Students in Ravenwood High School's Students Taking a Right Stand (STARS) program have a message for parents: take a stand against underage drinking.

The students are selling $5 yard signs that read "Parents who HOST lose the MOST... Don't be a party to teenage drinking, it's against the law."

Members of the STARS program say the idea behind the effort is to educate parents about the dangers of hosting inappropriate parties for teenagers.

Anyone interested in showing their support for this cause is asked to send $5 along with your name, address and neighborhood to Amanda Muniz at Ravenwood High (1724 Wilson Pike, Brentwood, TN 37027) by March 28.

Ravenwood High School STARS members will deliver the sign to you on April 14.

Courtesy WCS 'In Focus'

Cultures and customs from around the world will be on display this weekend at Ravenwood High School's International Food and Music Festival.  This year's event will be held Saturday, February 11 from 12-4 p.m. at Ravenwood High in Brentwood.  Organizers say the festival isn't just for Ravenwood families; it's for the entire Williamson County community.

“We are super excited to be presenting the Fifth Annual International Food and Music Festival,” said Coordinator Tonya Lewis.  “With a host of new performers, great activities for the kids and lots of good food, we are expecting this to be our best year yet.  We encourage everyone to come out and join us for a day of great fun and entertainment.”

Performances will begin at 1:30 p.m. and include everything from a German accordion player to a traditional North Indian dance.  There will also be numerous festival activities like Bollywood, salsa dancing and face painting.

Attention children of all ages!

Ravenwood High School Theatre Department in conjunction with the Theatre Arts II and Theatre Arts III classes presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory January 19, 20 at 7 p.m. and January 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Follow Charlie Bucket and the other four lucky golden ticket winners on their amazing and somewhat perilous adventure through the wondrous world of the famous Chocolatier, Willy Wonka. Tickets are $5.

On Saturday, October 8, several Ravenwood High School cross country runners took a break from running to help out at the Fifty Forward Martin Center in Brentwood.

Nine runners and Coach Pete Mueller spent the morning pulling weeds, removing rocks and trash, and spreading mulch to help beautify the grounds of the recreational center for older Brentwood residents.  With the sun shining and mild temperatures, the conditions were ideal for racing, but everyone enjoyed the break from competition and had a good time.

“We’re all so blessed to be a part of the community here in Williamson County, so I felt that it was important for us to try to give a little something back to a community that has given us so much support,” said Coach Mueller.  "My hope is to make this day of service an annual part of the cross country season."

Nearly 600 students from 58 Tennessee high schools converged on the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus Thursday, October 20, to compete in the UT–Pro2Serve Math Contest.

Three Williamson County Schools' students were winners while Page High School placed second in the Math Bowl.

The top ten individual contest winners received four-year, $4,000 scholarships to UT Knoxville. Winners were Aditya Gudibanda of Hume-Fogg Academy, Nashville; Kevin Sun and Brandon Zheng of Collierville High, Collierville; Daniel Zuo of White Station High School, Memphis; Garret Sullivan and Richard Ouyang of Memphis University School, Memphis; Siegfried Schlurk of Brentwood High, Brentwood; Yang Song of McCallie School, Chattanooga; Jared Schaumann of Fred J. Page High School, Franklin; and Dylan Young of University School of Nashville, Nashville.

Scholarships are funded by UT Knoxville and Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek.

Winners of the first round of the individual contest included Aditya Gudibanda from Hume-Fogg Academy, Daniel Zuo from White Station High School, Dylan Young from University School of Nashville, Jiahe Gu from Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School in Nashville, and Garret Sullivan from Memphis University School.

Winners were chosen based on their scores on an essay-type exam that tested their knowledge on algebra I and II and geometry.

Honorable mentions, which include winners that would have won this year but won a previous year, include Stewart Rhee, Seungmoon Lee, and Ziyu Liu of McCallie School; Demetrious Bovopoulos of West High School in Knoxville; Frances Ding of Ravenwood High School in Brentwood; Hyeesan Chun of King’s Academy in Seymour; Lawrence Hoag and Toange Zhan of White Station High School; and Dalton Chaffee of Bearden High School in Knoxville.

The contest also featured the Math Bowl, a double-elimination team competition. University School of Nashville was the overall winner of the Math Bowl, followed by Collierville High School. First place in the small-school category went to University School of Nashville, with second place going to Fred J. Page High School.

All winners received trophies, plaques, and certificates in recognition of excellence at different stages of the competition.

