Southridge High School (Kennewick)
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Southridge High School is located at 3320 S. Southridge Blv. in the city of Kennewick, WA (Benton County). The first year of enrollment was 1995. Construction on the $30 million building began in 1995, with classroom doors opening in the Spring of 1997. The original plans greatly mirrored that of a prison or jail, and many visitors often mistake Southridge for a prison. During construction, classes were held at Fruitland Elementary School, under the direction of Principal Ron Williamson.[1] The first commencement was held inside the Tri-Cities Coliseum in June of 1999. The first graduate from Southridge was Michael J. Mouncer.[2] Southridge was the third 4A high school constructed in Kennewick, Washington. With the reorganization of leagues in 2006, Southridge became a 3A school, and is now a member of the Columbia Basin League.[3]
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[edit] Facilities
The 50-acre campus lies within a valley on the southwest border of Kennewick, the natural terrain of the area has a soft breeze that produces fresh, quality air. On open land, Southridge has easy in-and-out access.
The school's main complex, divided into six main wings (labeled A through F), was designed by Bob Rothman (HGA of Minnesota); Joe Lavernier Construction of Spokane was the general contractor.[4] The B, C, and D-wings are dedicated to classrooms, each containing two floors with eight classrooms per floor as well as a multitude of lockers. The A-wing houses the auditorium, cafeteria, and the music rooms. The F-wing contains one large and two small gyms as well as a weight room - with locker rooms and training room both located downstairs. The E-wing contains the library and main offices.
The wings are all connected by a long crescent hall with A and F-wing at the north and south ends, respectively. The E-wing is in the inner curve, and wings B, C and D branch off along the outer curve, giving the school a unique resemblance of art or a futuristic, cleaner environment. Contrary to popular belief, the school was not originally planned to be a prison.See an aerial view.
The school grounds include state-of-the-art football and baseball fields, as well as softball fields, a track, several soccer fields, and 16 lighted tennis courts. The school was outfitted for a swimming pool, though none has been built.
[edit] Home of the Suns
School Mascot: Suns.
The school nickname, or Mascot, the Suns, was selected in a contested vote among the first freshman class (Class of 1999). The moniker supposedly edged out "the Cyclones" in the final of three ballots. Commander Ray, a fiber-optic time traveler, was the first "live" mascot in 1995. In 1997, "the Dancing Sun" was introduced, but short-lived as well. The current "live" mascot is a gorilla named "Sunny".
The school colors are blue and gold (originally were Blue, Silver, and Gold). The school fight song, "Southridge Will Forever Hold My Heart," was written in 1996 by a Southridge student to the tune of the "Notre Dame Victory March."
[edit] School Highlights
Southridge achieved an elite emphasis on sustainable scholastic prosperity, strong leadership, and first-class athleticism.
Southridge High School's physical ability in sports exceeds the typical endurance of other acclaimed High Schools. Football and soccer games are played at Neil F. Lampson Stadium, which is located on the grounds of Kennewick High School. Southridge shares the stadium with Kennewick and Kamiakin High School. In 2006, the dance team won the state tournament and the Southridge football team stayed undefeated before facing a difficult loss against Mead in the first round of the state play-offs.[5] The team was captained by quarterback Jason Munns, who holds the school records for career touchdowns and passing yards.[6] Coach Tim Sanders led the Suns' baseball team to the 2004 State Championship.[7] The tennis, gymnastics, and wrestling teams have won several individual state championships, including State Champion wrestler Eric Schwartz who competed in the championship match each of his four years. In 2002, Benjamin Hampton was the first male track athlete to win a state title when he leaped 48'0" in the triple jump at Star Track in Tacoma.
Southridge also boasts a nationally-ranked debate program. Since its inception in 1996-1997, the squad has competed at the State Tournament, winning the state championship in Policy debate (Cross-X), Lincoln-Douglas debate, and Individual Events (Forensics).[8] The team has competed and claimed victory at several State and National Invitational events, including the Whitman College Invitational and the National Forensic League's National Tournament.
With one of the finest performing arts theatres in the area, the Southridge Drama department and Drama Club produce several ensemble performances each year. Under the direction of Julliard-alum Barbara Wilson, Southridge has entertained audiences with productions of The Odd Couple and Barefoot in the Park. Mrs. Wilson's pupils train in performing arts and technical stage production. Former Southridge student Danica Lyn Stewart achieved acting success in her adult life and can be seen on NBC's daytime soap Passions.[9]
[edit] References
- ^ Template:Http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/oldnews/1997/0221.html
- ^ Template:Cite web url=http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/1999/0606.html
- ^ Template:Http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/prepreport/archive.asp?postID=599
- ^ Template:Http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/oldnews/1997/0119.html
- ^ Template:Http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/Team.mxp/SchoolID-5e3d45a4-fdb0-444d-a110-6f98ef4b4299/Boys Varsity Football Fall 05-06/Washington/AreaID-32cfd20c-0dd8-400a-b86f-8c37b279a869
- ^ Template:Http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=338&p=8&c=1&nid=2329329
- ^ Template:Http://www.ksd.org/srhs/athletics/baseball/stats.html
- ^ Template:Http://www.ksd.org/srhs/Activities/Debate/index.htm
- ^ Template:Http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1138257/
