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Rock Bridge High School
Rock Bridge High School
Rock Bridge High School
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Rock Bridge High School is a public high school located in southern Columbia, Missouri, United States. The school serves grades 9 through 12 and is one of four High Schools in Columbia Public Schools. It is located next to the Columbia Area Career Center. The mascot is the Bruin Bear.

Key Information

History

[edit]

Due to the crowding of David H. Hickman High School towards the end of the 1960s and the increasing population of Columbia in the 1970s, the Columbia Board of Education decided to form a new high school. The board bought 42 acres (170,000 m2) of land in the southern portion of the city and started the construction of the new high school. The name "Rock Bridge" was chosen because of the school's proximity to the natural rock bridge at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

Construction started in 1969 on the original portion of the building, which consisted of 18 classrooms and one office area in the present-day east wing of the building.[5] The school was planned to open in 1971, but funding issues pushed back construction of the second phase of the building. As such, this original portion sat unused for a year or two while the second portion was not yet complete. Construction started on the second portion in early 1972, which added the "Main Commons", another office area, the library, the gymnasium, and a few specialty classrooms underneath that area. In September 1973, with the completion of the second portion, Rock Bridge was considered "complete enough" to open and had a class of 583 students, mostly sophomores and juniors. This high school was the second centrally air-conditioned school built in Columbia after Oakland Junior High School north of town. However, the air-conditioning system was prone to failure and the school was difficult to keep cool in warm weather due to the fact that the windows were not designed to be opened. Later additions to the building included some windows that were able to be opened.

The school had a Sonitrol security system which enabled remote 24/7 security monitoring.

In 1974, the planetarium was completed with a capacity of nearly 90 people, which features a state-of-the-art star ball. A full-dome projection system was later added with the advent of newer technology.

In 1979, the west wing opened, which adopts the same basic design of the original 1971 building but with a finished basement. This added about ten general-purpose classrooms, as well as science, art, and band rooms; in turn, this would provide the school a then-total of about 40 classrooms. A north wing similar in design to the east and west wings was also proposed as part of the original master plan but was never built.[5] However, three new science classrooms and a performing arts center were added in 1992. Enrollment reached 1,000 in the 1995–96 school year.[6]

In 1980, a Career Center was opened north of the school that taught computer programming in COBOL and RPG-II on an IBM System/34 computer. Courses in data entry were also available.

In the early 1990s, three science classrooms north of the west wing and the Performing Arts Center near the commons area were added.

In 2000, a large addition opened between and north of the east and west wings and portions of the existing building, especially the west wing, were renovated, effectively doubling the size of the building. This project added twenty-five general-purpose classrooms, seven science classrooms, expanded performing arts facilities, a new media center, three new computer labs (since converted to classrooms), and several new office spaces.[6] In January 2013, a second gymnasium was added after the district added ninth-graders to the high schools. The area under the auxiliary gym added other athletic facilities, making room for four new classrooms elsewhere in the building.

Academics

[edit]

The school offers 18 Advanced Placement courses and a multitude of honors classes available to students. RBHS has weighted and unweighted grade point averages. Ranked #2,856 in the nation by US News,[7] Rock Bridge has a very decent academic standings. According to Niche,[8] 30% of students at Rock Bridge are enrolled in at least 1 AP Class, and roughly 73.5% of students planning on college at Rock Bridge plan to stay in the county. Niche also states that 93% of students graduate Rock Bridge.

Mascot

[edit]

Rock Bridge High's mascot is the bruin bear. The school's original band director, Phil Wood, wanted the mascot of the school to be a troll. He ordered custom marching band uniforms that were green with a large white bib with a troll on the front of them. His decision was overridden and the mascot was officially made the bruin bear. Unable to return the uniforms, the band used them for a number of years. The band members unofficially referred to themselves as the Marching Munchkins.