The contest is presented by the College of Arts and Sciences mathematics department and UT alumnus Barry Goss and his company, Professional Project Services Inc. (Pro2Serve®), which provides technical and engineering services that support the infrastructures of government and private industry and helps ensure our nation’s security. The media sponsor is the Knoxville News Sentinel.

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Hundreds of Williamson County high school students are joining the fight against breast cancer.  With October serving as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, students at several schools are finding ways to raise money for cancer research.

At Independence High School, a group of marketing students were brainstorming ideas for community service projects when they decided to sell pink "Indy Nation" t-shirts in advance of the school's last home football game on October 28 against Ravenwood.

"Several of my students thought it would it would be fun to include Ravenwood," said IHS Marketing Teacher Wren Anderson.  "So I called up the marketing teacher and we decided to team up in the fight against breast cancer."

Both schools will sell pink t-shirts for $10 each in the weeks leading up to the big game with proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

Cougars for a Cure

At Centennial High School, students selected Cougars for a Cure as the theme for this year's Homecoming, which will be held October 21.  In addition to selling breast cancer awareness t-shirts, students will compete in a penny war, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.  The school will also donate a portion of the money collected from the school's annual Powder Puff Game and the Homecoming Dance to breast cancer research.

In keeping with the theme, hallway decorations and student floats will all incorporate a pink ribbon.  Centennial Principal Dr. Frank Brown says it's nice to see students taking a stand for a great cause.

"Our student body fully embraced this amazing idea of using our Homecoming as another way Centennial can make a difference far beyond the school walls," said Brown.  "We are so proud of our students, faculty and staff, and the positive impact they are having on the world.”

From Williamson County Schools' 'In Focus'

A Ravenwood High School student is proving to be one of the top math students in the nation.  Frances Ding recently won fifth place at the Math Prize for Girls Competition at MIT in Massachusetts.

The Ravenwood junior competed against 275 girls from middle and high schools across the United States and Canada.  The competition offers the world's largest math prize for girls: first place carries a reward of $25,000, with another $23,000 divided among the remaining 10 finalists.

In order to be eligible, students had to earn a qualifying score on the American Mathematics Competition exam, the first in a series of math competitions that determines who makes it on the U.S. team for the International Mathematical Olympiad.

Frances' mother says she credits much of her daughter's success to the education she's received in Williamson County schools.

"I am convinced that Tennessee can produce top math students as well as any other state," said Christine Yu.  "I hope her success can be an inspiration to other students."

Ravenwood High School Student Council and the Page High Family and Consumer Science Department are working to make the first Autumn Prom of the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee (DSAMT) a success.

Students from both schools are working in partnership with DSAMT and Home Helpers Caregiving Services to create a magical evening for some very deserving members of the community, and you can help too.

Students and community members from across Williamson County are asked to donate gently used prom dresses and accessories such as shoes, bags and jewelry.  Beginning Friday, September 16 and continuing through Friday, September 30 a collection box will be placed in the Ravenwood front office where donations will be accepted.

Once the dresses are collected, Home Helpers will deliver the dresses and Page High students will make the necessary alterations before the big event on Friday, October 21 at Loews Vanderbilt Hotel.

DSAMT is working through the Pujols Family Foundation to present Autumn Prom, which will provide a "prom night" experience that will include a red-carpt entrance, live music, dinner and dancing.  The Pujols Family Foundation, a non-profit organization founded by St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols, has hosted the event in St. Louis for the past five years.  This is the first Autumn Prom to be held in Tennessee.

"This event has been a huge success in the past and we can't wait for prom night in Nashville," said Sheila Moore, executive director of DSAMT.  "It's a one-of-a-kind experience and we're honored to work with the Pujols Family Foundation to celebrate those with Down Syndrom and host this very special night."

Williamson County families who have a family member with Down Syndrome and who did not receive an invitation to the Autumn Prom may contact the DSAMT at (615) 386-9002 or ">.

The 15th Annual Williamson County Exhibition of Bands will take place Saturday, September 17 at Ravenwood High School in Brentwood.  More than 700 students from eight high schools including Brentwood, Centennial, Fairview, Franklin, Independence, Page, Ravenwood and Summit will perform.

The Ravenwood High School Chorale will begin the evening with the singing of the national anthem.  Each band will then perform a preview of the half-time and competition shows for this fall season.  In addition to the performances of the individual bands, participating Williamson County middle school bands will perform together with the eight high school bands to conclude the evening.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. with performances beginning at 7 p.m.  Tickets prices are $7 per person; children six and younger are free. Proceeds from the event go to support the Williamson County band programs.

The Ravenwood High School Marching Band (pictured above) will host the 15th Annual Williamson County Exhibition of Bands September 17.

