Milwaukee mayor declares March 30th Rufus King High School Day

MILWAUKEE -- It was a celebration like no other at Rufus King High School Friday, March 30th.  A rally was held to honor the athletes and students after an incredible year.

“Nobody expected us to get where we did, and we just worked as a team,” senior Ayvanna Young said.

“We worked for this.  So everything that's happening today, we deserved it,” senior point guard Chris Stovall said.

Both the boys and girls basketball teams made it to the State Championships earlier this month.  In the final second, both teams fell just shy of winning the state title, but it was a successful season nonetheless. "Both teams did a fantastic job, and this is the only school in the state that sent two teams to the State Championship, so it's a lot to be proud of,” Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.

Barrett, who says he lost his voice watching the games, declared March 30th, 2012 as Rufus King Day.

Not only do the hoops teams have reason to celebrate, but the tennis, debate, math and robotics teams also won state awards - some even getting national recognition.

“We put our school on the map,” Stovall said.

“Whether you're on a team or not, just knowing that your school is getting that type of recognition should give you a lot of school pride,” senior shooting guard Alexis Eckles said.

“To watch our young people conduct themselves with character, poise is a great thing.  Our schools are doing a great job, and this was a good showcase of all of it this morning,” Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Gregory Thornton said.