Spring Valley High School seniors Stephanie Babinec, Aleena Chattha, Madison Han, Justin Kong, Ryan Leadbitter, Christopher Ravan, Jacob Stoll, Sai Siddharth Thumsi, and Anna Todd are among the approximately 15,000 finalists announced by NMSC. These academically talented high school students move on to compete for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $32 million that will be offered next spring. We are delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate these outstanding students and celebrate their advancement as Finalists. Types of Merit Scholarship® Awards
Beginning in March and continuing to mid-June, NMSC notifies approximately 7,500 Finalists at their home addresses that they have been selected to receive a Merit Scholarship® award. Merit Scholarship awards are of three types:
National Merit® $2500 Scholarships Every Finalist competes for these single payment scholarships, which are awarded on a state representational basis. Winners are selected without consideration of family financial circumstances, college choice, or major and career plans.
Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards Corporate sponsors designate their awards for children of their employees or members, for residents of a community where a company has operations, or for Finalists with career plans the sponsor wishes to encourage. These scholarships may either be renewable for four years of undergraduate study or one-time awards.
College-sponsored Merit Scholarship awards Officials of each sponsor college select winners of their awards from Finalists who have been accepted for admission and have informed NMSC by the published deadlines that the sponsor college or university is their first choice. These awards are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. The published deadlines for reporting a sponsor college as first choice can be viewed on page 3 of the Requirements and Instructions for Semifinalists in the 2018 National Merit®Scholarship Program. (Adobe Acrobat Reader is required.)
Merit Scholarship awards are supported by some 420 independent sponsors and by NMSC’s own funds. Sponsor organizations include corporations and businesses, company foundations, professional associations, and colleges and universities.NMSC, a non-profit organization that operates without government assistance, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Scholarships are underwritten by NMSC with its own funds and by approximately 420 business organizations and higher education institutions that share NMSC’s goals of honoring
Spring Valley’s senior, Aaliyah Berry finished in 2nd place at the Nike Indoor Nationals in New York. Aaliyah is an All American in the 60m hurdles and is ready to accomplish great things this Track season.
Congratulations Aaliyah, you make Spring Valley proud!!
SCASC Conference
Spring Valley’s Chandler Lawton was elected the 2023-2024 SCASC State President! Regina Mauriano was elected SCASC D4 Vice Chair
Awards:
Gold Honor Council Award
2nd Place – Community Service Award
2nd Place – Video Category for “School Enjoyment“
Terry McCoy Leadership Award – Chandler Lawton
SCASC State President – Chandler Lawton
**Spring Valley will host the 2024 SCASC State Conference next year.
By Christian P. Hodge, Headquarters Air Force Junior ROTC Public Affairs
MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Al —
An Air Force Junior ROTC (AFJROTC) cadet has a bright future and her post-college career path chosen after being selected as a recipient of the 2023 AFJROTC J-100 Character-in-Leadership Scholarship in Columbia, SC.
Cadet Sarah Hedley, a senior at Spring Valley High School, was nominated by her Aerospace Science Instructors and competed through several phases of this unique high school scholarship. Hedley made it through a records-review elimination round then moved on to the interview round along with the top 200 eligible cadets from across the country. These exceptional cadets met a virtual panel of officers, senior non-commissioned officers and Headquarters AFJROTC civilians at Maxwell Air Force Base, AL.
“I am beyond honored to have been selected for the J-100 Scholarship. Through AFJROTC I have met many amazing cadets, and knowing that the Air Force has confidence in me as a leader and future service member shows me I am on the right path,” said Hedley. “My whole life I have had a dream to join the Air Force and becoming a pilot and being selected for the J-100 Scholarship was a concrete step in that direction.”
Now in its third year, and in conjunction with Headquarters Air Force ROTC, the J-100 Character-in-Leadership Scholarship recognizes the character and leadership developed in Air Force and Space Force Junior ROTC. The J-100 provides at least 100 eligible high school seniors with a minimum of two years JROTC experience the opportunity to pursue a commission in the U.S. Air or Space Forces while earning their college degree. This four-year scholarship, which includes a $10,000 per year housing allowance, can be used at any university with an Air Force ROTC detachment.
“Many of our J-100 scholarship recipients maintain a rigorous academic schedule, they participate in multiple extracurricular activities, they hold top leadership positions for their respective JROTC units, and they still manage to work part-time. I am so proud of these young men and women,” said Esteban Martinez, J-100 Scholarship Program Manager. “The J-100 is the highest paying scholarship offered through Air Force ROTC and it is only available to Air Force/Space Force JROTC cadets. It is exciting to engage with these cadets and follow their progress as they develop into the next generation of leaders for the Department of the Air Force.”
Hedley knows college can be demanding, especially with the added stress of loans and other expenses. However, now she can fixate on being a successful college student and ROTC cadet.
“College for anyone is a stressful experience with coursework, extra curriculars, being away from home and student loans,” she said. “As a college student who is also doing ROTC, I know college will not be easy and will require all the focus I have. Having the honor and privilege of being selected for this scholarship means I can focus on striving in college.”
She is looking at select schools in the Northeastern United States. No matter where she ends up her plan is to study aerospace engineering to prepare for her dream career of being a fighter pilot. Until then she is still in high school but is very happy she chose to join her unit – SC-064.
