Bates Academy
Bates Academy alumni
Bates Academy • Est. 1981

Creating a Legacy for the Gifted & Talented

For decades, Bates Academy has cultivated Detroit's brightest minds. Together, we carry that legacy forward.

Join the Network Meet Our Alumni

129

Registered Alumni

39+

Graduate Classes

Est. 1981

Detroit Legacy

Bates Brilliance

Notable Alumni

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Diarra Kilpatrick

Diarra Kilpatrick

Actress & Producer

Creator/star of BET+'s Diarra from Detroit. Emmy-nominated. HBO's Perry Mason. Got the acting bug at Bates playing Dorothy in The Wiz.

Judge Aliyah Sabree

Judge Aliyah Sabree

Circuit Court Judge

Wayne County Third Circuit Court. Former 36th District Court Chief Judge Pro Tem. Great-granddaughter of civil rights icon Daisy Elliott.

Judge Adam Sabree

Judge Adam Sabree

36th District Court

Elected 2022. Former Asst. Wayne County Corporation Counsel. Adjunct professor. Great-grandchild of Daisy Elliott.

Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson

Dr. Riana Elyse Anderson

Columbia University Professor

Clinical psychologist focused on racial discrimination and Black families. Creator of the EMBRace program. Named to The Root 100.

Dr. Anthony Didlake Jr.

Dr. Anthony Didlake Jr.

NASA Fellow & Professor

Associate Professor of Meteorology at Penn State. NASA Postdoctoral Fellow. Detroit native advancing hurricane science.

Rod Beard

Rod Beard

Sports Editor & Writer

Academic Games HOF at Bates (1985–91). 10 national titles. 23 years at The Detroit News. Now Senior Sports Editor at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Victor Marsh Sr.

Victor Marsh Sr.

Political Strategist

CEO of The Victor Marsh Group. Former Chief of Staff at City of Detroit. Exec Director of Coleman A. Young Foundation. U of M honors grad.

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming Events

Social

Alumni Spring Pop-Up

Spring 2026Pequeño Cantina, 19329 Livernois

Casual alumni mixer at the Avenue of Fashion. Craft cocktails, tacos, and reconnecting. More details coming soon. Volunteers welcome!

Family

Annual Family Day Picnic

Summer 2026Detroit, MI

Our beloved summer tradition returns — food, games, music, and Bates family memories. Date and location TBA. Volunteers welcome!

DPSCD Foundation

Tyrone E. Winfrey Hall of Fame Alumni Gala 2026

Saturday, May 16, 20263011 West Grand Blvd, Detroit

Signature DPSCD Foundation fundraiser — not a Bates-hosted event, but Bates alumni attend together as a group. Immersive experiences, musical headliners, Detroit alumni chefs, and networking with executives and elected officials. Last year sold out.

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Official Merch

Bates Store

Official Bates Academy Alumni merchandise — tees, hoodies, mugs, and more.

Bates Alumni Classic Tee (Black)

Bates Alumni Classic Tee (Black)

$30

Bates Alumni Classic Tee (White)

Bates Alumni Classic Tee (White)

$30

Bates Alumni Premium Hoodie

Bates Alumni Premium Hoodie

$55

Bates Alumni Ceramic Mug

Bates Alumni Ceramic Mug

$18

"From Bates. To Anywhere." Tee

"From Bates. To Anywhere." Tee

$32

"From Bates. To Anywhere." Hoodie

"From Bates. To Anywhere." Hoodie

$58

"From Bates." Tee (Black/Gold)

"From Bates." Tee (Black/Gold)

$32

"From Bates." Tee (White/Gold)

"From Bates." Tee (White/Gold)

$32

"From Bates." Hoodie (Black/Gold)

"From Bates." Hoodie (Black/Gold)

$58

"From Bates." Hoodie (White/Gold)

"From Bates." Hoodie (White/Gold)

$58

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Bates Academy Reunion

Our Namesake

Honoring Alonzo W. Bates

Born October 7, 1939 in Detroit — multi-sport athlete, civil rights activist, and community leader whose vision for academic excellence lives on through every graduate.

Alpha Phi Alpha · Alabama State University · Detroit champion

Read His Full Story

In Memoriam

Honoring Those Who Shaped Us

Teachers, staff, and community members whose dedication built the Bates legacy.

Mr. Holstein

Mathematics Teacher & Academic Games Coach

Taught at Bates Academy since its founding in 1981. Over 50 years teaching mathematics to Detroit's children. His Academic Games teams won state and national championships. Received proclamations from the Superintendent, City of Detroit, Detroit Federation of Teachers, and the Governor's Office.

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Dr. Beverly Gibson

Early Principal, Bates Academy

One of the pioneering principals who helped establish Bates Academy after its 1981 founding. Built the culture of academic excellence that defines the school to this day.

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Willie Bell Gibson

Bates Academy Community

A pillar of the Bates community who gave selflessly to the school and its students. Her legacy lives on through the generations she helped guide.

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Terri Ossman

Beloved Educator

A dedicated educator at Bates Academy whose passion for teaching and deep care for her students left an indelible mark on the school community.

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Bruce Peterson

Bates Academy Community

A cherished member of the Bates family who contributed to the school's legacy of excellence and community.

Read Tribute

Stay Connected

Join our active Facebook communities.

Alumni Network

1,200+

Connection Group

800+

Alonzo Bates Alumni

600+

FOBA

500+

Your Bates Family Awaits

Whether you walked the halls in the '80s or the 2020s — this is home.

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