| Degrassi Community School | |
 | |
The perfect human being is all human beings put together, it is a collective, it is all of us together that make perfection.[1]
-- Socrates | |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Toronto, Ontario, Canada | |
| Information | |
| Principal | Dan Raditch (Until 2004) Daphne Hatzilakos (2004 - Present) |
| Type | Fictional (Public: Grades 7-12) |
| Mascot | Panther |
| School Colour(s) | Gold and Blue |
| Established | 1976 |
Degrassi Community School is a fictional junior high/high school in the teen drama television series Degrassi: The Next Generation and the titular academy primarily associated with it. It consists of students from grade 7 through grade 12 and the student body is made up of the cultures and backgrounds, paralleling and reflecting the multiculturalism associated with Toronto. The school originally was split up into separate, for grades 7-8 and another for 9-12. In season two, the school decided to merge (mainly so that the characters could all attend the same school) and house grades 7-12. However, this is not a real school; it is a warehouse made to look like one. After season 4, there have been no characters on the show, minor or major, in grades 7 or 8.
History[]
Degrassi Community School circa 2003
Degrassi Community School was established in 1976, and it has had students through its halls every day since. Degrassi was simply a junior high school in the late 1980s, but two years later, it was combined with a high school. When the Class of '91 graduated, it was assumed that Degrassi closed down until September 2001, when it was remodeled and had its 10th High School Reunion. Initially a junior high school by 2001, it was the subject of much criticism and praise by students when it underwent a merge, becoming both a high school and junior high school, resulting from a last minute board decision to close a high school. Degrassi Community School was not entirely ready to meet the influx of schools and even made the junior students share lockers.
School cohabitation[]
In 2007, Degrassi Community School merged with rival school, Lakehurst High, causing tons of friction between both schools resulted in many fights and hatred toward each other.
List of school events[]
In chronological order:
Season One (September 2001-June 2002)
- Mother and Child Reunion
- Degrassi is host to its 10 year reunion for the graduating class of '90-'91
- Family Politics
- School Year Begins
- Degrassi: School Election (Winners: School President: Ashley Kerwin, Secretary: Liberty Van Zandt)
- Eye of the Beholder
- "Starlight, Starbright" Dance. First ever nighttime dance.
- Degrassi Community Food Bank (Ongoing). Partially funded by profits from dance (5$ tickets)
- Parents' Day
- Parent Teacher's Day Conference
Academics[]
Faculty[]
- Principal Daniel Raditch, (Former) Principal and Literature teacher in the degrassi Jr High series
- Principal Daphne Hatzilakos, (Former) Science Teacher + Gym/School Coach, Current Principal
- Mr. Archibald Simpson, Media Immersion Teacher
- Mrs. Laura Kwan, English + Drama Teacher
- Mr. Darryl Armstrong, Gym/School Coach + Math Teacher
- Ms. Sauve, School Guidance Counselor
- Mr. Don Perino, History Teacher
- Mr. Ellis, Chemistry & Science Teacher
- Mrs. Smith, Secretary
- Ms. Emma Nelson
- Sheila, (Former) Lunch Lady
Media Immersion Program[]
One of the most distinctive programs featured in the Degrassi Community School, is its Media Immersion Program (taught by Mr. Simpson and held in the computer lab). The program features over 50 high speed computers with internet access (via ADSL as of 2001)[2] and other educational programs. It also features the most up to date media software programs, all part of the new renovation planned by Mr. Raditch, "proudly bringing Degrassi to the 21st Century".[3]
Computer lab uses network notably using a system called "D-Mail" where students may instant message each other and of course, send e-mails.
Eighteen new computers were provided by the television program NaK, News About Kids, in exchange for showing their morning broadcasts. Though biased and a source for propaganda which also promotes certain commercial products, the NaK broadcasts were consented to be shown by vote of parents of the Degrassi students.[4]
Layout[]
School Layout
Completely renovated and changed by 2001, the Degrassi Community School features untraditional design schemes using new materials. Named a Community School, Degrassi does not follow the typical public school layout but closer to being identified as an alternative school. By 2002, the school had yet again been completely changed and reinvented as it underwent a merge to become both a Junior High School and High School.
Degrassi Community School Mural circa 2001
There are multiple unique aspects of the Degrassi school. In the spacious front lobby, a mural outlooks the front steps, one later redrawn by Jimmy Brooks. Written primarily at the top of the walls above the locker/hallway areas, there are a number of black-fonted inspirational quotes employed. The main foyer is host to Degrassi's own motto, written larger and bolder than the other quotes.