“Air Force JROTC has easily been my favorite part of high school. When I first started, I had no idea what to expect or how it would impact me. Through AFJROTC, I have learned what it means to be a leader and to be a part of a community. It makes me strive to be the best version of myself. The J-100 Scholarship was an extension of my AFJROTC life and has provided me with opportunities to meet amazing people I otherwise never would have met,” she said.
For more information on the J-100 AFJROTC Character-in-Leadership Scholarship go to the J-100 page on the AFJROTC website.
Congratulations to Devan Crumpton & Nigel Ancrum !
On Wednesday, March 8, Devan Crumpton broke the Spring Valley Boys Track and Field 400m record. His performance of 48.24 broke the previous school record of 48.32 which was held by Terrance Scott. On Saturday, March 18th at the Clash of the Carolinas, Devan broke his own school record by finishing the 400 with a time of 48.01.
On Saturday, March 18th at the Clash of the Carolinas, Nigel Ancrum broke the Spring Valley Boys Track and Field School Record in the 200m dash. His performance of 20.93 broke the previous record of 21.2 by Terrance Scott.
Black British Writers Poetry Workshop
Nearly 20 SV writers had the unique opportunity to experience poetry writing workshops with Nigerian British poet-playwright Yomi Sode (https://yomisode.com/projects/manorism) and Ohio-based poet, educator, and editor Peter Kahn (https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/hanif-abdurraqib/respect-the-mic/)! The stop at SV is part of weeklong programming sponsored by Richland Library; the duo will also conduct similar workshops at Keenan HS, Allen University, and USC.
Students read poems, viewed videos of poets, participated in writing exercises, wrote poems of their own, and ended the day by reading some of the work they created. Students also received a free copy of the poetry anthology Respect the Mic. A small number of SV students who participated in the workshops will read their work at a free, public reading called “A Celebration of Words.” Students from all participating schools/universities will participate in the reading in addition to Yomi Sode, Columbia Poet Laureate Jennifer Bartell Boykin, and Alyssa Stewart. Visit the link for details:
Looking for Players, Coaches, and Cheerleaders for our 2023 Faculty Student Basketball Game! You can sign up until March 24th! Questions? Please email Vcurtis@richland2.org
Congratulations to Mrs. Saracila !
Mrs. Saracila received a $500 scholarship from Alpha Chapter SC Alpha Delta Kappa to use toward the Maintenance of my National Board certification that she will pursue this school year. She has been certified in Adolescence and Young Adulthood Mathematics since 2004.
Prom Court Interest Meeting
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Spring Valley Chapter of the National Honor Society?
Applications for new membership are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 school year. Becoming a member of the Spring Valley Chapter of The National Honor Society is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for you to showcase your talents in service and leadership. Seniors will have the opportunity to apply for a NHS scholarship for college. This year a Spring Valley member received a $3200 scholarship!
Scan here, go to the “Applications” tab, read all of the information carefully and completely. Applications are due Friday, March 24, 2023
Power Forward Program
4th Quarter Junior Privilege
A second-semester junior is eligible for off-campus lunch provided that he/she meets specific qualifications and does not violate school policies pertaining to the Responsibilities Earns Privileges Program. Once earning the privilege to leave campus at lunch, the student will forfeit it for the remainder of the year if she/he is suspended for any reason or earns a D or F at the end of the grading period. “Junior Privilege” does not entitle student-parking privileges. Any student leaving campus is expected to represent Spring Valley High School in an exemplary manner characteristic of Viking behavior and academics.
Applications are Due by March 30th to Ms. Blue, in the Library.
Autism Awareness Walk
The Green & Gold Literary Magazine
2023 Prom Ticket Sales
USC’S COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & COMPUTING
Palmetto Boys State
The American Legion’s Boys State program is a unique way for young men to learn about the American system of government and politics by participating in a mock governmental system. Use the link below for general information and application.
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options this year. Offering both platforms allows us to provide more options for students to get academic assistance after school. Please visit the SVHS Tutoring website for a complete schedule of the tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
SV 8th Annual Discovery and Explorations Poster Session
Conservation Mini-Grant Award for SVHS!
Congratulations to Ms. Saracila as she was awarded a Conservation Education Mini-Grant to support a composting initiative at Spring Valley High School. Twice a year, RSWCD offers the Conservation Education Mini-Grants to support youth education initiatives at schools and education sites throughout the County.
Composting Project, Spring Valley High School ($750)
Members of Spring Valley’s Adopt-a-Stream and Gardening clubs will develop a school composting initiative to reduce landfill trash and turn food waste into a valuable soil amendment.
“Environmental activities have been shown to develop critical thinking skills, enhance student learning about nature and encourage students to be outdoors,” said Ramona Saracila, teacher and project lead. “This project … will teach students important conservation skills.”
Social Emotional Wellness Week Recap
Spring Valley Quiz Team Wins the Midlands Collaborative Region Title and Advances to the State Academic Challenge
Spring Valley’s Quiz Bowl team was named the Midlands Collaborative Quiz Bowl/Academic Challenge Division 1/large high school champion after winning the last four matches of the season. On February 23rd Spring Valley defeated both Camden and Lugoff Elgin High Schools with scores of 50-18 and 40-31, respectively, in spite of only having a four-member team competing against five-member teams.
Team members included Jack McDonald (11), Fionn O’Connor (10), Michael Papaletsos (11), and Hunter Shissias (11). Similarly, Spring Valley also defeated both Lugoff Elgin and North Central High Schools on March 2nd by scores of 18-12 and 27-8, respectively. A much more difficult test bank was used for these competitions, thus, the lower scores. Again, our team had only four members competing–Chelsea McFadden (11), Fionn O’Connor (10), Michael Papaletsos (11), and Arijith Venkat (9)–versus their five-member teams. The team moves on to compete in the State Academic Challenge on Friday, March 17th, at Francis Marion University.