Athletics

[edit]

The school offers a variety of sports. Fall sports include cross country, football, golf, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis and volleyball. Rock Bridge has won Football State Championships with undefeated teams in 1975 and 1977. Winter sports include basketball and wrestling. Spring sports include baseball and track and field. Year-round sports include cheerleading and poms. They have won 47 state championships in baseball (1), boys (1) and girls (5) basketball, boys cross country (2), football (2), boys (5) and girls (2) golf, softball (1), boys (2) and girls (4) swimming and diving, boys (8) and girls (13) tennis, and boys track and field (1). They are most prolific in tennis, winning 8 boys championships and 13 girls championships. During the 2020/21 school year, they were state champions in boys cross country, softball, and boys track and field.[9][10]

Journalism

[edit]

From the time the school opened journalism has been part of the course offerings for the school. There was a newspaper, The Rock, as well as a yearbook, Flashback. In 1995, the school created a prerequisite class called Journalistic Writing, and the paper became a monthly publication. The journalism department created a special edition magazine, Southpaw, in 2005, and in 2011, an online news source, Bearing News. The Rock began on letter-sized sheets that were published through a class. In 1994, it began its run as a monthly publication.

Notable faculty and alumni

[edit]
Main category: Rock Bridge High School alumni

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rock Bridge High School

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from Grokipedia
Rock Bridge High School is a public four-year high school located in , serving approximately 2,048 students in grades 9 through 12 as part of the Columbia Public Schools . The school, situated at 4303 South Providence Road on the southern edge of the city, is known for its strong academic programs, including courses with a 45% participation rate, and a 95% graduation rate. Established in 1973 to address overcrowding in Columbia's existing high schools, Rock Bridge opened in September of that year on 42 acres of land purchased in 1968, initially enrolling 583 students in grades 10 through 12. The school's name derives from its proximity to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, which features a natural rock arch about two miles south of the campus. Over the decades, enrollment has grown significantly to over 2,000 students, prompting expansions such as a 1978 west wing addition, a performing arts center, and a major 2000-2001 renovation that included 39 new classrooms and an expanded media center. The Bruins mascot and kelly green and gold colors were selected by the inaugural student body, reflecting early community involvement. Academically, Rock Bridge ranks 40th among Missouri high schools and 3,227th nationally (as of 2025), with proficiency rates of 68% in reading, 32% in mathematics, and 52% in science, alongside a college readiness index of 36.5 out of 100 based on AP exam performance. The school operates on an alternating-day block schedule with 95-minute periods over a 177-day year, supporting a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. In athletics, Rock Bridge competes in the Missouri State High School Activities Association's Class 6, with notable successes including state football championships in 1975 and 1977, and a tennis program that has secured 21 state titles, particularly strong among the girls' teams with 22 top-three finishes in the past 25 years; the girls' team finished as state runner-up in 2025. The school also excels in extracurriculars like debate, earning district sweeps, and maintains a tradition of community-funded facilities, such as the 1979 football field.

History

Founding and Early Years

Rock Bridge High School was established in response to overcrowding at David H. Hickman High School and the rapid population growth in , during the late and early . In 1968, the Columbia purchased 42 acres of land along South Providence Road in southern Columbia to accommodate the need for a second high school in the district. The school opened in September 1973 as a three-year institution serving grades 10 through 12, with an initial enrollment of 583 students. It was named "Rock Bridge" after the nearby Rock Bridge Natural Arch, a prominent in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park located approximately two miles south of the campus. Wayne Walker served as the school's first principal from 1973 to 1992, overseeing operations with an initial staff of 29 full-time teachers and 10 part-time instructors. The campus began modestly with 18 classrooms and administrative offices, situated amid cornfields on what was then rural land. Enrollment grew steadily in the school's early years, prompting expansions through bond issues approved between 1974 and 1976 that added capacity for 450 more students. The first graduating class, consisting of seniors who had transferred from , received their diplomas in 1974. This period marked the school's foundational decade, laying the groundwork for further developments in the following years.

