ATHLETICS: Girls Track Excels at Coaches Classic Meet

The Ridge View Girls Track & Field team had an excellent showing at the Bob Jenkins Coaches Classic, a statewide track meet this past weekend. The Lady Blazers had a great showing in the relay events placing first in the 4x400 Meter Relay in a time of 3:58.68, 3rd in the 4x100 Meter Relay (48.60) and 3rd in the 4x800 Meter Relay (10:13.5). Senior Arlicia Bush won the 400 Meter Dash (56.86), and Senior Faith McKie was victorious in the 400 Meter Hurdles (63.95). McKie also placed 3rd in the 100 Hurdles (15.30)

ATHLETICS: Young Signs with Allen University

Adrianna Young on recently signing a National Letter of Intent to play Volleyball for Allen University. The 5' 10" Right Side Hitter helped lead the Lady Blazers to a 12 - 5 overall record and an 8 - 2 record in region action. Congratulations Adrianna!

ColaDaily's Free Community Calendar

Looking for something to do? Local Cola is a free community calendar at ColaDaily.com. Things to see and do all over Columbia and beyond. You can even post your own event - Festivals, fundraisers & community happenings! Submit your event listing on Local Cola, a free online calendar at ColaDaily.com.

My Voice. My Vote Scholarship

Click on the image to learn more about the 2016 South Carolina Bar YLD Scholarship Competition. This is a $2,000 college scholarship. The application deadline is April 18th.

ACADEMICS: Spanish Students Attend Latin American Festival

Spanish 3 students recently went to the Latin American Festival and saw traditional classics such as the Columbia Cumbia, the Samba from Brazil, the Mexican Jarabe Tapatio, the Argentinean Tango, and Malambo, and many more. The students experienced a multicultural event, which they will never forget. The students ended the trip by eating a Mexican meal.

ACTIVITIES: End the "R" Word Rally

Project Unify has brought students from around the Midlands together on March 22nd to end the "R" word. Students and faculty members from Ridge View were in attendance. Click on the image to view coverage from R-Word.org, or click on the following links for other local coverage.

• ABC Columbia
• WISTV

ACTIVITIES: Powell Participates in Youth Ambassador Program

Recently, Senior Jayla Powell participated in the Columbia Police Departments Youth Ambassador Program. Click on the image to read more about this program and view a newscast courtesy of WLTX 19.

Earth Fest 2016 - How Your Palate Affects the Planet

Columbia's Cooking and Kirby Beal, an MPH Student at USC, are excited to announce "Earth Fest 2016 - How Your Palate Affects the Planet." Earth Fest 2016 is a three day festival focusing on how our food choices affect global warming, the environment and our health and you are invited - for free! Various events are open to the public on April 20-22, but registration is required. Click on the image for more information.

ACADEMICS: Free Online Tutoring Websites

The Blazer Tutoring Committee would like to bring your attention to some free online tutoring sites that can be used by students. 

• Government: iCivics.org (government educational games
• Math: Visit math.com for basic math for K-12 courses.
• Multiple Subjects: khanacademy.org offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empowers learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom in art history, biology, computer programming, economics, history, math, physics, science, SAT practice, and more.
• SAT prep: prepfactory.com offers SAT prep including videos, practice tests, and other features in a fun format.
• World Geography: Use sheppardsoftware.com for map quiz games. The website offers free, online, educational games for learners all ages in multiple subject areas.
• World Languages: conjuguemos.com (French, German, Latin & Spanish); deutschdrang.com (German); duolingo.com (French, German & Spanish); en.ver-tall.com (French & Spanish grammar & vocabulary review); and studyspanish.com (Spanish verb conjugations).
• Writing: Purdue's Online Writing Lab (OWL) and citationmachine.net, which generates citations in APA, Chicago, & MLA formats.

ARTS: RVHS Choirs Superior at Big 16 SCPA

The Ridge View High Choirs received Superior ratings at the Big 16 State Choral Performance Assessment on March 23rd. All three choirs received a superior rating for their performance. Two of the three choirs received a superior rating on sight singing, while the other received a high excellent rating. Congratulations Blazers!

