ACADEMICS: EOC & 1st Semester Exam Schedules

When we return to school on January 3, 2017, Blazer students will be preparing for their 1st Semester Exams. Students in a block English I or U.S. History class will take their Final End-of-Course Exams on the following dates:

• English I on Thursday, January 5th
• U.S. History on Friday, January 6th

All other 1st Semester Exams will be given on Monday, January 9th through Thursday, January 12th with Friday, January 13th serving as an Exam Make-up Day, To view the daily exam schedule for this week, please click on the image. January 13th as a make-up day. Both January 12th and January 13th will be half-days for students. Students who are taking an English 1 block class will take their End-of-Course Exam on January 5th.

REMINDER: Senior Exam Exemption Policy

The following is the Senior Exam Exemption Policy for the first semester. Any senior earning a cumulative grade of 89.5 or higher by January 6, 2017 in any Ridge View class shall be eligible for final exam exemption. This exemption does not apply to: 

1. Group projects, performances, or activities which are counted as an exam.
2. Two-credit Honors/AP Chemistry, Biology or Physics courses.
3. State-administered End-of-Course Exams.

ACADEMICS: Interested in Teacher Cadets?

The Teacher Cadet program provides students with an objective look at child development and education. We are looking for young people to become advocates for education and possibly to choose education as a career. Students will be given the opportunity to observe and to assist in a variety of educational settings while being introduced to the strategies and techniques used by master teachers. Students will also examine agencies and groups that influence decisions and governance in the educational system. Students must complete an application form, be recommend by 5 teachers, and be interviewed by Mr. Tinneny, the Teacher Cadet Instructor. Taught like a college introduction to education course, Teacher Cadet is a hands on look at teaching and related fields and offers students college credit through Newberry College. An interest in exploring education as a career is not a prerequisite for this class as well as being a junior or senior with a 3.0 GPA. For more information, click on the image for a promotional video. If interested in applying for this class, see your school counselor or contact Mr. Tinneny in room B-33 or at mtinneny@richland2.org.

ACTIVITIES: Prom Tickets on Sale

Prom season is here! This years prom themes is the Great Gatsby! Tickets are on sale near the Book Room outside of the Small Gym area on Tuesday's, Wednesdays and Fridays during lunch. Ticket prices are will be $35 when we return to school. Buy your tickets during the month of January as ticket prices will increase by $10 each month.

REMINDER: FREE Personalized Practice For SAT

Before the holidays, all 9-11th grade students participated in an Advisory lesson that showed them how to create and link their College Board account to a Khan Academy account. This allows students to receive personalized test preparation materials for FREE from Khan Academy based on either their PSAT Scores from the exam they took at RVHS in October or their recent SAT scores. Click on the image to view the lesson in case any student was unable to complete the exercise or for any parent interested in viewing the lesson and informational video. We hope every student will take advantage of this awesome opportunity to prepare for the SAT. Higher SAT scores not only open more doors when choosing a college, it also earns students more scholarship money as well!

REMINDER: Dress Code Policy

Students are reminded to abide by the district dress code policy. This image is a good guideline for what not to wear. Please be reminded that full head coverings, beanies, headbands, etc. are not permitted by boys or girls. For more information, click on the image to go to the RVHS Student Handbook which includes the dress code policy.

ACADEMICS: ELA Guide For Parents & Students

Click on the image to view a Family-Friendly Guide for High School English Language Arts.

School Make-up Dates

Due to the days missed in October when the governor closed schools because of Hurricane Matthew, we will have school on our three scheduled inclement weather make-up days: February 20, March 17, and April 17.

