Russellville High School (Arkansas)

Russellville High School is a comprehensive public high school established in 1893 serving the community of Russellville, Arkansas, United States. Located in Pope County and within the Russellville micropolitan area, Russellville High School is the sole high school managed by the Russellville School District and serves students in grades ten through twelve and its main feeder schools are Russellville Junior High School (grades 8-9) and Russellville Middle School (grades 6-7).

Curriculum

The assumed course of study at Russellville High School is the Smart Core curriculum developed by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). Russellville High School was first accredited by the North Central Association in 1945, followed by accreditation by AdvancED when the NCA unified with AdvancED starting in 2009-10.^[5] Students engage in regular and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and exams to obtain at least 22 units before graduation. Exceptional students have been recognized as National Merit Finalists and participated in Arkansas Governor's School.

Students who qualify may seek participation in the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA), Odyssey of the Mind, and student competitions and festivals beyond the local district. Russellville High School performs weekly character education sessions and was the first High School in Arkansas to offer an introductory course on World Religions, the school also promotes the Fine Arts.

Extracurricular activities

The Russellville High School mascot is the cyclone and crimson and black serve as the school colors.

Athletics

For the 2012-2014 seasons,^[6] the Russellville Crimson Cyclones participate in the state's second largest classification (6A) within the combined 6A/7A Central Conference. Competition is primarily sanctioned by the Arkansas Activities Association with the Cyclones competing in baseball, basketball (boys/girls), competitive cheer, cheer, cross country, competitive dance, dance, debate, football, golf (boys/girls), soccer (boys/girls), softball, speech, swimming (girls), tennis (boys/girls, track and field, volleyball, and wrestling.^[7]

RHS has captured at least 40 state championships in its athletic history, the first in 1933 with the undefeated (9-0-0) football Cyclones being recognized by the Arkansas Activities Association as state champions. In 2014, the Cyclones won state Class 6A championships in baseball, volleyball, and boys soccer. In addition, the boys' track and field team captured nine state championships between 1951 and 2012.^[8] In 2014, Russellville won its third state baseball championship (1993, 2001), defeating Marion 2-0 in the finals. In 2015, the Cyclones defeated Siloam Springs 2-1 to win their third Class 6A state boys soccer championship in the previous four years (2012, 2014, and 2015). ^[9]

RHS's athletic Hall Of Fame (HOF) is believed to be one of the first of its kind in the state at any level. Initiated by former long-time RHS coach, educator and administrator, Wallace Bailey, the RHS HOF's first inductee was All-State QB Jesse McBath in 1924. Wallace Bailey (1901-1969) served as head football coach from 1923-45 and compiled a career record of 142-73-15 (.650), the most wins in school history. Since 1924, over 180 RHS student-athletes have been enshrined in the Hall. Six-time All-Pro Eddie Meador of the Los Angeles Rams is a 1955 RHS graduate and HOF member. An All-State back in 1954, Meador went on to be an All-American at Arkansas Tech, rushing for over 3,400 yards. HOF member Corliss Williamson (RHS '92) was an All-State basketball player and a member of the Arkansas Razorbacks' NCAA championship team in 1994. Williamson (6-7, 245) also played professionally, winning an NBA championship in 2004 as a member of the Detroit Pistons. One of the Hall's most accomplished members is the late Paul White (RHS '74) who holds the overall state record in the shot put. White's accomplishments include: 1973 - Class AAA State Champion Shot Put - 61' 5" (state class record), 1974 - Class AAA State Champion Shot Put - 65' 6" (state class record), 1974 Arkansas Meet of Champions Shot Put champion - 65' 10" (overall state record), 1974 National High School Shot Put Champion - 69' 8-1/2", High School All-American. In addition, Chris Goodman (RHS '93) owns the third longest discus throw in state history, 186' 10-1/2". ^[10]

As of the 2015-2016 SY, the 7A/6A Central Conference consists of the following high schools:

• Alma Airedales
• Bryant Hornets
• Conway Wampus Cats
• Greenwood Bulldogs
• Little Rock Catholic/Mount Saint Mary's (Rockets/Belles)
• Russellville Cyclones
• Siloam Springs Panthers
• Van Buren Pointers

According to the AAA, for the 2016-2017 SY, the Cyclones are scheduled to leave the 7A/6A Central Conference for the new 6A West Conference consisting of Benton, Lake Hamilton, Sheridan, El Dorado, Texarkana, Siloam Springs, Greenwood and Russellville.

Clubs and traditions

RHS students have the opportunity to participate in various affinity groups including Student Council, National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Spanish National Honor Society, Société Honoraire de Français, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Renaissance Leadership Group, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Christian Student Union, Interact, Science National Honor Society, DECA (Marketing), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), FCCLA (Future Career and Community Leaders of America), PEACE Club, Thespians, Outdoor Club, Quiz Bowl, Art Club, Young Democrats, Young Republicans, LARPING, Rodeo Club, and Photography Club.

Notable alumni

The following are notable people associated with Russellville High School. If the person was a Russellville High School student, the number in parentheses indicates the year of graduation; if the person was a faculty or staff member, that person's title and years of association are included:

• Scott Bradley—American composer most known for his works in Tom and Jerry (MGM) cartoons, was from Russellville.^[11][12]
• Natalie Canerday (1979)—Actress; roles include Sling Blade, October Sky, and Walk the Line.
• Jeff Davis—Arkansas Governor (1901–07), U.S. Senator (1907–13).^[13]
• Elizabeth Ward Gracen (1979)—Actress; crowned 1982 Miss America and 1981 Miss Arkansas.
• Greg Horne (1983)—All-American kicker/punter; four-year letterman at Arkansas; NFL professional football player.
• Zach Hocker (2010)-All-American kicker, all-time leading scorer at the University of Arkansas with 354 career points.
• Eddie Meador (1955)—NFL professional football player and six-time All-Pro selection.^[14]
• Corliss Williamson (1992)—former University of Central Arkansas basketball coach 2011-2013 (26-62); former NBA professional basketball player; 1992 Gatorade National Male Basketball Player of the Year Award
• Steve Womack (1975)—Congressman from Arkansas's 3rd congressional district

References

External links

• Official website
• School Performance Dashboard, Russellville High School