Left Pictures: Mixed Choir; Top Right: Chamber Choir; Bottom Right: Advanced Choir

Principal's Column: Blazers Tailored for Success

Who wants to wear a suit or dress that’s not the right fit? It’s okay to have a little extra room in the garment, but if it’s too tight, it’s not right! After just one day in an uncomfortable outfit, you don’t want to see it again until it fits better. It’s the same with education. Getting the right fit is essential. At Ridge View High School, Home of the Blazers, the learning experience is tailor-made for each individual student. We call it personalization. With every stitch, we are sewing new groups of young, brilliant leaders who are making a difference at Ridge View and will impact their world. If you don’t believe me, click the image to keep reading.

ACADEMICS: Angela & Myers Selected as Teaching Fellows

Teacher Cadets Sophie Angela and Tianna Myers have been awarded the Teaching Fellows Scholarship for their school of first choice, The University of South Carolina. The mission of the South Carolina Teaching Fellows Program is to recruit talented high school seniors into the teaching profession and help them develop leadership qualities. Each year, the program provides Fellowships for up to 200 high school seniors who have exhibited high academic achievement, a history of service to their school and community, and a desire to teach in South Carolina. These students will receive up to $24,000 in fellowship funds (up to $6,000 a year for four years) while they complete a degree leading to teacher licensure. Congratulation Sophie and Tianna on this prestige scholarship!

ACTIVITIES: Blanket & Clothes Charity Drive

The National Honor Society has been sponsoring  a Blanket and Clothes Drive to support the Oliver Gospel Mission. The drive will end on Friday, April 8th. As many of us may be doing spring cleaning this week, this may be a great opportunity to rid of some unused items. You can drop of gently used blankets and clothes (all ages and genders) to room A-9 when school reopens after Spring Break.

ACADEMICS: March Students of the Month

Our March Students of the Month were recently recognized with a pizza luncheon and certificates of recognition presented by Principal Dr. Brenda Mack-Foxworth. The following students were recognized: Tobi Ariyo (Bio-Health), KeShawn Beaty (English), Jewl Bell (Social Studies), Antwanisha Bouttry (English), Tahjayhe Brown (Math), Trenequia Chandler (Social Studies), Quentin Covington (Blazer Academy), Joseph Guider (JROTC), Micayla Hayden (Scholars Academy), Devin Holder (CATE), Erika Jarvis (P.E.), Phyllip Marbut (JROTC), Kimari Farr (Fine Arts), Marvin Marshall (Science), Gabriel McFarlan (Fine Arts), Victor Ramos (Science), Andre Siler (CAT), Saya Sayers (World Languages), Kayla Simmons-Powers (Math), Amari Smith (Health), Bryce Smith (CATE), Madison Stone (World Languages), Chris Sumter (School for the Arts), Jack Talledo (Allied Health), and Zaria Thomas (AVID). Congratulations Blazers!

COMMUNITY: Underage Drinking Prevention Town Hall

Fennel Named Honor Roll Teacher of the Year

Richland School District Two would like to congratulate all of our Teachers of the Year on their selection for this outstanding achievement. This year's group is a shining example of the great work that goes on everyday in classrooms across our district.

Through a very rigorous process five teachers have been selected as 2016-2017 Honor Roll Teachers of the Year including our own Ms. Paige Fennell. The other Honor Roll Teachers are Christy Brown of Blythewood Middle, Kristina Dial of North Springs Elementary, Heather Edwards-Bohn of Forest Lake Elementary, and Kaitlin Manchester of Muller Middle. These five outstanding teachers will now move on to compete for the tile of District Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Ms. Fennell and all of the finalists.

This Week at The View

Whereas school is not in session this week due to Spring Break, the baseball team will be busy this week:

• Monday, March 28th @ Camden H.S. at 5 pm
• Tuesday, March 29th vs. Lugoff-Elgin @ home at 2:30 pm
• Wednesday, March 30th vs. North Central @ home at 2:30 pm
• Thursday, March 31st Baseball Skills Competition @ Richland Northeast at 3 pm

ARTS: Clayton Announces Retirement

File Photo: Mr. Clayton marching with the
band in Philadelphia's Thanksgiving Day Parade n 2014.