ACADEMICS: Dual Credit Course Offerings

Did you know that Midlands Tech teaches dual credit courses here at The View. Students taking these dual credit courses earn one high school credit and three hours of college credit. Student must receive a qualifying score on the ASSET test prior to registering for these classes. These courses are free with the exception of purchasing a textbook and are taught by a Midlands Tech professor here at Ridge View during 6th and 7th periods two days per week. Students must be juniors or seniors to take these courses. Courses offered include:

• ENG 101 - English Composition
• ENG 102 - English Composition 2
• HIS 201 - American History to 1877
• HIS 202 - Americna History From 1877 to Present
• PSC 201 - American Government
• PSY 101 - General Psychology
• CRJ 101 - Introduction to Criminal Justice

COMMUNITY: Cola Daily's Free Online Community Calendar

Looking for something to do? Check out ColaDaily.com. free community calendar for things to see and do all over Columbia and beyond. You can even post your own event - Festivals, fundraisers & community happenings! Click on the image to submit your event.

Vivint Smart Home Scholarship Contest

The Vivint Smart Home Scholarship Team is offering a $5,000 scholarship contest. Eligible students are asked to make a 1-2 minute video based on one of the following prompts:

• Tell us of a time when you or someone you know was affected by home invasion, burglary or vandalism or of a time when a security system was a benefit to you or someone you know.
• Imagine your life without technology. How would you communicate with your friends and family, and what would you do in your spare time to better yourself?

Click on the image to view additional scholarship details. The contest deadline is April 1, 2017.

REMINDER: Electronic Communication Device Policy

Students are permitted to use Electronic Communication Devices (ECDs) including cell phones before and after school, during their lunch break, and between classes within "free zones," which are any areas other than classrooms, restrooms & locker rooms. ECDs may only be used in the classroom when given SPECIFIC permission by the teacher for educational purposes ONLY. When in doubt, a student should ask the teacher. Additionally, students may not use ECDs to capture, record or transmit words and/or images of any student, staff member, or other person in the school. They are also prohibited from doing so while attending any school related activity. Capturing, recording and transmitting of such items may only take place when the student has received explicit consent and has given prior notification to the individual or group.

ALUM: Daley Named NJCAA Football All-American

Picture courtesy of Dwayne McLemore of The State

Former Ridge View Offensive Lineman and Class of 2015 graduate Dennis Daley was named to the 2016 National Junior College Athletic Association First Team All-American for his play at Georgia Military College. Read more by clicking on the image about the 6' 6" 320 lb. Daley in Dwayne McLemore's article in The State. Daley is a University of South Carolina commitment.

Scholars Alum Brandon Tensley Published in Time

2008 Scholars Academy graduate Brandon Tensley, who currently works in Washington D.C. for the Center for American Progress, published a new piece for Time Magazine this week on why it matters that 2016 has depicted black life in film with such incredible depth and richness. Check it out by clicking on the image.

#InclusionWorks 2017 Journalism Contest

The winner of the “#InclusionWorks” 2017 Journalism Contest will receive a four-year scholarship to the South Carolina state-supported institution of his or her choice provided, of course, that the winner is otherwise qualified. The scholarship pays for undergraduate tuition and fees. For more information about entering this contest, click on the image. Deadline for entries is February 1, 2017.

ACADEMICS: Flamenco Field Study

Students in Sra. Bucheli's class attended a Flamenco Ballet on December 15th at the Richland District Two Auditorium at Richland Northeast High School. Flamenco is a Spanish art form that includes dancing, singing, guitar playing, and finger snapping. Our students had a great opportunity to experience dances from various countries.

ACADEMICS: 1st Semester Exam Schedule

When we return to school on January 3, 2017, Blazer students will be preparing for their 1st Semester Exams. Students in a block English I or U.S. History class will take their Final End-of-Course Exams on the following dates:

• English I on Thursday, January 5th
• U.S. History on Friday, January 6th

All other 1st Semester Exams will be given on Monday, January 9th through Thursday, January 12th with Friday, January 13th serving as an Exam Make-up Day, To view the daily exam schedule for this week, please click on the image. January 13th as a make-up day. Both January 12th and January 13th will be half-days for students. Students who are taking an English 1 block class will take their End-of-Course Exam on January 5th.

ACADEMICS: How Can You Enroll in AP Courses?

