Wren High School

Coordinates: 34°43′15.4″N 82°32′41.5″W / 34.720944°N 82.544861°W / 34.720944; -82.544861

Wren High School is a public high school in Anderson School District One in Anderson County, South Carolina, and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Wren High School is an award-winning, outstanding public high school serving the small communities of Piedmont. Wren has received a Palmetto Gold rating for a record 10 straight years. The U.S. News & World Report ranked WHS among the "Nation's Best" High Schools in 2009. After 3 years as a finalist, Wren was named a Palmetto's Finest High School in March 2011. This prestigious award is given only to one school a year and uses a series of visits to identify the best school in the state. Wren High is constantly recognized as a model for academic success and community involvement.

Athletics

Wren's athletic teams are known as the Golden Hurricanes, and their school colors are blue and gold. In 2008, Wren High's softball team won a region, district, and state championship. In the 2009/2010 athletic year, Wren produced six region champion teams (football, girls' softball, golf, boys' soccer, baseball, and track and field). The girls' golf team went on to finish third at the state championships. The cheerleading team also qualified for the state competition. The "Category V" dance team won the Cheersport National Championship in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2010/2011, much of the same success was repeated with multiple region champions and invitations to the state tournaments. Girls' Golf once again finished 3rd in the state while the Category V Dance Team won two National Championships in different divisions. In 2011/2012 the Category V Dance Team won their 3rd consecutive National Championship, while the Varsity Girls' Golf team won the AAAA State Championship.

Marching Band

Wren also has a strong tradition of music. The Wren High School Marching Band consistently has gone to the State Championships in their class, and scored well. Under the direction of Mr. Bruce Caldwell, now retired after 31 years of teaching, the band place 2nd in AAA state consistently during the 1990s. 2003 was the last year (until 2010) that they went to State Championships , and they place 3rd. In 2010 Wren went to the AAAA State Championship, and place 8th of 13. In 2011, they place 9th of 13. In 2012, due to the opening of Powdersville High School, Wren dropped back to AAA, and place 4th at AAA State Championships out of 20. In 2013, Mr. Bruce Caldwell retired, and Mr. Chuck Hamlett, an alumni and former Drum Major of the band, took over. The band again went to the AAA State Championships and place 11th of 20.

Alma Mater

To thee, O Wren, we sing thy praise Who leads us true in Wisdom's ways Mother of learning, we sing to thee All our love and loyalty.

Mem'ries so tender linger on Of school days here, past and gone Lasting friends and truths we feel Mold our lives with high ideals.

O Wren, with heart and hand and mind We hold thee dear in favor kind. Success can be sure, life's battle won Dear Alma Mater, live on, live on.

Notable alumni

• Shannon Faulkner(1993), first female cadet to enter The Citadel
• Wes Knight (2004), soccer player
• Wesley Quinn (2008), former member of V Factory
• Donna R. Clark (1995), film director/producer
• Corbin Mills (2010), will play in the Masters after winning back to back in the 2011 Public Links Amateur and Palmetto Amateur. He currently plays golf for Clemson University.
• Jason Place (2006), Signed by the Boston Redsox, now plays in the Yankee's Minor League organization.
• Bruce Caldwell (1982-2013), Professional Saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist, Professor at Southern Weslyan University, Now retired from teaching, Recipient of first Golden Apple Award from WYFF News Channel 4.

References

External links

• Wren High School official website
• Whitecaps FC official website