Southridge High School (Kennewick)

Construction of the $30 million building began in 1995, with classroom doors opening in the spring of 1997. The plans for Southridge High School were originally designed for a high school on the east side of the country; however, the school was never built and the Kennewick School District purchased the blueprints and plans. During construction, classes were held at Fruitland Elementary School, under the direction of Principal Ron Williamson.{{cite web| url = http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/oldnews/1997/0221.html| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/19991118181959/http://www.tri-cityherald.com/NEWS/oldnews/1997/0221.html| archive-date = 1999-11-18| title = Top Mid-Columbia stories for Feb. 21, 1997}} The first commencement was held inside the Toyota Center in June 1999.{{cite web| url = http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/1999/0606.html| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20000118064341/http://www.tri-cityherald.com/NEWS/1999/0606.html| archive-date = 2000-01-18| title = Top Mid-Columbia stories for June 6, 1999}} Southridge was the third 4A school constructed in Kennewick, but with the reorganization of leagues in 2006, Southridge became a 3A school and is now a member of the Columbia Basin League.[http://www.spokesmanreview.com/blogs/prepreport/archive.asp?postID=599 Prep Report: Big Nine to go 4A/3A] Yet again, in 2008, it was decided that Southridge would be put back under the 4A schools along with 2 other high schools in Kennewick, WA. In 2010 Southridge returned to the 3A designation.

The {{convert|50|acre|m2|adj=on}} campus lies within a valley on the southwest border of Kennewick.

The school's main complex, divided into wings A through G, was designed by the architecture firm Hammel, Green and Abrahamson of Minnesota; Joe Lavernier Construction of Spokane was the general contractor.{{cite web| url = http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/oldnews/1997/0119.html| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20000302165917/http://www.tri-cityherald.com/NEWS/oldnews/1997/0119.html| archive-date = 2000-03-02| title = Top Mid-Columbia stories for Jan. 19, 1997}} The wings are all connected by a long crescent-shaped hall with A and F-wing at the north and south ends, respectively. The E-wing is in the inner curve, wings B, C and D branch off along the outer curve and all connect to G-wing upstairs.

The school grounds include football and baseball fields, an outdoor basketball court as well as softball fields, a track, several soccer fields, eight tennis courts, and 2 courtyards made at the time G-wing was added. The school uses the Kennewick Public Pool as it does not have one of its own.

The school nickname, the Suns, was selected in a vote among the first freshman class (Class of 1999). The mascot is a gorilla named "Sunny" and was inducted into SHS in the 2006-2007 school year.

The school colors are blue and gold (originally blue, silver and gold). The school fight song, Southridge Will Forever Hold My Heart, was written in 1996 by a Southridge student to the tune of the Notre Dame Victory March.

Southridge has a Mock Trial Program which won back to back YMCA Mock Trial regional championships in 2012 and 2013, and attending the Washington State YMCA tournament multiple times.

The Southridge Drama department and Drama Club produce several ensemble performances each year.

Southridge participates in the Columbia Basin Big Nine (CBBN) 3A. The CBBN is the former Columbia Basin League which is the former Big Nine. Football and soccer games are played at Neil F. Lampson Stadium, which is located on the grounds of Kennewick High School. Southridge shares the stadium with Kennewick and Kamiakin High School. In their brief existence, the Suns have won state championships in dance for four years (2004–2008), golf, soccer, and baseball,[http://www.ksd.org/srhs/athletics/baseball/stats.html STATS] along with several individual state championships in tennis, gymnastics, Swimming, diving, ice hockey, and wrestling. Southridge’s competitive cheerleading team qualified for state in 2023.

• Shawn O'Malley, infielder, Seattle Mariners
• Mason Martin, Professional baseball player

{{Reflist|2}}

• {{url|https://southridge.ksd.org/}}

{{WIAA Greater Spokane District Eight|A|3A}}

{{Coord|46|10|45|N|119|11|42|W|type:landmark|display=title}}

{{authority control}}

Category:High schools in Benton County, Washington

Category:Schools in Kennewick, Washington

Category:Public high schools in Washington (state)