Although Muskegon Public Schools has been around since 1849, the high school
program didn't begin until 1879, when Central School was built where the Hackley
Administration Building sits today.
In 1890, a fire destroyed this building and the Hackley Admin building was built.
In 1893, a new school was built on the corner of Jefferson and Washington
(today's Muskegon Ave).
Today's classrooms are very different from this one!
In 1926 our current building was completed and Muskegon High School was
relocated. Muskegon Community College met on the 3rd floor until 1934.
Muskegon High School has always been a leader in sports and academics.
From this 1900 Football Team
To this 1921 girls championship basketball team
To being named one of the best athletic programs in the country and the best in
Michigan in 2007, Muskegon will always be proud Big Reds.
Famous Muskegon graduates include: Actor Harry Morgan, Astronaut David
Leestma, Superbowl winner Earl Morrall, and College Coach Bernie Oosterbaan.
No history of our school would be complete without remembering Charles Hackley.
Charles Hackley was indeed a great supporter of Muskegon Public Schools. The Hackley Memorial, dedicated on Oct.
21, 1929, was created by Lorado Taft. The central figure is Athena, the goddess of learning. She is holding the torch of
knowledge and sheltering the spark of learning. Mr. Hackley’s profile is carved in the center of the bench and has Mercury the
god of commerce on one side and the Good Samaritan on the other both representing the accomplishments of Charles H.
Hackley. He died in 1905, but his financial contributions continued for many years.