Congratulations and good luck to these trivia experts! The team is coached by Dr. Michelle Wyatt.
RECAP: SVEF Auction Back to 80s Party
Thanks for everyone who supported the Annual Spring Valley Education Foundation Auction.
Prom Court Interest Meeting
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Spring Valley Chapter of the National Honor Society?
Applications for new membership are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 school year. Becoming a member of the Spring Valley Chapter of The National Honor Society is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for you to showcase your talents in service and leadership. Seniors will have the opportunity to apply for a NHS scholarship for college. This year a Spring Valley member received a $3200 scholarship!
Scan here, go to the “Applications” tab, read all of the information carefully and completely. Applications are due Friday, March 24, 2023
Power Forward Program
4th Quarter Junior Privilege
A second-semester junior is eligible for off-campus lunch provided that he/she meets specific qualifications and does not violate school policies pertaining to the Responsibilities Earns Privileges Program. Once earning the privilege to leave campus at lunch, the student will forfeit it for the remainder of the year if she/he is suspended for any reason or earns a D or F at the end of the grading period. “Junior Privilege” does not entitle student-parking privileges. Any student leaving campus is expected to represent Spring Valley High School in an exemplary manner characteristic of Viking behavior and academics.
Applications are Due by March 30th to Ms. Blue, in the Library.
Autism Awareness Walk
The Green & Gold Literary Magazine
2023 Prom Ticket Sales
USC’S COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & COMPUTING
Palmetto Boys State
The American Legion’s Boys State program is a unique way for young men to learn about the American system of government and politics by participating in a mock governmental system. Use the link below for general information and application.
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options this year. Offering both platforms allows us to provide more options for students to get academic assistance after school. Please visit the SVHS Tutoring website for a complete schedule of the tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
Are you interested in becoming a member of the Spring Valley Chapter of the National Honor Society?
Applications for new membership are now being accepted for the 2023-2024 school year. Becoming a member of the Spring Valley Chapter of The National Honor Society is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for you to showcase your talents in service and leadership. Seniors will have the opportunity to apply for a NHS scholarship for college. This year a Spring Valley member received a $3200 scholarship!
Scan here, go to the “Applications” tab, read all of the information carefully and completely. Applications are due Friday, March 24, 2023
Columbia Urban League Young & Gifted 2023 Winners
Spotlight Award:
Rachel Johnson
Academics (with a GPA of 3.0 or better):
Art (music, visual arts, theatre, etc.):
Devyn Williams
Zariyah Taylor
Jordan Lewis
Leadership:
Sarah Hedley
Zoe Jackson
Jordan Lewis
Career and Technology Education (CATE):
McKenzie Simmons
Antwan Scott
Aidan James
Robert Capers
Athletics:
Carey Rich
Kendall Williams
Keshaun Dawson
Ashley Gunn
Mya Sumter
Kiarra Thomas
4th Quarter Junior Privilege
A second-semester junior is eligible for off-campus lunch provided that he/she meets specific qualifications and does not violate school policies pertaining to the Responsibilities Earns Privileges Program. Once earning the privilege to leave campus at lunch, the student will forfeit it for the remainder of the year if she/he is suspended for any reason or earns a D or F at the end of the grading period. “Junior Privilege” does not entitle student-parking privileges. Any student leaving campus is expected to represent Spring Valley High School in an exemplary manner characteristic of Viking behavior and academics.
Applications are Due by March 30th to Ms. Blue, in the Library.
Autism Awareness Walk
SOAR Registration is Coming Soon!
Are you thinking about Summer Opportunities for Academic Readiness (SOAR)?
Secondary SOAR will be held July 10-20th (Monday-Thursday) for middle and high school students. Parents will be able to register students for SOAR in the Parent Portal. SOAR registration will be open from March 1st until March 9th.
Locations will be combined this year to assist with staffing needs. Bus transportation will be available if students need transportation. If your student needs transportation to attend, please choose bus transportation when you register in Parent Portal.
Middle school SOAR will be offered at three locations: Muller Road, Longleaf and Dent Middle School. (rising 6th graders-rising 8th graders)
MRM and BMS will be combined and hosted at MRM.
LMS, SPM and KMM will be combined and hosted at LMS.
DMS and ELW will be combined and hosted at DMS.
Instructional Focus: English-Language Arts, Math and AVID
Instructional Day: 8:30-1:00 PM
High school SOAR will be offered at Westwood and Ridge View High. (rising freshmen)
WHS and BHS will be combined and hosted at WHS.
SVHS, RNE and RVHS will be combined and hosted at RVHS.
Instructional Focus: English I, Algebra and Personal Health
Instructional Day: 9:00-1:00
Registration begins March 1st and ends on March 9th.
The Green & Gold Literary Magazine
Squeaky Clean Soaps
The Service Learning Class will be collecting orders on Homemade Soap. This month, our limited edition soap is “Peppermint Cedar”. Use the QR Code to order ahead and beat the rush or come to D-120 Fridays before/after school and during lunch!
2023 Prom Ticket Sales
We have decided to extend the $30 tickets for Prom! Next Wednesday and Friday tickets will be on sale during Lunch in the atrium for $30. Friday will be the LAST day to get them at $30. We will close the line at 12:37 when the end of lunch bell rings.
