Blythewood High School

School Improvement Council

24-25 Annual Report

24 SC School Report Card


Mission Statement

Together, we create a safe environment for growth, filled with pathways of success for all Bengals.

Our Vision

In four years, every Bengal will be prepared with the skills and knowledge to be enrolled, enlisted, or employed.

Our Core Values

Show Respect, Take Responsibility, Build Relationships

Our Priorities

Student Success, a Safe Environment, Purposeful Collaboration, Rigorous Instruction

2023-2024 SIC Members

2023-2024 Ed Foundation Members

Lisa Ellis

Lilian Emetu

Bridgette Frederick

Denean Greene

Edwina Gwynn

Karis Mazyck

Heather Kelly (Co-Chair, Parent)

Molly Sherman  (Co-Chair, Student)

Rachel Weber

Mel Cooke-McDuffie

Jenia Jenkins

Christopher Rikard

Debbie Sweat

Stacey Young

Pasquail Bates

Nat’Lee Jua

Fran Stokes

Tara Johns

Regan Wade

Kim Toogood

Diedra Hightower

Aaralyn Blake

David Holton- Board Chair

Amy Ely - Treasurer

Matt Sherman -  Principal

Benjara Elliott

Cathy Epps

Gina Hepler

Kathy Johnson

Gennetta Mitchell

Mark Richter

2023-2024 SIC Highlights and Accomplishments

  • Show Respect

BHS SIC in Action – Supporting Our Bengal Family

WE are 1 Bengal Nation!!! That’s more than a slogan—it’s our commitment to unity, respect, and support across the entire BHS community.

This year, your School Improvement Council (SIC) set a goal to actively recognize and support our Service Solutions Team—those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep our school running smoothly. As a special token of appreciation, our SIC surprised the team with breakfast and lunch meals, letters of support, and “Shout Outs” over our morning announcements

These gestures are just a few examples of how we’re bringing our school-wide goal to life. Let’s continue to look for ways to support one another and show that

WE are 1 Bengal Nation!!!

     

       

  • Take Responsibility

Feminine Hygiene Project: A Continued Priority at BHS

In response to meaningful feedback from our student body, it became clear that access to feminine hygiene products is a critical need for many of our students. Recognizing this, our Bengal School Improvement Council (SIC) made it a priority to address this issue, and continues to do so throughout the 2024-2025 school year.

Through a valued partnership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., we launched a collection campaign to secure and provide these essential supplies. Our team prepared and placed supply boxes in each House Administration area, offering students convenient and discreet access whenever needed.

This initiative remains a continued priority as we work to support the dignity, health, and well-being of all our students. We are committed to sustaining this effort and ensuring that every Bengal has what they need to feel confident and cared for at school.

  • Build Relationships

Student-led SIC Meetings

Our Bengal Nation SIC Members created opportunities for ALL students to participate in our School Improvement Council with meetings scheduled

during our daily WIN (What I Need) Time.

  • 24-25 Bengal Nation Accomplishments

Blythewood High School

#1 in Richland School District Two

Bengal Nation Student Council Earns National Award

 For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and activities that improve the school and community, the Blythewood High School student council has been recognized as a 2025 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC). The NASC program is supported by its parent organization, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

“The student council at Blythewood High School just pulled off something extraordinary,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “Their student-driven change has earned them national recognition as a National Gold Council of Excellence, proving that when young people are given the chance to lead, they turn their vision into real-world impact.”

A student council must meet a variety of criteria to earn the National Gold Council of Excellence Award. In addition to basic requirements such as a written constitution, regular meetings and a democratic election process, the councils must have demonstrated successful sponsorship and participation in activities such as leadership development and service to the school and community.

 Learn more about the National Council of Excellence Awards.

2024-2025

SCASA South Carolina Secondary Principal of the Year

2024-2025

South Carolina High School League

AAAAA Principal of the Year

2024-2025

South Carolina Army National Guard

Principal of the Year

Opportunities for ALL Bengals!

Clubs 

4 Bands: Marching, Symphonic, Jazz, Concert,

Chorus, Orchestra, Winter Guard,

World Music Program: West African Drums, Taiko

Drums, Steel Pans, Dance

Clubs: African Drum & Dance Ensemble,

Athletics, BETA Club, Blue Legion Band, Broadcast

Journalism & Media, Blythewood Cyber Security,

Blythewood Racial Issues Committee (BRIC), Chorus

& AcaBengals, Culinary, Culture Appreciation Club,

DECA, Equality Club, Fellowship of Christian

Athletes, Future Business Leaders of

America, Future Farmers of America, Gamers Table,

Holiday Wishes, Honors Forum, Health Occupation of

Students of America, JROTC, Leo Club, Men

Mentoring Men Every day, National

Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, National

English Honor Society, National French Honor

Society, National Honor Society for Dance Arts,

National Math Honor Society, National Spanish

Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society,

Orchestra, PROM, Steel Tryin’ Band, Science

National Honor Society, Skills USA, Student

Leadership, Teacher Cadets, Tech Bar, Teenage

Democrats, Teenage Republicans, The Tabletop

Empire, Theatre & International Thespian Honor

Society, Yearbook

Sports

Baseball

Basketball (boys & girls teams)

Bowling (co-ed club team)

Cheerleading

 Cross Country (boys & girls teams)

Football

 Golf (boys & girls teams)

Lacrosse (boys & girls teams)

 Soccer (boys & girls teams)

Softball

Swimming (boys & girls teams)

Tennis (boys & girls teams)

Track (boys & girls teams)

 Volleyball (boys & girls teams)

 Wrestling