Ford High School

School:

Ford High School

Phone:

313-494-7567

Location:

USA, MI, Detroit, 48219
20000 Evergreen Road Detroit, Michigan 48219

Mailing:

20000 Evergreen Road Detroit, MI 48219

ZIP:

48219

City:

Detroit

County:

Wayne

Status:

Operational, Magnet

Level:

High School

Grades offered:

09-12

Total students:

1700

Students/Teachers:

48.60

Notable alumni:

Musicians Fred Kotenko, Ralph & Russ Terrana (class of 1960) were founding members of The Sunliners; the group eventually became known as Rare Earth, of Motown Records fame.

Ron Nightingale (1969) is the only male swimmer from Ford High to make finals at the Michigan High School Athletic Association championships; Nightingale finished sixth in the 50-yard freestyle at the 1969 state meet.

Michael Holt (1969) won the 440-yard dash at the 1968 and 1969 MHSAA track and field championships.

Rodney Saulsberry (1974) is renowned nationally as a professional announcer and voice-over performer.

Greg Kelser (1975) teamed with Lansing Everett's Earvin "Magic" Johnson to lead Michigan State University over Indiana State University in the 1979 National Collegiate Athletic Association championship basketball game. Kelser also enjoyed a successful career in the National Basketball Association; he is currently employed as a network television sports announcer.

Susan Lutzo (1975) swam to an eighth-place finish in the 50-yard butterfly at the inaugural MHSAA Girls' Swimming and Diving Championships (1972); her result was the best by a DPSSAL swimmer at the groundbreaking event. Susan was also a two-time MHSAA championship qualifier in the 100-yard butterfly and 200-yard individual medley (1973, 1974).

Kevin Machemer (1976) was a three-time MHSAA finalist in springboard diving; he won a silver medal while representing HFHS at the 1976 championships. Machemer would later earn NCAA All-American recognition at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. Kevin was also a member of the ill-fated 1980 US Olympic Team; when the United States boycotted the Games of Moscow, he was denied an opportunity to compete. In July 1980, President Jimmy Carter presented Machemer and his teammates with a commemorative gold medal from the US Mint.

Larry VerBerg (1977) and Athleen Bowles (1977) won individual state titles at the 1977 MHSAA track and field finals; VerBerg took first place in the 880-yard run, and Bowles sprinted her way to a gold medal in the 100-yard dash.

Lenda Murray (1980) was a champion female bodybuilder. As an eight-time winner of the Ms. Olympia title, Murray once reigned as the preeminent performer in her sport.

Cheryl Pruitt (1987) won two state titles in the 400 meter dash; taking first place in her event at the 1985 and 1987 MHSAA track and field championships.

Another of Ford High's state track and field champions, Ijnanya Alhamisi (1991) was first to the finish line in the 400-meter dash at the 1990 MHSAA finals. Ijnanya was also the MHSAA 400-meter silver medalist in 1991.

Jeremy Orr (2003) won back-to-back MHSAA titles in the 200-meter dash (2002, 2003).