The American Legion’s Boys State program is a unique way for young men to learn about the American system of government and politics by participating in a mock governmental system. Use the link below for general information and application.
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options this year. Offering both platforms allows us to provide more options for students to get academic assistance after school. Please visit the SVHS Tutoring website for a complete schedule of the tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
Jennifer Bartell Boykin, an English teacher at Spring Valley High, has been named Poet Laureate of the City of Columbia. The role of a poet laureate is to promote poetry throughout the city. Her four-year term began on January 1, 2023. Click the links below to read two articles below on this great achievement:
Congratulations Mrs. Boykin your Viking family is so proud of you !
Congratulations to Mrs. Michelle Spigner!
Congratulations to Spring Valley High School science teacher, Mrs. Michelle Spigner. Mrs. Spigner has been selected as the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2023 Teacher of Merit.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS), a program of Society for Science & the Public, is the nation’s most prestigious pre-college science and math competition. Alumni of STS have made extraordinary contributions to science and hold more than 100 of the world’s most distinguished science and math honors, including the Nobel Prize and the National Medal of Science. Each year, 300 Regeneron STS scholars and their schools are recognized. Scholars were selected based on the scientific rigor and world-changing potential of their research projects.
Mrs. Spigner is being recognized for her inspiring teaching and mentoring performance and for creating a superlative learning environment. Congratulations Mrs. Spigner!
SV Black History Assembly 2023
Spring Valley High School celebrated Black History Month by holding a special assembly on February 23rd. Special thanks go to our guest speaker, Mr. Chris Dinkins, for sharing his words of inspiration with our students. Click the video above for a brief recap.
SVHS Math Team
On Saturday, February 11, the SVHS Math Team went to the annual College of Charleston Math Competition. We were wondering if you could do a feature on the Viking Update about this. The students who attended were Ali Wallam, Emna Guedhami, Alex Pan, Raymond Chen, Patrick Li, and Vianne Pan, along with Mrs. Stinson. We placed 3rd place in both the math relay (students were Raymond Chen, Ali Wallam, Patrick Li, and Alex Pan) and in the Level 2 written exam (students were Patrick Li, Ali Wallam, Emna Guedhami, and Raymond Chen). Patrick Li also received an honorable mention for his individual score on this Level 2 test.
SV Mock Trial Team Headed to State Competition!
The Spring Valley Mock Trial team had their regional competition this weekend at the Courthouses on Decker. The students placed well enough to go to the state competition on March 11th and 18th. This will be the first time we have gone to State since 2011! The team and I are super excited to be representing the Valley this year.
In round 1, the judges named Surya Thiagu best witness and Angha Gowda best attorney. This is an honor coming from the judges!
In round 2, the other team recognized Sadhana Anchoori best witness and Ibrahim Jatoi best attorney.
In round 3, the judges named Surya Thiagu best witness and Meghan Pasala best attorney. This is an honor coming from the judges!
Congratulations to the following participants:
Adams Stone
Meghan Pasala
Anagha Gowda
Lillian Gillam
Max Berg
Surya Thiagu
Sadhana Anchoori
Ibrahim Jatoi
Krish Patel
Ria Patel
Miles Wells
Damion Jackson
Autism Awareness Walk
SOAR Registration is Coming Soon!
Are you thinking about Summer Opportunities for Academic Readiness (SOAR)?
Secondary SOAR will be held July 10-20th (Monday-Thursday) for middle and high school students. Parents will be able to register students for SOAR in the Parent Portal. SOAR registration will be open from March 1st until March 9th.
Locations will be combined this year to assist with staffing needs. Bus transportation will be available if students need transportation. If your student needs transportation to attend, please choose bus transportation when you register in Parent Portal.
Middle school SOAR will be offered at three locations: Muller Road, Longleaf and Dent Middle School. (rising 6th graders-rising 8th graders)
MRM and BMS will be combined and hosted at MRM.
LMS, SPM and KMM will be combined and hosted at LMS.
DMS and ELW will be combined and hosted at DMS.
Instructional Focus: English-Language Arts, Math and AVID
Instructional Day: 8:30-1:00 PM
High school SOAR will be offered at Westwood and Ridge View High. (rising freshmen)
WHS and BHS will be combined and hosted at WHS.
SVHS, RNE and RVHS will be combined and hosted at RVHS.
Instructional Focus: English I, Algebra and Personal Health
Instructional Day: 9:00-1:00
Registration begins March 1st and ends on March 9th.
The Green & Gold Literary Magazine
Squeaky Clean Soaps
The Service Learning Class will be collecting orders on Homemade Soap. This month, our limited edition soap is “Peppermint Cedar”. Use the QR Code to order ahead and beat the rush or come to D-120 Fridays before/after school and during lunch!
Costume Inventory
Come help SV Players inventory and organize their costume closet! Service Hours will be given ! Email Mrs. Curtis for more information vcurtis@richland2.org
2023 Prom Ticket Sales
4th Quarter Junior Privilege
A second-semester junior is eligible for off-campus lunch provided that he/she meets specific qualifications and does not violate school policies pertaining to the Responsibilities Earns Privileges Program. Once earning the privilege to leave campus at lunch, the student will forfeit it for the remainder of the year if she/he is suspended for any reason or earns a D or F at the end of the grading period. “Junior Privilege” does not entitle student-parking privileges. Any student leaving campus is expected to represent Spring Valley High School in an exemplary manner characteristic of Viking behavior and academics.