Students who enroll in AP courses are usually enrolled in honors courses, but are not required to have taken honors courses. Most students are enrolled in AP courses based on teacher recommendations, which are based on a students' potential for success n the AP course, but grades are also considered. In addition, some students are recommended based on their potential as measured by tests such as the PSAT/NMSQT. If you are interested in taking AP courses, speak with your content area teacher or your school counselor after the holiday break.

ACTIVITIES: Beta Club Serving Others During Break

The Ridge View Beta Club is not taking a vacation from serving others. On their first day of Winter Break, some of our Beta Club members spent to day assisting other at NHC Healthcare. Way to go Blazers! You can follow the Beta Club @RVHSBetaClub.

This Week At The View

Though school is closed this week for our Winter Holiday Break, our Boys & Girls Varsity Basketball teams will be playing this week. Here are their schedules for the week:

Tuesday, December 27

• Girls Varsity Basketball @ Carolina Invitational vs. TBA in Charleston, SC

Wednesday, December 28

• Girls Varsity Basketball @ Carolina Invitational vs. TBA in Charleston, SC
• Boys Varsity Basketball @ Farm Bureau Insurance Classic vs. Shiloh (GA) at 10 am at the Dorman Arena in Roebuck, SC

Thursday, December 29

• Girls Varsity Basketball @ Carolina Invitational vs. TBA in Charleston, SC
• Boys Varsity Basketball @ Farm Bureau Insurance Classic vs. TBA at the Dorman Arena in Roebuck, SC

Friday, December 30

• Girls Varsity Basketball @ Carolina Invitational vs. TBA in Charleston, SC
• Boys Varsity Basketball @ Farm Bureau Insurance Classic vs. TBA at the Dorman Arena in Roebuck, SC

ACADEMICS: Why Take AP Courses? Build College Skills

AP courses BUILD COLLEGE SKILLS. Taking an AP course builds the skills you'll need throughout your college years. You give your mind a rigorous workout while polishing up your time management and study skills. You also get better at handling challenging issues and problems, with the support of your AP teachers. AP courses let you know what to expect during the next phase of your educational journey, and help you build the confidence to succeed. If interested in taking an AP course, see your school counselor after the holiday break.

FREE Standardized Test Prep

SC Virtual School is offering FREE standardized test prep for ACT, AP, SAT, and more on Shmoop. Click on the image for more information or click on the link to the registration page.

Get the Richland Two App for the Holidays

The Richland Two App is a powerful and easy-to-use tool puts news and information about our district and schools directly in your hands. Using your smart phone or tablet, we hope that you will enjoy exploring the options and customizing the app to fit your needs. The app gives you access to news, meal menus, high school sports scores and information, calendars and more! Our parents will receive additional information about personalizing the app from their child's school when the school begins using it. To set up the app to follow any of our school(s):

• Go to the Apple App Store or Google Play on your device.
• Search for RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 and download the RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT TWO app.
• Open app.
• Indicate whether you will allow the app to send notifications. This selection can be changed later.
• Follow the prompts on the Welcome Screen to select your school(s).

ACADEMICS: Why Take AP Classes? Skip Intro Classes

A benefit of taking AP courses is that you can SKIP INTRODUCTORY CLASSES. If you already know your preferred college major, taking a related AP course and earning a qualifying score on the AP Exam can help you avoid required introductory courses so you can move directly into upper-level classes and focus on work that interests you the most. Even taking an AP Exam unrelated to your major (even if you're unsure of your major) can place you beyond your college's general education requirements. This opens up additional time on your schedule, enabling you to do a second major or minor, take exciting electives, or pursue other interests. If interested in taking AP courses, please see a school counselor after the holiday break.

