Berkley High School

Berkley High School is home to a variety of musical ensembles. The wind ensembles are made up of the BHS Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. Marching Band is only the first semester, and Symphonic Band takes its place second semester. Jazz band is also available for students. The symphonic band is reputed for playing pieces such as On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss, First Suite in E-Flat for Military Band, and Second Suite in F for Military Band. Alan Posner became the band director in 2011. BHS has three string orchestras, Sinfonia, Symphony Orchestra and Concert Orchestra, all lasting the whole year. In January 2009 and again in 2013, the Symphony Orchestra took first place at the Presidential Inaugural (Heritage Festival). BHS also has four choirs: Concert Choir, Encore!, Belle Tones, and A Cappella. Encore!, Belle Tones, and A Cappella are audition only. Julie Anne Smith directs Accapella and Belletones while Ali Hodges, the sister of Jessy Hodges and daughter of Ellen Sandweiss. All students from these organizations are able to collaborate through BHS' Musical National Honor Society, known as Tri-M. Tri-M puts on a concert in the spring showcasing the musical talent at BHS. In May 2007, the Berkley High School A Cappella choir was invited to New York City where they performed Beethoven's Mass in C Major in New York City's Carnegie Hall. In May 2013, the Berkley High School Symphony Orchestra and A Cappella Choir performed the American premiere of "My Name is Anne Frank" a cantata.[5] In addition to the musical ensembles, BHS also has a drama program that is directed by John Hopkins.

Berkley's athletic teams currently compete in the Oakland Activities Association (OAA) with the exception of the Rugby teams (club) and the Junior Varsity hockey team (Southeast Michigan Prep Hockey League). Lori Stone became the Athletic Coordinator in 2012.

Although the school nickname is "The Bears," the boys' and girls' Swimming and Diving teams are known as the "Bearracudas" or "Cudas."[6] Their basketball court is known as the "Bear's Den".

The Berkley football team, soccer teams, and track & field teams compete at Hurley field located less than a half-mile from the high school at Anderson Middle School. The field was renovated during the spring of 2002 and re-opened with many new facilities at the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year. The field was also updated in 2010 with a new track and 2012 with a new turf field. The field is also used for many other high school tournaments, community sporting events, and semi-pro soccer leagues. Next to Hurley Field is Pop Lewis field where the high school baseball games are held along with other community baseball leagues. The softball teams play at the two neighboring fields located south of Pop Lewis field. The tennis courts are also next to Hurley Field. Berkley Varsity Hockey[7] and JV/Prep Hockey[8] competed at the Berkley Ice Arena, which is also adjacent to Hurley Field and tennis courts, before it closed in 2016 due to a coolant leak, the hockey teams have since played the rest of the 2016-17 season at Joe Louis Arena. Ever since then, the team has played at other area rinks. The cross-country team competes at Catalpa Oaks County Park in Southfield and Memorial Park in Royal Oak. The golf team competes at Detroit Golf Club and won their league with an undefeated record in 2009. The bowling team competes at Hartfield Lanes. The rest of the teams compete within the school building or outside (rugby) on other school grounds.

The BHS boys rugby team was the state champion in 2009 after an undefeated season, and the girls rugby team was state runner-up that year as well.

• Kristen Bell actress, although not a BHS graduate, she did attend Norup International School in the Berkley School District up until the 9th grade.
• Curtis Armstrong (1953-), Class of 1972, actor, best known for his role as "Booger" in the 1984 hit comedy movie Revenge of the Nerds[9]
• Andy Bobrow (1963-), Class of 1981, television comedy writer and producer, Community, Malcolm in the Middle, 'The Last Man on Earth.
• Bill Bonds, Detroit TV anchorman
• Marshall Crenshaw (1953-), Class of 1971, singer-songwriter
• Electric Six, band, original members from BHS
• Bruce Flowers, All-American high school basketball player, followed Notre Dame college career with brief NBA season with Cleveland.[10]
• Robert Gosselin (1951-), former member of the Michigan House of Representatives.[11]
• Steven Horwitz (1964-), Class of 1981, economist and author
• Jill Jack (1963-), Class of 1981, singer-songwriter
• Rachel Jacobs, CEO of tech company, killed in 2015 train accident
• Don Kirkwood, (1949-), former Major League Baseball player
• Andy Levin (1960-), United States Congressman
• Andy Meisner (1973-), Class of 1991, treasurer of Oakland County
• Aric Morris (1977-), football player, followed Michigan State University by playing for the NFL's Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots.[12]
• Dick Radatz (1937–2005), All-Star relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox and other teams from 1962-1969[13]
• Robert Wittenberg (1980–), member, Michigan House of Representatives
• Gary Yourofsky (1970-), militant animal rights activist

• Berkley High