Applications are Due by March 24th to Ms. Blue, in the Library.
Auditions for 10 minute Plays
Come audition for the 10 minute play festival! All shows are directed by Spring Valley Theater Students. The performance is May 10th @ 6:30pm. You will be given pieces of a script to read from at the audition. If you have any questions please email Victoria Curtis, Theater teacher. vcurtis@richland.org
The annual Richland 2 Hackathon is scheduled to be March 3rd at R2i1. Nate O’Neill has sent out this script to announce it to students:
Students! Friday, March 3, you can participate in an all-day event at R2i2!
You will work through the design thinking process to hack a problem in your school or community! You are in charge of making a real CHANGE!
This is open to all high school students, and we’d love to see you there.
Transportation, Lunch, and Dinner are provided! For more information, check out a flyer around campus! Come see Mrs. Zweimiller in D204 for permission forms. These are due back no later than February 24th!
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options this year. Offering both platforms allows us to provide more options for students to get academic assistance after school. Please visit the SVHS Tutoring website for a complete schedule of the tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
Spring Valley High School celebrated Black History Month by holding a special assembly on February 23rd. Special thanks go to our guest speaker, Mr. Chris Dinkins, for sharing his words of inspiration with our students. Click the video above for a brief recap.
Miss Spring Valley 2023
Congratulations to all of the Miss Spring Valley Pageant contestants and chairs on a successful pageant this past Sunday! All contestants displayed their grace, intelligence and talent on stage. Their hard work and dedication truly paid off! Here is a complete list of all Miss Spring Valley Titleholders and Award Winners!
Delaney Garrett – Miss Spring Valley, Miss Viking Spirit and Miss Congeniality
Halee Whicker – Miss Senior
Harmonie Frederick – Miss Junior
Kierra Merriweather – Miss Sophomore, Grand Talent Winner, People’s Choice Winner and Photogenic Award Winner
Sidney Stanmore – Miss Freshman
Sophia Protopapas – Judges’ Interview Award Winner
Spring Valley’s Got Talent, the 2023 Faculty Talent Show
On Friday, February 17, the Spring Valley Chapter of the National Honor Society hosted their inaugural Spring Faculty Talent Show. Ryan Shelton was the hilarious and entertaining Master of Ceremony. The performers included Ms. Stuart, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Parnell, Mr. Graham, Chef Collins, Dr. Wells, Mr. Gravidez, and Ms. Crane. The faculty performers were outstanding! Ms. Crane took home the first place trophy with her beautiful piano performance. NHS students worked hard to prepare for the event that will benefit the patients at Life Care Rehabilitation Center and the Spring Valley students and families in need. Thank you to everyone who made this event not only possible but also successful.
National Honor Society Scholarship
Congratulations CATHY TANG for being selected as a National Semifinalist for the National Honor Society Scholarship!
As a National Semifinalist, Cathy will receive a scholarship award of $3,200 which can be used at her accredited U.S. college or university of choice. She has served well as President of the Spring Valley Chapter of the National Honor Society and she will continue to make an impact through scholarship, service, leadership, and character in college and beyond.
Cathy, thank you for all that you do for our school and community. Spring Valley and the NHS are proud to stand with you as you take the next step in your education journey!
SOAR Registration is Coming Soon!
Are you thinking about Summer Opportunities for Academic Readiness (SOAR)?
Secondary SOAR will be held July 10-20th (Monday-Thursday) for middle and high school students. Parents will be able to register students for SOAR in the Parent Portal. SOAR registration will be open from March 1st until March 9th.
Locations will be combined this year to assist with staffing needs. Bus transportation will be available if students need transportation. If your student needs transportation to attend, please choose bus transportation when you register in Parent Portal.
Middle school SOAR will be offered at three locations: Muller Road, Longleaf and Dent Middle School. (rising 6th graders-rising 8th graders)
MRM and BMS will be combined and hosted at MRM.
LMS, SPM and KMM will be combined and hosted at LMS.
DMS and ELW will be combined and hosted at DMS.
Instructional Focus: English-Language Arts, Math and AVID
Instructional Day: 8:30-1:00 PM
High school SOAR will be offered at Westwood and Ridge View High. (rising freshmen)
WHS and BHS will be combined and hosted at WHS.
SVHS, RNE and RVHS will be combined and hosted at RVHS.
Instructional Focus: English I, Algebra and Personal Health
Instructional Day: 9:00-1:00
Registration begins March 1st and ends on March 9th.
Squeaky Clean Soaps
The Service Learning Class will be collecting orders on Homemade Soap. This month, our limited edition soap is “Peppermint Cedar”. Use the QR Code to order ahead and beat the rush or come to D-120 Fridays before/after school and during lunch!
2023 Prom Ticket Sales
Richland School District 2 Black History Month Honoree Recognition Program
JOIN US: Help celebrate our Black History Month honorees at this year’s Honoree Program! February 27th at 6PM. This event is FREE. Held at R2i2, 763 Fashion Drive. Register for tix: http://ow.ly/PcTb50MRWGR
Spring Valley High School Mrs. Bartell Boykin will be honored. Mrs. Boykin promotes the appreciation and knowledge of poetry in youth in Columbia, SC. We are grateful for her contributions to Black history and culture.