Rising Freshmen Information & Magnet Information Night

Billboard Advertisement on Two Notch Rd. near North Brickyard Road

There will be a Rising Freshmen Information and Magnet Information Night on Tuesday, January 17th from 6:30-8 pm. Come on out and learn more about Ridge View and all of our offerings in Academics, Activities, Arts, and Athletics. Richland Two's Choice Application Process for magnet programs for next school year is currently available online. This process will end on January 27, 2017. Click on the image to learn more about Richland Two's Choice Program and to apply for magnet programs. For more information about this information night or programs available at Ridge View High School, please contact Dr. Wendy Campbell at wcampell@richland2.org or via phone at 699-2999, ext. 84238.

Happy Holidays Wish From RVHS Chorus

ACADEMICS: Why Take AP Courses? Receive College Credit

By taking an AP course and scoring successfully on the related AP Exam, you can save on college expenses: most colleges and universities nationwide offer college credit and/or advanced placement for qualifying AP Exam scores. These credits can allow students to save college tuition, study abroad, or secure a 2nd major. Check specific colleges' guidelines on accepting AP scores by searching the College Board's "AP Credit Policy database." If you are interested in taking an AP Course, see your school counselor.

REMINDER: Basketball & Wrestling Back in Action Today

Our Varsity Basketball & Wrestling teams will be back in action today. First on the schedule, will be a great home basketball match up against Irmo High. The Girls Varsity will tip off at 2 pm followed by the Boys Varsity at 3:30 pm. At 5:30 pm, our improving wrestling squad will be back on the mat at the Airport High School Duals. We hope you can come out and cheer on our Blazers!

ACADEMICS: Why take AP? Stand Out in College Admissions

One reason for taking AP courses is to STAND OUT IN COLLEGE ADMISSIONS. Deciding to take an AP course lets colleges know that you have what it takes to succeed in an undergraduate environment. When admissions officers see "AP" on your transcript, they know that what you experienced in a particular class has prepared you well for the challenges of college. Taking AP is a sign that you're up for the most rigorous classes. If interested in taking these courses, see your school counselor when school reopens after the holiday break.

ACADEMICS: Columbia Marionette Theatre Field Trip

On December 13th, freshmen English I students went on a field trip to the Columbia Marionette Theatre on Laurel Street in Columbia. Students saw the Legends of Ancient Greece featuring Pan, the Protector of the Forest, as he shared three of the most famous stories from Greek Mythology: Pandora's Box, Orpheus in the Underworld, and Theseus versus the Minotaur. This field trip was funded by a Sparkleberry Fair Grant awarded to English Teacher David Haas. A big thank you to the Sparkleberry Fair, Mr. Haas and the rest of the Ridge View faculty and staff that made this field trip possible. Click on the image to learn more about the Columbia Marionette Theatre.

Happy Holidays From RVHS Administration

ACADEMICS: What is AP?

Offering more than 30 subjects, the College Board's Advanced Placement Program enables students to pursue college-level studies with the opportunity to earn college credit, advanced placement, or both, while still in high school. Ridge View currently offers twenty AP courses, but can also test for some other courses on an independent study basis. Current course offerings are Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English Language & Composition, Computer Science Principles (testing only), English Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, French Language & Culture (testing only), German Language & Culture (testing only), Human Geography, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Physics 1-Algebra, Psychology, Spanish Language & Culture, Statistics, Studio Art Drawing, Studio Art 2D, Studio Art 3D, U.S. History, U.S. Government & Politics, and World History. If interested in taking any of these courses, talk to your school counselor after the holiday break.

ATHLETICS: Wrestling Gain Experience at Mill Town Duals

The Blazer Wrestling program competed against some of the top programs in the state at the Mill Town Duals, but unfortunately came up short in the win column. The Blazers lost 72-6 to defending state champion Dorman, who is currently ranked #4 in the 5A classification. They also went up against the #8 ranked team in 5A, Lexington H.S. Our Blazers lost to the Wildcats, the 2013 state champions, 78-3. The Blazers also dropped matches to Indian Land (#8 ranked in 3A) 72-9, and to Laurens 66-18. Congratulations to Deon Wallace (4-0), and Dejuan Warren (2-0) for going undefeated on Saturday. The team will be back in action this Saturday at the Airport High School Wrestling Duals for five more matches. After the New Year, the team will need to win two of five region matches to advance to the state playoffs for the first time since 2003. The Blazers region matches will be against Westwood, RNE, Lancaster, York and South Pointe.

