Sycamore High School (Cincinnati, Ohio)

The schools occupies a 24.6-hectare (61-acre) suburban campus. The present building was designed to accommodate 2000 students in 1974. It was built in a modern style, employing the progressive and experimental open classroom concept wherein no permanent walls separated the classrooms. It has since been expanded and internal walls have been added as the school has grown.[4]

All students follow compulsory courses in English, maths, sciences, social studies, fine arts, and health and physical education. Elective subjects include business technology, computer science, family and consumer sciences, music and technology.[5] Sycamore offers 42 accelerated and Advanced Placement courses. The school has a 99.1% graduation rate, and 90% of students go on to attend college. The class of 2009 had a composite SAT score of 1132, and the class of 2012 had a composite ACT score of 30, both being higher than the state and national averages. Sycamore also regularly has among the highest number of National Merit Scholars in Ohio. In 2009, thirty-one students received the award.[6]

In 1999, Sycamore had a record 35 National Merit Scholars. That year, three students also scored perfect scores on the major college entrance examinations.[7]

Sycamore has been highly placed in the National Science Bowl,[8] and the Ohio Math League competition,[9] and won the Ohio Council of Teachers of Mathematics competition in 2000,[10] 2001,[11] and 2007.[12] Sycamore has been historically successful in science fairs; students compete at the University of Cincinnati Regional Science Fair and many go on to compete at the state science fair at the Ohio State University. In 2013, Sycamore won the "Harold C. Shaw Outstanding School Award" at the state science day. Only four schools in Ohio merited this honor.[13]

Sycamore offers over 50 clubs and other extra-curricular activities for students. Sycamore's Latin Club functions as a local chapter of both the Ohio Junior Classical League (OJCL) and National Junior Classical League (NJCL). Sycamore's DECA program is nationally recognized and has had several state and national competitors.[14][15]

The Leaf is the official high school news magazine of Sycamore High School. After 60 years as a black-and-white newspaper, the 2013-2014 editorial staff transformed the student-run newspaper into a magazine, with selective pages in color, and made The Leaf's online platform interactive. The magazine is in print and has grown to include graphics as well as articles.

The Log yearbook is distributed to all students in Sycamore High School.

Ink is an annual literary magazine published by members of the Creative Writing Club.[16]

The Sycamore Music Program has been nationally recognized as an Outstanding Music Education Program by NAMM.[17] The Sycamore High School Marching Band has achieved an OMEA Superior Rating and competes in three circuits: OMEA, Mid-States and Bands of America. In 2016, they attended MSBA Class 4A Championships, achieving 2nd place overall. In 2017, they are set to attend BOA Grand Nationals in Indianapolis, Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Sycamore High School Orchestra is an all-string orchestra and has scored highly in state competitions. The school stages regular productions in its auditorium, The Aves Theatre.

Sycamore High School competes in the Greater Miami Conference (GMC), under the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA). The school participates in 22 GMC sports as well chess and academic quiz team. It also competes in 5 sports not offered by the GMC (Boys' & Girls' Water Polo, Boys' & Girls' Lacrosse, and Boys' Hockey). Collectively, Sycamore has won 143 total Team GMC Championships, which is the second most of any school in the conference.[18] The school has developed a strong rivalry with William Mason High School from Mason, Ohio, prompting the spread of the slogan, "Go Aves, Beat Mason".

Sycamore High School has won 17 Team State Championships

• Boys' Tennis- 2014, 2015, 2016[19]
• Girls' Lacrosse- 2007, 2009, 2014[20][21][22]
• Boys' Lacrosse- 2004[23]
• Girls' Water Polo- 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993[24]
• Boys' Water Polo- 1976, 1978, 1985[25]
• Girls' Swimming and Diving- 1992[26]
• Baseball- 1948[27]

The school has won 46 individual State Championships in events such as wrestling, track, diving, swimming, golf, tennis, and gymnastics.

• Justin Murray, Offensive Tackle for the Arizona Cardinals.
• Kevin Youkilis, 3-time All Star, Gold Glove winner, 2004 World Series and 2007 World Series Champion, former starting first baseman for the Boston Red Sox.
• Michael Matthews, Super Bowl XLII Champion, former tight end for the New York Giants
• Dan Ketchum, gold medalist in swimming at the 2004 Summer Olympics,[28] as well as gold medalist at World Championships in 2004.
• Ambassador Peter Tomsen, Diplomat & Educator, Special Envoy to Afghanistan, US Ambassador to Armenia
• Jane French, Emmy-nominated American singer–songwriter. Best known for her song "Breathe," the theme song for the NBC soap opera Passions.
• Jeannine Hall Gailey, poet.
• Stewart Mandel, Sports writer for SI.com.
• Erin McPike, Former National Correspondent for CNN.
• Mark P. Painter, former Ohio Court of Appeals Judge and member of United Nations Tribunal for Dispute Resolution.
• Kenny Schoeni, Goalkeeper for the Columbus Crew.
• Daniel Mason-Straus, Mixed Martial Artist who competes in Bellator Fighting Championships[29]
• David Uible, rancher, investor, and Republican Party Chairman
• Darius Hillary, Cornerback for the Oakland Raiders
• Kate Rockwell, Actress and singer best known for her origination of "Karen Smith" in Mean Girls (musical).

• Sycamore High School Website
• The Leaf Online News website
• Sycamore Band and Orchestra Boosters
• Sycamore Aves Theatre Website