Ridge View has been blessed to have had only one band director since it opened its doors in the fall of 1994, Mr. Vince Clayton. Mr. Clayton recently announced his retirement effective at the end of the school year. Mr. Clayton has finished his career on a strong note. He directed the marching band to a 3rd place finish at the state championships this past fall, and was recently inducted into the South Carolina Band Director's Hall of Fame.  In a farewell message to our Blazer Nation, Mr. Clayton had this to say: "After 34 years of teaching, it's time to pass the baton. I have decided to retire as Director of Bands at the end of this school year. Each year has been a blessing, especially the last 21 years at Ridge View High School. I have had the honor to view my colleagues as my heroes, my administrators as my allies, my supporters as my friends, and my students as my musicians. Lives have been impacted each day, but none more so than mine. I will truly miss the podium and making music with exceptional young people. God bless you all for making my life so rich." Thank you for all you have done Mr. Clayton. We all wish you the best in your retirement.

ARTS: Dance Class Assists Students at LMS

Members of Mrs. Ellen Harrison's dance class traveled to Longleaf Middle Schools on March 24th to assist students at LMS. Students that traveled to Longleaf included Kathy Carmen, Victoria Jackson, Danielle Meikle, Lauryn Mitchell and Selena Nelson.

ARTS: Student Field Trip to Columbia Museum of Art

School for the Arts Director Lane Laney and her students

Ridge View art students traveled to the Columbia Museum of Art yesterday. After a gallery tour, the students created their own remixed art.

Sheriff Leon Lott Holds Press Conference at RVHS

Ridge View welcomed Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott on Wednesday, March 23rd as he hosted a press conference in support our Scholar's Academy's support of Sierra's Law, which will help to prevent teen dating violence.

South Carolina's current laws exclude those under the age of 18 who are in dating relationships from accessing Orders for Protection (OP's), which can save the lives of dating and domestic violence victims. Sierra's Law would make the following important changes in that Orders of PRotection would be available to minors 16 years of age and older without parental or guardian consent, however, parents or guardians will be notified within a 24 hour period. We are proud of our Scholar's Academy for their advocacy work in the fight for Sierra's Law to make sure what happened to Sierra Landry never happens to another young person in South Carolina.  If you missed local TV coverage on Wednesday or The State newspaper account of the press conference, click on the links below.

• WOLO-ABC Columbia
• WIS - Columbia NBC
• WLTX - Columbia CBS
• WACH - Columbia FOX
• The State newspaper

ATHLETICS: Blythewood Defeats Girls Soccer

The Lady Blazers Soccer team lost to Blythewood High on Thursday night by a score of 12-0. The girls will be back in action on Monday, April 4th vs. Richland Northeast at home. 

Spring Break

The official start of Spring Break begins today, Saturday, March 25th. School will resume on Monday, April 4, 2016. We hope that you have an enjoyable and safe vacation.

A Wellness Success Story

Mrs. Peterson pictured on the left.

Assistant Administrator Laura Peterson is a Wellness Council Success Story! Mrs. Peterson successfully completed the "Get to the Green" 5K race on March 19th. Peterson met her personal goal of completing the race and running the entire course. Peterson began running in January as part of RV's Couch 2 5k program. Mrs. Peterson plans to participate in several more 5k races and is currently training for a 10k race.

ACADEMICS: Branch Wins National Junior Travel Award

Junior Hezekiah Branch has won the 2016 Junior Travel Award for his achievement on the National Spanish Examination and for his excellent skills in the Spanish language. This national award is sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese. It is awarded annually to 24 students from across the U.S. In July, Hezekiah will travel to Spain with the other 23 winners. Congratulations to Hezekiah and his Spanish teacher, Sra. Bucheli. We are all very proud of his accomplishment.

ARTS: Camp Rock - The Musical

Senior Scholarship Opportunity

The Gamma Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. is offering a scholarship for high school seniors planning to enter a 4-year college/university in the Fall of 2016. Interested students should click on the image to download the application packet.