ACADEMICS: RVH CAT Program in the News

Our Carolina Alliance for Technology (CAT) program has been featured on the Morning Report from the Columbia Regional Business Report, and Midlands Biz has also featured this story in their Who's On the Move section.

ACADEMICS: Promotion Requirements

Do you know what it takes to move on to the next grade level for next year? Here are the promotion requirements to reach the next grade level:

• 10th Grade: Earn 5 credits including 1 English and 1 Math credit. We call this the 5-1-1!
• 11th Grade: Earn 12 credits including 2 English and 2 Math credits.
• 12th Grade: Earn 18 credits including 3 English and 3 Math credits.

ACADEMICS: The Scholar's Print

Have you read the first edition of The Scholar's Print, a monthly newsletter about all of the exciting happenings and celebrations in the world of the Scholars Academy for Business and Law? If not, click on the image. A huge shout out to Kierrah Daniels and Abigail Adams for publishing The Scholar's Print.

Wisper the Elf Visited The View

ATHLETICS: Wrestling Update

Pictured: Hunter Houston (left) and Lorenzo Waiters (right)

The Blazers were competed short-handed last week, and had spot teams 5 matches before taking the mat. On December 14th, team dropped matches to #6 Lugoff-Elgin 72-9 and #15 Gilbert 60-16. Grapplers who took home victories were Renza Waiters, James Harris, Nick Levett, Jurnee Dunbar and Deon Wallace. The team had better showings on December 15th when they took on #1 ranked Cardinal Newman and came up one match and penalty short in a 48-35 loss. Once again, the Blazers started the match short-handed, and the team was down 24-0 before racing back in what became a tough match. The Blazers also took on Richland Two rival, Blythewood High. The shorthanded Blazers also had to spot them a 24-0 lead. Though they wrestled tough, the Blazers dropped the match to the Bengals. Congratulations to Hunter Houston and Lorenza Waiters for their first victories by pin! Other great performers were Xavier Houston, and Deon Wallace. Also, congratulations to Clark Bolland for eating all of the team snacks!

ACADEMICS: Arts Leadership Passion Project Fair

Students in Mrs. Ellen Harrison's Arts Leadership class presented their Passion Projects at the Arts Leadership Passion Project Fair on December 14th. The students have been working collaboratively identifying their passion, creating a plan and product that includes their passion, implementing their plan and presenting their product. Through this process, students focused on communication skills, presentation skills, goal setting, and time management.

Important Bus Route Changes For RVHS Students

When school resumes in January, there will be three major changes to the bus route for our students. First, Bus 55 will no longer transport students to Ridge View. Students who rode Bus 55 from Ashley Hall, Magnolia Hall and Timbervale will now ride Bus 52B (Transportation Memo). Also, students who rode Bus 55 from Summer Chase will now ride Bus 57 (Transportation Memo). Lastly, the district is please to announce an RVH Walk Zone Shuttle Bus #203 (Letter from Superintendent Dr. Debbie Hamm) that will pick up students at 121 Rolling Knoll Dr. at Birch Park at 7:40 am (please arrive by 7:35 pm). Students that were previously picked up at the following bus stops are eligible to ride this shuttle bus.

• Autumn Glen Rd./Autumn Glen Ct.
• Autumn Glen Rd./1st Sterling Hills Ct.
• Autumn Glen Rd./Sterling Valley Ct.
• Autumn Glen Rd./Sterling Cross Dr.
• May Oak Circle/Natchez Ct.
• May Oak Circle/DuNoon Ct.
• Summit Springs Dr./Rolling Knoll Dr.
• 121 Rolling Knoll Dr.
• Glen Knoll Dr./Glen Knoll Ct.
• Waverly Place Dr./Perry Oaks Ln.

