Shades Valley High School: Difference between revisions
(updated infobox, added info to history section, cleaned up other sections) |
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| grades = 9–12 | | grades = 9–12 | ||
| principal = Mary Beth Blankenship | | principal = Mary Beth Blankenship | ||
| enrollment = | | enrollment =1,348 | ||
| enroll-year = | | enroll-year =2014 | ||
| colors = | | colors = Maroon and black | ||
| mascot = Mounties | | mascot = Mounties | ||
| website = [http://shadesvalleyhigh.jefcoed.com/Pages/Default.aspx shadesvalleyhigh.jefcoed.com] | | website = [http://shadesvalleyhigh.jefcoed.com/Pages/Default.aspx shadesvalleyhigh.jefcoed.com] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Shades Valley High School''' is | '''Shades Valley High School''' (SVHS) is a four-year public high school in the [[Birmingham]] suburb of [[Irondale]]. The school was established in 1948 near [[Homewood]] and moved to its present location in 1996. SVHS is the largest of 14 high schools in the [[Jefferson County Schools|Jefferson County School System]]. School colors are maroon and black, and the athletic teams are called the Mounties. SVHS competes in [[AHSAA]] Class 6A athletics. | ||
SVHS shares its campus with the [[Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School]] (JCIB). The Shades Valley Technical Academies (SVTA) are situated on a separate campus two miles away. Both JCIB and SVTA students participate in SVHS student activities and take some elective courses with SVHS students. | |||
== History == | == History == | ||
{{Main|Shades Valley High School (1949)}} | {{Main|Shades Valley High School (1949)}} | ||
[[Image:Shades Valley HS 1950.jpg|center|thumb|575px|Shades Valley High School in 1950]] | [[Image:Shades Valley HS 1950.jpg|center|thumb|575px|Shades Valley High School in 1950]] | ||
In [[ | In the mid-1940s, the city of [[Homewood]] petitioned the county school board to construct a new high school as a replacement for the aging [[Shades Cahaba High School]] to serve Birmingham's fast-growing Over the Mountain suburbs. In 1947 [[Homewood]] and [[Mountain Brook]] residents approved a five-mill property tax to support development of a new school, which opened in the Fall of 1949. The building was dedicated on May 25, 1950 and had an initial enrollment of 870 students, which more than doubled by 1956 before Mountain Brook formed its own school system. | ||
When it was established, SVHS was designed to serve students from across [[Homewood]], [[Mountain Brook]], [[Vestavia Hills]], and [[Hoover]]. Over the years, each of these suburbs formed their own school systems, shifting the SVHS student population away from the campus and leading to the need for SVHS to relocate. In 1994, the [[Jefferson County Schools|Jefferson County School Board]] voted to acquire land for a new site for Shades Valley High School. The new, 42-acre site was located in [[Irondale]], almost eight miles from the school's original location. A groundbreaking ceremony was held October 18, 1994 at the new site and the new school building opened to students on August 14, 1996. It contains 78 classrooms, three science laboratories, a teaching kitchen, nine computer labs, two gymnasiums, a weight room, a large state-of-the-art auditorium, and band and choral suites. The original building was then demolished for construction of the Colonial Bank Building. | |||
== Student Profile == | |||
Enrollment in grades 9-12 for the 2013-14 school year was approximately 1,348 students. SVHS students are diverse: 61% are African-American, 29% are White, 6% are Hispanic, and 3% are Asian-American. Approximately 50% of students qualified for free or reduced price lunch. | |||
SVHS has a graduation rate of 87%. Approximately 89% of its students meet or exceed state proficiency standards in reading, and about 90% do so in mathematics. The average ACT score for SVHS students is 22 and the average SAT composite is 1560. | |||
== Academics == | |||
SVHS offers a variety of courses at all levels of academic rigor. Approximately 29% of students take one or more of the following Advanced Placement courses: | |||
{| | |||
|- valign ="top" | |||
| | |||
* Biology | |||
* Calculus | |||
* Chemistry | |||
* Computer Science | |||
* Economics | |||
* English Language & Composition | |||
* English Literature & Composition | |||
* Environmental Science | |||
* French | |||
* German | |||
| | |||
* Human Geography | |||
* Modern European History | |||
* Music Theory | |||
* Physics | |||
* Psychology | |||
* Spanish | |||
* Statistics | |||
* Studio Art | |||
* US Government & Politics | |||
* US History | |||
|} | |||
Students can also take advantage of four different career-focused academies: | |||
* '''Academy of Business & Finance''', which partners with local businesses to prepare students for success in college and industry | |||
* '''Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance''' | |||
* '''Jefferson County School of Visual Art''' | |||
* '''Pre-Engineering Academy,''' which introduces high school students to concepts of engineering modeling and design using the nationally-recognized [[Project Lead the Way]] curriculum | |||
