Blue Ridge High School had an added mission this year – to put BRHS on the map. We are building stronger and better graduates who are prepared to continue their education, enter the military, or join the work force. Because we are committed to producing career and college ready graduates, Blue Ridge High offers 14 Dual Credit and AP Classes and at least three career certificates. Our clubs and organizations provide a plethora of opportunities for students to succeed in and out of the classroom. Our school is helping all students develop World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina graduate by providing a multifaceted and well-rounded education.
BRHS became a “one-to-one” school in 2017-18 as each student had his own Chromebook for the school year. Teachers and students embraced this initiative as we strived to prepare all of our pupils for their futures.
To benefit students with and without special needs we began Inclusion classes this year. General and Special Education teachers worked and taught together to increase the achievement levels of everyone in the class. Our teachers were able to support their learners and each student had the advantage of extra resources in the classroom.
Students participating in BRHS’s Fine Arts programs had a stellar year. Our marching band’s Corps of Cadets finished sixth out of thirty-three bands at the State Competition. Blue Ridge High’s orchestra was awarded first place with a Superior Rating in Division IV String Orchestra. In February the BRHS chorus performed at David Giffen Hall in the Lincoln Center in New York City! Twenty-six of our students made Allstate Chorus this year – the fifth largest amount of students from any school in the state.
A well-rounded education includes JROTC and athletics. Our Air Force ROTC established the first CyberPatriot Team in the Greenville County School District. They also participated in the Gold category at state level competitions. BRHS’s boys’ Cross Country team came in fourth at the AAAA State meet and our girls’ team came in ninth. The girls’ volleyball team, baseball team, girls’ basketball team, softball team, girls’ and boys’ soccer teams, and the boys’ tennis team made the playoffs this year.
Blue Ridge High School’s Career and Technology Education courses enabled scholars to take courses and participate in clubs that further prepared them for life outside of high school. Many students became ServSafe certified through our Foods and Nutrition program which led to job opportunities for our students – including management positions. The students in the agriculture program and Future Farmers of America went to the National Convention in October. Two students who participated in Creed Speaking placed fourth in their area for the region. Future Business Leaders of America students competed and placed at the district and state conferences and will be competing in the National Conference in Baltimore, Maryland, during the summer.
One of the School Improvement Council’s goals was to develop a mentoring program for our students. Community volunteers were trained to work with students so they could connect with, and motivate, Blue Ridge learners. Blue Ridge High School has made a large effort to open our doors to the community with the intention of increasing the number of family members, community members, and other interested parties necessary to enrich the school. Mentors and tutors have worked with our students while volunteers have assisted the faculty and staff. Community members interested in helping out with a Science lab or serving as a judge for Food and Nutrition’s version of Chopped worked with teachers and students to enhance the high school experience at BRHS.
All of these efforts have culminated in the class of 2018 receiving $11,184,300.00 in scholarships. 76% of our graduates plan to continue their education and/or join the military. Those who are joining the work force have been prepared by a community, faculty, and staff who are proud of our students. BRHS scholars have a phenomenal future and are not just graduates – they are continuing to put Blue Ridge High School on the map.
Ted Richards, SIC Chair
Reena Watson, Principal
