School Histories

Patch HS History

Opened: 1979
Closed: 2015

Mascot: Panther

School Colors:  Black & Gold

School Newspaper: Underground Press

School Yearbook: Andenken

Andenken is a German word describing a memory, a remembrance, a keepsake, or memento. This book is made to remind us of the days gone by; when we are living out our destined future.

Andenken 1980 – the first Patch High School yearbook

Patch High School, also known as Alexander M. Patch American High School, located in Stuttgart, Germany, officially opened its doors on September 10, 1979. Patch High School was named after United States Army General Alexander McCarrell Patch, the commander of the Seventh Army during World War II. The groundbreaking ceremony for the school was held in June of 1978. The high school and the neighboring elementary school were the beneficiaries of the German government, who donated 9.25 acres of land for the school complex. At the time of its construction the 6.5-million-dollar high school, consisting of 400 classrooms, was considered an architectural achievement. On the first day of school, 800 students had registered, exceeding the estimated peak enrollment forecast for the year. Most upper-class students were students who moved from Stuttgart High School in Pattonville, which closed the previous school year. Though opened, construction delays forced scheduling and other adjustments. A few classes had to be held in the Patch Education Center. The gymnasium and the cafeteria were not available for use until December of that year. Some textbooks did not arrive until January. Dr. Gregory Apkarian, school principal, dedicated the school to the community on October 4, 1979.

From 1979-2006 Patch was a 7–12 grade high school. The student population was heavily dependent on children of military personnel assigned to units on Patch, Kelly and Robinson Barracks, and Panzer Kaserne. The grade configuration of the school changed in the fall of 2006 to grades 9–12 due to the projected enrollment increase and the expected opening of the middle schools on nearby Panzer and Robinson Barracks.

Despite the adjustments put in place due to construction delays, the student body and teaching staff galvanized very quickly, forming student clubs, organizing activities, and exhibiting the same school spirit seen in schools that had been in existence for a number of years.

School Firsts

• First dance in the new school was the Dedication Dance held at the Patch Officers Club.
• First Junior Class sponsored Sadie Hawkins Dance was held in the Forum.
• First Spirit Week Activities organized by the seniors.
• First Spirit Dance sponsored by the cheerleaders.
• First student production, the Matchmaker. The performance was made possible by a school wide effort, including the high number of 7^th and 8^th grade student who hurriedly prepared the sets and stage. Costumes were furnished by the Army.
• First Valentine Dance sponsored by the 7^th and 8^th graders.
• First Christmas Dance sponsored by the seniors.
• First Senior Prom sponsored by the juniors.

School Clubs/Activities

Many of the school activities and clubs formulated in year one of the school’s existence were continued throughout its thirty-six-year history. Others were added through the years.

Final Year’s Clubs included…

Throughout its history many noteworthy educational study trips were provided to Patch students.

• In the 1979-80 school year, the Social Studies Department organized a study trip to the King Tut exhibitions in Munich. Four hundred students participated.
• In the 1997-98 school year the Concert Band and Harmony Express members traveled to Russia and over an eight-day period performed in Moscow, Petersburg, and Novgorod.
• In the 2002-03 school year, students in the French classes undertook a four-day study trip to Paris.

School Activities

• In the 1979-80 school year, the Biology Club purchased ducks—three Mandarins and two Australian Black ducks—that were settled in the school’s Vitoria Falls. The ducks became a fixture within the school.
• In the 1995-96 school year the Patch Band and Harmony Express Choir performed in downtown Stuttgart for the opening of the German–American Center.

Other Activities

• College Day
• Career Day
• The Winterfest
• Spring Arts Festival
• Fasching Parade
• Spring study trip to England
• 24-hour play-a-thon
• Concert Choir performances and band performances

Throughout its history, Patch High School had an array of athletic teams including tennis, swimming, cheerleading, volleyball, football, cross country, track, golf, soccer, baseball, wrestling, and JROTC.  The rifle, drill, cross country, and wrestling teams won European championships. The rifle team was second in all Army JROTC.

First year school administrators

Gregory Apkarian, Principal

Dr. Jane Ware, Vice Principal

And so it ends as it began; with pictures, with passion, with Patch pride. We remain true to the traditions set forth by the class of 1979 [sic]. Although we say good-bye to Patch High School as the doors close forever, we hold fast to our memories and continue down the road before us…lest we forget.

Andenken 2015 – the last Patch High School yearbook

Final year school administrators

Mr. Joseph Robinson, Principal

Mr. Trent Blankenship, Vice-Principal

Ms. Tessa Moss-Beamen, Vice Principal

Patch High School officially closed on June 30, 2015. The new Stuttgart High School, located on Panzer Kaserne in Böblingen, opened that fall.