Spring Valley Seniors Named Candidates for U.S. Presidential Scholars Program
We are thrilled to announce that Anagha Gowda, Ibrahim Jatoi, Fionn P. O’Connor, and Ali A. Wallam have been selected as candidates for the prestigious 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. This program stands as one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students, celebrating their accomplishments and potential.
Selection Process
Candidates, including Anagha, Ibrahim, Fionn, and Ali, will learn in mid-April if they are among the 800 students who will be named semifinalists. The excitement continues into early May when the U.S. Presidential Scholars will be announced. Those selected as winners will receive the honor of being celebrated in Washington, D.C.
Application to the program is by invitation only. Students are chosen based on several criteria:
- Broad Academic Achievement: Acknowledging students who have shown exceptional performance across a variety of subjects.
- Academic and Artistic Scholarship: This includes students who excel in the visual arts, performing arts, or creative writing.
- Career and Technical Education: Recognizing outstanding scholarship and accomplishments in career-oriented and technical fields.
Program Overview
The U.S. Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 by an executive order of the President. Its mission is to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors, celebrating their academic achievements and contributions to their communities.
This program continues to inspire students across the nation, highlighting the importance of dedication, talent, and hard work in shaping the future. Congratulations to these Spring Valley students on this outstanding achievement.
Spring Valley High School Seniors: National Merit Scholarship Finalists
We are thrilled to announce that several seniors from Spring Valley High School have been named among the approximately 15,000 finalists by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The following students have achieved this remarkable distinction: Max Berg, Lee Dillon, Mary Ann Gardiner, Anagha Gowda, Emna Guedhami, Beverly Holton, Ibrahim Jatoi, Srianeesh Kalva, Vianne Phanm, Zahi Siddique, Hayden Thorpe, and Ali Wallam. These academically talented students now have the opportunity to compete for around 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $32 million, which will be awarded next spring. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these outstanding students and celebrate their advancement as Finalists.
Types of Merit Scholarship® Awards
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation offers three types of Merit Scholarship awards, each with distinct criteria and benefits:
1. National Merit® $2500 Scholarships
Every Finalist is considered for these one-time $2500 scholarships, which are awarded based on state representation. The selection process is impartial, with no consideration given to the applicant’s family financial situation, college preference, or intended major and career path.
2. Corporate-sponsored Merit Scholarship Awards
These scholarships are provided by corporate sponsors, often designated for children of employees or members, residents of communities where the company operates, or Finalists with career aspirations that align with the sponsor’s interests. Corporate-sponsored scholarships can be renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study or offered as one-time awards.
3. College-sponsored Merit Scholarship Awards
Sponsor colleges select winners from Finalists who have been admitted and declared the sponsor college or university as their first choice by the designated deadline. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study. Details about the deadlines are available in the Requirements and Instructions for Semifinalists in the National Merit® Scholarship Program.
Supporting Organizations
Merit Scholarship awards are made possible through the support of approximately 420 independent sponsors, including corporations, businesses, company foundations, professional associations, and colleges and universities. Established in 1955, the NMSC is a non-profit organization that manages the National Merit Scholarship Program without government assistance. Its mission is to honor the nation’s scholastic champions and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence through these prestigious scholarships.
We are incredibly proud of our Spring Valley High School seniors and wish them the best of luck in the next phase of the competition for these esteemed scholarships.
Hearts Day at the Valley
Hearts Day at Spring Valley is a beloved tradition that fills the school with warmth and community spirit every Valentine’s Day. It creates a vibrant atmosphere where every student and staff member feels appreciated and celebrated.
The Heart-Warming Tradition
On the week of Valentine’s Day, staff members and students have their names lovingly inscribed on hearts displayed throughout the school. Upon arrival, they are greeted by a school adorned with these colorful symbols of kindness and connection.
- Seniors: Red hearts are placed on the third floor, marking their final year with a unique hue.
- Juniors: Pink hearts decorate the walls of the second floor, highlighting their journey toward senior year.
- Sophomores and Freshmen: Also receive pink hearts displayed on the first floor.
A Week of Kindness
The purpose of the hearts is to encourage students to spread kindness. Throughout the week, they are invited to walk around the school, leaving thoughtful messages on the hearts of their friends and peers. This practice not only strengthens friendships but also builds a supportive community.
At the end of the week, students are encouraged to take their hearts home, providing a tangible keepsake of the positive affirmations they received.
The Freshmen’s Dedication
The Freshmen Student Council (STUCO) is responsible for cutting and labeling the hearts, beginning the arduous task in January. Their hard work is a testament to their dedication, as they commit time before school, during lunch, and after school, often continuing their efforts over weekends or breaks.
Keeping the Tradition Fresh
While the core of Hearts Day remains the same, Spring Valley continuously seeks innovative ways to keep the tradition engaging and relevant. As former students who cherish all the hearts collected over the years, they can attest that this tradition is one of the highlights of their time at Spring Valley.
Hearts Day is more than just a school event; it celebrates kindness, community, and the lasting impact of thoughtful gestures.
FBLA Spring Conference 2025
The 2025 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Spring Conference was an exciting and enriching event where students from various regions came together to learn, compete, and grow. This year, two outstanding students from Spring Valley, Zia Samuels, and Chelsea Samson, had the privilege of representing their school and embodying The Viking Way.
Zia excelled in the Advertising competition, securing an impressive 2nd place. Her creative approach and strategic thinking earned her a spot at the National Competition in June, where she will proudly represent Spring Valley on a larger stage.
As Zia prepares for the upcoming National Competition, the entire Spring Valley community stands behind her, cheering her on and celebrating her accomplishments. Congratulations to both Zia and Chelsea for their outstanding performances and contributions to the FBLA Spring Conference 2025!
