Hillcrest High School

Facilities

Hillcrest High is located in Simpsonville along Interstate 385. The building features a centrally located media center, a 600-seat auditorium, and the A.C. Duckett Gymnasium with 2 auxiliary gymnasiums.

The campus also features various athletics fields, track, and courts. The campus is also home to a greenhouse and agriculture barn facility used by the school's agriculture program.

History

Hillcrest High School was opened on September 3, 1957 for students from the 'Golden Strip' of Simpsonville, Mauldin, and Fountain Inn. A school known as Simpsonville High School served the city of Simpsonville prior to the opening of Hillcrest High School.

Bryson High School served as the High School for African Americans in the area until the integration of Greenville County School District in 1970. Following integration, Bryson High School became a 9th grade center for Hillcrest High School, and then a middle school known as Bryson Middle School.

A new building was constructed adjacent to the school in 1992. Bryson Middle School relocated to the previous Hillcrest High School building.

Feeder Schools

The primary feeder middle schools of Hillcrest High School are Bryson Middle School and Hillcrest Middle School. The primary feeder elementary schools of Hillcrest High School are Bells Crossing Elementary School, Bryson Elementary School, Greenbrier Elementary School, Plain Elementary School, and Simpsonville Elementary School.

Non-core subject classes

In addition to the four traditional core-subject subjects (English, Math, Social Studies, and Science), Hillcrest High offers various classes in World Language, Fine Arts, Physical Education, and Career and Technical Education.

World Languages

Hillcrest High School offers two languages in its World Language Department for students to study. Spanish and French.

Fine Arts

Fine Arts classes at Hillcrest High School include art, ceramics, chorus, strings, and band.

Career and Technical Education

Career and Technical Education classes and/or pathways offered at Hillcrest High School include business, animation, digital publication, image editing, agriculture, health science, web design, and hospitality.

Physical Education

In addition to Physical Education 1, which is a required course to be taken in South Carolina. The Physical Education department at Hillcrest High School offers team sports, weightlifting, and further physical education classes.

Driver's Education

Hillcrest High School offers a Driver's Education class.

Athletics

The sports that Hillcrest High School offers are listed below:

In 2002, 2003, and 2004, the varsity softball team won three consecutive AAAA state championships and accomplished the longest softball winning streak in the state, with 96 wins.

The following is a list of South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) state championships:

Class AAAA

Boys cross-country – 1982

Girls soccer – 1999

Softball – 2002, 2003, 2004, 2012

Girls Volleyball – 2006, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013

Wrestling – 2011, 2012

Football – 1985, 2014

Class AAAAA

Wrestling – 2019, 2020, 2021

Girls Track – 2019, 2021

Baseball – 2021

Student Clubs and Organizations

Student Clubs and Organizations at Hillcrest High include an Anime Club, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Reading Club, American Sign Language (ASL) Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), Animal Club, French Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Science Club, Beta Club, Speech and Debate Team, Best Buddies, Book Club, Crochet Club, Dance Club, National Honor Society, Tabletop Game Club, Youth in Government (YIG), and Student Council.

Notable alumni

Brett Harker — college baseball coach

Jamon Meredith — former NFL offensive tackle

Stephen Thompson — Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter

Travelle Wharton — former NFL offensive lineman

Mike Rose — All-Star CFL defensive lineman

Chris Patton — Former PGA professional golfer and 1989 US Amateur champion