T. L. Handy Middle School is located at 601 Blend Street, Bay City, Michigan, at the corner of Blend Street and North Union Street, on the city's west side. It is part of the Bay City Public Schools.  T. L. Handy's mascot is the Wildcat.  School colors are red and white. Our school fight song is 'Wildcat Fight'. T. L. Handy began as a junior high school in 1923. It was then converted to a high school in 1946, and then reverted back to a middle school in 1990.  There also was a period in the 1970's when the facility housed a high school students in the mornings and junior high students in the afternoons.

This school is named after Thomas Lincoln Handy, a local businessman and land owner. After one of Mr. Handy's  coal mines closed around 1920, he donated the land the mine sat upon to be the site of this school that bears his name.  His portrait hangs above his home's fireplace mantle in a place of honor in the Auditorium's lobby. His name is engraved above the front entrance.  Mr. Handy's descendants have visited the school in recent years.

20. L. Handy has gone through several large renovations throughout its history. The current "Explore" wing was added in the 1950's.  Another major change occurred in 1973, when a science wing, second gym and replacement swimming pool were all added, as well as new stairways that met updated fire codes. Handy's first elevator to service handicapped students was added. The Auditorium was modernized with new seating and a new electrical system. In 1995, the original swimming pool area and locker rooms were renovated into a large library, complete with media lab.  Handy's recently completed renovation has made the school energy efficient and given it up-to-date electrical and technology service.  The school has a newly designed cafeteria and hallways (with new lockers), four computer labs, offices, updated auditorium, and updated classrooms.  The "Explore" art, music, and STEM/industrial arts rooms were redesigned to meet today's needs. The elevator has even been replaced!  The school has been updated while keeping its wonderful outside architectural style, complete with coordinating, energy efficient windows.

Over the years, Handy has seen many special events and people. Handy has had not one, but FOUR, Olympic gold medalists visit - Jesse Owens, Bonnie Blair, Dan Jansen, and Steve Mesler.