Garfield High School: Legends, Laughs, and Lots of Purple

Let’s talk about Garfield High School—home of the Bulldogs, a thousand colorful stories, and more purple than a Prince concert. Nestled at 400 23rd Avenue in Seattle, this school has seen it all: jazz legends, sports icons, and at least one very memorable four-overtime football game that probably still gives people stress dreams.

The glow-up of the century

Back in 2006, Garfield went on a two-year hiatus for a glow-up so big it could’ve been on a makeover show. Students were shipped off to Lincoln High School while construction crews turned the campus into a modern-day Hogwarts. The result? Fancy 900-square-foot classrooms, science labs snazzy enough to make Bill Nye jealous, and not one, but TWO gyms. They even slapped on an all-weather track and a football field that says, “We mean business.”

But don’t worry, history buffs—they kept the classic stuff intact. The historic auditorium proscenium? Still there. The terrazzo floors? Shiny as ever. And that old pendulum clock? Yep, still ticking. Dr. Lawrence Matsuda, an educator and local legend, even insisted on adding a driveway to make life easier. Thanks, Doc!

When Quincy Jones came home

If Garfield High had a Hall of Fame, Quincy Jones would have his own wing. This music maestro grew up just down the street. In 2008 he came back for the grand opening of the Quincy Jones Performing Arts Center. Fun fact: he used to direct the Garfield Swing Band back in the day. Now, the center is a hub for all things artsy, proving once again that Garfield knows how to hit the high notes.

Speaking of music, Garfield’s jazz band is practically a celebrity. Under the legendary leadership of Clarence Acox, the band won the Essentially Ellington Jazz Competition FOUR times. That’s right—four. They’ve rubbed elbows with musical royalty, including Wynton Marsalis, who basically called Acox a jazz Jedi. Even after Acox’s retirement in 2019 the band continues to bring the funk, proving that Garfield is still the king (or queen) of swing.

Bulldogs on the court

Let’s get one thing straight: Garfield dominates when it comes to basketball. With 23—yes, 23—state championships, they’re basically the Michael Jordan of Washington high schools. Legends like Joyce Walker and Brandon Roy once roamed these courts, leaving behind enough highlight reels to fill a YouTube channel. And let’s not forget Tony Wroten Jr., who made history as a freshman and then went on to crush it in the NBA. Bulldogs don’t play around.

Oh, and remember that 1975 football game against Blanchet High? Four overtimes, 12,951 fans, and a score of 42-35 that still haunts Garfield’s dreams. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer dubbed it the “Game of the Century,” and honestly, they’re not wrong.

Brains & bulldogs—A winning combo

Garfield isn’t just about jazz and gymnasiums. Programs like College Access Now (CAN) and the College Success Foundation help students crush it in the academic world. Think of them as the school’s secret academic weapons, giving kids the tools they need to rock their futures.

Fun facts to make you smarter

• Opened in 1920 as East High School. Renamed after President James Garfield in 1921.
• Current enrollment: 1,650 students (as of 2025), of which 36.1% are white, 27% Black, and the rest a mix of other racial backgrounds, making this one of the most diverse schools in the state.
• Colors: Purple and white (obviously)
• Nickname: Bulldogs (because “The Fierce, Fabulous, and Occasionally Lazy Cats” didn’t make the cut).

Go Dawgs!

Garfield Golden Grads: A Legacy of Excellence and Community

Origins and early years

Recognizing the importance of maintaining a connection among graduates, a group of passionate alumni founded the Garfield Golden Grads association (GGG) in 1950. Their mission was to create a network of former students who would support each other and give back to their alma mater.

Growth and development

In the decades that followed its inception, GGG grew steadily, both in numbers and influence. The annual class reunion events became a highlight for many, offering a chance to reconnect with old friends and celebrate their shared history. During the 1970s and 1980s, GGG introduced scholarship programs to recognize academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to ensure that deserving students could pursue higher education without financial barriers. The success of these programs led to the establishment of the GGG Scholarship Fund, which has since grown to include an impressive $125,000 available for new scholarships each year.

As the world entered the digital age, the association adapted to new technologies to better serve its members and the school. The GGG newsletter started in 1988. In the late 1990s, the organization launched its first website, allowing GGG to reach a wider audience and engage with alumni who had moved away from the local area. In 2007, the newsletter became the Gazette, shepherded by Carolyn Emmons Carpp ’54.

Community involvement and philanthropy

Throughout its history, GGG has remained committed to giving back to the surrounding community, becoming involved in numerous philanthropic initiatives, including supporting local charities, organizing fundraising events, and providing financial assistance to students in need. One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the introduction of GGG internships. These internships, created in collaboration with the principal Dr. Tarance Hart, provide valuable opportunities for current students to gain hands-on experience in various fields such as technical support, social media, website management, photography, and editing.

One notable example of the association’s philanthropic efforts is the Annual Garfield Golden Grads Luncheon, a fundraising event that brings together alumni, current students, and community members to celebrate the achievements of Garfield High School and raise funds for scholarships and other programs, including peer tutoring.

Partnerships and collaborations

GGG has also forged strong partnerships with other organizations to further its mission. One of the most significant partnerships is with the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), which has grown stronger over the years. This collaboration has led to joint fundraising efforts, educational programs, and community service projects. In addition, GGG has worked with local businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutions to create opportunities for students and alumni alike. These partnerships have helped to expand GGG’s reach and impact.