Philomath High School is a public high school in Philomath, Oregon, United States.
History
Founding The first high school in Philomath opened in 1911. The current campus opened in 1956.
Clemens Grant The Clemens Foundation was established in 1958 by Rex and Ethel Clemens, members of the Philomath community who acquired their wealth in the timber industry. The foundation was established to provide funding for Philomath-area schools, including a college scholarship fund set up for graduates of Philomath High School. The controversy surrounding the scholarship was the subject of the documentary Clear Cut: The Story of Philomath, Oregon.
New construction In May 2010, a $29.5 million bond was passed to renovate and improve four of the school's older buildings. About $20 million was used for the project. This was the biggest and most expensive project in the school district's history.
Academics In 2016, 90.9% of the school's seniors received their high school diplomas.
In 2019, 100% of the school's 119 seniors received their high school diploma.
Athletics Philomath High School athletic teams compete in the OSAA 4A-3 Oregon West Conference. The school's athletic director is Mike Hood.
State Championships: Boys Basketball: 2002, 2014, 2016 Band: 2018, 2019 Boys Soccer: 2012, 2021 Boys Track and Field: 1972, 2011 Boys Cross Country: 1993, 2003, 2010, 2019 Choir: 2017 Dance/Drill: 1995, 1996 Football: 1939, 1988 Girls Basketball: 1986, 1987, 2000, 2022 Girls Soccer: 2008 Girls Track and Field: 1990, 1991, 1995, 2010, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Girls Combined (Para athlete) Track and Field: 2024 Girls Cross Country: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990, 2001, 2003, 2023, 2024 Volleyball: 1986 Wrestling: 1994
Varsity football scandal In July 2016, six Philomath High School varsity football players and one coach were cited in connection with “aggravated hazing” incidents at Camp Rilea in Clatsop County. The incidents involved at least 11 alleged victims. The six youths have been cited on charges that, if committed by adults, would constitute the crimes of harassment and assault. All the harassment or attempted harassment charges involve "offensive physical contact with intimate parts," Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson said, adding that the charges are either Class A or Class B misdemeanors.
Notable alumni Erica Bartolina – Olympic pole vaulter Terry Boss – former pro goalkeeper and soccer player Kevin Boss – former pro football player for the Oakland Raiders and New York Giants Tami Maida – the first known quarterback to also become homecoming princess Peter Richardson – documentary film director Mike Thurman – former pro baseball player for the Montreal Expos and New York Yankees
References
See also Education in the United States