Russellville High School (Arkansas)


Russellville High School is a comprehensive public high school established in 1893 serving the community of Russellville, Arkansas, United States. Located in Pope County and within the Russellville micropolitan area, Russellville High School is the sole high school managed by the Russellville School District and serves students in grades ten through twelve and its main feeder schools are Russellville Junior High School and Russellville Middle School.

Curriculum

The assumed course of study at Russellville High School is the Smart Core curriculum developed by the Arkansas Department of Education. 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 coursework and exams to obtain at least 22 units before graduation. Exceptional students have been recognized as National Merit Finalists and participated in Arkansas Governor's School.
Students who qualify may seek participation in the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Odyssey of the Mind, and student competitions and festivals beyond the local district. Russellville High School performs weekly character education sessions and was the first High School in Arkansas to offer an introductory course on World Religions.
The school also promotes the Fine Arts. 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 and holds the record for the most single band to perform 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 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 2012-2014 seasons, the Russellville Crimson Cyclones participate in the state's second largest classification within the combined 6A/7A Central Conference. Competition is primarily sanctioned by the Arkansas Activities Association with the Cyclones competing in baseball, basketball, competitive cheer, cheer, cross country, competitive dance, dance, debate, football, golf, soccer, softball, speech, swimming, tennis football Cyclones 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. In addition, the boys' track and field team captured nine state championships between 1951 and 2012. In 2014, Russellville won its third state baseball championship, defeating Marion 2-0 in the finals. In 2015, the Cyclones defeated Siloam Springs 2-1 to win their third Class 6A state boys soccer championship in the previous four years.
RHS's athletic Hall Of Fame is believed to be one of the first of its kind in the state at any level. Initiated by former long-time RHS coach, educator and administrator, Wallace Bailey, the RHS HOF's first inductee was All-State QB Jesse McBath in 1924. Wallace Bailey served as head football coach from 1923-45 and compiled a career record of 142-73-15, the most wins in school history. Since 1924, over 180 RHS student-athletes have been enshrined in the Hall. Six-time All-Pro Eddie Meador of the Los Angeles Rams is a 1955 RHS graduate and HOF member. An All-State back in 1954, Meador went on to be an All-American at Arkansas Tech, rushing for over 3,400 yards. HOF member Corliss Williamson was an All-State basketball player and a member of the Arkansas Razorbacks' NCAA championship team in 1994. Williamson also played professionally, winning an NBA championship in 2004 as a member of the Detroit Pistons. One of the Hall's most accomplished members is the late Paul White who holds the overall state record in the shot put. White's accomplishments include: 1973 - Class AAA State Champion Shot Put - 61' 5", 1974 - Class AAA State Champion Shot Put - 65' 6", 1974 Arkansas Meet of Champions Shot Put champion - 65' 10", 1974 National High School Shot Put Champion - 69' 8-1/2", High School All-American. White was a six-time NAIA All-American in the indoor and outdoor shot-put at Arkansas Tech in 1977-79. In addition, Chris Goodman owns the third longest high school discus throw in state history, 186' 10-1/2".
For the 2016-2018 SYs, the realigned 6A West Football Conference consists of the following high schools:
The Cyclones won the 2016 State Class 6A football championship by defeating West Memphis 35-7 in the state quarterfinals, Benton 45-15 in the semifinals, and the 7-time state champion Greenwood Bulldogs 37-23 in the finals played at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock on December 3rd.
For the 2016-18 SYs, the new non-football conference is realigned as 6A-5A West-District 1 and consists of the following schools :
RHS students have the opportunity to participate in various affinity groups including Student Council, National Honor Society, National Beta Club, Spanish National Honor Society, Société Honoraire de Français, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Renaissance Leadership Group, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Christian Student Union, Interact, Science National Honor Society, DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, PEACE Club, Thespians, Outdoor Club, Quiz Bowl, Art Club, Young Democrats, Young Republicans, LARPING, Rodeo Club, and Photography Club.

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: