Southridge High School (Kennewick)

Infobox_School | name=Southridge High School
type=Public
principal=Mr. Biehn, Mrs. Wilson, & Mr. Christman
enrollment=~1,500
established=1996
team name= Suns
colors=Navy Blue & Gold
location =
archrivals = Kennewick LionsKamiakin Braves
website=http://www.ksd.org/srhs [http://www.ksd.org/srhs]
information=

Southridge High School is a public high school located in the city of Kennewick, Washington (in Benton County). Construction on the $30 million building began in 1995, with classroom doors opening in the spring of 1997. The original plans greatly mirrored that of a prison or jail, and many visitors often mistake Southridge for a prison. During construction, classes were held at Fruitland Elementary School, under the direction of Principal Ron Williamson. [ [http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/oldnews/1997/0221.html ] ] The first commencement was held inside the Tri-Cities Coliseum in June of 1999. [ [http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/1999/0606.html ] ] Southridge was the third 4A school constructed in Kennewick, but with the reorganization of leagues in 2006, Southridge became a 3A school and is now a member of the Columbia Basin League. [ [http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/prepreport/archive.asp?postID=599 Prep Report: Big Nine to go 4A/3A ] ] Yet again, in 2008, it was decided that Southridge would be put back under the 4A schools along with 2 other high schools in Kennewick, WA.

Facilities

The 50 acre campus lies within a valley on the southwest border of Kennewick. Southridge lies several miles away from the majority of its students.

The school's main complex, divided into wings A through F, was designed by Bob Rothman (HGA of Minnesota); Joe Lavernier Construction of Spokane was the general contractor. [ [http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/oldnews/1997/0119.html ] ] The B, C, and D-wings are classrooms, each containing two floors with eight classrooms per floor as well as lockers. The A-wing houses the auditorium, cafeteria, and the music rooms. The F-wing contains one large and two small gyms as well as a weight room - with locker rooms and training room both located downstairs. The E-wing contains the library and main offices.

The wings are all connected by a long crescent hall with A and F-wing at the north and south ends, respectively. The E-wing is in the inner curve, and wings B, C and D branch off along the outer curve. [http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3390+S+Union+Loop+Rd,+Kennewick,+WA+99338&spn=0.006319,0.007175&t=k&hl= See an aerial view] .

The school grounds include football and baseball fields, as well as softball fields, a track, several soccer fields, and 16 lit tennis courts. The school does not have a swimming pool. The swim team uses the Kennewick Public Pool for pool use.

Home of the Suns

The school nickname, the Suns, was selected in a vote among the first freshman class (Class of 1999). The mascot is a gorilla named "Sunny" and was inducted into SHS in the 2006-2007 school year.

The school colors are blue and gold (originally were blue, silver, and gold). The school fight song, "Southridge Will Forever Hold My Heart," was written in 1996 by a Southridge student to the tune of the "Notre Dame Victory March."

Southridge also boasts a nationally-ranked debate program. Since its inception in 1996-1997, the squad has competed at the State Tournament, winning the state championship in Policy debate (Cross-X), Lincoln-Douglas debate, and Individual Events (Forensics). [ [http://www.ksd.org/srhs/Activities/Debate/index.htm index ] ] The team has won at several State and National Invitational events, including the Whitman College Invitational and the National Forensic League's National Tournament.

The Southridge Drama department and Drama Club produce several ensemble performances each year. Former Southridge student Danica Lyn Stewart achieved acting success in her adult life and can be seen on NBC's daytime soap "Passions". [ [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1138257/ Danica Stewart ] ]

The Suns also have one the best Engineering Technology programs in the state, led by Jim Hendricks. They offer college-level projects like power supplies and "Sumo" robots, with which they compete with Battelle. Their Material Science course offers the chance to create a sterling silver ring and a personal piece of stained glass, both designed by the students. The course was taught by Roy Bunnell.

Athletics

Southridge particapates in the Columbia Basin Big Nine (CBBN) 4A. The CBBN is the former Columbia Basin League which is the former Big Nine. Football and soccer games are played at Neil F. Lampson Stadium, which is located on the grounds of Kennewick High School. Southridge shares the stadium with Kennewick and Kamiakin High School. In their brief existence, the Suns have won state championships in dance for 4 years (2004-2008), volleyball, and baseball [ [http://www.ksd.org/srhs/athletics/baseball/stats.html STATS ] ] , along with several individual state championships in tennis, gymnastics,wrestling, and Ice hockey. They are also strong in football, no state championships but a state quarterfinal appearance against Bellevue in the 07 season.

Fight Song

The Southridge High School fight song is sung to the beat of the Notre Dame Fight Song.
All hail to our Southridge High
Bring on the challenge, let's do or die
Honor, fame, and glory too
Guardians of the GOLD & BLUE!
We are the finest under the sun
Carry the fight 'till victory's won
Greatest school to you & I
That's almighty Southridge High

Alumni

Danica Lyn Stewart, soap opera star on Passions and General Hospital

References

External links

* [http://www.ksd.org/srhs/SHS Homepage]