March 17th Viking Update


Congratulations to Dr. Michelle Spigner!

We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Michelle Spigner, a dedicated science teacher at Spring Valley High School. Dr. Spigner has achieved the remarkable honor of being selected as the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025 Teacher of Merit and as a 2025 STEM Educator of the Year Finalist.

Regeneron Science Talent Search

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS), organized by the Society for Science & the Public, stands as the nation’s most prestigious pre-college competition in science and mathematics. The alumni of this esteemed program have significantly contributed to the world of science, earning more than 100 distinguished awards, including the Nobel Prize and the National Medal of Science. Each year, 300 Regeneron STS scholars and their schools are celebrated for the scientific rigor and transformative potential of their research projects.

STEM Educator of the Year Award

The STEM Educator of the Year Award celebrates exceptional teachers who serve as agents of change within their communities. These educators are not only experts in their content areas but also inspirational mentors to their colleagues and students. Mrs. Spigner’s recognition as a finalist for this award is a testament to her unwavering dedication to promoting STEM education. Her commitment to excellence in teaching and her role in fostering a nurturing and innovative learning environment have set her apart among many applicants.

Dr. Spigner is one of only five finalists selected for this prestigious award, highlighting her extraordinary contribution to the field of education. Her remarkable achievements will be celebrated, and the award winners will be announced during STEM Day at the Capitol on April 2, 2025.

Congratulations, Dr. Spigner, on your outstanding accomplishments and for being an inspiring force in STEM education! We are proud to celebrate your success and the significant impact you have made in your community.

Welcome Home, Coach Norman Washington II

The Richland Two School Board has announced the exciting appointment of Norman Washington II as the new head football coach at Spring Valley High School. A proud alumnus of Spring Valley High School, class of 2007, Coach Washington brings a wealth of experience and a deep-seated commitment to his alma mater.

Proven Track Record in Player Development

Coach Washington is renowned for his exceptional ability in player development. Over his career, he has been instrumental in helping over 100 student-athletes secure scholarships across all levels of college football, including Power 5, Group of 5, Ivy-League, FCS, Division II, NAIA, and JUCO. His efforts have also contributed to the development of Under Armour All-Americans and Army/Navy All-Americans, showcasing his dedication to nurturing talent both on and off the field.

A Commitment to Tradition and Excellence

As a proud Viking alum, Coach Washington is determined to restore pride, tradition, and a championship mindset to the Spring Valley program. He understands the rich legacy of Spring Valley Football and is wholeheartedly committed to its resurgence. His return marks a new chapter aimed at reigniting the spirit of excellence that the program is known for.

Coaching Experience

Coach Washington brings a diverse range of experience from his tenure as an assistant coach at several high schools:

  • Gainesville High School: 2023-2024
  • Centennial High School: 2020-2022
  • Johns Creek High School: 2017-2019
  • Mount Vernon Presbyterian School: 2016

College Playing Career

Before embarking on his coaching career, Coach Washington had an impressive college playing career at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) as a linebacker from 2007 to 2011. His experience as a player has undoubtedly informed his coaching philosophy and approach.

Educational Background

With a strong academic background, Coach Washington holds both a Master’s degree in Sport Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from Middle Tennessee State University.

Spring Valley High School welcomes Coach Norman Washington II back to the Vikings community with open arms, looking forward to the positive impact his leadership will bring to the football program and the broader school community. Welcome home, Coach Washington!

Signing Day for SVHS Athletes

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and pride as the auditorium at Spring Valley became the stage for a significant milestone. On Tuesday, March 11th, family members, classmates, teachers, coaches, and staff gathered to witness an unforgettable moment. Five talented student-athletes took a major step forward in their journey, signing their commitment to further both their academic and athletic pursuits at the collegiate level. Congratulations to these exceptional individuals and their families, who are now seeing their dreams come to fruition. As you embark on this new chapter, we wish you continued success and fulfillment in your collegiate careers.

-Rayne Berry, Cheer, Limestone University

-Chenoa Haygood, Track and Field,  signing, Columbia College

-Lauren Crosland, Basketball, Lander

-Cameron Dean, wrestling, Lander University

-Eryn Wright, Softball, Converse University

-Grayson Graham, Volleyball, Claflin

-Carlos Thompson, Point University, lacrosse

-Tristan Williams, Track and Field, Columbia College

Jostens District Teacher of the Year Ring Presentation

Celebrating Our DECA Chapter’s Achievements!

We are SO incredibly proud of our chapter’s performance at this year’s DECA State Career Development Conference! As a first-year DECA chapter, it was truly inspiring to see these individuals step up, participate, and win in their categories. Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be happier with their achievements.

Special Congratulations

A special congratulations goes to Kobe McNeil, who will be participating in the International DECA Conference in Orlando this April! His outstanding performance in the Principles of Finance category has earned him a well-deserved 1st place and an opportunity to compete on an international stage. Well done, Kobe!

Top 10 Finalists

Our chapter is thrilled to celebrate the accomplishments of all our top 10 finalists:

  • Somya Jain and Mamathi Murugesan – Finalists in Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making
  • Debasmita Mishra – Finalist in Principles of Finance
  • Inaya Siddique – Finalist in Restaurant and Food Service Management & EPIC Scholarship Winner

These students have shown exceptional skill and dedication, and we are excited to see what the future holds for them.

Looking Forward

We can’t wait for next year and all the opportunities it will bring. Our chapter’s success at this conference is a testament to the incredible talent and determination of our members. Let’s keep the momentum going and aim even higher!

CONGRATS! 🥳🥳🥳

Once again, congratulations to all our participants and winners. Your achievements inspire us all, and we are excited to support you in your future endeavors.

Spring Valley Female Mentoring Group F.I.E.R.C.E. Celebrates Women’s History Month

In a heartfelt celebration, the Spring Valley Female Mentoring Group F.I.E.R.C.E pays tribute to Women’s History Month by crafting beautiful flower bouquets for all the women faculty and staff at Spring Valley. This initiative not only honors the achievements of women throughout history but also appreciates the invaluable contributions made by women in their communities.

A Bouquet of Appreciation and Inspiration

Each bouquet is thoughtfully arranged with a vibrant mix of purple and white flowers in a green vase, symbolizing Women’s History Month. The flowers and accompanying letters reflect the diversity and strength of women. Each bouquet has a handwritten note, adding a personal touch to this meaningful gift.

The notes included with each bouquet serve two essential purposes:

  1. Appreciation: Some notes express heartfelt gratitude to the recipients for their dedication and hard work, reminding each woman of her positive impact on the community and the lives she influences daily.
  2. Motivational Quotes: Other notes feature inspiring quotes from influential women in history who have paved the way for future generations. These quotes aim to uplift and empower recipients, encouraging them to break barriers and achieve greatness.

These quotes embody the resilience, courage, and empowerment spirit that F.I.E.R.C.E seeks to promote. By recognizing the contributions of the women in our school, F.I.E.R.C.E not only honors Women’s History Month but also strengthens the bonds within the Spring Valley community, creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.

Anne Frank Center at USC

SV Counseling Department News

TRACK TEAM FUNDRAISER: MOD PIZZA

Next Tuesday (March 18th) is TACO TUESDAY with the Spring Valley Track & Field Teams! 

Moe’s Taco Kits will be available for pickup in front of the football gates between 5:45 and 6:15 that afternoon. 

Please order a kit for your family (the deadline is noon on the 17th) and share the link with your friends and family! The more kits we sell, the more our team makes. 

https://linktr.ee/SVHSXCTF

Thank you for your support!

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

ADVISOR LIST

WAYS TO SERVE DETENTION

After School Tutoring

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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.

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