About
A school for the mind, and a network that comes back
The mission of the Detroit Renaissance High School Alumni Association (DRHSAA) is simple: to fiercely support and promote the interests, well-being, and excellence of Renaissance High School students, alumni, faculty, and staff.
History
How Renaissance began
Renaissance High School was founded in 1978 on the former site of Catholic Central High School, opening with only freshmen and sophomores. It built a reputation quickly: rigorous academics, high graduation rates, and a habit of producing influential leaders.
The first class graduated in 1981, and the first cohort to spend all four years at Renaissance received its diplomas in June 1982. Formal alumni efforts crystallised through the late 1980s and 1990s, as those early graduates reached professional maturity.
In 2005 the school moved into a new building on the site of the former Sinai Hospital, where it stands today at 6565 W. Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48235.
The strength of the network is best seen in its members, who carry Phoenix pride through their lives and return for career days, panel discussions, games and more.
The school today
- Motto
- A School for the Mind, A Mind for the Future
- Mascot
- Phoenix
- Colours
- Maroon and White
- Address
- 6565 W. Outer Drive, Detroit, MI 48235
- Principal
- Verynda Stroughter
Where the association focuses
- Scholarships — Providing scholarships for graduating seniors
- Mentorship — Mentoring current students
- Student life — Funding extracurricular activities
- Network — Providing opportunities for alumni to network and stay connected
The record
Milestones
Every entry here is sourced. Where a date or a name is not on the public record, it is not on this page.
1978
Renaissance opens
Founded on the former site of Catholic Central High School, opening with freshman and sophomore students only.
1981
The first class graduates
Renaissance graduates its first senior class.
1982
The first four-year class
The first cohort to spend all four years at Renaissance receives its diplomas in June.
1990
The alumni network takes shape
Formal alumni efforts crystallise through the late 1980s and 1990s as early graduates reach professional maturity.
2004
Boys basketball, Class B state champions
The Phoenix defeat DeWitt 61–42 under coach Mark White.
2005
A new building, and a state title
The school is dedicated at the site of the former Sinai Hospital. The same year, the girls' team wins the Class B state championship under coach Diane Jones.
2017
The IB programme begins
A full International Baccalaureate programme launches in the autumn.
2023
National chess champions
Thirteen students win the U800 national title at the US Chess Federation National High School Championship in Washington DC, against 67 teams — a year after placing eighth.
2025
A clean sweep of the city
Renaissance takes both the boys' and girls' PSL championships — the boys' first league title in 21 years.
2026
Four in a row
The Lady Phoenix beat Mumford 63–37 for a fourth consecutive PSL championship.
Leadership
The executive board
President
Ponce Hunter
Vice President
Cedric Small
Secretary
Dory Knight-Ingram
Treasurer
Guye Goodlowe
Presidents Emeritus
Thank you to the past presidents of the alumni association for your years of dedication and service.
- Kimberly Jones
- Ulrich Baker
- Randy Brooks
- Bunia Parker
1978
The school opens
1981
The first class graduates
2023
National chess champions