Hillcrest High School (Riverside, California)

Hillcrest High School (Riverside, California) is a public high school in Riverside, California, United States. Students from Villegas Middle School, Arizona Middle School and transfers attend Hillcrest.

Hillcrest at a Glance

Hillcrest is a comprehensive high school with a laser focus on student excellence in all areas.  Their student-centered school culture is based on the Alvord Unified School District promise of "All student will realize their unlimited potential. They strive to ensure every student succeeds in their supportive and collaborative learning environment. They  welcome everyone  to their Trojan Family!

Values

Hillcrest is committed to their Trojan PRIDE values of PERSEVERENCE, RESPONSIBILITY, INNOVATION, DIVERSITY and EXCELLENCE!

History

Hillcrest High School was completed in 2011 for $105 million and intended to relieve the overcrowded La Sierra High School, but did not open until August 2012 because the school district lacked the $4 million yearly operating budget.^[1] It cost $1 million to keep the campus secure while closed.^[2]

Rivals

The rivalry between Hillcrest and La Sierra has been ever so present since the opening of the school. Both close in location, the corresponding football teams have a tradition to "vandalize"/ "prank" each other using non-damaging items such as chalk and toilet paper. This all occurs to, "hype" up the rivalry football game known to students as the Backyard Battle of the Bell. The winner of the varsity football game between the schools retains a trophy containing a bell for one year, until the next meeting. Although all the sports are rivals with La Sierra, it is predominantly between the football teams.

Academics

Hillcrest high school is proud to be a S.T.E.M institution offering prestigious courses such as IM Math, Robotics, Engineering, Animation, Health, and many more. Although offering the typical classes offered by other local schools, the spot light is put upon the S.T.E.M courses. Hillcrest offers a wide variety of AP and honors classes for students seeking to challenge themselves.

Teachers and Administration

Hillcrest has one of the most talented and prestigious teacher and administration lists locally. Most of the Hillcrest teachers enjoy their jobs and believe in helping the student succeed and realize their unlimited potential. The teachers offer a tight knit community and support system. The school values are very present through the teachers.

Principal's Message: Dr.Kemp

"Welcome to Hillcrest High School!

Hillcrest is a comprehensive high school with a laser focus on student excellence in all areas.  Our student-centered school culture is based on the Alvord Unified School District promise of "All students will realize their unlimited potential."  We are committed to our Trojan PRIDE values of  PERSEVERaNCE, RESPONSIBILITY, INNOVATION, DIVERSITY and EXCELLENCE,  and we strive to ensure every student succeeds in our supportive and collaborative learning environment. 

We want every Hillcrest student to feel connected and to be involved in school. Hillcrest offers a full complement of academic courses to support students in college and career readiness. Our emphasis is STEM, with specialty courses including Integrated Mathematics/CT, Integrated Mathematics/Robotics and Computing, Project Lead the Way Engineering, CADD, Advanced Placement, and AVID. Our dynamic and enriching learning environment inlcudes an outstanding VAPA department; we offer exceptional courses in choir, drawing, drama, and band. Our award-winning Hillcrest athletics programs pride themselves in promoting individual perseverance, team-work and collaboration, responsibility, and outstanding character. Hillcrest Trojans embrace a growth mindset which enriches our objective for student excellence and for all students to graduate college and career ready. Welcome to our Hillcrest Family Sincerely, Sherri Kemp, Ed.D."

Athletics

Hillcrest is a member of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) River Valley League along with Jurupa Valley High School, La Sierra High School, Norte Vista High School, Patriot High School and Ramona High School.The basketball team has made CIF for three straight years. The girls water polo team has attended and won numerous CIF championships. The wrestling team is renowned, also boasting CIF and state titles The football team has won twice against their rivals, La Sierra, at three Battle for the Bell games. Other sports offered include cheer, dance, softball, tennis, baseball, volleyball, cross country, track and field, water polo, swim, and golf.

Clubs

The Hillcrest clubs include Kiwanis Key Club, Newspaper Club, Video Game Club, Black Student Union (BSU), Filippino Club, Nintendo/Pokemon Club, Deca Club (Business), Anime/Manga Club, Fashion Club, Make a Wish Club, Red Cross Club, Hiphop Club, Environmental Club, Christian Club, and many more!

Performing Arts

Hillcrest offers various art programs from a beginning level to advanced. The performing arts include band, choir, and drama. During the 2017-2018 the band program will add marching band and color guard to the band program. Choir offers Beginning Choir, Show Choir, and Concert Choir. The Show/Concert Choir has performed at Disneyland, the Riverside Fox Performing Arts Theatre, and received Universal Superiors at a Choral Festival held at California Baptist University. The choirs also volunteer at numerous elderly shelters annually. The drama program offers drama from beginning to advanced and also a technical class. The drama program annually attends a Shakespeare competition.

Fight Song

Norte Dame Victory March

Alma Mater

Hillcrest High, we raise our voices,Strong and proud and bold.Overlooking our fair city,Cardinal and Gold. Truth and knowledge to impart,Love and service from the heart. Hail to thee our Alma Mater,Trojan spirit burning bright,Hillcrest High our guiding light!

Old House System

Have you ever dreamed about attending a school such as Hogwarts from the fictional world of Harry Potter? Hillcrest used to hold a similar house system. The Houses included Rome, Syracuse, Atlantis, and Athens. Similar to Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Freshman would would be sorted into their houses upon registration. The houses met frequently at pep rallies and held house games to receive house points.

References