Oscar F. Smith High School
| Oscar F. Smith High School | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
|
1994 Tiger Drive Chesapeake, Virginia, 23320 United States | |
| Information | |
| School type | Public high school |
| Founded | 1954 |
| School district | Chesapeake City Public Schools |
| Superintendent | Dr. Jim Roberts |
| Principal | Paul Joseph |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Enrollment | 2,171 (2008-09) |
| Language | English |
| Campus | Suburban |
| Color(s) | Royal Blue, Gold, White ███ |
| Athletics conference |
Virginia High School League AAA Eastern Region Southeastern District |
| Mascot | Tigers |
| Rival |
Indian River High School Deep Creek High School |
| Website | Official Site |
Oscar Frommel Smith High School was originally built in South Norfolk, Virginia, to replace the aging South Norfolk High School in 1954. In 1994, a new school was constructed in the Greenbrier/Great Bridge area of Chesapeake, Virginia, and has a current enrollment of over 2,100 students. OSHS was authorized to begin administering the IB Diploma Program by the International Baccalaureate Organization in 2002 and IB students from all six Chesapeake zones feed into it.
Facilities
One of the newest schools in the Chesapeake City Public Schools, it houses some of the newest technology in the district, including numerous networked computer, business, and technology labs; a 1,000-seat auditorium; and the Linda P. Overton Theatre, which houses technology for student presentations. The 3,850-seat J. William Myers Gymnasium (also known as the "Dollar Dome" gym), is one of the largest gyms in the Hampton Roads area, housing three full basketball courts. The Beard-DeLong-Easley Field stadium, named in honor of three Oscar Smith alumni who went on to play in the NFL, seats 7,000 and is the current home of the Oscar Smith Tigers football team.
Athletics
Oscar Smith football started excelling in 2004 and 2005, winning the Southeastern District both years. The Tiger's football program was led by quarterback Greg Boone, runningback Andre Cook, and Coach Morgan.
Oscar Smith High School has an excellent football program. Under the guidance of Coach Richard Morgan, the Tigers have been Southeastern District Champions for ten years in a row, and have lost only two regular season games in 10 years. In 2004, Oscar Smith High celebrated its 50th anniversary, and the Tigers provided the excitement by posting an undefeated season and winning the Southeastern District Championship. In 2005, the Tigers had a repeat performance, claiming back-to-back district championships. In 2007, the Tigers won the Eastern Region title for the first time, avenging their loss against Salem High School from 2006, and moving on to the State semi-finals. There, the team suffered a loss to Westfield High School which was led by Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Mike Glennon, who would go on to win the State Championship by defeating Woodbridge 42-14, but would come back and get to the same spot during the 2008 season. This time, a hard-fought 10-7 victory over Oakton High School with kicker Ryan Trotman kicking a field goal in the closing minutes to win the game. Oscar Smith advanced to the Division 6 state finals against Osbourne High School. This game, held at Virginia Tech, was one of the most memorable state final games ever. Oscar Smith posted 54 points, triumphing 54-24 in a game played in the cold and snow. Quarterback Phillip Sims set a state final record with 6 touchdown passes, as did wide receiver Tim Smith with 4 touchdown receptions. This team is still ranked in the top 10 in the nation on most, if not all, polls. On August 28, 2009, Oscar Smith was rewarded for their excellent performance with a primetime game at home against Venice High School of Florida on ESPNU in which Sims, an Alabama commit and one of the top recruited quarterbacks for 2010, faced off against Trey Burton, another excellent quarterback for 2010 who now plays for Florida. The Oscar Smith Tigers won this game, 27-13.
2008 Virginia State Football Champions
Following another undefeated regular season and winning their fifth district title in as many years, the Tigers marched into the playoffs as a dominant force, consistently ranked No. 1 in the state and breaking into the Top 10 in national rankings. On November 29, 2008, the Tigers defeated Oakton to advance to the state championship game. The following Saturday, on a cold and snowy December afternoon in Blacksburg, Virginia, the Tigers exploded into Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium and continued their dominant ways, shutting out the Osbourn Eagles in the first half and emerging victorious with a final score of 54-24. The Tigers could be heard ringing their victory bell in the wee hours after their return home early Sunday morning, bringing with them the first team state championship for Oscar Smith High School in any sport since the school opened in 1954.
2009 Virginia State Football Semifinals
Oscar Smith lost 17-20 in overtime against the Thomas Dale High School Knights, ending their undefeated run.
2011 Virginia State Football Champions
On December 10, the Tigers won their eight consecutive Southeastern District title, and brought home their second state championship in four years, defeating Centreville High School 47-21. They finished the 2011 season 14-1, and are the only Chesapeake school to win more than one football state title.
Orchestra
Earning a reputation for excellence during the past eleven years, the Oscar Smith High School Orchestras have grown from forty eight members to over one hundred members. The orchestras have earned top awards at music festivals in Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Florida, New York and Indiana and have consistently earned superior ratings at the VBODA/VMEA District IV Orchestra Festival.
The Oscar F. Smith High School Chamber Orchestra earned a standing ovation for its outstanding performance as the final orchestra performance of the 2005 Virginia Music Educators Association(VMEA) In-Service Conference. They have also performed by invitation at the 2007 National Band & Orchestra Festival in Carnegie Hall, the 2008 & 2011 Music for All National "Orchestra America" Festival in Indianapolis and the 2009 & 2012 ASTA National Orchestra Festival in Atlanta (as a part of the American String Teachers Association's National 'ASTA' Conference).
IB Program
The International Baccalaureate, or IB program, offered at OSHS is a great opportunity for students who love to learn. It is an academically challenging and balanced program of education that mixes the learning of life skills with global awareness, with final examinations that prepare students for success at university and in life. The IB Program is run by Kerri Lancaster.
Politics
On August 21, 2008, Barack Obama held a Town Hall Meeting in the J William Myers gymnasium as part of his 2008 Presidential Campaign. In 2004, John Kerry held a similar event in the gym as well.
Notable alumni
- Ed Beard: San Francisco 49ers, player from 1965–1972
- Steve DeLong: San Diego Chargers, player from 1965–1972
- Kenny Easley: Seattle Seahawks, player from 1981–1987
- Richard Mott: Pittsburgh Pirates, player 1981 - 1985
- Greg Boone: Arena football player, 2011–present
- Jamie Burke (rugby union): USA Women's National Rugby Team - Captain, 1998
References
External links
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Coordinates: 36°44′25″N 76°15′22″W / 36.74035°N 76.25617°W