News Summary
Alumni of Chadsey High School gathered at Chadsey Park for an All-Class Reunion Picnic, celebrating their legacy and shared history. The event featured food, music, and activities, along with reliving memorable sports achievements, including Michael Westbrook’s iconic catch. The reunion highlighted the cultural diversity and unity fostered at Chadsey, and the ongoing community revitalization efforts that honor the school’s impact.
Detroit, MI – Chadsey High School alumni celebrated their legacy at an All-Class Reunion Picnic held at Chadsey Park on August 17. The gathering brought together graduates from various decades to honor their shared history and the cultural diversity of the school.
The event was marked by a festive atmosphere filled with food, music, and activities, allowing attendees to revisit fond memories while strengthening connections within their community. One highlight of the reunion was the recollection of a notable moment in sports history involving Chadsey graduate Michael Westbrook, who made a game-winning catch for the Colorado Buffaloes during a 1994 football game against the University of Michigan, a feat that has since been dubbed “The Miracle At Michigan.”
Westbrook’s dramatic 65-yard touchdown reception, which came from a deflected pass thrown by Kordel Stewart, silenced the crowd of 106,427 fans at Michigan Stadium and secured a thrilling victory for Colorado, finishing the game at 27-26. This iconic moment remains a point of pride for Chadsey alumni, reflecting not only individual achievement but also the camaraderie fostered among students during their time at the school.
The Chadsey High School opened its doors on Columbus Day in 1931 and operated until its closure in 2009. Established as a tribute to former Detroit School Superintendent Charles E. Chadsey, the school catered to a diverse group of students from the West Warren and I-94 areas along with southwest Detroit. Many alumni recalled the extensive academic and vocational courses offered, describing an inclusive environment that encouraged interaction among students from over 20 different backgrounds.
Among the notable alumni is Elliott Hall, who became the first African American corporation counsel for Detroit in 1974 and later held a vice president position at Ford Motor Company. Other graduates also made substantial contributions to various fields, such as music conductor Sir James Frazier and community leader Michael Poterala, who emphasized the strong bonds formed during their high school years.
In addition to celebrating personal achievements, many alumni at the picnic reflected on how the values and experiences from Chadsey shaped their futures. Dan Graschuck, a 1963 graduate, spoke about the unity among students that transcended socioeconomic divisions, fostering an environment of mutual respect and support.
The community surrounding the former Chadsey High School is undergoing revitalization efforts, led by local nonprofit Bridging Communities, which aims to enhance recreational spaces in the area. As part of the Chadsey Condon development plan, initiatives include the improvement of nearby parks, specifically Bieniek Park and Dingeman Park. The plan will see the construction of a pocket park that will feature family-friendly amenities, creating greener spaces for community engagement.
Mayor Mike Duggan recently announced a significant fundraising campaign of $9 million aimed at enhancing career and technical education at Breithaupt Career and Technical School, a testament to the ongoing legacy of Chadsey High School. This effort aligns with the Detroit Public Schools Community District’s priority to address workforce shortages by preparing both students and adults to enter skilled job markets.
As alumni gathered to reminisce and reflect on their time at Chadsey High School, the picnic underscored a shared commitment to community, education, and the continued impact of their collective legacy.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Chadsey High School Alumni Celebration
- Hour Detroit: Detroit’s Chadsey High School
- Model D Media: Resilient Neighborhoods – Chadsey Condon
- Dignity Memorial: Carol Matschikowski Obituary
- Detroit News: DPSCD Breithaupt Career and Technical School
- Wikipedia: Chadsey High School
- Google Search: Chadsey High School Detroit
- Google Scholar: Chadsey High School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chadsey High School
- Google News: Chadsey High School
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
