As Towson High School’s multi‑phase renovation gains momentum, a group of devoted fans is asking the district to honor one of its most colorful alumni – Harris Glenn Milstead, the 1963 graduate better known by his stage name Divine. The proposal, first floated during early design discussions, seeks to name the school’s refurbished auditorium after the legendary drag performer and cult‑film star.
Why Divine?
Divine, a 300‑pound actor, singer and drag queen, rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s through a series of unforgettable roles in films directed by Baltimore native John Waters. The pair grew up near each other in Lutherville, and Waters gave Milstead the moniker “Divine.” Over a two‑decade span Divine appeared in nine Waters movies, including the notorious Pink Flamingos (1972) and Hairspray (1988). Though best known for his outrageous drag personas, Divine also pursued stage work, recorded disco‑era singles such as “I’m So Beautiful,” and even auditioned for a guest spot on Married…with Children before his untimely death in 1988.
Local naming precedents
The school recently honored two other distinguished graduates. A stretch of Cedar Avenue bordering the campus now bears the name Michael Phelps Way, recognizing the Olympic swimmer’s record‑breaking career. Last Saturday the district officially christened the new athletic field “Randy Dase Field,” after the 1972 graduate who spent 43 years teaching and coaching at Towson High, guiding the Generals to ten state championships.
These naming gestures have set a clear precedent for celebrating alumni who have made a lasting impact. Fans of Divine argue that the auditorium, a central venue for school plays, concerts and community events, would be a fitting tribute to a graduate whose artistic legacy continues to inspire worldwide.
Fans rally for recognition
Two longtime admirers, Tom Williams and Jesse Salazar, have been the primary advocates. In 2018 they commissioned artist Gaia to paint a mural of Divine on a house they own in nearby Mount Vernon, further cementing his presence in the local cultural landscape. The estate’s representative, Noah Brodie, runs Divine Official Enterprises, a website that sells merchandise and maintains a popular Facebook fan page.
Supporters point to the auditorium’s prominent location – visible from the Aigburth Road entrance – as an ideal spot for a “Divine Auditorium” sign that would both honor the alumnus and draw attention to the school’s historic building, originally designed by Smith and May in 1949.
School officials’ response
Principal Lawrence “Bo” Du Val, who has served at Towson High for several years, acknowledged the suggestion but noted that the renovation timeline is already tightly scheduled. “We appreciate the community’s enthusiasm for our alumni,” Du Val said. “The auditorium renovation is part of a larger plan that includes a new four‑story addition slated to open next year. Naming decisions will be considered as the project progresses.”
Du Val’s comments suggest that while the idea has not been dismissed, it remains under review. The school’s renovation committee has yet to issue a formal statement on the naming proposal.
What’s next?
The auditorium renovation is expected to begin after the new addition opens, with the original building’s auditorium slated for a comprehensive overhaul. As construction moves forward, the conversation about a Divine Auditorium is likely to resurface, especially given the strong local support and the successful precedent set by the Michael Phelps Way and Randy Dase Field dedications.
For now, fans continue to lobby the district, hoping that the iconic name will soon join the campus’s growing list of tributes to Towson High’s distinguished graduates.
Original reporting: Baltimore Fishbowl — read the source article.