Expansions and Developments

Following its opening in with an initial enrollment of 583 students in grades 10-12, Rock Bridge High School experienced steady growth driven by population increases in southern Columbia, necessitating multiple expansions to accommodate rising student numbers. By the late 1970s, enrollment had surpassed the original capacity, prompting the construction of a west wing addition in 1978 that added 20 classrooms to support an additional 450 students. This expansion, completed in 1979, marked the school's first major physical development and reflected the broader growth of the Columbia Public Schools district. Further developments in the 1990s addressed academic and artistic needs amid continued enrollment gains, which exceeded 1,000 students by the 1995-96 school year. In 1992, the school opened its , featuring a 500-seat and two additional classrooms, enhancing facilities for theater, , and related programs. This addition supported the school's evolving curriculum while preparing for projected growth. By the early 2000s, enrollment had climbed to approximately 1,200, leading to a comprehensive third addition completed in 2000-2001 that effectively doubled the building's size; it included 39 new classrooms, a large media center, expanded administrative offices, and additional performing arts spaces. Shifts in district attendance boundaries have significantly influenced enrollment and student demographics at Rock Bridge High School. In 2007, Columbia Public Schools began a process to redraw attendance boundaries in response to overcrowding and changing city demographics, including suburban expansion and increasing diversity. This led to the opening of Battle High School in 2013, helping to balance student distribution across the district's high schools. More recently, in 2024, boundary adjustments for elementary and middle were approved on July 8 to manage district-wide enrollment growth and fill new facilities. High school boundaries remain unchanged, with Rock Bridge projected to reach approximately 120% capacity by the 2028-29 school year. As a result, the school's student body has become more diverse, with minority enrollment at 31% in recent years. By the 2023-24 school year, enrollment at Rock Bridge High School had reached 2,056 students in grades 9-12, underscoring its role as one of the district's largest high schools. Although no major new building projects have occurred on the main since 2001, ongoing efforts have sustained facilities, including upgrades to the all-weather track and floor in 2002 and deferred projects district-wide, such as roof and flooring repairs estimated in the millions. Adjacent to the school, the Columbia Area Career Center—serving Rock Bridge students through technical programs—completed a significant 26,000-square-foot expansion in 2025, adding modern labs and classrooms to enhance workforce training opportunities without direct impact on the high school's core structure.

Academics

Curriculum and Programs

Rock Bridge High School provides a comprehensive standard for grades 9 through 12 that aligns with the Learning Standards established by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, ensuring students meet state graduation requirements through core subjects. These include four credits in English, such as English 9, English 10, , and ; three credits in , covering I, , and II; three credits in science, encompassing Physical Science, , and Chemistry or Physics; and three credits in , featuring World History, United States History, and American Government. The school offers advanced academic opportunities through 23 (AP) courses, enabling students to earn college credit via end-of-course exams administered by the . Popular options among these include AP Calculus AB and BC for advanced mathematics, for in-depth life sciences exploration, and for rigorous historical analysis, all integrated into the school's elective framework to support diverse student interests. Career and technical education (CTE) pathways at the school prepare students for vocational pursuits, with programs featuring (PLTW) courses such as Introduction to Engineering Design, Principles of Engineering, and the capstone Engineering Design and Development, which involve team-based problem-solving for real-world technical challenges. Culinary arts training is accessible via the Columbia Area Career Center, where Rock Bridge students participate in hands-on courses like 1, focusing on professional kitchen skills, sanitation, knife techniques, and food preparation fundamentals. Support services ensure equitable access to education, including special education accommodations through individualized education programs (IEPs) and literacy seminars tailored for diverse learners; (ELL) programs that provide language acquisition support and eligibility for the Missouri Seal of Biliteracy; and comprehensive counseling services dedicated to , postsecondary planning, and preparation resources.

Rankings and Achievements

Rock Bridge High School is ranked 40th among public high schools in and 3,227th nationally according to the U.S. News & World Report's 2024-2025 rankings, which evaluate schools based on readiness, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, and graduation rates using data from the 2021-2022 through 2023-2024 academic years. The school's readiness index stands at 36.5 out of 100, reflecting its emphasis on rigorous coursework, with 45% of 12th graders participating in (AP) exams. The high school maintains a strong graduation rate of 95%, surpassing state averages and contributing to its overall academic standing. In terms of postsecondary outcomes, approximately 85-90% of graduates from the Columbia Public Schools district, which includes Rock Bridge, pursue further education, with over 64% enrolling in colleges or universities. Scholarship success is notable, as evidenced by nine students named National Merit Finalists in 2023 and four recipients of National Merit Scholarships that year, highlighting the school's preparation for competitive higher education opportunities. In 2025, five students were named National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists. Recent student accomplishments underscore the school's excellence in academics and career skills. In 2025, senior Theo Wen Volz was selected as a U.S. Presidential Scholar, one of three honorees from in the program's 61st class, recognizing outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement. Also in 2025, graduate Amelie Crane earned first place in the national SkillsUSA Baking and Pastry Arts competition for high school students, marking the fourth such win for a student from the affiliated Columbia Area Career Center's culinary program. The speech and debate team achieved district-level success in 2023, securing multiple individual event championships at the East NSDA tournament and qualifying seven members for the tournament.

