandesse Armour | Evelyn Dent | Sah Brown | Mercedes Simpson-Kearney | Tomeze Brisbon | John Nelson | Kamal Cooper | Tijuan Bradford | Monique Pyatt | Pollard | Jacquelyn Moore | Kate Gaskill
The Story of Our Schools 2022 – 2023 Club Members
Dever Drummond | Demar Franklin | Maria Mendez | Ryin Payden | Alexia Ross | Andrea Stroman | Tyanna Williams