The actual set for where the school scenes are shot in is a warehouse in an Epitome Pictures studio. Outfitted to look like an actual school, the set features perhaps the most intricate and detailed designs, including numerous flyers, bulletins, and posters pertaining to the fictional Degrassi Community School. The studio is also used for filming the other sets, such as character's rooms, in the series.[5]
Inspirational quotes[]
Main Foyer
(School Motto)
The perfect human being is all human beings put together, it is a collective, it is all of us together that make perfection. Socrates
Unknown
"Human beings must be known to be loved; but Divine beings must be loved to be known." Blaise Pascal
Across from Computer Lab
"Wisdom begins in Wonder." Socrates
Across from Health Room
"Creativity is seeing what everyone sees and thinking what no one has ever thought." Albert Einstein
Across from Science Classroom
"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." Carl Sagan
Extracurricular activities[]
| Group | Members | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Basketball | Mr. Armstrong (2001) - Coach Jimmy Brooks - Captain (2001-2003) - Assistant Coach (2006-present) Spinner Mason - Team Manager (2001, 2003) Sean Cameron Derek Haig |
Called the Degrassi Panthers, the basketball team is one of the proudest school teams, defeating various rival schools and even having a chance for the regionals. In the beginning of 2001, 15 hopefuls tried out for the team but there were only 12 spots. As Armstrong judged who made the team based on their game performance against Earl Grey, Jimmy and Spinner were cut from the team (the latter would be reinstated at the end of the semester). |
| The Grapevine | Liberty Van Zandt (2001-present) Ellie Nash (2003-2006) Anya MacPherson(2007-present) |
|
| Gymnastics | Manny Santos Emma Nelson Hazel Aden Kendra Mason |
|
| Lacrosse | Terri MacGregor Kendra Mason Alex Nuñez Serena |
|
| Party Planning Committee | Liberty Van Zandt Toby Isaacs Emma Nelson |
|
| Soccer | Spinner Mason Sully Jimmy Brooks |
|
| Spirit Squad | Paige Michalchuk - (Captain/Head Cheerleader) (2001-2006) Hazel Aden - (Co-captain) (2001-2006) Manny Santos - (Choreographer) (2001-2005; 2006-present) Darcy Edwards - (Captain) (2006-present) Peter Stone - (2006-present) Oskar -(2001) Chante Black - (2004-present) Mia Jones - (2006) Holly J Sinclair - (2007-present) Anya MacPherson - (2007-present) |
|
| Student Council Committee | Liberty Van Zandt | |
| Video Announcements | Liberty Van Zandt Emma Nelson Heather Sinclair Ashley Kerwin |
|
| Wrestling | Sean Cameron Toby Isaacs |
Student council[]
- President: Ashley Kerwin
- Vice-President: Liberty Van Zandt
- Beginning of Presidency: Family Polictics
- End of Presidency: Before King of Pain
- President: Marco Del Rossi
- Vice-President: Alex Nunez
- Beginning of Presidency: King of Pain
- End of Presidency: Death of a Disco Dancer
- President: Liberty Van Zandt
- Vice-President: Toby Isaacs
- Beginning of Presidency: Death of a Disco Dancer
- End of Presidency: Ongoing
Alumni[]
Class of '90-'91[]
- Joey Jeremiah
- Christine "Spike" Nelson
- Caitlin Ryan
- Archie "Snake" Simpson
- Lucy Fernandez
- Derek "Wheels" Wheeler
Class of '03-'04[]
- Dylan Michalchuk
- Tom (Surname Unknown)
Class of '05-'06[]
- Hazel Aden
- Marco Del Rossi
- Paige Michalchuk
- Ellie Nash
- Alex Nunez (returned to Degrassi to earn more credits)
Extras[]
- Scott Anderson[6]
- Anna Nichols[6]
Class of '06-'07 [TBA][]
- Jimmy Brooks
- Toby Isaacs
- Ashley Kerwin
- Gavin "Spinner" Mason
- Emma Nelson
- Manny Santos
- Christopher Sharpe
- Heather Sinclair
- Liberty Van Zandt
- Tim (surname unknown)
Lakehurst students[]
- Sav
- Jane V,
- Anya
- Holly J.
