Booker T. Washington stated, “Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” The students, faculty, and staff of Blue Ridge High School faced the challenges of eLearning and the worldwide pandemic of COVID-19 with grace and perseverance. The success of these individuals symbolizes the dedication and determination of this Tiger Nation. We are committed to producing young adults who are ready for the workforce, the military, and/or college and we are proud of the students who walk our halls.
The principal of Blue Ridge High School, Reena Watson, often states that she wants each student at BRHS to find his or her niche which is why we offer thirteen Advanced Placement and Dual Credit classes and five “Completer” pathways/career certificates. Our clubs and organizations provide a plethora of opportunities for students to succeed in and out of the classroom. Between the Fine Arts programs, JROTC, clubs, and athletics, each student has a place where he or she belongs.
This past year we specifically focused on the needs of our students with Special Needs. The faculty and staff began the ongoing training to serve our students and provide equity for all. Each of our students can achieve greatness and it is our goal to equip them with the necessary skills and tools to do so. We will continue to improve and strive to lessen the achievement gap between those with and without special needs.
Fine Arts at “The Ridge” continue to excel. The Orchestra had nine students participate in All-County Orchestra and three students participate in Region Orchestra. Twelve Concert Band students earned a chair in Region Band and 8 earned a chain in All-County Band. For the upcoming year, we have added Photography and an AP Art class so our students can continue to grow and achieve.
Our Air Force JROTC program received the Distinguished Unit Award in 2019 and our very own MSgt. Fred Fuller was given the 2019 Outstanding Instructor Award. At the Converse Leadership School, our students own the Col A1 Whitley Leadership Award, Honor Graduate (2 students), Advanced School Excellence in Action Award, Advanced School Academic Award, Advanced School Outstanding Flight Cadet Award, Advanced School Leadership Award, and the Outstanding Flight Cadre Award.
Blue Ridge High’s Future Business Leaders of America attended the District Conference this year and our students came in first in the Public Service Announcement category, second in Social Media Campaign, third in Electronic Career Portfolio, third in Emerging Business Issues, third in Graphic Design, third in Introduction to Business Presentation, and third in Introduction to Public Speaking.
While our Spring sports were canceled, our Boys’ basketball team, Girls’ basketball team, and volleyball team made playoffs this year. Two of our Girls’ Basketball players made All-region, one of those was also Region 2 4A Player of the Year and made 4A Girls’ Basketball All-State. Two of our Varsity Cheerleaders made the All-Upstate Competitive Cheer Team First Team and one made All-Upstate Competitive Cheer Team Second Team.
Being in a rural area, agriculture is a large part of our community and the BRHS Agriculture program is growing - literally and figuratively. Blue Ridge has received a $250,000.00 Career and Technology Education grant to build a livestock facility. We cannot wait to break ground and begin that adventure!
As the 2019-2020 school year ends we begin preparations for the 2020-2021 school year with excitement. Our students overcame various obstacles last year and will do it again. The faculty and staff look forward to hearing of their future successes as they are #TigerStrong.
