Beginning in 1966, East Jefferson was a boys-only school for grades 10 to 12. In 1968, a new girls-only high school, Grace King High School, was built but there was no new school for boys. By 1970, the school's attendance swelled to over 2000 boys and forced a two-shift "platoon" system to be implemented. Under the "A.M. & P.M." platoon shifts, the first classes went to school from 7 A.M. until noon, and the second shift went from 1 P.M. to 6 P.M.. In 1973, the school board began building a new all-male school near Kenner, called Alfred T. Bonnabel High. Even though it would not be completed until 2 years later, they decided to call the East Jefferson morning shift “Bonnabel” and the afternoon shift “East Jefferson”. The following year the two shifts flip-flopped. For the third year, the students who had been using the name “Bonnabel” moved into their new buildings, just north of I-10 near Power Blvd. All Jefferson Parish high schools returned to co-ed status in the early 1980s.
Varsity Athletics
On December 13, 2013 EJ's varsity football team finished the season 15-0 with a win against the Edna Karr Cougars, 38-28. This was EJ's first state title in school history and the first undefeated record in the regular season. They finished the season 10-0 then won their first playoff game since 1971. They then won the rest of the playoff games and finished the season with a bang by beating Edna Karr, finishing #23 in the nation. In the 1970s, EJ’s baseball team won three state titles, in 1971, 1972 and 1978. In 1971, EJ beat Broadmoor 8-1 to win the 4A title. EJ repeated as 4A state champs in 1972, defeating Neville 3-2. In 1978, EJ won another 4A title, beating West Monroe by a score of 3-1.
Notable alumni
Eddie Doucet, state representative for Jefferson Parish from 1972 to 1988; businessman
Art Lentini Served as a Republican in the Louisiana State Senate from Jefferson Parish from 1996 to 2008. He practices law in Metairie.
Mike Miley An athlete known for his two sport talents while attending LSU, Football position QB and Baseball shortstop. Football fans nicknamed him "Miracle Mike" while at LSU. He has an Annual Sportsmanship award given at LSU in his name. Mike opted to leave early for the 1st round draft choice in 1974 by the MLB. Switch hitter and shortstop with the California Angels played from 1975 to 1976, until his death in 1976 at the age of twenty-three. Airline Park Playground was renamed in his honor.
Neil Reed Was most recognized for his choking incident with coach Bob Knight while attending Indiana University. He was named LouisianaPlayer of the Year in 1994 and was a two-time state MVP. He was listed in the top 100 high school basketball players in New Orleans history by sportsnola.com.
John Schroder, a businessman and developer, is the current state representative from St. Tammany Parish. John Schroder was also on the football team coached by End coach Jimmy Kytle is East Jefferson's current principal.
Marty Wetzel Played for Tulane University then drafted in the 10th round by the New York Jets 1981–1982. While he played at EJ Wetzel, as a Co-captain along, was a starting Tightend and a "as needed" Linebacker.
Ricky Chapagrall and Ronnie Chapagrall, Wrote the Bleu Raeders Cadence, a derivative of the East Jefferson Cadence. David Arthur wrote the melodic parts. This cadence was used by the Championship Bleu Raeders Drum and Bugle Corps. This cadence is used by L.S.U., Ole Miss, and schools and colleges along the Gulf Coast.
Micah Blunt was a basketball player who was the first player out of Louisiana to be selected to the McDonald's All-American Game. Blunt was drafted in 1982 by the Los Angeles Lakers before playing most of his career abroad. He was also listed in the top 100 high school basketball players in New Orleans history by sportsnola.com.