4th Quarter Junior Privilege
A second-semester junior is eligible for off-campus lunch provided that he/she meets specific qualifications and does not violate school policies pertaining to the Responsibilities Earns Privileges Program. Once earning the privilege to leave campus at lunch, the student will forfeit it for the remainder of the year if she/he is suspended for any reason or earns a D or F at the end of the grading period. “Junior Privilege” does not entitle student-parking privileges. Any student leaving campus is expected to represent Spring Valley High School in an exemplary manner characteristic of Viking behavior and academics.
Applications are Due by March 24th to Ms. Blue, in the Library.
Auditions for 10 minute Plays
Come audition for the 10 minute play festival! All shows are directed by Spring Valley Theater Students. The performance is May 10th @ 6:30pm. You will be given pieces of a script to read from at the audition. If you have any questions please email Victoria Curtis, Theater teacher. vcurtis@richland.org
Moe’s Taco Kit Fundraiser
Welcome to Moe’s- Fundraiser! Order your premade Taco Kits at the link below-the Taco Kits (feeds 4-6) for $39.99, with ground beef, chicken and our FAMOUS QUESO! For each kit sold $5 will be donated back to our Women’s Soccer Team! If we get over 51 kits sold then, $10 will be given back to Spring Valley High Women’s Soccer. ORDER TODAY!
The annual Richland 2 Hackathon is scheduled to be March 3rd at R2i1. Nate O’Neill has sent out this script to announce it to students:
Students! Friday, March 3, you can participate in an all-day event at R2i2!
You will work through the design thinking process to hack a problem in your school or community! You are in charge of making a real CHANGE!
This is open to all high school students, and we’d love to see you there.
Transportation, Lunch, and Dinner are provided! For more information, check out a flyer around campus! Come see Mrs. Zweimiller in D204 for permission forms. These are due back no later than February 24th!
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options this year. Offering both platforms allows us to provide more options for students to get academic assistance after school. Please visit the SVHS Tutoring website for a complete schedule of the tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
Richland School District 2 Black History Month Honoree Recognition Program
JOIN US: Help celebrate our Black History Month honorees at this year’s Honoree Program! February 27th at 6PM. This event is FREE. Held at R2i2, 763 Fashion Drive. Register for tix: http://ow.ly/PcTb50MRWGR
Spring Valley High School Mrs. Bartell Boykin will be honored. Mrs. Boykin promotes the appreciation and knowledge of poetry in youth in Columbia, SC. We are grateful for her contributions to Black history and culture.
4th Quarter Junior Privilege
Moe’s Taco Kit Fundraiser
Welcome to Moe’s- Fundraiser! Order your premade Taco Kits at the link below-the Taco Kits (feeds 4-6) for $39.99, with ground beef, chicken and our FAMOUS QUESO! For each kit sold $5 will be donated back to our Women’s Soccer Team! If we get over 51 kits sold then, $10 will be given back to Spring Valley High Women’s Soccer. ORDER TODAY!
The annual Richland 2 Hackathon is scheduled to be March 3rd at R2i1. Nate O’Neill has sent out this script to announce it to students:
Students! Friday, March 3, you can participate in an all-day event at R2i2!
You will work through the design thinking process to hack a problem in your school or community! You are in charge of making a real CHANGE!
This is open to all high school students, and we’d love to see you there.
Transportation, Lunch, and Dinner are provided! For more information, check out a flyer around campus! Come see Mrs. Zweimiller in D204 for permission forms. These are due back no later than February 24th!
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options this year. Offering both platforms allows us to provide more options for students to get academic assistance after school. Please visit the SVHS Tutoring website for a complete schedule of the tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
Thirteen Spring Valley Discovery students submitted research papers to the 2023 Department of Defense-sponsored Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), which took place on January 27, 2023. Based on their written research papers, nine students were chosen as Semifinalists (marked with asterisks). Semifinalists presented in Sessions I, II, and III for the opportunity to move on to the Finalist round of presentations. Based on their outstanding oral presentations, Madison Han and Meghan Pasala were chosen as Finalists.
After a second round of presentations by the six finalists, Madison Han was chosen as the overall winner and earned a $2000 scholarship and the opportunity to compete in the oral presentation session at the National JSHS being held on April 12-15, 2023 in Virginia Beach, VA (all expenses paid). Meghan Pasala will also be attending this national symposium and competing in the poster session. Jisoo Lee is the alternate to attend the national symposium. In the non-Semifinalist presentation sessions, Kartik Valluri and Hunarmeet Gill earned second and third place, respectively in Session IV, Robert Swick earned second place in Session VI, and Joseph Ravindran earned second place in Session VII. Congratulations to these students and their research teachers—Ms. Heather Alexander, Ms. Lindsey Rega, Mrs. Michelle Spigner, and Dr. Michelle Wyatt.
Richland School District 2 Black History Month Honoree Recognition Program
JOIN US: Help celebrate our Black History Month honorees at this year’s Honoree Program! February 27th at 6PM. This event is FREE. Held at R2i2, 763 Fashion Drive. Register for tix: http://ow.ly/PcTb50MRWGR
Spring Valley High School Mrs. Bartell Boykin will be honored. Mrs. Boykin promotes the appreciation and knowledge of poetry in youth in Columbia, SC. We are grateful for her contributions to Black history and culture.