Second in a series, from Williamson County School's In Focus:

Williamson County Schools is proud to present the Top 10 for the 2010-2011 school year.  The WCS Top 10 recognizes the 10 seniors at each high school with the highest grade point average at the end of the school year.  These students represent some of the best and brightest minds in the district.  Below you will find information about the students, provided by the students, including their post-graduation plans.

The students are listed in alphabetical order.

RAVENWOOD HIGH

Sarah Allen Parents: Tommy & Nancy Allen A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: Mary Hawken has been my student council advisor for the past four years as well as my math teacher freshman year. Honors and Awards: National Merit Finalist, Math Team, AP Scholar with Distinction, Youth Leadership Brentwood, TSSAA Athlete, Varsity Soccer Captain, Freshman Mentor, Member of All-State Soccer Team. Post-Graduation Plans: I plan to attend Auburn University as a National Presidential Scholar.	Venkata Amarthaluru Parents: Chenchu & Bhaghya Amarthaluru A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: Laura Hollandsworth effectively trains her students to become successful writers.  By consistently initiating class seminars, she ensures that her students can not only analyze texts but also efficiently communicate the significance of works.  Her engaging, interactive teaching style always keeps the class interesting.  For instance, her incorporation of the Harry Potter house system ensured that more students actively participated in her class.  Mrs. Hollandsworth motivates all her students to continuously strive to improve their writing style.  In addition to her excellent teaching, Mrs. Hollandsworth and Mr. Hollandsworth spend hundreds of hours each year with the Ravenwood Mock Trial Team and help the team’s members master intricate aspects of law.  I sincerely appreciate Mrs. Hollandsworth extensive efforts to help students. Honors and Awards: Coca-Cola Scholar, US Presidential Scholar Semifinalist, Model United Nations International Court Justice, Youth in Government Supreme Court Justice, Debate Captain, Chess Club President, Most Outstanding Student - Microeconomics AP, Most Outstanding Student – Physics B AP, Most Outstanding Student - Spanish II Honors, Most Outstanding Student – English II Honors, Governor’s School for Information Technology Leadership. Post-Graduation Plans: I plan to pursue concentrations in management and finance at University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton Business School.
Sunny Cai Parents: Qiuyin Cai & Yong Bao A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: Avrill Buerstetta is special to me because she was not only my AP Chemistry teacher but also my Science Olympiad and Science Bowl coach.  She really encouraged me to participate in science competitions and to explore my interests in various areas of science.  Additionally, she always encouraged me to be the best that I could be.  I would not have been able to earn all of my medals without her. Honors and Awards: National Honor Society (Spring 2010 – present), AP Scholar with Distinction (12th Grade), Mu Alpha Theta (Fall 2008 – present), Model United Nations 2010 Conference Plenary Session award and Outstanding Research award, Principal’s List (Fall 2007 – present), Good Citizenship Award (10th Grade), MTSU Regional Science Olympiad Tournament Gold Medalist (February 2010), UTK State Science Olympiad Tournament Bronze Medalist (March 2010), MTSU Regional Science Olympiad Tournament Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist (February 2011), UTK State Science Olympiad Tournament Silver and Bronze Medalist (March 2011), Pellissippi State Tennessee Science Bowl Fourth Team Place (February 2011). Post-Graduation Plans: This summer, I will be interning in a research laboratory at Vanderbilt University.  In the fall, I will be attending Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where I plan to double-major in cellular/molecular biology and international studies, as well as participate in the pre-med program.	Jiaye Fan Parents: Chunxing Fan & Wenfang Wang A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: I had Cyndy Howes as my math teacher for my sophomore and junior years.  She developed my interest in the area of mathematics and is one reason why I am going into engineering in college.  However what really stood out to me was how Mrs. Howes treated all of her students not just as students but also as her kids.  If we have any problems we can always go talk to her and everyone in school calls her Mama Howes.  This special relationship she is able to develop with her students is something unique to her and makes her a great teacher and mentor. Honors and Awards: National Merit Scholar Finalist, National AP Scholar, All-State Violinist three years in a row, Mid-State Violinist four years in a row, 2 first place medals in regional science Olympiad competition, Elected Justice of the International Court of Justices at Model UN, President of Mu Alpha Theta, Members of National Honor Society. Post-Graduation Plans: I will be attending Vanderbilt University next fall and I will study engineering.  I am not exactly sure what type of engineering I will be studying but I am leaning towards mechanical or electrical.
