Russellville High School (Arkansas)
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. Students engage in regular and Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and exams to obtain at least 23 units before graduation. Exceptional students have been recognized as National Merit Finalists and participated in Arkansas Governor's School.
Known as the "Pride of Russellville," the Instrumental Program has consistently scored superior ratings in competitions as well as place a number of students in All-Region Band, Jazz Band, All-State Band, and All-State Jazz Band. The band has performed at three inaugural parades (1976, 1996, 2016) and holds the record for the most times a single band has performed for the inauguration. Along with the instrumental program, the choral program can boast "best of the best" and has been invited to perform at a National Choral Competition in 2018. The choral program also consistently scores superior in competitions as well as placing a number of students of All-Region and All-State Choir. Academically, the music program also offers courses in General Music, Advanced Placement Music Theory (one of the first programs in the state) and Music Technology.
Extracurricular activities
The Russellville High School mascot is the cyclone, and crimson and black serve as the school colors.
Athletics
For the 2024-2025 seasons, 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.
RHS has won at least 40 state championships in its athletic history with the first coming in 1933 with the Cyclone football team 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. The boys' track and field team won nine state championships between 1951 and 2012. In 2014, Russellville won its third state baseball championship (1993, 2001). In 2024, the Cyclones won their eighth Class 6A state boys' soccer championship. Additionally, RHS has an excellent swim and dive program having won eight state championships.
The Cyclones (12–1) won the 2016 State Class 6A football championship.
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.
- 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).
- 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-time leading scorer at the University of Arkansas with 354 career points, played for New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Rams of the NFL
- Eddie Meador (1955)—NFL professional football player and six-time All-Pro selection.
- Greg Standridge (1985) — member of the Arkansas Senate for District 16, which includes Russellville
- Corliss Williamson (1992)—1992 Gatorade National Male Basketball Player of the Year Award, Parade Magazine High School All-American, two-time All-American with the Arkansas Razorbacks, led the Razorbacks to the 1994 NCAA National Championship, 1994 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, 1994 and 1995 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year, drafted 13th overall in the first round of the 1995 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings, played in the NBA from 1995 to 2007, 2002 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, won the 2004 NBA Championship with the Detroit Pistons, head coach of the University of Central Arkansas from 2010-2013, been an assistant coach in the NBA since 2013, currently with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
- Steve Womack (1975) — U.S. Representative for Arkansas's 3rd congressional district
References
- ^ "RUSSELLVILLE HIGH SCHOOL". National Center for Education Statistics. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
- ^ "Russellville (Pope County)". Encyclopedia of Arkansas History & Culture. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
- ^ "AdvancED Institution Profile, Russellville High School". AdvancED. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
- ^ "2012-14 AAA Classifications and Conferences" (PDF). Arkansas Activities Association. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
- ^ "School Profile, Russellville High School". Arkansas Activities Association. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
- ^ "Arkansas High School Sports Record Book 2012-13" (PDF). Arkansas Activities Association. July 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 31, 2013. Retrieved August 21, 2012.
- ^ "2012 State Volleyball Championships" (PDF). Arkansas Activities Association. Retrieved November 18, 2012.
- ^ "..:: The Tom and Jerry Online :: An Unofficial Site : SCOTT BRADLEY::".
- ^ "Scott Bradley". IMDb.
- ^ "Arkansas Governor Jefferson Davis". National Governors Association. Retrieved August 17, 2012.
- ^ http://edmeador21.com
- ^ "Gregory Brian Standfield". intelius. Retrieved August 13, 2015.