Severna Park High School
class of '86
Severna Park's transformation into a thriving suburb is rooted in its rich history, which spans over 300 years. Initially inhabited by Native American tribes, human presence in the area dates back approximately 10,000 years, with European settlement beginning in 1649 when Puritans established Annapolis. The landscape of early Severna Park consisted of open spaces and trees, traversed mainly by Native American trails. Significant developments began in 1670, when land grants were established, leading to the creation of communities like Linstead and Olde Severna Park. Notable local figures such as the Riggs Brothers, who purchased a farmhouse in 1898, contributed to the area's upscale social life, reflecting the beginnings of more organized community development.
By the early 20th century, the region was informal in structure, known as "Boone" before adopting the name Severna Park in 1906. The 1920s saw the establishment of recreational facilities like the Severna Park Golf Club, while World War II brought hardship as many residents went off to war, including members of the Brockmeyer family. The return of local educators after the war, coupled with the construction of Severna Park High School, marked the beginning of a new chapter. This period laid the groundwork for the suburb's explosive growth, shifting Severna Park into a more defined, family-oriented community.
Severna Park High School (SPHS), established in 1959, has served as an educational and cultural hub for the community, being the seventh public high school in Anne Arundel County. The high school, originally built with a capacity for 2,000 students for about $7 million, provided a vital education resource as students were previously bussed to Annapolis. Over time, SPHS fostered a rich array of traditions, from school colors to the mascot, which continue to thrive today. In January 2017, a new facility replaced the original building, but the historical legacy of SPHS remains embedded in the school's culture, alongside its sports rivalry with Broadneck High School.
SPHS is supported by a network of feeder schools, including Severna Park Middle School and six elementary schools, which prepare students for their high school experience. Notably, areas beyond Severna Park, including sections of Millersville, Arnold, and Pasadena, are zoned for SPHS, reflecting its central role in the educational landscape of the region. The school's boundaries have remained stable since 1995, following a county-wide redistricting aimed at addressing overcrowding, which altered the feeder system for some elementary schools in the area.