Richardson High School is RISD’s Magnet high school. Howdoes RHS excite prospective students about their Magnet Programs? By having theannual Eagle Celebration. It started in January with 375 8^th gradersfrom all junior highs in Richardson and numerous private schools taking a daytrip to the high school. The students got eye- and ear-full by attending aboisterous RHS pep rally. Principal Charles Pickett later explained to thestudents, “Now you see why schools from all the surrounding states come to seeand try to imitate our pep rallies.” The students were not only there toexperience the spirit, they were there to explore the RHS Magnet Programs: Art,Communications, Culinary, Science, Law, Robotics, Health Science, Theatre, andTechnical Theatre. RHS Magnet and Interact students led small groups all day tosee the Magnet Programs. The next week prospective students and parentsattended an evening at RHS to explore the school, visit the Magnet Programs andask questions from RHS administrators, teachers, students and parents.

“All the programs are so impressive,” said Westwood parentJoanne Poulsen.  “From the CulinaryProgram that has a full kitchen with professional equipment and in-schoolrestaurant to the Communications Program with it’s fully equipped in-house TVstudio and technology that most colleges do not have.”  Robotics put on quite a show with avideo of their 2007 National Battlebots Champion, The Blender. Law proudly told8^th graders about its 2007 Mock Trial State Championship and heldtheir own mock trials with the visitors led by RHS student Danny Weinerprosecuting an alleged car jacker. All the Magnet programs had parents andstudents in enthralled with what RHS has to offer.

Mr. Pickett said, “The 2008 Eagle Celebration was awonderful example of the relationships that develops at RHS between studentsenrolled in magnet programs and students not actually in a magnet program. Whatvisitors experienced the tremendous pride of magnet parents, their students,scores of non-magnet parents and students. We’re a school that blends the bestof both, resulting in students, parents, and a community that is proud of theaccomplishments and the successes of all who make this place more than a schoolbut also a caring supportive family.”