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Brush High School 100 All That We Were... and Everything We Are

Original Release: 11/24/2025

Brush High School 100

All That We Were...and Everything We Are

Sally Shortle Miller, '71

100 years! Where has the time gone?! Brush has come a long way in 100 years. There have been many changes and additions. Many of the halls have been refurbished and are now lined with televisions displaying photographs and news of upcoming events. However, if you look, you can see remnants of what once was: the hardwood floors, marble window sills, and the original front doors.

The original cafeteria as it appears in the 1931 Hi-Lite

For a brief period of time, Brush defined our lives. Each of us has many friends and memories that will stay with us forever. Leading up to our celebration in the fall of 2026, the next few editions of the Alumni Arc-Lite will explore our history and jog our memories.

The cafeteria has always been the heartbeat of Brush. It was where we shared lunches, shared stories, and made friends. On our first day at Brush, many of us walked in nervously wondering, “Who will I sit with?”

Originally the cafeteria was on the third floor. Lunch was served daily to 300-400 students in grades 7-12. By the mid-seventies, the cafeteria served approximately 2,500 students in grades 10-12. The third floor was used as study hall when not serving lunch.

In the fall of 1950, construction began on the “new” cafeteria on the first floor, where it is still located. There were no vending machines, no food stations. Students ate lunch and then for many years traveled to the auditorium to attend the noon movie. Over the course of a week a full length movie was screened for prices that varied from a nickel to a quarter. In 1974, the cafeteria was again improved. The Commons area was added as well as a concession stand for the football games. 2020 saw the most recent renovation including an elevated section with windows overlooking the football field, and multiple food stations. The traditional long rectangular tables have been replaced with smaller tables.

Whether walking to the third floor or enjoying the newer area, the cafeteria continues to be the heartbeat of the school. It is the place that all students enjoy a meal, some laughter, and a little fun in the middle of a long school day.