Spring Valley Opens the Season with Two Wins in the Midlands Collaboration Academic Quiz Competition
Spring Valley’s Quiz Bowl team won the first two matches of the 2022-23 Midlands Collaboration season at Camden High School on January 31st, 2023 by defeating North Central and Camden High Schools with scores of 48-20 and 44-20, respectively. Team members included Max Berg (10), Chelsea McFadden (11), Fionn O’Connor (10), Michael Papaletsos (11), Hunter Shissias (11), and Arijith Venkat (9). The team is coached by Dr. Michelle Wyatt. The team will be back in action on February 7th at Lugoff Elgin High School. Congratulations to these students!
Congratulations to Eamon Wood!
Eamon Wood has been selected as the winner of a $1000 SCASL Collegiate Scholarship. SCASL Collegiate Scholarship provides a scholarship to a graduating media center volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to South Carolina school librarianship, school library services, and SCASL. SCASL Honor Roll nominees are recognized in the SCASL Messenger and the conference program. They will receive a certificate of merit, a monetary award, and a letter of commendation will be sent to their supervisor, superintendent or school board. Eamon has been an integral part of the Spring Valley Library for four solid years and his service to the Spring Valley library has been invaluable. Congratulations Eamon!
Welcome Nygel Pearson!
Welcome to the Viking Family new Head Football Coach, Nygel Pearson!!
College Board Recognition
Congratulations to the following students Gregory Bailey II, Ashlyn Blackburn, Heaven Franklin, and Anna Gibson who completed steps on their BigFuture dashboard and were entered into scholarship drawings. They earned $500 scholarships for two or four year institutions.
BigFuture from College Board is a free online planning guide that helps all students take the right first step after high school. Every month, BigFuture awards $500 and $40,000 scholarships to students who take steps toward their career and the education they need to reach it.
4th Quarter Junior Privilege
A second-semester junior is eligible for off-campus lunch provided that he/she meets specific qualifications and does not violate school policies pertaining to the Responsibilities Earns Privileges Program. Once earning the privilege to leave campus at lunch, the student will forfeit it for the remainder of the year if she/he is suspended for any reason or earns a D or F at the end of the grading period. “Junior Privilege” does not entitle student-parking privileges. Any student leaving campus is expected to represent Spring Valley High School in an exemplary manner characteristic of Viking behavior and academics.
Applications are Due by March 24th to Ms. Blue, in the Library.
Moe’s Taco Kit Fundraiser
Welcome to Moe’s- Fundraiser! Order your premade Taco Kits at the link below-the Taco Kits (feeds 4-6) for $39.99, with ground beef, chicken and our FAMOUS QUESO! For each kit sold $5 will be donated back to our Women’s Soccer Team! If we get over 51 kits sold then, $10 will be given back to Spring Valley High Women’s Soccer. ORDER TODAY!
The annual Richland 2 Hackathon is scheduled to be March 3rd at R2i1. Nate O’Neill has sent out this script to announce it to students:
Students! Friday, March 3, you can participate in an all-day event at R2i2!
You will work through the design thinking process to hack a problem in your school or community! You are in charge of making a real CHANGE!
This is open to all high school students, and we’d love to see you there.
Transportation, Lunch, and Dinner are provided! For more information, check out a flyer around campus! Come see Mrs. Zweimiller in D204 for permission forms. These are due back no later than February 24th!
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options this year. Offering both platforms allows us to provide more options for students to get academic assistance after school. Please visit the SVHS Tutoring website for a complete schedule of the tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
Hearts Day at Spring Valley is a long standing tradition. Every staff member and student has a labeled heart placed on the wall the evening before Valentine’s Day. When everyone arrives at school on Valentine’s Day, they walk into a school covered with hearts. The seniors receive pink hearts that are placed on the first floor. Juniors get red hearts, placed on the second floor. Sophomores and Freshmen have red hearts placed on the third floor. The idea is for students to walk around during the week to write nice messages on their friends’ hearts. At the end of the week, students are encouraged to take their hearts home. The hearts are cut and labeled by the Freshmen STUCO, who begin the work in September. The Freshmen work very hard, before school, during lunch, after school, and even taking work home over the weekend or breaks. Throughout the years, we try new things to keep this tradition fresh. As a former student of Spring Valley, who still has all their hearts, it is one of my favorite traditions.
Spring Valley High School Named 2023 National Magnet School of Excellence
Spring Valley High School, home of the Discovery and Explorations magnet programs, has been named a 2023 National Magnet School of Excellence by Magnet Schools of America, the national association for magnet and theme-based schools. The excellence demonstrated by Discovery and Explorations has earned the magnet programs a merit award every year since 2017.
The Discovery and Explorations magnet programs seek to provide our students with an innovative, academically challenging experience centered on rigorous mathematics and science education through unique, student-centered research and internship opportunities. Our educators strive to establish meaningful relationships with each student and family, set consistently high expectations for all learners, empower each student with the tools to reach his/her full potential, and continuously inspire exploration, discovery, and creativity in our students. Our vision is to develop a well-rounded scholar who has the ability to use scientific inquiry, mathematical tools, and twenty-first-century technology skills to succeed and solve problems in our rapidly changing world. Discovery and Explorations challenge students to embrace diversity and become culturally responsible, caring citizens in the global community.
Ms. Kim Bouchey, Mr. Jeff Temoney, and Dr. Michelle Wyatt will be recognized and receive a National Magnet School of Excellence Merit Award on behalf of the school during an awards ceremony held at Magnet Schools of America’s 40th National Conference hosted by Dallas Independent School District, April 18-22, 2023.
