School spirit was loud and clear last Thursday night when students, teachers, alumni and members of the community rallied together to “save” DeWitt Clinton High School after the Department of Education handed the school its second consecutive “F” on its 2011-2012 progress report, which could lead to major changes at the school or possible closure.

Clinton’s auditorium was flooded with people and emotions ran high as speakers took turns showing their support for keeping Clinton, one of the last “traditional” high schools in the Bronx, alive. The rest of the borough’s high schools, including local northwest Bronx institutions like Walton, Kennedy and Evander Childs, have been broken up into several smaller, specialize schools. But Clinton and it’s deep roster of dedicated and prestigious alumni, including comedian Robert Klein, designer Ralph Lauren, comic book writer Stan Lee and others, have kept Clinton intact.

“I want to congratulate all of you, especially the students, for taking the time to come out and show your support of Clinton,” said City Council Member Oliver Koppell, who offered a staunch show of support for the school known as the Castle on Mosholu Parkway.

The Department of Education gave the school a “B” on College and Career Readiness but an “F” in student progress, student performance, and school environment, making Clinton’s overall score 37.2 out of 100. However, students felt the DOE’s grade was an inaccurate portrayal of their school and, in response, conducted their own study on student life and academics and graded their school a “B-”.

“We’re only as strong as our weakest link and it doesn’t look like we have one here today,” said former Clinton student Walter Simons, as the packed auditorium clapped and cheered. Simons came to Clinton as an at-risk youth and described himself as a “truant student,” but said because of the faculty, programs and education he received at Clinton, he was able to escape his likely fate and graduate.

Clinton prides itself on hosting more than 57 programs and activities, including the Macy Honors Program, but because of its recent failing grades on two consecutive progress reports, the DOE is beginning “early engagement” talks to determine reform efforts that could lead to an overhaul of the school’s faculty or even closure.

“I promise you that I will work very hard to try to convince those at the Department of Education not to close this school,” said Koppell. “You should know that Council Member Oliver Koppell strongly supports the maintenance and the continuation and the future of DeWitt Clinton High School!”