Congratulations to SVHS Orchestra Students!
We are thrilled to announce that several talented students from the SVHS Orchestra have been selected to participate in the prestigious 2025 SCMEA All-State Orchestras. This is an incredible achievement, as these students were chosen through a competitive audition process. The event will take place from February 21-23, 2025, at Boiling Springs High School.
Selected Students
9-10 Orchestra:
- Leola Kendall
11-12 Orchestra:
- Emily Barlow
- Brayden Sosa
These students have demonstrated exceptional musical talent and dedication to their craft. Their hard work and commitment have truly paid off, and we are so proud of their accomplishments.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supports the SVHS Orchestra program. Your encouragement and support are invaluable to the success of our students.
Congratulations once again to Leola, Emily, and Brayden! We look forward to seeing their outstanding performances at the All-State Orchestras event.
8th Annual African American Read-In
This week, we are thrilled to host our 8th Annual African American Read-In, an integral part of a larger national initiative sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English. This event is held each February to honor and celebrate African Americans’ rich history, art, and culture.
Transforming Our Library
For this celebration, we have transformed our library into a vibrant gallery that showcases the diverse and powerful contributions of African Americans throughout history. The displays aim to educate and inspire, providing a space for reflection and appreciation.
Artist in Residence: Keith Tolen
We are incredibly fortunate to have Mr. Keith Tolen as our artist-in-residence for this event. Mr. Tolen is a nationally recognized artist and a treasured figure in South Carolina, bringing with him over 30 years of teaching experience. His presence at Spring Valley is not only an honor but a unique opportunity for our students to engage directly with an esteemed artist.
Mr. Tolen’s influence is already making a profound impact, as he inspires our students to explore their own creativity and artistic potential. His workshops and sessions are designed to encourage students to express themselves and appreciate the beauty and depth of African American art and culture.
A Community Celebration
The African American Read-In is not just an event; it embodies a celebration of community, diversity, and education. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Spring Valley Orchestra for their participation, enriching the event with their music while students engaged in activities. We are thankful for the chance to take part in this national initiative and to help foster ongoing discussions about the significance of representation and cultural appreciation within education. We take pride in being part of this meaningful event and eagerly anticipate the inspiration and knowledge it will bring to our community.
FIERCE & MAN-UP TOWNHALL MEETING “RELATIONSHIPS 101”
Spring Valley High School’s female and male mentoring groups, FIERCE and Man-Up, proudly hosted their first town hall meeting yesterday, February 13th. The theme of the event was “Relationships 101.”
A Unique Opportunity for Students
This event provided a unique platform for students to engage in an open and nonjudgmental environment. It was an opportunity for them to ask questions, share experiences, and gain valuable insights into navigating relationships. The goal was to empower students with knowledge and skills to foster healthy and meaningful relationships in their lives.
Panel Members
We extend our sincere gratitude to our esteemed panel members who shared their expertise and experiences during the discussion:
- William Whitehurst
- Martin Sims
- Shenitha Shiver
- Laverne Martin
Their contributions were invaluable in making the event enlightening and impactful for all participants.
The town hall meeting was a significant step towards fostering a supportive community where students feel comfortable discussing personal and sensitive topics. By continuing to host such events, Spring Valley High School mentoring programs aim to cultivate an environment of understanding, respect, and growth among its students.
ATTENDANCE PARENT UNIVERSITY
JOIN THE PRODUCTIVITY CLUB
SAVE THE DATE: ST. PATS VIKING PARTY & TRIVIA NIGHT
Mark your calendar for our annual St. Pats Party and fundraiser:
Friday, March 14, 2025 6:30 PM
Tickets and Sponsorships available at:
Click here for more information and to support
Support a Viking with your $20 donation you can:
PSAT Fees for 1 Student
Out-of-town college campus tour for two students
Daily Health room supplies
One hour of math/science tutoring
Spring Valley NHS Valentine’s Day Dance
No School February 17th
Scholarships
SVEF: INVEST IN A VIKING
The Spring Valley Education Foundation is excited to invite you to Invest in A Viking with your $20 donation.
Please visit https://spring-valley-education-foundation.square.site/ to support our students.
By participating, you can also win a $100 Amazon gift card or a $250 Jostens certificate, which can be used toward your student’s class ring.
Free to Focus
We wanted to remind all parents and students that the “Free to Focus” initiative has been fully implemented. This state-mandated policy aims to enhance the learning environment and ensure that all students can concentrate better on their studies. The policy includes specific guidelines and support measures designed to reduce distractions and foster a more productive educational experience. We encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the details of this policy to ensure a smooth transition and successful implementation. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to creating an optimal learning atmosphere for our students.
Student Parking
Students will no longer be allowed to utilize the parking lot in front of the gym upon arrival to school. This parking lot is reserved for Staff and Visitors only in the mornings. Students will begin receiving tickets and parking fines when parking in this area. All students must have the appropriate parking pass to utilize any campus parking and must park in the Upper/Junior Lot unless assigned a designated Senior Parking Spot elsewhere on campus. Students may use the Gym Lot upon returning from lunch or for after-school activities. Again, students may not use the Gym Lot any earlier than the beginning of the 5th period.
LUNCH REMINDER
Attendance Matters
CLUB NEWS & INTEREST MEETINGS
INTERESTED IN JOINING A SPRING VALLEY CLUB? CLICK THE LINKS BELOW FOR INTEREST MEETINGS, CLUB SCHEDULES, AND ADVISOR LIST
REGULAR CLUB MEETING SCHEDULE
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WAYS TO SERVE DETENTION
After School Tutoring
We will offer both on-campus and virtual tutoring options. 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 tutoring opportunities.
A special thank you goes out to the Spring Valley Education Foundation for funding this important initiative.
