OSCAR F. SMITH HIGH SCHOOL

'Oscar Frommel Smith High School' was originally built in South Norfolk, Virginia to replace the aging South Norfolk High School in 1954. In 1994, a new school was constructed in the Greenbrier area of Chesapeake, Virginia and has a current enrollment of over 2,400 students. It is one of the newest schools in the Chesapeake City Public Schools, it houses some of the newest technology in the district, including numerous networked computer, business, and technology labs; a 1,000 seat auditorium; and the 'Linda P. Overton Theatre', which houses technology for student presentations. The 3,850 seat 'J. William Myers Gymnasium' (also known as the "Dollar Dome" gym), is the largest gym in the Hampton Roads area, housing three full basketball courts. The 'Beard-DeLong-Easley Field' stadium seats 7,000 and is home to the Oscar Smith Tigers football team. In 2004, Oscar Smith High celebrated its 50th anniversary, and the Tigers provided the excitement by posting an undefeated season and winning the Southeastern District Championship. In 2005, the Tigers had a repeat performance, claiming back-to-back district championships. OSHS was authorized to begin administering the IB Diploma Programme by the International Baccalaureate Organization in 2002 and IB students from all six Chesapeake zones feed into it.

Contents

History

Athletics

School Facts

IB Program

External links

History

Oscar Smith Middle School now occupies the original 1954 building in the South Norfolk area of Chesapeake. The new high school was constructed in 1994.

Athletics

Oscar Smith High School has an excellent football program, which has been the Southeastern Region District Champions for 3 years in a row. Oscar Smith's Cross Country team has made the Eastern Region Meet for the past 2 years. They are hoping to make their 3rd year in a row this coming season. Also, in 2007, the Girls Varsity Tennis Team were the Southeastern district champions for the first time in at least 20 years. The Tiger's soccer program has also been improving over the last 4 years, and is looking for a district title this upcoming year in 2008.

School Facts

★ Oscar Smith High School is currently serving its 52nd year as a public school.

★ The poetry book, ''Crush'', by Kwame Alexander was inspired by students at Oscar Smith High School.

★ During the 2004 presidential campaign, Senator John Kerry spoke at Oscar Smith, drawing a crowd of 1,100 people.

IB Program

In 2002, the IB program was offered to students across the city at Oscar Smith High School. Since then, there has been much controversy over the program's location. Oscar Smith needed to raise attendance and test scores, and the school had the necessary space to sponsor the IB Program, so the program was sent to Oscar Smith.
In 2006, with the construction of Grassfield High School near completion, the question was raised as to whether the IB Program would relocate to that school. Grassfield supposedly will have state-of-the-art technology and plenty of room, but once again, the IB Program was to stay at Oscar Smith High School.

External links

★ PilotOnline.com - Oscar Smith student faces multiple drug charges