Campus and Facilities

Buildings and Grounds

Rock Bridge High School occupies a 42-acre campus located on the southern edge of , approximately two miles north of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, which features a natural rock bridge formation and extensive wooded trails. The site's natural surroundings include proximity to forested areas and Gans Creek, contributing to an integrated environment of built structures and green spaces. The main building opened in September 1973, initially comprising administrative offices, a , gymnasium, , and an east wing with 18 classrooms, designed to accommodate about 600 students. A west wing addition in 1978 provided 20 additional classrooms. Further expansions in 1992 introduced a featuring a 500-seat auditorium, stage, and two classrooms. The most significant growth occurred between 2000 and 2001, when a major addition nearly doubled the school's space with 39 new classrooms, an expanded media center, administrative offices, band and vocal rooms, and a lab. Athletic facilities are seamlessly incorporated into the grounds, including a football field, track, and stands completed in 1979 through community fundraising; a and complex added in 1992; and an all-weather track resurfaced in 2002. Accessibility improvements, such as ramps and elevators, were integrated during these expansions to support students with disabilities. A separate Career Center building, opened in 1980 north of the main campus, provides vocational and technical education programs.

Resources and Recent Upgrades

Rock Bridge High School's Media Center serves as an integrated library and media resource hub, offering students access to print books, eBooks, audiobooks, and research databases through the Columbia Public Schools (CPS) Destiny Catalog. The center facilitates book requests via an online form and connects users to the Daniel Boone Regional Library system, allowing students to apply for public library cards for expanded borrowing privileges. Staffed by two media specialists, a media clerk, and a lead technician, the facility supports information literacy and technology skills development in line with district library media programs. The school participates in CPS's 1:1 device initiative, providing each student with a for and home use to enhance and access to educational tools. This program includes policies for device maintenance, with fees assessed for damage, loss, or theft to ensure accountability. High school facilities, including specialized areas like the , incorporate technology to support STEM education, though specific internet speeds and lab configurations align with district-wide standards. Recent safety enhancements include the installation of touchless weapons detection systems at the school's main entrance in August 2024, as part of a district initiative that began as a pilot at Rock Bridge, Hickman, and Battle High Schools and expanded in 2025 to additional locations including Douglass High School and the Columbia Area Career Center; these systems screen backpacks and individuals for prohibited items without physical contact. The upgrade has improved entry efficiency over time but sparked mixed student feedback, with supporters citing enhanced security and critics raising concerns over privacy invasions, potential damage to personal items like musical instruments, and initial delays. In October 2025, CPS issued a request for proposals to upgrade the planetarium's lighting to an energy-efficient ChromaCove RGB LED cove system, aiming to modernize the facility for better instructional use. The school's cafeteria, operated under district Nutrition Services, delivers daily breakfast and lunch options compliant with federal nutrition guidelines, with menus emphasizing fresh fruits, vegetables, and varied entrees. Health services are provided by registered nurses who handle first aid, medication distribution, and wellness support, assisted by trained unlicensed aides in a dedicated clinic space.