ATHLETICS: Wilson Selected to Elite Travel Team

Blazer freshman Malcolm Wilson has been selected to play for the 15 and under AAU Upward Stars Southeast Elite Travel Basketball Team sponsored by Adidas. Upward Stars is one of 48 programs in the country and the only one in South Carolina that will participate in the Adidas Gauntlet Gold Division, which will be played in Dallas, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia. The finale takes place at the Upward Star Center in Spartanburg, SC.  Upward Stars is known for its development of the total player with a focus on 360 Progression ^TM.  Players compete in higher level tournaments and showcase events from April-July, as well as perform community service. Additionally, Upward Stars players receive invitations to special development and training camps, including Adidas Uprising and Adidas Nations.

ATHLETICS: Blazers Compete at State Strength Meet

Ten Ridge View student-athletes placed at the Region 11 Strength Meet on March 7-8th, and qualified for the state meet this past weekend. The following Blazers participated in the state strength meet: D'Ondray Ashford, Kodi Boston, Ronald Brown, Christian Dorsey, Jaylin Dunbar, Jabari Hampton, Cameron Muller and John Wills. Freshman Jabari Hampton captured the State Championship in the 170 lb. weight class. If you ever need help moving things, you may want to call freshman Jaylin Dunbar, who squatted 460 lbs., or junior Cameron Muller, who squatted 495 lbs.

REMINDER: School in Session Tomorrow

This is a reminder that due to the historic flooding in October that tomorrow, Friday, March 25th is an inclement weather make-up day. All Richland School District Two schools will be in session.

Thursday Night Athletic Contests

Please support your Blazers by attending the following athletic events this evening:

• Softball vs. Blythwood @ Home. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:15 pm.
• Boys Soccer vs. Blythwood @ Home. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7 pm.
• Girls Soccer @ Blythewood. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7 pm.
• Boys Tennis vs. Blythewood @ Home at 5:30 pm.
• Varsity Baseball vs. Blythewood @ Home at 6:30 pm.

ATHLETICS: Girls Soccer Loses to Dutch Fork

The Lady Blazers Soccer team suffered a tough loss to the Dutch Fork Silver Foxes by a score of 8-0 on Tuesday night.

ATHLETICS: Volleyball Interest Meeting Tomorrow

There will be a meeting for anyone interested in trying out for the Volleyball team for the 2016-2017 school year during lunch on Thursday in room G-9. Come learn about the off-season Volleyball plans, spring practice and more!

ARTS: Orchestra's Excel at State Performance Assessment

Congratulations to the RVHS Orchestra on their fantastic performances this past weekend at the State Performance Assessment at Keenan High School. The String Orchestra received an Excellent rating, and the Concert and Chamber Orchestra's both received a Superior rating. Congratulations Blazers!

Tonight's Home Athletic Events

We will be hosting several home athletic contests this evening. Please support your Blazers by coming out to the following events:

• Track & Field vs. Westwood @ home at 5:30 pm.
• Girls Lacrosse @ Spring Valley at 5:30 pm. 
• Wrestling Banquet in the Cafeteria Rotunda at 6 pm.
• B-Team Baseball @ Blythewood at 6 pm.

Today is Career Day!

Today is Ridge View's Annual Career Day. Students will report to Advisory promptly at 9:30 am to begin the days activities. Click on the image for the schedule of events. We hope that all of our students have an enjoyable day and learn more about careers of interest.

ACADEMICS: AP Spanish Students Visit Muller Road Middle

Last month, AP Spanish students visited Muller Road Middle School to role play in a restaurant skit with Linda Whitcomb's Spanish students. They helped her assist in the assessment of their speaking components related to the unit. Afterwards, they shared an Hispanic meal. It was a great learning experience for all of the students involved.

ACTIVITIES: Pennies for Patients Drive Recap

The National Beta Club would like to thank everyone for their time and monetary donations last week during the Pennies for Patients drive for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by raising $409.09. Contests were held between the faculty & staff and the student body to see who could raise the most money. The winner of the faculty & staff dessert party was the Main Office staff who collected $47.70 while the student competition was won by Dr. Maynes 3rd Period Class ($46.90), who will receive their reward on Thursday during lunch. A few honorable mentions are Dr. Daniel's 3rd period ($43.06) and Dr. Degenhardt's 3rd period ($39.79). Ridge View's National Beta Club sponsors, Ms. Fennell and Mrs. Knox-Lewis, appreciate everyone's hard work and dedication to service in making this charity drive successful.

