Photo of Orem High School as it was being constructed
in 1956
Orem High School has a long and rich history which dates back to the early years of the 20th century. Orem High was preceded in Orem by Lincoln High School which was built in 1921 and was located at 350 East 800 South. Over the years, many talented and qualified teachers taught, and several outstanding principals directed the activities at Lincoln High School, including Karl Banks, A.P. Warnick and Quinn Hatch.
As Lincoln High School became larger, it began to distinguish itself in all the activities in which its students engaged. Those who participated in debate, oratory, athletics, drama and music brought honors to the school and community. The trophy case in the hall became filled with trophies and ribbons. Since Lincoln High School was located in what was a farming community at the time, many of the boys were heavily involved in the activities of the Future Farmers of America.
During the 1950's, the growth of the community was such, that a new and larger
high school building was needed. Consequently, the new Orem High School was
built in 1956 on 42 acres for a cost of about two million dollars to accommodate
1,500 students. The first class of 174 students was graduated in 1957. The
first principal was Leeman Bennett who has been followed by Clifton Pyne,
Berdean Jarman, John Childs, John Spencer, and currently Jane Lindhout. The
old Lincoln High School was then used as a junior high school for a time,
then finally razed in 1977.
Orem High is one of three high schools in Orem today, and has a long tradition
of scholastic excellence. Over a million dollars worth of scholarships are
received each year by graduating seniors. For the last fifteen years, Orem
High has been the top scholarship money winner from BYU. Our English, Math,
Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Language departments are noted throughout
the state for having outstanding teachers who prepare our students exceptionally
well for college. Every year, our students win scholarships and attend every
college or university in the state. More and more, Orem Tigers are leaving
the state for education, and are pursuing degrees all over the country. These
academic teachers prepare all students well and give them a firm foundation,
as seen by our SAT scores which cover these academic areas. Our junior students
score significantly higher than the district and state average on these tests.
Orem High has one of the finest Applied Technology programs in the state. The
staff is trained on the most current equipment, and are always attending workshops
and conferences to keep up on the latest innovations. They are a hard working,
creative, energetic group of find educators. Generous funding from the district
has kept all vocational labs updated, and helped our vocational programs attract
many students. We are a magnet school for many programs in the district, such
as Welding, and Cabinet Making. Our students are being well prepared for careers
in the Applied Technology areas.
The Physical Education department has a broad class offering list, including
everything from Aerobics, Ballroom Dance, and Recreation, to Coed P.E. Students
can find the type of physical education class that best fits them. Our intramural
and junior varsity programs are extensive. Our athletic teams score consistently
high, and have won the state All Sports Trophy. We have over thirty five state
trophies covering all sports.
Arts have a tradition of excellence. No school has as many musical productions
or plays. The productions done here involve a great number of students, and
their performance is well above high school age level. Orem is known as one
of the very best in Drama, Musical Theater, and Shakespearean productions.
The opportunity exists at Orem High for the talented student to get involved
and excel. Our Music department is outstanding and wins awards regularly. These
students are taken on tour, and our offerings to students in music are very
broad. Visual Arts programs are varied to allow students to explore their creativity.
We offer beginning to Advanced Placement programs, and consistently have many
All State Artists, and many Visual Arts Sterling Scholars who become state
finalists and winners.
Orem High has a very busy activity schedule that is varied enough to give all
students a chance to get involved in and to attend the things they enjoy. There
are plenty of clubs, dances, assemblies, games, and social events to give students
a chance 
to
have busy social lives and to get involved. This wide range of classes and
activities provides the opportunity for Tigers to reach their potential. Tiger
Pride is part of this strong tradition, and Orem Tigers continue making tracks.
A teacher best described Orem High and all it represents with these words. "Orem
High School is truly a one of a kind establishment. The faculty and staff are
unique and have been since its inception. It is a diversified staff from many
backgrounds and fields of study. There have been confrontations and disagreements
that have made us strong. There is mutual respect and admiration among both
teachers and staff. It is this bond that makes Orem special. It is an honor
to be a part of this tradition. The facility may be old and partially run down,
but that is only symptomatic of aging well and being mature in both outlook
and expectation. It is reminiscent of seeing a scraggly, unshaven, tattooed
young man who beneath the exterior may have a Ph.D., and be the most caring,
learned man around. This is the unique quality of Orem High. It is the reason
others apply to come here. It is one of the reasons why students transfer here.
It is the reason why graduates are proud to say they are from Orem High School."