Student Life

Extracurricular Activities

Rock Bridge High School offers a wide array of non-athletic extracurricular activities, including over 60 student-led clubs and organizations that promote , , and . These groups span academic, cultural, service, and special interest categories, allowing students to pursue passions beyond the classroom. Examples include the Army Ants Robotics team, which focuses on and competition; the Speech and Debate club, emphasizing and ; the team, which simulates international through conferences like MIZMUN; and the Global Issues club, addressing environmental and social concerns. The fine arts programs at the school are robust, featuring band, , , and theater ensembles that perform regularly. The and bands present state-recognized performances, while the program includes a open to all string players and a more advanced chamber orchestra. Theater activities encompass a Musical Theater class that teaches , , directing, and production skills, leading to annual musicals and plays staged in the school's 500-seat auditorium. Visual arts opportunities are supported through the Art Club, which organizes exhibitions and creative projects to showcase student work. Service and leadership development are central to several organizations, such as the (NHS), which requires members to maintain a 3.25 GPA and complete at least 8 hours of annually, fostering scholarship, service, and character. The , an international service group, provides opportunities for , building, and community projects to enhance personal growth. Students in these groups often contribute to local initiatives, though no school-wide hour requirement exists beyond specific club mandates. Diversity and inclusion are supported through groups like the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), which creates a for LGBTQ+ students and allies while educating the community on related issues. Cultural alliances include the South Asian Student Union, Muslim Student Union, Jewish Student Union, Spanish Club, Japanese Club, and Junior Classical League, promoting awareness of global heritages and intercultural dialogue. These organizations host events to build unity and support among the student body.

Journalism and Media

Rock Bridge High School's journalism program is student-led and faculty-advised, producing multiple publications that cover school events, student life, and investigative topics. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through roles such as editors, writers, photographers, and designers, with students advancing from introductory courses to extracurricular contributions. Advised by faculty member Brautigam since 2020, the program fosters collaboration and leadership among participants. The school's primary print publication, The Rock, is a monthly newspaper established shortly after the high school's opening in 1973. Sponsored initially by faculty member , it has evolved from traditional print formats to include , providing in-depth reporting on news and community matters. The yearbook, Flashback, complements this by documenting the academic year through photographs and narratives, with its 2024 edition themed “There’s More to It” and distributed in May. Since 2011, Bearing News has served as the online news outlet, offering real-time coverage via articles, videos, and blogs on topics ranging from school policies to local events. These publications have received recognition from the Missouri Interscholastic Association (MIJA), including All Missouri honors in 2021 for overall excellence in online and /newsmagazine categories, as well as awards in and / sections. Individual students have also earned accolades, such as an honorable mention in yearbook copy/caption sports at the Educators Association/National Scholastic Press Association convention. The program's growth reflects a shift toward formats, enabling broader dissemination of student . In recent years, Bearing News has addressed pressing local issues, including the implementation of weapons detection systems at Rock Bridge during the 2024-2025 school year, which sparked mixed student opinions on safety and convenience. Coverage extended to the district's 2025 expansion of these systems to additional buildings and events, highlighting ongoing debates about . Such reporting underscores the publications' role in informing the school community on evolving policies.

Traditions and Mascot

The mascot of Rock Bridge High School is the Bruin, a symbolizing strength and resilience, which was selected shortly after the school's opening in 1973. The Bruin logo was designed by sophomore student , and the official school emblem featuring the was painted on the wall that year. In 1973, a class led by teacher Conrad Stawski created the school crest, incorporating the Latin "Omnes Vincent Ursi," translating to "Bruins Conquer All," to embody the spirit of determination among students and staff. School colors are Kelly green and new , chosen in the early years to reflect the vibrant community identity of the institution. The , titled "Rock Bridge Bruin Fight Song," features lyrics such as "Hail to the Rock Bridge Bruins! Our team is fighting true," performed by the school's and during events to rally support. Traditions at Rock Bridge High School foster a strong through annual events like , which includes spirit weeks with themed dress-up days to encourage participation and school pride. culminates in parades, dances, and crowning ceremonies, such as the 2021 event where a senior made history as the first male queen. Pep rallies, often honoring athletic achievements, energize the body and are a key part of building excitement for competitions. Graduation ceremonies, held in late spring, blend formal commencements with performances, such as renditions of popular songs, to celebrate academic milestones amid the green gowns of the Class of 2025. A prominent tradition is the annual Providence Bowl rivalry game against crosstown opponent Hickman High School, dating back decades and drawing large crowds to heighten local enthusiasm, with Rock Bridge securing victories in most recent matchups until Hickman's win in 2025. The mascot appears briefly in athletic contexts, such as costumed performances during these games to boost team morale.