Nick Fleetwood Parents: Dan & Betsy Fleetwood A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: John Silva is the first and only teacher to have successfully gotten me to want to learn for the sake of learning.  He takes a very college professor-esque approach to every class period, encouraging class discussion and ensuring that everyone has their opinion heard.  He sits with the rest of the class in a circle and treats all his students as equals and as friends, proving that yes, teachers are still people too.  I learned more about myself, about literature and about life in general from his class then from any other class I’ve ever had. Honors and Awards: President of National Honor Society, Co-President of the Chorale Department, Vice President of Mu Alpha Theta, Vice President of French National Honor Society, 2010 All State Choir, 2009-2010 All Mid State Choir, Three year varsity track and field starter, Member of English National Honor Society, Most Outstanding Bass for 2009-2010 choir, AP Scholar with Distinction, Three year TSSAA Scholar Athlete, Two year Good Citizen Award recipient, Student Panel member of the National Dell Conference, Chief Justice of the State, Supreme Court at the 2010 TN Boys State- Governors School of Emerging Technology. Post-Graduation Plans: I will be attending the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in finance or business and public policy.	Miriam Goldstein Parents: Mark & Celia Goldstein A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: Carlen Groce is more than just a wonderful teacher.  Ms. Groce brought more intrigue to the subject of English than most any of my teachers before her because unlike their monotonous repetition of basic mechanics, she truly makes English interesting.  She was the first teacher to really make me love English class (a subject I have continued to love love ever since), for she teaches her students to realize the limitlessness of words, both written and spoken.  Encouraging.  Humorous.  Inventive.  Original.  That is Ms. Groce. Honors and Awards: Most Outstanding Student - Honors Algebra II, Most Outstanding Student - World History Honors, Most Outstanding Student - AP European History, Most Outstanding Student - Spanish III Honors, Most Outstanding Student - Chemistry Honors, Most Outstanding Student - AP U.S. History, AP Scholar with Distinction. Post-Graduation Plans: I will attend Vanderbilt University this fall.  Although I have no definite idea of what I will study, I am considering majoring in history or psychology.
Zhaoqi Li Parents: Xueqiong Zhang and Yongjian Li A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: Lance Wilson really opened up the doors to allow me to discover my passion for biology.  He knew the material really well and was always enthusiastic to answer my questions.  His humor is really subtle and cheery, but it’s always appreciated.  Without him, I don’t think I would ever be so adamant in my decision to study biology in college Honors and Awards: Ravenwood Sim Team Captain, Ravenwood French Honors Society President, Freshman Mentor, Concert Master at Nashville Youth Symphony in Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt, Researched stem cell at Vanderbilt Medical Center, EXCEL Aquatics Cluib Championship Team, Varsity letter all four years in high school swimming, Scholar athlete. Post-Graduation Plans: I plan to study molecular biology and statistics at Columbia University in New York City.	Anna Liang Parents: Guanzhang Liang & Pei Han A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: Catherine Cain makes the learning experience challenging, but FUN!  She’s one of the loudest teachers and she’s so passionate about every aspect of psychology.  She knows exactly what she is talking about psychology or otherwise.  I even believe that she can run the school-FOR REQAL.  She has influenced my decision to continue psychology classes in college. Honors and Awards: HOPE Scholarship, General Assembly Merit. Post-Graduation Plans: I am attending Vanderbilt University and I plan to major in human and organizational development in Peabody College with aspirations to head to business school.
Photo Not Provided Nancy Su Parents: Yingjun Su & Limin Chen A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: Laura Hollandsworth is a very hardworking, passionate, caring teacher.  She is always energetic about class and about the literature she teaches.  Every piece of homework she gives us has a purpose; there is never busy work.  There is also never a day without work but when May rolls around we are so thankful for the amount of work she has put in preparing us for the AP exam.  Thank you, Mrs. Hollandsworth, for making all of us better writers. Honors and Awards: Ravenwood Top 10, National Honors Society, Mu Alpha Theta. Post-Graduation Plans: I plan to attend Duke University and major in biology.	Erica Tsai Parents: David & Aileen Tsai A Williamson County teacher that has influenced you: Lance Wilson helped cultivate my love of biology.  He is a great teacher who really cares about his students and ensures that they succeed.  His immense knowledge of biology exemplifies his dedication to the subject, which makes the class very enjoyable.  His class was challenging, but I learned a lot of information that applies outside of the classroom. Honors and Awards: Most Outstanding Student for AP Spanish language, Most Outstanding Student for AP Biology, Principal's List all four years, Ravenwood Lacrosse Co-Captain, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Senior Treasurer, AP Scholar with Distinction. Post-Graduation Plans: I will be attending Vanderbilt University to major in medicine, health and society in addition to studying pre-med.