- Johnny DiMarco
- Nic
- Drake (currently in jail)
- Damine
- Lucas
- Nora
Class of '07-'08 [TBA][]
- Chante Black
- Darcy Edwards
- Derek Haig
- Mia Jones
- Kendra Mason
- Peter Stone
- Danny Van Zandt
Other[]
- Sean Cameron - (expelled in 2006)
- Jay Hogart - (expelled in 2005, later dropped out)
- Terri MacGregor - (transferred to private school in 2004)
- Craig Manning - (dropped out in 2006 to pursue music career)
- Rick Murray - (deceased)
- Kevin Smith - (honorary diploma)
- J. T. Yorke - (deceased)
Website[]
The show's official website features Locker Pages, and many other Degrassi School-themed pages. The show also features such pages in episodes, including D-Mail. In recent seasons, the system seems to not be used any longer.
Trivia[]
- Address: 240 Degrassi St.[7]
References[]
- ↑ Degrassi: The Next Generation Episode, "Mother and Child Reunion, Part 2", Episode Two, Season One. (aired 2001)
- ↑ Mr. Raditch: "and the jewel of the Degrassi crown, the Media Immersion Lab. Every computer here is connected to the internet via high speed telephone access" Degrassi: The Next Generation Episode, "Mother and Child Reunion, Part 1", Episode One, Season One. (aired 2001)
- ↑ Terri: "The Media Immersion Program is very unique [sic] to our school. We have over fifty high speed computers with internet access and other educational programs" .../Terri: "this is all part of the new renovations planned by Mr. Raditch" Degrassi: The Next Generation Episode, "Mother and Child Reunion, Part 2", Episode Two, Season One. (aired 2001)
- ↑ Emma: "NaK is totally bias." .../Mr. Raditch: "Have you seen the new computers in the Media Immersion Lab? Eighteen new computers thanks to NaK. In exchange, we show their morning broadcast. .../Mr. Raditch: "the parents voted for it" "Degrassi: The Next Generation Episode, "Parents' Day", Episode Five, Season One. (aired 2001)
- ↑ Epitome Virtual Reality Inc., "Degrassi Fan Pages FAQ", Degrassi.tv. Subheading: Where/ how is Degrassi filmed?, "The show is mainly filmed in the Epitome Pictures studios, a former warehouse that has been converted to look like a real school. The studio also houses the interiors of some of the characters' homes, and a mall food-court area. As a result, the majority of Degrassi is filmed inside one large studio. However, we do occasionally take the production "on location" to various places around Toronto that are impossible to re-create in a studio."
- ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 Daphne Hatzilakos: "and now without further ado, I'd like to welcome to the stage, Degrassi's graduating class of 2006..." Degrassi: The Next Generation Episode, "High Fidelity, Part 2", Episode Nineteen, Season Five. (aired 2006)
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Degrassi: The Next Generation Episode, "Parents' Day", Episode Five, Season One. (aired 2001)
- ↑ Degrassi: The Next Generation Episode, "Friday Night", Episode Eleven, Season One. (aired 2002)
External links[]
- 'Official' Site Requires Degrassi.tv Registration.
- 'Official' abckids site
| The Degrassi Universe | ||
|---|---|---|
| The Degrassi TV series: | The Kids of Degrassi Street - Degrassi Junior High - Degrassi High - Degrassi: The Next Generation | |
| Out of Continuity Degrassi series: |
Degrassi Talks - Degrassi Crash Course: The 100 Most Intense Moments - Degrassi Unscripted - Degrassi's 40 Most Go There-est Moments - Degrassi Minis - Degrassi on the Set - Degrassi Mangasodes | |
| Degrassi Junior High + Degrassi High | Characters - Episodes - VHS and DVD releases - School's Out (Degrassi High film) | |
| Degrassi: The Next Generation | Main characters - Minor characters - Cast & crew - Episodes - Issues addressed - DVD releases - Books - Quotes | |
| People | Degrassi Junior High & High: Stephanie | Joey | Snake | Wheels | Mr. Raditch | Lucy | Caitlin | Spike Degrassi: The Next Generation: | |
| Places | List | Toronto | De Grassi Street | Degrassi Community School | Jeremiah Motors | The Dot | |
| Music | Tracklist | Themes & intros | Bands | Songs from Degrassi: The Next Generation | The N Soundtrack | |
| Miscellaneous | Canon & continuity | Index | Chronology | Family trees | Awards & nominations | |