Viking Update: August 17th -21st

🏆 Spring Valley’s Rona Stuart Named 2026 South Carolina History Teacher of the Year

Spring Valley High School is proud to celebrate Mrs. Rona Stuart, who has been named the 2026 South Carolina History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History!

Since 2004, this prestigious award has recognized outstanding K–12 educators for excellence in teaching American history. One teacher is selected from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools, and U.S. Territories based on their dedication, creativity, and ability to bring history to life for students.

Mrs. Stuart is a veteran educator with more than two decades of classroom experience and currently serves as Spring Valley’s Social Studies Instructional Leader. She teaches U.S. History and is known for her passion for education, commitment to academic excellence, and dedication to the success and well-being of her students.

This latest honor adds to an already impressive list of accomplishments for Mrs. Stuart, who was also named the 2024–2025 Richland School District Two Teacher of the Year.

As the 2026 South Carolina History Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Stuart will receive a $1,000 honorarium, a curated collection of American history books and classroom resources from the Gilder Lehrman Institute, and recognition at a local ceremony. She will also join 52 other honorees as a finalist for the 2026 National History Teacher of the Year Award.

We are incredibly proud to have Mrs. Stuart representing Spring Valley High School and the state of South Carolina. Her passion for history, commitment to her students, and leadership within our school community truly represent the excellence of the Valley.

Congratulations, Mrs. Stuart! We are Viking Proud! 💚💛

SVHS Alumni College Panel

Spring Valley High School students recently had the opportunity to hear firsthand from a group of SVHS alumni from the Classes of 2015–2020 during a special College Alumni Panel.

Pictured above are SVHS alumni Maximiliano Hernandez, Dr. Ashaad Hipps, Ashton Graham, McKenzie Jackson, Calista Blizzard Gentry, and Keah Harrison, who participated in the panel and shared their experiences with our current Vikings.

The alumni spoke with Period 5/6 English IV Honors students about their journeys from high school through college, sharing practical advice, personal experiences, and lessons they learned along the way. Topics ranged from financial considerations and helpful “life hacks” to adjusting to college life and making the most of available opportunities.

The panel included both in-person and virtual participation, giving students the opportunity to connect with alumni in South Carolina as well as abroad.

A meaningful part of the conversation focused on how their experiences at The Valley helped prepare them for success after graduation. Alumni reflected on the teachers, staff, academic expectations, and experiences at Spring Valley that helped build the skills and confidence they needed for college.

We appreciate our Viking alumni for taking the time to connect with our students, share their experiences, and offer valuable guidance to the next generation of Spring Valley graduates.

Once a Viking, Always a Viking! 💚💛

Bell Schedule Reminder ⏰

Above is our Regular Bell Schedule (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday).

Below is our Wednesday Late Start Bell Schedule. Beginning Wednesday, August 12, classes will start at 9:50 AM.

👉 Click the button below to view a larger, printable version of the schedule.

Please review the schedules and plan accordingly. 💚💛

BELL SCHEDULE PRINTABLE VERSION

🏫 SCHOOL DOORS OPEN AT 7:30 AM

THINGS 2 KNOW

Please plan to leave home a little earlier than usual and allow extra time when arriving at school. We appreciate your patience as we begin the new school year. Arriving early will support the safety screening process and help students report to class on time without missing instruction.

Viking Attendance Guide

🌅 Class of 2027 Celebrates Senior Sunrise

The Class of 2027 came together to welcome their senior year at Spring Valley’s Senior Sunrise. Seniors gathered early in the morning to watch the sunrise, spend time with classmates, and celebrate the beginning of their final year at the Valley.

This special tradition allowed our seniors to reflect on the journey that brought them to this moment while looking ahead to the memories, milestones, and accomplishments still to come.

We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2027 throughout their senior year! 💚💛

🎥 Watch the Senior Sunrise video above from STUCO and the video below from the Valley News Show for a look at this special morning.

Senior Portrait Info

📚 Calling All Book Lovers! 📚

Join YOLO — Youth Literacy Organization and connect with other students who enjoy reading, discussing books, and making a difference!

YOLO members:
📖 Read and discuss books
🤝 Advocate for youth literacy through community service projects
🚫 Bring awareness to challenged and banned books

📅 Monday, August 17
🍴 During Lunch
📍 Room C228

Interested in joining? Stop by and learn more! See Mrs. Boykin in the Library for additional details.

#SVHS #VikingUpdate #YOLO #YouthLiteracy #BookLovers #GetInvolved

💗 FIERCE Applications Are Now Open! 💗

FIERCE is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 school year!

FIERCE stands for Female. Intelligent. Educated. Responsible. Capable. Empowered. and is a sisterhood centered on support, growth, leadership, and empowerment.

Through mentorship, volunteering, leadership opportunities, and community building, members have the opportunity to:

✨ Build confidence
🤝 Create meaningful connections
💗 Give back to the community
👑 Grow as leaders
🌟 Become the best versions of themselves

Interested female students should scan the QR code on the flyer to apply.

📅 Application Deadline: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
⏰ 5:00 p.m.

#SVHS #VikingUpdate #FIERCELeadHERS #FemaleLeadership #StudentLeadership #Sisterhood #GetInvolved

🎭 Auditions for The Play That Goes Wrong: High School Edition!

Auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 18, and Wednesday, August 19, at 4:00 PM in the SVHS Auditorium.

Anyone is welcome to come out for the Fall Play! Whether you’re an experienced performer or ready to try something new, we’d love to see you there.

For more information, check the attached flyer, visit the SV Players Google Classroom, or email Mrs. Curtis at vcurtis@richland2.org.

🎬 Come be part of the show!

📣 Interested in Making a Difference?

Students interested in joining Spring Valley’s Save the Children Action Network are invited to attend an interest meeting!

📅 Tuesday, August 18
🍴 During Lunch
📍 Auditorium

Students who attend will also get the reveal of this year’s Homecoming theme! 🎉👀

Can’t make the meeting? Contact Danielle VanDenBerg at 00031632@richland2.org for more information.

#SVHS #VikingUpdate #SaveTheChildrenActionNetwork #GetInvolved #Homecoming

💼 Ready to Explore the World of Business?

Students interested in marketing, finance, hospitality, management, and entrepreneurship are invited to attend Spring Valley DECA’s Interest Meeting!

📅 Tuesday, August 18
🍴 During Lunch
📍 Ms. Failla’s Room — C213

Come learn how DECA helps students develop leadership, business, and career-ready skills through hands-on activities, competitions, and other opportunities.

#SVHS #VikingUpdate #DECA #BusinessLeadership #CareerReady #GetInvolved

Love to read or looking for a new way to connect with other students? Join us for the Student Book Club Interest Meeting!

📅 Wednesday, August 19
🍎 During Lunch
📍 Library

Grab your lunch and join us to learn more about the Book Club and how you can get involved. We hope to see you there! 📖💚💛

✍️🎤 Like writing poetry or raps?

Come check out the WORD Poetry Club Interest Meeting and connect with other students who enjoy writing, performing, and expressing themselves through words!

📅 Thursday, August 20
🍽️ During Lunch
📍 Room C228

All students are welcome!

#SVHS #WORDPoetryClub #Poetry #SpokenWord #SpringValleyVikings