Principal Gary Rivers, Ed. S.
Welcome to Sylacauga High School (SHS). At SHS, we are committed to our system mission statement, which reads, "In partnership with our community, Sylacauga City Schools encourages, equips, and empowers all students to own their future by providing diverse pathways to an excellent education.” Our mission is the blueprint that paves the way to our vision of “Equipping Everyone to Excellence”. At SHS, we take pride in building collective efficacy, and thus, our school motto “We Are Family!” Sylacauga High School staff works hard to provide the resources the students need to be employed, enrolled, or enlisted postsecondary.
Sylacauga High School is steeped in a rich tradition of both academic and athletic excellence. The award-winning author and well-known advocate for moral character Frank Sonnenberg described tradition as “a sense of comfort and belonging. It brings families together and enables people to reconnect with friends. Tradition reinforces values such as freedom, faith, integrity, a good education, personal responsibility, a strong work ethic, and the value of being selfless.”
We acknowledge all our students participating in all facets of their years spent at SHS. We expect all SHS students to be excellent role models in school and throughout our community. To that resolve, we look forward to an excellent school year and are proud of our student's commitment to excellence.
I encourage each and every student, parent, community member, alumni, faculty, and staff to continue moving forward with pride, dedication, and support for our school system. With your support, we will continue to be successful as we carry out the traditions of Sylacauga High School.
Assistant Principal Bennie Lewis, Ed. D.
Dear Parents, Students, and Staff,
Welcome back to Sylacauga High School! As the seasoned administrator here, I am thrilled to lead this wonderful community of learners. Parents, having been a former 6-12 social studies teacher and CTE director, I truly value the significance of the tasks before us—ensuring teachers are teaching and students are learning. I am committed to ensuring that every young person at Sylacauga High School receives support and someone who believes in their potential. Students, may this school year be filled with accomplishments and cherished memories that linger for a lifetime. Remember, never tire of doing good, and may your acts of kindness nurture a sense of family and camaraderie. To our educators, I understand the mixture of anticipation and nerves that accompanies the start of the academic year. But understand, you are the cornerstone of our school's success. Your work with students is of utmost importance. Together, let us make sure our school remains a safe and welcoming space for every student.
Assistant Principal Rhonda Courson, M. Ed.
I am Rhonda Courson, the assistant principal of curriculum and instruction. I have 28 wonderful years of experience in education, 15 of which have been with the Sylacauga City School System. I have also taught in Oxford City, Shelby County, Tuscaloosa County, Ozark City, and Crisp County (Georgia). I have degrees in Educational Leadership, English, and Psychology. My favorite thing about being a teacher was making the learning interesting and challenging. As a school leader, I enjoy solving problems, helping the school run smoothly and with a purpose, and spreading happiness. On a personal note, I was raised in Birmingham. My husband and I have been married for 34 years, during which he has served in multiple ministerial roles. Currently, he is a Missions Strategist for the St. Clair Baptist Association. Our oldest son works at Lakeside Stone in Childersburg, our middle son is a system engineer with Colsa Corporation in Huntsville, and our daughter is a senior at Pell City High School. I love my job and have always tried to give the most I possibly can to the students, teachers, and parents. It is my distinct honor to aid in the intellectual and social development of the students at Sylacauga High School. Please feel free to contact me anytime.