An updated RVHS Bus Route Schedule for the 2016-2017 school year can be viewed by clicking HERE.

ACADEMICS: FREE Personalized Practice For SAT

Last week, all 9-11th grade students participated in an Advisory lesson that showed them how to create and link their College Board account to a Khan Academy account. This allows students to receive personalized test preparation materials for FREE from Khan Academy based on either their PSAT Scores from the exam they took at RVHS in October or their recent SAT scores. Click on the image to view the lesson in case any student was unable to complete the exercise or for any parent interested in viewing the lesson and informational video. We hope every student will take advantage of this awesome opportunity to prepare for the SAT. Higher SAT scores not only open more doors when choosing a college, it also earns students more scholarship money as well!

This Week At The View

As schools are closed for our Winter Holiday break, there is not much going on this week At The View except for a few athletic contests on Thursday, December 22nd. Come on out for a great home basketball match up against Irmo High. The Girls Varsity will tip off at 2 pm followed by the Boys Varsity at 3:30 pm. Also on Thursday, our improving wrestling squad will be back in action at the Airport High School Duals at 5:30 pm.

ACADEMICS: 4-Year College Requirements

Do you know what classes you have to take to attend a 4-year college? Like a high school diploma, you have to earn at least 24 credits, but there are some differences. Here are the requirements:

• English: 4 Credits
• Math: 4 Credits (must include Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, and a higher math)
• Science: 3 Lab Credits
• Social Studies: 3 Credits
• Health: .5 of a Credit
• PE or JROTC: 1 Credit
• Computer Science: 1 Credit
• Foreign Language: 2 Credits
• Electives: 5.5 Credits (1 must be a Fine Art)

If you have any questions, see your school counselor when school resumes on January 3, 2017.

ACADEMICS: Scholars Senior Research Project on ADHD

Grace Justice Presenting to RVHS Faculty

Scholars Academy for Business and Law student Grace Justice is conducting a senior capstone research project on how teacher education about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can best support students with it in the classroom. Justice is especially drawn to this project as she is a student with ADHD. The following is a message from Grace about some information that she would like to share about ADHD and her advocacy project.

ADHD is an incredibly common disorder with the most recent estimates reporting that 15% of people ages 4-17 had been diagnosed with ADHD in South Carolina as of 2011 (CDC). It is also estimated that two students in every classroom have ADHD. As common as that is, ADHD is largely ignored by the general public and is treaded like a joke when it is addressed. This can lead to those of us with ADHD being ashamed of our disorder and not learning how to help our symptoms. For example, before I began researching this topic last year, I did not even know what the actual symptoms of ADHD were. I knew that it made me "hyper" and "inattentive," but I had no idead that ADHD is so much more than those things. If I, a person who was diagnosed with ADHD ten years ago, did not have an accurate picture of ADHD then how could I expect people without it know, especially with how ADHD is treated in society. I want to help bring ADHD to the forefront for the benefit of younger students with ADHD, so that maybe they will not have to struggle with their disorder with as little help as I and older people with ADHD have mostly had to do. I feel that educating teachers is a great place to start as ADHD greatly impacts education within a traditional classroom learning environment. You can follow this project on twitter @psADHD.

ACADEMICS: H.S. Diploma Requirements

What are the requirements to earn a High School Diploma in the state of South Carolina? A student has to earn a total of 24 credits. More specifically, these 24 credits:

• English: 4 Credits
• Math: 4 Credits
• Science: 3 Credits
• Social Studies: 3 Credits
• Health: .5 of a Credit
• PE or JROTC: 1 Credit
• Computer Science: 1 Credit
• World Language or CATE: 1 Credit
• Electives: 6.5 Credits

If you have any questions, see your school counselor when school resumes in January.

