GRPS First Ever City Wide Reunion at ‘Crosstown Throwdown’ Football Game This Friday

Did you go to GRPS? You're invited to the first-ever city-wide reunion this Friday!

Grand Rapids Public Schools are celebrating 150 years at the “Crosstown Throwdown” this Friday, where Ottawa Hills and Union High football teams will face off as alumni from every GRPS school gather for the first-ever city-wide reunion!

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In April 2021, Grand Rapids Public Schools turned 150 years old and they're planning to celebrate this milestone throughout the 2021-2022 school year.

The GRPS Football Kick-Off and city-wide reunion this Friday, August 27th at Houseman Field will launch a year of celebrations. Doors open at 4p.m. and the Kick-off is at 6:00p.m.

Tickets are free, but GRPS says they anticipate a sell-out crowd, so you'll want to pre-order your tickets now here.

Once you've registered, tickets will be delivered via email-- you'll need a ticket to get in!

GRPS says through fundraising events and celebrations throughout the school year, they're aiming to raise awareness and strengthen the GRPS Alumni community:

Recognizing 150 years of education in Grand Rapids presents a unique opportunity for us to partner with local organizations, businesses, and alumni. We hope to honor the accomplishments of our past while supporting the district’s dreams for the future.

According to a release from the district, GRPS traces its beginnings to a March 15, 1871 act of the Legislature of Michigan “that the city of Grand Rapids and all contiguous territory which shall hereafter be added thereto, shall constitute one school district.” On  April 11, 1871, the first Board of Education of the city of Grand Rapids was organized from the trustees of what previously had been three different districts, and the 1871-1872 school year became the first in GRPS history.

Grand Rapids Public Schools' 2021-2022 school year started this week, with students returning to 100% in-person classes.