Magnet School of Excellence Awards are only given to a select group of magnet schools. Schools of Excellence are eligible to receive monetary awards and are eligible to be named the nation’s top Elementary, Secondary, or New & Emerging Magnet School. One of the Schools of Excellence will also be selected to win $5,000 and the Dr. Ronald P. Simpson Distinguished Merit Award, which is considered the most prestigious magnet school award in the nation.
To receive a national merit award, members of Magnet Schools of America must submit a detailed application that is scored by a panel of educators. These schools are judged and scored on their demonstrated ability to raise student academic achievement, promote racial and socioeconomic diversity, provide integrated curricula and instruction, and create strong family and community partnerships that enhance the school’s magnet theme. To learn more about the national merit awards program, please visit www.magnet.edu.
4th Quarter Junior Privilege
A second-semester junior is eligible for off-campus lunch provided that he/she meets specific qualifications and does not violate school policies pertaining to the Responsibilities Earns Privileges Program. Once earning the privilege to leave campus at lunch, the student will forfeit it for the remainder of the year if she/he is suspended for any reason or earns a D or F at the end of the grading period. “Junior Privilege” does not entitle student-parking privileges. Any student leaving campus is expected to represent Spring Valley High School in an exemplary manner characteristic of Viking behavior and academics.
Applications are Due by March 24th to Ms. Blue, in the Library.
Moe’s Taco Kit Fundraiser
Welcome to Moe’s- Fundraiser! Order your premade Taco Kits at the link below-the Taco Kits (feeds 4-6) for $39.99, with ground beef, chicken and our FAMOUS QUESO! For each kit sold $5 will be donated back to our Women’s Soccer Team! If we get over 51 kits sold then, $10 will be given back to Spring Valley High Women’s Soccer. ORDER TODAY!
The annual Richland 2 Hackathon is scheduled to be March 3rd at R2i1. Nate O’Neill has sent out this script to announce it to students:
Students! Friday, March 3, you can participate in an all-day event at R2i2!
You will work through the design thinking process to hack a problem in your school or community! You are in charge of making a real CHANGE!
This is open to all high school students, and we’d love to see you there.
Transportation, Lunch, and Dinner are provided! For more information, check out a flyer around campus! Come see Mrs. Zweimiller in D204 for permission forms. These are due back no later than February 24th!
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options this year. Offering both platforms allows us to provide more options for students to get academic assistance after school. Please visit the SVHS Tutoring website for a complete schedule of the tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
Spring Valley Seniors Named Candidates for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
Top Row L-R (Carson Aycock, Madison Han and Jacob Stoll) Bottom Row L-R (Cathy Tang and Sai Siddharth Thumsi)
Carson Aycock, Madison Han, Jacob Stoll, Cathy Tang and Sai Siddharth Thumsi have been selected as a candidates for the 2023 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.
Candidates will learn in mid-April if they are among the 800 students who will be named semifinalists. In early May, the U.S. Presidential Scholars will be announced, and winners will be honored in Washington, D.C. Application to the program is by invitation only. Students are selected based on broad academic achievement; academic and artistic scholarship in the visual arts, the performing arts or creative writing; or outstanding scholarship and accomplishment in career and technical education fields.
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964, by executive order of the President, to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.
Spring Valley Named a National Magnet School of Excellence
Congratulations Vikings!! Again this year, Spring Valley was named a National Magnet School of Excellence and will receive a Merit Award from the Magnet Schools of America organization. Congratulations to Dr. Michelle Wyatt, Ms. Kim Bouchey, our magnet teachers, our students, and the entire SV faculty and staff. This is such a huge honor and recognition. Our magnets programs have earned a merit award every year since 2017. #TraditionOfExellenceContinues
Congratulations to our 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year
Mr. Julian Hale has been named our 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year. Congratulations, we know you will make us proud and represent Spring Valley well.
School Counseling Appreciation Week
Happy School Counseling Week to our school counselors and the entire staff in the School Counseling Office for all you do for our students and our school. We appreciate Ms. Bishton, Ms. Bronson, Ms. DeLeon, Ms. Draft, Ms. Johnson, Ms. Wright, Ms. Bright, Ms. Coleman, Ms. Darby, Ms. O’Dell, Ms. Spain, Mr. DuRant, Ms. Riester, Mr. Scriven, Mrs. Seymore and Mr. Joyner.
Thank you to Spring Valley Baptist for supporting our counseling department this week by providing them with lunch from Chick-Fil-A. When our partners step in to encourage and show appreciation everyone wins!
2023 Scholastic Award Recipients
Gold Key Winners L-R (Hanna Jatoi, Alana Moonan, and Reese Morgan)
Congratulations to our Spring Valley 2023 Scholastic Award Recipients. These works were selected from across all of the Southeast region states, the Gold Medal awards will go on to compete nationally.
The annual Richland 2 Hackathon is scheduled to be March 3rd at R2i1. Nate O’Neill has sent out this script to announce it to students:
Students! Friday, March 3, you can participate in an all-day event at R2i2!
You will work through the design thinking process to hack a problem in your school or community! You are in charge of making a real CHANGE!
This is open to all high school students, and we’d love to see you there.
Transportation, Lunch, and Dinner are provided! For more information, check out a flyer around campus! Come see Mrs. Zweimiller in D204 for permission forms. These are due back no later than February 24th!
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options this year. Offering both platforms allows us to provide more options for students to get academic assistance after school. Please visit the SVHS Tutoring website for a complete schedule of the tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