ATHLETICS: Scholars Senior Music Theraphy Research Project

Scholars Academy for Business and Law student Thomas Drummond is conducting a senior capstone research project on the effects of music therapy on the elderly. Music helps keep the effects of certain diseases such as Alzheimer's or Dementia at bay. According to a study from 2015 by the Alzheimer's Association, this accounts for 60-80% of these cases. Thomas plans to go into a nursing home to interview people with these diseases as well as playing music and asking how their mood changes. His eventual goal for the project is to show nursing homes how important music is for their residents by either playing it throughout a building or bringing musical groups to the homes to play for the residents. If you are interested in contacting Thomas or finding out more about this topic, you can e-mail him at musictherapyonthebrain@gmail.com or you can follow Thomas on twitter at @EtudeTherapy.

Winter Holiday Break

Today is the last day of school before our winter break begins. Teacher's and students return back to school on Tuesday, January 3rd. We hope everyone has an enjoyable break.

ACTIVITIES: Last Day for $25 Prom Tickets Tomorrow

Prom season is here! This years prom themes is the Great Gatsby! Tickets have been on sale near the Book Room outside of the Small Gym area on Tuesday's, Wednesdays and Fridays during lunch. Tomorrow is the last day to buy tickets at $25. This price is a steal, so buy your tickets tomorrow. Ticket prices will increase to $35 in January and will increase by $10 each month thereafter.

ACADEMICS: Mental Health and Race Research Project

Scholars Academy for Business and Law student Megan Jennings has developed a research question pertaining to race and mental health for her senior capstone research project. Her research question is "How does Race and Ethnicity create disparities in pediatric mental health treatment?" Minorities are poorly represented in health care, especially for adolescents. Research shows that only one-third of minority adolescents in need of mental health care are likely to receive it in comparison to their white counterparts. Megan's project will research the causes of disparities of mental health diagnoses is black children. The goal of this research is to achieve a better understanding of the causes of how racial disparities in mental health diagnosis affects black adolescents. Maintaining health, both mentally and physically should be a priority that everyone deserves and it should be available to anyone despite their income, demographics race or socioeconomic status. Creating in-depth research on this topic will inform those in the community and in other communities of the inadequacies of such an important medical component of being completely healthy. For more information about this project, you can follow Megan on twitter @RaceMentalHealt or you can e-mail her at RaceDisparitiesinMentalHealth@gmail.com.

ACADEMICS: Wilson to Perform at Sydney Opera House

Scholars Academy for Business and Law sophomore Lauryn Wilson has been selected to participate in the High School Honors Performance Series at the Sydney Opera House in Australia in July. This series builds upon the heritage of the Carnegie Hall Series and challenges accomplished high school musicians at one of the world's most recognized and revered performance institutions: the Concert Hall at the Sydney Opera House. Ms. Wilson will spend six days in Sydney, where she will study under master conductors, experience the highlights of the "Harbour City," and get to know other accomplished musicians from around the world. Congratulations Lauryn!

The Blazer Rangers Rifle Team Wants YOU!

Beginning in January 2017, the Blazer Rangers Rifle team is now open to all students of Ridge View and not just JROTC cadets. There will be two interest meetings in room B-35. The first will be this Friday, December 16th during lunch and the second meeting will be on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Any student desiring to be a member of the Blazer Rangers must attend training and tryouts in order to join the team. No prior experience with shooting is needed; everything will be taught to you. The Blazer Rangers travel the Eastern U.S. competing in local, national and international events. Air Rifle Marksmanship is part of the Olympic sport of shooting and is recognized by the NCAA as a championship sport. Target shooting is practiced as a sport in more than 150 countries and is a sport for all regardless of gender, size, speed or "natural ability" in determining success. Shooting is a coed sport where females and males compete equally; over 40% of recent college All-American teams were women; 70% of the top 20 athletes in four different championship events were female. Air Rifle Marksmanship is a fun sport where  you get out of it what you put into it. If interested, come to the interest meeting this Friday in B-35 or e-mail Major England at gengland@richland2.org.