Athletics

Programs and Teams

Rock Bridge High School offers a comprehensive interscholastic athletics program as part of the Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA), featuring over 20 varsity squads across multiple sports that promote physical fitness, teamwork, and school spirit. The program emphasizes gender equity by providing equivalent opportunities for boys and girls in most disciplines, including parallel teams for sports like , soccer, , and . The fall season includes football for boys, cross country for both genders, girls volleyball, and boys soccer, with additional offerings such as girls tennis and girls golf. Winter sports encompass boys and girls basketball, wrestling (primarily boys with growing girls participation), and swimming and diving (often girls-focused in this period). Spring activities feature baseball for boys, track and field for both genders, boys tennis, and girls soccer, alongside boys golf and programs like boys volleyball and girls STUNT that debuted in spring 2025. These seasons align with MSHSAA guidelines, allowing for junior varsity and freshman levels to accommodate broader involvement. Participation in athletics draws a significant portion of the student body, with boys' involvement rated as average and girls' as low relative to national high school benchmarks. The program supports the Bruin through team uniforms and events that integrate school traditions. Key facilities include the on-campus Wayne Sells Family Football Field for gridiron contests, a multi-purpose gymnasium completed in 2013 with adjacent wrestling rooms, weight training areas, and locker facilities, as well as dedicated / fields, a track, and courts. Some fields and resources are shared within the Columbia Public Schools district to optimize usage across high schools and feeder middle schools. The coaching staff comprises experienced professionals, such as head football coach Matt Perkins, who leads a team of over 10 assistants focused on skill development and character building, with recent additions like former coach A.L. Davis enhancing defensive expertise. Program philosophies prioritize holistic student-athlete growth, balancing academic success with competitive preparation through structured training and community involvement.

Championships and Notable Performances

Rock Bridge High School has secured 51 MSHSAA state championships across multiple sports, establishing it as one of Missouri's most successful athletic programs. The teams have demonstrated particular dominance, accumulating 21 state titles between the boys' and girls' programs since the school's founding. This includes consistent top finishes, with the most recent team championships in (boys) and 2018 (girls) contributing to their legacy of excellence under long-time coach Ben Loeb. During the 2020-21 school year, the Bruins claimed three state titles: the team won the Class 5 championship, the team defeated Lee's Summit North 1-0 for the Class 5 crown, and the boys' cross country team captured the Class 5 title. These victories highlighted a banner year amid the challenges of the . In recent seasons, the boys' cross country team finished as runner-up in the 2025 MSHSAA Class 5 championships, scoring 81 points behind champion Liberty North. The football team notched a decisive 45-0 victory over Jefferson City in September 2025, defending their conference record. Additionally, the girls' team reached the 2025 Class 3 final, finishing second after a 5-2 loss to . In fall 2025, the softball team reached the Class 5 state final but fell 6-4 to Raymore-Peculiar. Individual athletes have also shone, earning all-state recognition in ; for instance, several seniors from the 2025 boys' team received honors for their performances. In and diving, competitors like sophomore Sarah Miner advanced to the 2025 MSHSAA Class 2 state meet, placing in multiple events and bolstering the team's competitive edge. Facility upgrades, including the 2013 addition of an auxiliary gym, weight room, wrestling room, and updated locker rooms, have enhanced training capabilities and correlated with sustained high-level performances across sports.

Notable People

Faculty

Rock Bridge High School employs 107.88 teachers, supplemented by administrators, counselors, and support staff, for a total of approximately 230 personnel across various roles including instructional, custodial, and services. The faculty emphasizes experienced educators, with district-wide averages of 13.2 years of professional experience and over 71.8% holding master's degrees or higher, contributing to a student-teacher ratio of 19:1. Distinguished faculty include mathematics teacher Travis Martin, who was named a 2025 U.S. Distinguished Teacher for his role in recommending and inspiring students, such as recent graduate Theo Volz. Long-serving administrators have shaped the school's leadership, notably founding principal Wayne Walker, who led from 1973 to 1991 during the institution's early growth from 580 to over 1,700 students. Current principal Jacob Sirna, appointed in 2019, oversees ongoing operations. Faculty recognitions highlight contributions to teaching excellence and curriculum innovation within Columbia Public Schools. Daryl Moss received the 2025 Outstanding High School Educator award from the Columbia Fund for Academic Excellence for leadership in education. Health teacher Ross Barelli was honored as an Outstanding Beginning Teacher by the Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education in 2025. Austin Reed was named the school's 2024 Teacher of the Year for his passion in fostering student learning. Efforts to enhance faculty diversity include the district's CoMoEd program, which supports aspiring educators of color through and resources to better reflect student demographics, where minority enrollment stands at 31%. retention in the district remains strong at 86%, down slightly from prior years of 89%, amid broader challenges in educator stability.

