Shortridge Magnet High School for Law and Public Policy will have its first graduating class since 1981. Forty-six students will receive their diplomas this spring.
Shortridge High School, formerly the Indianapolis High School, is the oldest high school in the state of Indiana, according to the school’s website.
It opened in 1864, serving as a high school until 1981, when it was closed due to budgetary cutbacks. Indianapolis Public Schools reopened Shortridge as a middle school in 1984, where it continued until the spring of 2009.
In the fall of 2009, the school reopened its doors to high school students again under the name of Shortridge Magnet High School for Law and Public Policy, serving 6th through 12th grade students.
“Shortridge has historical context and instills a lot of pride into the community. I am extremely proud that this graduating class is a part of history. I’m looking forward to graduation day,” said Stanley Law principal of Shortridge.
Graduation is a tremendous stepping-stone for the magnet school, to which Law credits community partners, district personnel and teachers.
As a magnet school, the course work is rigorous with a concentrated focus. Students become familiar with career opportunities in the law, government and public policy sectors. They also have the opportunity to participate in mock trial teams, forensic lab exercises, guest speaker series and Building a Smart Cop Programs. Through partnerships with Butler University and Indiana University’s Robert H. McKinney School of Law these opportunities are readily available.
Guidance counselor manager Trenna Sultzer experienced the transition with Shortridge from a middle school to a high school as well. The transition enlightened a sense of pride in Sultzer. With the changes, the school has managed to cope successfully.
“We are confident our students will make great contributions to the community,” she said. “This is a wonderful group of students which has applied themselves academically and accepted the challenges. We’re proud of their accomplishments.”
Although Shortridge as a magnet school is fairly new to the community, Law believes its future is promising.
“It’s still in its infancy and we have a lot of room to grow both in partnerships and services,” Law said. “The synergy that exists here at Shortridge is amazing and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow.”