The | ==Athletics== | ||
=== Current Sports === | |||
SVHS fields teams in the following competitive sports: | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
!Girls' Sports | |||
!Boys' Sports | |||
|- | |||
|Basketball | |||
|Baseball | |||
|- | |||
|Bowling | |||
|Basketball | |||
|- | |||
|Cheerleading (Varsity and Junior Varsity) | |||
|Bowling | |||
|- | |||
|Cross Country Track | |||
|Cross Country Track | |||
|- | |||
|Golf | |||
|Football (Varsity & Junior Varsity) | |||
|- | |||
|Indoor Track | |||
|Golf | |||
|- | |||
|Outdoor Track & Field | |||
|Indoor Track | |||
|- | |||
|Soccer | |||
|Outdoor Track & Field | |||
|- | |||
|Softball | |||
|Soccer | |||
|- | |||
|Tennis | |||
|Tennis | |||
|- | |||
|Volleyball | |||
|Wrestling | |||
|} | |||
=== History === | |||
SVHS athletic teams have won five state championships: | |||
* Boys' golf (1957) | |||
* Boys' soccer (2001, 2004, 2006) | |||
* Boys' track and field (1966) | |||
SVHS teams have also accomplished the following: | |||
* The baseball team played for the state 4A championship in 1980, finishing runner-up to Davidson High of Mobile. | |||
* The boys' basketball team played in the state final four in 1954, 1962, 1971, 1980 & 1984, finishing second in 1971. | |||
* The girls' basketball team played in the state final four in 1997. | |||
* In addition to the three state championships noted above, the boys' soccer finished runner-up in the 2000 state championship. | |||
* The football team has won over 500 games all-time, which is the most all-time wins for any team in Jefferson County. SVHS has also accumulated a total of 13 region & area championships, three undefeated regular seasons, and finished runner-up in the state in 1987 & 1994. | |||
==Principals== | ==Principals== | ||
Line 37: | Line 134: | ||
* [[Jane Baker]], [[2003]]–October [[2011]] | * [[Jane Baker]], [[2003]]–October [[2011]] | ||
* [[Mary Beth Blankenship]], October [[2011]]– | * [[Mary Beth Blankenship]], October [[2011]]– | ||
==Traditions== | ==Traditions== |
Revision as of 17:37, 28 September 2015
Shades Valley High School | |
Established | 1949 |
---|---|
School type | Public secondary |
District | Jefferson County Schools |
Grades | 9–12 |
Principal | Mary Beth Blankenship |
Enrollment | 1,348 (2014) |
Colors | Maroon and black |
Mascot | Mounties |
Location | 6100 Old Leeds Rd Irondale |
Website | shadesvalleyhigh.jefcoed.com |
Shades Valley High School (SVHS) is a four-year public high school in the Birmingham suburb of Irondale. The school was established in 1948 near Homewood and moved to its present location in 1996. SVHS is the largest of 14 high schools in the Jefferson County School System. School colors are maroon and black, and the athletic teams are called the Mounties. SVHS competes in AHSAA Class 6A athletics.
SVHS shares its campus with the Jefferson County International Baccalaureate School (JCIB). The Shades Valley Technical Academies (SVTA) are situated on a separate campus two miles away. Both JCIB and SVTA students participate in SVHS student activities and take some elective courses with SVHS students.
History
In the mid-1940s, the city of Homewood petitioned the county school board to construct a new high school as a replacement for the aging Shades Cahaba High School to serve Birmingham's fast-growing Over the Mountain suburbs. In 1947 Homewood and Mountain Brook residents approved a five-mill property tax to support development of a new school, which opened in the Fall of 1949. The building was dedicated on May 25, 1950 and had an initial enrollment of 870 students, which more than doubled by 1956 before Mountain Brook formed its own school system.
When it was established, SVHS was designed to serve students from across Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, and Hoover. Over the years, each of these suburbs formed their own school systems, shifting the SVHS student population away from the campus and leading to the need for SVHS to relocate. In 1994, the Jefferson County School Board voted to acquire land for a new site for Shades Valley High School. The new, 42-acre site was located in Irondale, almost eight miles from the school's original location. A groundbreaking ceremony was held October 18, 1994 at the new site and the new school building opened to students on August 14, 1996. It contains 78 classrooms, three science laboratories, a teaching kitchen, nine computer labs, two gymnasiums, a weight room, a large state-of-the-art auditorium, and band and choral suites. The original building was then demolished for construction of the Colonial Bank Building.
Student Profile
Enrollment in grades 9-12 for the 2013-14 school year was approximately 1,348 students. SVHS students are diverse: 61% are African-American, 29% are White, 6% are Hispanic, and 3% are Asian-American. Approximately 50% of students qualified for free or reduced price lunch.
SVHS has a graduation rate of 87%. Approximately 89% of its students meet or exceed state proficiency standards in reading, and about 90% do so in mathematics. The average ACT score for SVHS students is 22 and the average SAT composite is 1560.
