Richland High School (Washington)

Richland High School (Washington) is a comprehensive public secondary school located in Richland, Washington. It is the original and largest of three high schools within the Richland School District, serving students in grades nine through twelve. The school is widely recognized for its distinctive B-17 Bomber mascot, a legacy of the city's integral role in the Manhattan Project during World War II.

History

The institution was established in 1922, predating the massive federal transformation of the Tri-Cities area. Its identity was fundamentally reshaped with the 1943 federal acquisition of the town to house workers for the nearby Hanford Site, a key plutonium production facility for the Manhattan Project. This period saw the school adopt the Bombers nickname and emblem, reflecting the community's direct contribution to the war effort. Post-war, the school district and the city itself were transferred from federal control, with Richland High School continuing as a cornerstone of the growing community. The school has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate population growth, notably with the construction of newer facilities like Hanford High School and River View High School within the district.

Academics

The school offers a broad curriculum aligned with state standards, including numerous Advanced Placement courses and a robust Career and Technical Education program. Students have access to specialized programs in fields such as STEM education, often benefiting from partnerships with local entities like the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Washington State University Tri-Cities. The school consistently performs above state averages on assessments like the Smarter Balanced tests and boasts a high graduation rate. Extracurricular academic programs include competitive clubs in Science Olympiad, DECA, and speech and debate.

Athletics

Richland High School competes in the Mid-Columbia Conference of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA). Teams are known as the Bombers, with colors of blue and gold. The school has a strong athletic tradition, with particular success in sports such as baseball, football, cross country, and swimming. The baseball program has won multiple WIAA state championships. The school's rivalry with neighboring Kennewick High School and Pasco High School is a highlight of the local sports calendar. Athletic facilities include the school's main stadium, gymnasiums, and baseball fields.

Notable alumni

The school's alumni include individuals who have gained prominence in diverse fields such as science, sports, and public service. Notable graduates include Mike Alberghini, a prominent American football coach; Chad Eaton, a former National Football League player; and John G. Gage, a pioneering computer scientist and co-founder of Sun Microsystems. Other distinguished alumni are Brent Lang, an Olympic medalist in swimming; Mike Rounds, the U.S. Senator from South Dakota; and Adam Morrison, a former National Basketball Association player and collegiate star at Gonzaga University.

Campus and facilities

The main campus is situated on a large site in central Richland. Facilities include a multi-building academic complex, a performing arts auditorium, a library media center, and extensive athletic grounds. The school's Fran Rish Stadium is a central venue for football and track and field events. Recent modernization projects have updated classroom technology, science laboratories, and career-technical workshops. The campus architecture and memorials often reflect the community's historical connection to the Hanford Site and the Atomic Age.

Category:High schools in Washington (state) Category:Richland, Washington Category:Educational institutions established in 1922