Tonight's Athletic Events

Tuesday night is a big night for the RVHS Athletic Department. Please go out and support your Blazers at the following events:

• Boys Golf vs. Keenan at The Windemere Club at 4 pm.
• Softball @ Dutch Fork. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:15 pm.
• Boys Soccer @ Dutch Fork. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7 pm.
• Girls Soccer vs. Dutch Fork @ Home. No JV game; Varsity will start at 6 pm.
• Girls Lacrosse @ Waccamaw at 5:30 pm.
• Varsity Baseball @ Dutch Fork at 6:30 pm.
• Boys Tennis @ Dutch Fork at 6:30 pm.

ACADEMICS: Third-Year Students to Take ACT for Free

Learn more about this free opportunity for third-year students to take the ACT at Ridge View in April by clicking on the image.

RSD2: Board Meeting Highlights

The Richland Two Board of Trustees met on March 8, 2016. Want to know what was discussed? Click here to read highlights or click here to watch the video from the meeting.

One of the reports presented to the board was from Richland Two's Project CARE Coalition. The coalition works to create conditions that empower families, schools and communities to reduce substance abuse and other risk behaviors through different initiatives and projects. The Project CARE Coalition is funded by a $625,000, five-year grant from the Drug-Free Communities Support Program in Washington, D.C. You can watch a video to see Project CARE in action in schools across Richland Two by clicking here or by clicking on the image. If you want to be part of The Project CARE Coalition, join us for a Town Hall Meeting to Prevent Underage Drinking on Wednesday, April 6th from 5:30-8 pm at the Richland Two District Auditorium at Richland Northeast H.S. Click here for more information about this Town Hall Meeting. The event will also be streamed live on Richland Two's website, and the community can tweet their questions about underage drinking using #R2CARES during the Town Hall Meeting.

RSD2: Board Meeting Tomorrow Night

The Richland School District Two Board of Trustees will hold a regularly scheduled meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at Bridge Creek Elementary School located at 121 Bombing RAnge Road, Elgin, 29045. The public is invited. Click on the image to view the meeting agenda. 

The Board of Trustees and District administrators will hold a public input session on the 2016-2017 General Fund Budget from 5-5:30 pm. Board members encourage citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to share ideas and suggestion for district administrators and the Board to consider when crafting the budget that goes into effect July 1, 2016. Individuals who cannot attend the public input session can e-mail suggestions and/or questions to budget@richland2.org. At 5:30 pm, the Board will convene in executive session to discuss student matters, personnel recommendations, a legal matter and two contractual matters. The public session will resume at 7 pm. 

Walk to School Day a Success

Mrs. Strickland awarding
Mario Evans with his prize.

South Carolina Walk to School Day was a success! On March 9th, more than 50 students walked to school and throughout the day hundreds of students walked with their teachers during class while enjoying the healthy sunshine and exercise. Mario Evans won two VIP tickets to HiWire in a drawing from all students that walked to school that day. A huge thanks to HiWire for donating the tickets and helping to promote physical activity among our students!

ATHLETICS: Girls Soccer Triumphs Over Westwood

Congratulations to the Varsity Girls Soccer team on defeating region foe Westwood High on March 17th by a score of 2-1. Standifer Cierrah scored both goals for the Lady Blazers while freshman Madison Arrington made three great saves to aid the Blazers. 

This Week at The View

Here is what is going on this week at The View:

Monday, March 21st 

• B-Team Baseball vs. Ben Lippen @ home at 6-7:30 pm.