Academics
SVHS offers a variety of courses at all levels of academic rigor. Approximately 29% of students take one or more of the following Advanced Placement courses:
|
|
Students can also take advantage of four different career-focused academies:
- Academy of Business & Finance, which partners with local businesses to prepare students for success in college and industry
- Jefferson County Academy of Theatre and Dance
- Jefferson County School of Visual Art
- Pre-Engineering Academy, which introduces high school students to concepts of engineering modeling and design using the nationally-recognized Project Lead the Way curriculum
Athletics
Current Sports
SVHS fields teams in the following competitive sports:
Girls' Sports | Boys' Sports |
---|---|
Basketball | Baseball |
Bowling | Basketball |
Cheerleading (Varsity and Junior Varsity) | Bowling |
Cross Country Track | Cross Country Track |
Golf | Football (Varsity & Junior Varsity) |
Indoor Track | Golf |
Outdoor Track & Field | Indoor Track |
Soccer | Outdoor Track & Field |
Softball | Soccer |
Tennis | Tennis |
Volleyball | Wrestling |
History
SVHS athletic teams have won five state championships:
- Boys' golf (1957)
- Boys' soccer (2001, 2004, 2006)
- Boys' track and field (1966)
SVHS teams have also accomplished the following:
- The baseball team played for the state 4A championship in 1980, finishing runner-up to Davidson High of Mobile.
- The boys' basketball team played in the state final four in 1954, 1962, 1971, 1980 & 1984, finishing second in 1971.
- The girls' basketball team played in the state final four in 1997.
- In addition to the three state championships noted above, the boys' soccer finished runner-up in the 2000 state championship.
- The football team has won over 500 games all-time, which is the most all-time wins for any team in Jefferson County. SVHS has also accumulated a total of 13 region & area championships, three undefeated regular seasons, and finished runner-up in the state in 1987 & 1994.
Principals
- Frank A. Peake, 1949–1970
- Royce G. Creel, 1970-1978
- T. Lundy Clements, 1978–1990
- Richard Lazenby, 1990–1997
- Janice Dennis, 1997–2001
- Kay Lindsey, 2001-2003
- Jane Baker, 2003–October 2011
- Mary Beth Blankenship, October 2011–
Traditions
Alma Mater
Shades Valley High School's Alma Mater, is sung to the tune of Joseph Haydn's refrain from his String Quarter in C major, Opus 76,3, which is also used as the national anthem of Germany.
Dear Shades Valley, we do love thee,
Give thee honor, trust, and praise.
And for thee our spirits heighten,
While our loyalty we raise.
Onward Valley, to more glory,
We are with thee all the way.
Please bestow thy richest blessing,
Over us throughout our days.
Fight song
The Mounties' fight song is derivative of "I'm a Tar Hell Born" written in 1897 by William Starr Myers for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.
I'm Mountie born, born,
Mountie bred, bred.
And when I die
I'm Mountie dead.
So it's rah rah Shades Valley, Valley!
Rah rah Shades Valley, Valley!
Rah rah Shades Valley, red and black!
The red and black will wave on high.
We'll win this game tonight or die!
So it's rah rah Shades Valley, Valley!
Rah rah Shades Valley, Valley!
Rah rah Shades Valley, red and black!
Notable alumni
- Valerie Abbott (1970), Birmingham City Council
- Leah Rawls Atkins, water skier and historian
- George Atkins, professional football player
- Edward Burgess (1951), chemist
- Ben Erdreich (1956), U.S. Representative
- John Friedel, photographer
- David Frings (1973), Mayor of Alabaster
- Randy Gachet, scuptor
- Miller Gorrie (1953), chairman of Brasfield & Gorrie
- Brian Gowins, professional football player
- Hubert Green, professional golfer
- Marion Hobby, professional football player
- Kate Jackson, actress
- Wade Kwon, journalist and blogger
- Lolly Lee, singer
- Elizabeth MacQueen (1967), sculptor
- Charles McCrary, Alabama Power CEO
- Amy Pleasant, artist
- Saleem Rasheed (1998), professional football player
- Dowd Ritter (1965), CEO of Regions Bank
- Shannon Shorr (2003), professional poker player
- Van Snider, professional baseball player
- Sperry Snow, jewelry store owner
- Luther Strange (1970), Alabama Attorney General
- Ben Tamburello, professional football player
- Reginald Turner, professional basketball player
- Christian Watford, professional basketball player
- Randall Woodfin, president of the Birmingham Board of Education
- Richard Woodruff, jeweler
References
- Hulen, Tara and John Davis. (March 25, 1994). "Shades Valley, Clay To Get New Schools." The Birmingham News
- "Jeffco Turns First Dirt For Shades Valley High." (October 19, 1994). The Birmingham News
- Faulk, Kent. (August 7, 1996). "New Shades Valley High $19 Million School Opens At Mid-Month." The Birmingham News, page 1-A .
- Summe, Sheryl Spradling. (2001). Homewood: The Life of a City. Homewood, AL: Friends of the Homewood Public Library.
- "Shades Valley High School" (April 12, 2010) Wikipedia - accessed April 12, 2010.
External links
- Shades Valley High School website
- Shades Cahaba/Shades Valley High School football history from ahsfhs.org website