West Springfield High School (Virginia)

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West Springfield High School

Established	1966
School type	Public school
Religious affiliation
Principal	David Smith
Enrollment	2,198
Location	Springfield, Virginia, USA
Color(s)	Blue and Orange
Mascot	Spartans
Homepage	www.fcps.edu/westspringfieldhs/

West Springfield High School is a public high school located in Springfield in Fairfax County, Virginia, at 6100 Rolling Road, and is part of the Fairfax County Public Schools system. West Springfield (often referred to as WSHS) enrolls students from grades 9-12, offers the Advanced Placement program and currently enrolls over 2,200 students.

1 History
2 Layout
3 Demographics
4 Athletics
5 Music
6 Spartan Sports Teams
7 External links

[edit] History

The school opened in 1966. A planetarium was added in 1967. A school renovation was completed in 1991, which included the construction of new classrooms in a courtyard and remodeling the library, Auditorium, Spartan Hall, and the Career Center.

[edit] Layout

The school is laid out on two stories with the library, planetarium, administration offices and cafeteria in front and auditorium and gymnasium in the back. The school shares a layout with Herndon High School, located in the western part of the county and Oakton High School, located in the central part of the county.

[edit] Demographics

White: 62%, Asian/Pacific Islander: 17%, Hispanic: 10%, Black: 7%, Native American: less than 1%. 4% are unspecified.

[edit] Athletics

WSHS participates in a wide variety of high school sports. The school competes in the Patriot District which is in the Northern Region of the Virginia High School League. Major rivals have traditionally been Lake Braddock Secondary School, Robinson Secondary School and Robert E. Lee High School, based on their geographic proximity. Top ranked WSHS athletic programs include its boys and girls soccer teams, girls basketball team, girls softball team, and boys and girls cross country teams. Alumni of note include James Dexter (former NFL offensive lineman with the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals), Kara Lawson (Guard for WNBA Sacramento Monarchs), Ryan Speier (Baseball pitcher for the Colorado Rockies, Joe Saunders (Baseball pitcher for the LA Angels of Anahiem), and Brian Carroll who plays for D.C. United.

West Springfield's school mascot is a Spartan soldier and school colors are orange and blue. Spartan Pride means Spartan Honor.

[edit] Music

The Wind Symphony has, under the baton of Laurence J. Einuis Jr., received consistent ratings of "Superior" at band festivals for the past several years, and the Symphonic and Concert bands, while playing lower grade pieces, continues to receive "Superior" ratings. The Jazz band has received "Superior" ratings in all of their recent competitions, and received several awards during their last spring trip. There are also the Marching Spartans who have won USSBA Group 5-A Championships, are Virginia champions and All-States champions. The band earned its second Honor Band title in 2006. .

The Symphonic Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Steve Fraser, played as an honor orchestra in the 2005 Virginia Music Educator's Association.

WSHS also has a Guitar program, with school-provided guitars for students to use. Their Jazz Guitar Combo is one of few high school groups of it's kind in the region. They receive consistent ratings of "Superior," as does the Advanced Guitar Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble. The current director is Mr. Keith Owens. The Guitar Program is currently the largest music department in terms of population, with their 5 different levels of difficulty. Many Freshman begin with Guitar 1 to learn the basics of the guitar, with many going on to Guitar 2, and many still go on to other ensembles.

WSHS also has a choral program, featuring five classes, four of which are auditioned for. Spartan Choir is unauditioned, mixed class. Ladies Select is an all women's choir that sometimes sings a capella. Madrigals is a mixed a capella choir. Pizazz is an all women's dance choir that is an 8th period, and Personality is a mixed dance choir. At competitions, the Choral department has received many awards and recognitions, as well as many Superior ratings over the past several years. All choral classes are taught by Michael Dombrow, and all show choirs performances are choreographed by John Gonzalez.

[edit] Spartan Sports Teams

Varsity Football

The West Springfield Spartan varsity football team holds the Virginia State High School Football record for most combined points for two teams in a single game with West Potomac High School. The West Potomac Wolverines won the game 81-74 in 4 overtimes. West Springfield could not extend the game when QB Peter Lalich fumbled at the goal line and was recovered by West Potomac to end the game.

Varsity Wrestling

The West Springfield Spartan wrestling team has claimed three individual state championships; 1982 Chip McArdle (119#), 1988 David Wilderman (138#) and 1990 Ross Iaci (125#).

Varsity Cheerleading

The Spartan Cheerleading team won a state title in 2003. As well they have won the Patriot District Cheerleading Competition in 2006 for the second time, beating out their major rival, the Lake Braddock Bruins.

Track and Field

For the first time since anyone can remember, the WS boys team took home the indoor Patriot District Championship in 2007. The team was led by Seniors Andrew Hurst, Mike Spooner, Andy Adell, Leo Walker, Anthony Trueheart, Alex Martis and Sean Hogan.