Tuesday, March 22nd

• Last Day of the 3rd Quarter.
• Boys Golf vs. Keenan at The Windemere Club at 4 pm.
• Softball @ Dutch Fork. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:15 pm.
• Boys Soccer @ Dutch Fork. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7 pm.
• Girls Soccer vs. Dutch Fork @ Home. No JV game; Varsity will start at 6 pm.
• Girls Lacrosse @ Waccamaw at 5:30 pm.
• Varsity Baseball @ Dutch Fork at 6:30 pm.
• Boys Tennis @ Dutch Fork at 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, March 23rd

• College Shirt Day: Wear your favorite college shirt; stop by D-95 to get your picture taken!
• Career Day @ RVHS from 9 am to 12:30 pm. Click on the image for bell schedule.
• HBCU College Fair @ Benedict College from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Registration Closed.
• Track & Field vs. Westwood @ home at 5:30 pm.
• Girls Lacrosse @ Spring Valley at 5:30 pm. 
• Wrestling Banquet in the Cafeteria Rotunda at 6 pm.
• B-Team Baseball @ Blythewood at 6 pm.

Thursday, March 24th

• A representative from George Mason University will be available to speak with interested students in D-95 during lunch. Bring your lunch! 
• Softball vs. Blythwood @ Home. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7:15 pm.
• Boys Soccer vs. Blythwood @ Home. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7 pm.
• Girls Soccer @ Blythewood. JV at 5:30 pm and Varsity at 7 pm.
• Boys Tennis vs. Blythewood @ Home at 5:30 pm.
• Varsity Baseball vs. Blythewood @ Home at 6:30 pm.

Friday, March 25th

• Inclement Weather Make-up Day; school will be in session.

Saturday, March 25th

• Spring Break Begins. School will resume on Monday, April 4, 2016.
• Coaches Classic Track & Field Invitational @ Dutch Fork at 9 am (all day meet) .

Career Day is this Wednesday

Our Career Day will take place this coming Wednesday. There will be over 60 Career Professionals who are eagerly awaiting to share with our students, so that they can pass on information that they will need to reach their goals in life. 

REMINDER: Last Week to Purchase Banquet Tickets

ARTS: Armed Forces Salute Concert Tomorrow

The Richland Two High School Honor Band will have their "Armed Forces Salute" Concert at Spring Valley High School tomorrow, Sunday, March 20th at 6:30 pm. Veterans and active military personnel are especially encouraged to attend. The concert is free and open to the public.

BioHealth Magnet Student Named National Merit Finalist

Out of 1.5 million students nationwide taking the PSAT, Chandler Bailey is one of the 15,000 students to be recognized as a National Merit Finalist.  Bailey is a BioHealth Magnet student, who will attend Calhoun Honors College at Clemson University to major in Horticulture with a minor in Spanish.  His future goal is to conduct research in plant science, working to promote eco-awareness and environmental sustainability.  According to Bailey, the BioHealth Magnet has taught him communication skills and how to step outside his comfort zone, allowing him more opportunities to express and challenge himself.  “All of the adults that have been involved in my high school years helped me to develop into the person I am now.  Without the unconditional support of my parents, teachers, counselors, and directors, I could not have grown in the ways that I did.”  Magnet director Jennifer McLeod-Crady feels Bailey has grown tremendously since his freshmen year. "Chandler is not only a leader in the classroom with his standout academic performance, but also throughout the Ridge View community. He has started the Green Student Committee and leads the effort to promote recycling in our school. He also peer tutors students in Chemistry and Spanish, and is looked upon by students as a model of success." The next step in this process is naming the Merit Scholars designees, which are chosen from the Finalist group.  The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) judges will review a variety of information to include Bailey's academic record, test scores, written recommendation, activities and leadership, and essay. All National Merit Scholars will be notified in May.

RSD2: Parent University on Special Education

Richland Two will be hosting a District Parent University on Special Education on Monday, March 21st from 6:30-8 pm in the Richland Two District Auditorium on the campus of Richland Northeast High School. The program will include:

• Overview of Richland Two Programs & Services 
• Steps in the Intervention Process
• Components of a Comprehensive Evaluation 
• Differences between a 504 and an IEP 

Target Audience: This Parent University is for parents who have children currently receiving services or those who have concerns about their children’s academic progress. Parents will have an opportunity to ask questions during the session.