Alumni

Rock Bridge High School has produced numerous notable alumni who have achieved prominence in fields such as , media, , , and . The school's Alumni Hall of Fame, established in 2003, recognizes outstanding graduates for their contributions to society, with over 64 inductees by 2016 and annual additions thereafter, including three in 2025: Kate Garnes (class of 2006), Myles Hinkel (class of 1990), and Mary Ellen Crowley Ternes (class of 1990). In sports, (class of 1997), a former driver, rose to fame with 28 Cup Series wins, including the 2007 and 2008 , and finished second in the 2011 points standings; he retired in 2017 after a distinguished career that included local racing roots in Columbia. Sophie Cunningham (class of 2015), a guard for the WNBA's since 2019, was a four-time All-Big 12 selection at the and earned the 2023 WNBA Peak Performer Award for her defensive prowess, averaging 9.3 points per game in her rookie season; during high school, she also made history as the first female to score for the Rock Bridge football team via an extra point. Media and entertainment alumni include Nischelle Turner, a graduate who became the first Black woman to solo anchor Entertainment Tonight in 2021 after roles at CNN and MTV; she returned to Rock Bridge in 2022 as a speaker for the Columbia Public Schools Foundation's 25th anniversary, inspiring students to pursue ambitious careers. Rob Benedict (class of 1989), known for portraying Chuck Shurley/God on Supernatural, has appeared in over 50 films and TV shows, including Waiting... and Birds of Prey. His sister, Amy Benedict (class of 1982), is an actress and voice artist featured in The Brady Bunch Movie and various animated series, inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018 for her artistic contributions. Jake Adelstein (class of 1988), an investigative journalist and author of the bestselling Tokyo Vice, has shaped modern crime reporting through his work on organized crime in Japan for outlets like the Los Angeles Times. In business and , Tim Wolfe (class of 1976), quarterback of Rock Bridge's inaugural state championship football team, served as president of the from 2012 to 2015, overseeing a $2.7 billion budget and expansions in research funding before transitioning to roles in higher education consulting. Hall of Fame inductees like Benjamin Nelms (class of 1988), founder of Canis Lupus to advance cancer care innovations, and Leigh Ann Pool (class of 1984), a physician and community volunteer in , exemplify alumni impact in healthcare and civic leadership. Recent graduates continue this legacy, such as Amelie Crane (class of 2025), who won first place in the SkillsUSA National Baking and Pastry Arts competition, positioning her for advanced culinary training. The alumni network supports the school through the Columbia Public Schools Foundation, which has facilitated donations including $100,000 for an field at Rock Bridge and upgrades to district facilities like the planetarium, fostering ongoing connections and philanthropy.

