a dramatic "leg up" in terms of STEM preparation, college readiness, and advisory support. Middle school students in the IST program have access to six accelerated classes (accelerated English, accelerated math, advanced science, accelerated history, PE, and one elective, and at the end of their two years, they can choose to remain at North Central or move to a neighboring high school. The IST program has been expanded to include sixth graders as of the 2022-2023 school year. Sixth graders in the program have electives such as computer applications, music, and art. Demographics Of North Central's 1,610 students (2006-07 school year), 63% are white, 26% are black, 3% are Hispanic, 4% are Asian, 4% American Indian, and 2% are unknown/not provided. 43% of students qualify for free lunches or reduced price lunches. Notable current and former students Bing Crosby, singer attended NCHS until he could afford tuition at Gonzaga Prep Rod Funseth, professional golfer Jack Geraghty, Mayor of Spokane, from 1993 to 1996. Bruce Alan Grandstaff, platoon sergeant who died in Vietnam, recipient of the Medal of Honor, has a memorial dedicated to him in the skylight area. Jimmy Lake, NFL and collegiate football coach Diane Middlebrook, American biographer, poet, and teacher George R. Nethercutt, Jr., member of the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 2005, representing Washington's 5th congressional district. Michael C. Ormsby, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Justin Lowe Quackenbush, judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. Ryne Sandberg, Hall of Fame baseball player (North Central's baseball field is named for him.) Earl Sheely, former MLB player (Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Braves) Staff Sergeant Ty Carter, US Army Medal of Honor recipient, Battle of Kamdesh at Combat Outpost Keating Afghanistan 2009. He graduated from North Central class of 1998. Athletics 2006 Boys 3A Cross Country State Champions 2006 Girls 3A Track State Champions 2007 3rd 3A Boys Basketball 2007 2nd 3A Boys Track 2007 Boys 3A Cross Country State Champions 2007 Boys West Regional Champions in Nike Team Regional 2007 Boys Cross Country Qualified For Nike Team National 2007 Boys 6th at Nike Team Nationals 2008 Boys 3A Cross Country State Champions 2008 Boys Nike Northwest Regional Champions 2008 National Champions at Nike Cross Nationals (previously NTN) 2009 Boys 3A Track And Field Champions 2009 Boys 3A Cross Country State Champions 2009 Boys Nike Northwest Regional