Irmo High School
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Motto | "In Ourselves, Our Future Lies" |
|---|---|
| Established | 1928 |
| Type | Public High School |
| Principal | Eddie Walker |
| Students | 2,000 |
| Grades | 9-12 |
| Location | Columbia, South Carolina, United States |
| District | Lexington-Richland School District 5 |
| Colors | Black and Gold |
| Mascot | Yellow Jacket |
| Newspaper | The Stinger |
Irmo High School is a four-grade public high school in Irmo, a suburb of Columbia, South Carolina. Nearly 2,000 students are enrolled in any single year. Irmo High School falls under the administrative jurisdiction of District 5 of Lexington and Richland Counties, which encompasses Irmo and Chapin.
Contents |
[edit] Awards
Irmo student awards include the National Academic Championship in 1986, 2001, and 2002 (at Loyola University New Orleans and Pepperdine University), the ASCN Tournament of Champions in Chicago, Illinois in 2002, and the National Science Olympiad in 1987, 1989, and 1990. Irmo placed second at the National Academic Quiz Tournaments national tournament in Austin, Texas in 2002.
Irmo High School has received a number of national accolades, including the National Blue Ribbon Award.
Irmo is also known for its boys' soccer team, which has been ranked #1 in the country several times, and whose coach, Phil Savitz, has the singular honor of leading his teams to the most state championships of any coach at any high school in the United States. He most recently received the honor of his 500th career win.
The Bands of Irmo have been awarded the Sudler Flag, an award recognizing the band as elite among secondary music programs in the United States, Canada, and Japan. In addition, the Bands of Irmo won 10 consecutive 5A state marching band championships from 1994 to 2003. In 2004 The Bands of Irmo performed at Carnegie Hall earning a Gold Medal Award (1 of the 2 bands that did so out of a total of 6).
Irmo students frequently contend in the national essay contest sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace. Irmo students regularly contend in the SkillsUSA/VICA national skills competitions as well.
In 2004, Irmo High School implemented the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, an internationally recognized program of strenuous college courses. The first IB class in the history of Irmo, which graduated in May 2006, contained 25 candidates (of whom 15 received the IB diploma). Irmo High School has also produced numerous National Merit Scholars and National AP Scholars.
[edit] Notable alumni
- Leeza Gibbons (1975), former Honor Graduate and Head Cheerleader now television personality
- Donna Rice (1976), whose alleged romantic involvement with Gary Hart helped lead to the demise of his campaign for the office of President of the United States in 1988. She later became an advocate to protect children from indecency on the internet by founding Enough is Enough.
- Del Wilkes (1980), first team All-American football player (offensive line) at the University of South Carolina in 1984 and former professional wrestler.
- Chris Corley (1981), led Irmo to 1980 AAAA State Football Championship and went on to play for the University of South Carolina.
- Dalia Garcia (1982), 1983 Miss South Carolina
- Rick Quinn (1983), who became the youngest elected South Carolina state representative.
- Lilian Garcia (1984), ring announcer for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)
- Chantz "Colt" Fowler (1985), controversial spin doctor, professional wrestling color commentator, and political analyst
- Erica Schmidt, an accomplished theater director in New York City and wife of actor Peter Dinklage
- Andre Bauer (1987), South Carolina lieutenant governor since 2003
- Captain Dan McCollum (1992), U.S. Marine pilot killed in Pakistan on January 9, 2002 in a helicopter crash during Operation Enduring Freedom
- BJ McKie, (1995), led the University of South Carolina to the 1997 Southeastern Conference men's basketball championship and was named first team All-SEC
[edit] Therese Knecht Dozier
In 1985, Irmo history teacher Therese Knecht Dozier was honored as National Teacher of the Year. Dozier was later appointed special adviser to former Governor of South Carolina Richard W. Riley while he served as President Bill Clinton's Secretary of Education.
[edit] Eddie Walker!
On May 21, 2008 District 5 of Lexington and Richland Counties announced the resignation of Irmo High School principal Eddie Walker effective at the end of the 2008-09 school year, citing personal principles related to a request to establish a Gay/Straight Alliance club at the school. In a letter to "The Irmo Nation" Principal Walker stated that "allowing the formation of this club on our campus conflicts with my professional beliefs and religious convictions." In its press release the District stated, "the federal Equal Access Act stipulates that if a school has permitted the formation of any non-curricular clubs, discrimination against the establishment of a new club based on its purpose and viewpoint is prohibited."
[edit] Feeder patterns
The following elementary schools feed into Irmo High School:
- Harbison West Elementary School
- Irmo Elementary School
- Leaphart Elementary School
- Nursery Road Elementary School
- Seven Oaks Elementary School
The following middle schools feed into Irmo High School:
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_2000_Feb_1/ai_59086769
[edit] External links
- Irmo High School Online
- Irmo H.S. athletics
- Options Limited Regarding Club Establishment
- South Carolina High School Principal to Resign Over Formation of Gay Club
| Preceded by Skyline High School |
National Academic Championship champion 1986 |
Succeeded by Walnut Ridge High School |
| Preceded by Manheim Township High School |
National Academic Championship champion 2001-2002 |
Succeeded by Horace Greeley High School |