References

  1. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/missouri/districts/columbia-93/rock-bridge-sr-high-school-11482
  2. https://rbhs.cpsk12.org/about/school-history
  3. https://mosportshalloffame.com/inductees/rock-bridge-high-school-football-state-championship-teams-1975-1977/
  4. https://mosportshalloffame.com/inductees/rock-bridge-high-school-tennis-program/
  5. https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/prep_sports/rock-bridge-girls-tennis-falls-in-state-title-match/article_60059287-da3f-484f-95af-2efd3258eca6.html
  6. https://www.cpsk12.org/fs/resource-manager/view/8b65c80e-1cec-4de8-9689-c5aa6b322bd7
  7. https://www.comopreservation.org/historiccomoblog/como365/jan27
  8. https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/former-rock-bridge-students-return-to-the-school-as-teachers/article_559e8a8e-dc5f-514e-a967-39be454ba35f.html
  9. https://www.cpsk12.org/departments/community-relations/celebrating-150-years-of-cps
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  11. https://themaneater.com/43425/news/cps-redistricts-accommodate-battle-high-school-int/
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  14. https://www.niche.com/k12/rock-bridge-high-school-columbia-mo/
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  18. https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1701266129/cpsk12org/ijqbahetzhfgfobqjyou/cps_hsregguide_digital_individualpages_non-fillable.pdf
  19. https://career-center.org/human-services/culinary-arts-1/
  20. https://www.cpsk12.org/about/district-details
  21. https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1710185180/cpsk12org/krmljn2tyej8pqesc0ky/Annual-Report-2023-Columbia-Public-Schools.pdf
  22. https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/k12_education/rock-bridge-high-school-students-named-recipients-of-national-merit-scholarships/article_a8ef55a8-1f3c-11ee-998f-2fc5d9e6d062.html
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  24. https://beu.cpsk12.org/about/school-news/news-details-1/~board/home-page-news/post/rock-bridge-high-school-senior-named-2025-us-presidential-scholar
  25. https://beu.cpsk12.org/about/school-news/news-details-1/~board/home-page-news/post/amelie-crane-placed-first-in-the-skillsusa-baking-and-pastry-arts-national-high-school-competition
  26. https://postings.speechwire.com/r-team.php?seasonid=15&teamid=4336
  27. https://mostateparks.com/park/rock-bridge-memorial-state-park
  28. https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/politics/government/2016/01/24/improved-access-disabled-advocates-see/21834865007/
  29. https://rbhs.cpsk12.org/media-center
  30. https://www.cpsk12.org/departments/library-media-programs
  31. https://www.cpsk12.org/departments/technology-services
  32. https://rbhs.cpsk12.org/media-center/laptop-information
  33. https://www.komu.com/news/midmissourinews/columbia-schools-warn-laptops-and-notebooks-may-set-off-weapons-detection-system/article_bb506b1a-5b40-11ef-9832-97ad425a7f04.html
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  36. https://www.improd-angular.us-east-1.elasticbeanstalk.com/view/ID124451464646324062913568810791666056307/RFP_2623_Planetarium_Lighting_Upgrade
  37. https://www.cpsk12.org/departments/nutrition-services
  38. https://www.cpsk12.org/departments/health-services
  39. https://rbhs.cpsk12.org/extracurricular/clubs
  40. https://rbhsdebate.weebly.com/
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  42. https://www.rockbridgebands.com/concert-bands
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  46. https://sites.google.com/view/rbhsclubsactivities/service-organizations
  47. https://sites.google.com/view/rbhsclubsactivities/cultural-religious-organizations
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  49. https://cpsf.org/hall-of-leaders/
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  51. https://mipajournalism.com/2021-all-missouri-winners-online/
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  53. https://abc17news.com/news/education/columbia-public-schools/2025/08/18/cps-expands-weapons-detection-systems-to-more-school-buildings-ahead-of-first-day-of-school/
  54. https://rbhs.cpsk12.org/rock-bridge-bruins/teams/football
  55. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPjO3Xxjgz5/
  56. https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/news/education/2021/11/03/rock-bridge-student-zachary-willmore-schools-first-male-homecoming-queen/6254216001/
  57. https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/photo-gallery-rock-bridge-holds-pep-rally-for-girls-basketball-team/article_09801961-6918-5989-8a28-3b69c8be0184.html
  58. https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/k12_education/rock-bridge-commencement-blends-heart-and-hope/article_ccf97228-1f11-4dd5-bbde-dab98e11d132.html
  59. https://www.columbiatribune.com/story/sports/high-school/2025/10/18/how-hickman-football-defeated-rock-bridge-for-the-first-time-since-2012/86764610007/
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  61. https://www.mshsaa.org/Schools/Navigation.aspx?s=578
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  63. https://www.columbiamissourian.com/sports/prep_sports/columbia-public-schools-to-add-boys-volleyball-and-girls-stunt-athletic-programs/article_4cd7eb46-034c-11ef-b037-4fced26c094c.html
  64. https://rbhs.cpsk12.org/rock-bridge-bruins
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  67. https://www.mshsaa.org/MySchool/Coaches.aspx?s=578&alg=19
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  96. https://www.columbiamissourian.com/news/local/columbia-public-school-foundation-honors-its-top-alumni-raises-money/article_d27833d3-4aea-532f-87c2-6c0100f7ec4b.html
  97. https://bearingnews.org/16848/news/donations-allow-for-improvement-to-cps-planetarium/
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