
School Resource Officer, Brad Ameter, would like to thank everyone who donated to this year's annual SRO Toy Drive. Over 500 coats and sweatshirts were received, along with multiple bags of toys and a big toy donation from Rural King. I also received around $700 in monetary aid for all three schools to benefit students and their needs. Both handout nights at the Richland County Elementary School were a huge success.
Thank you to all RCCU #1 staff and organizations for their support, as well as local business owners and individuals who donated to such a wonderful cause.
Start bagging your old toys for next year's drive! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!


Olney senior Ethan Longbons was the recent recipient of two scholarships. The Olney Memorial VFW Post #4226, represented by Tena Anderson and Tanya Ginder, presented Longbons with the Jim Fehrenbacher Memorial VFW Auxiliary Scholarship. Additionally, Longbons was presented with an award from the Military Officers Association of America. Ethan has plans to pursue a career in the military following his high school experience. OTN is proud of Ethan and wish him the best of luck in the future!



December 11-17 GRIT Award winners are: JaShun McKinley, Arja Keller, Grayce Burgener, and Lilly Spencer. The GRIT Award is awarded to an athlete that demonstrates hustle, teamwork, and dedication. This award isn't necessarily always the highest scorer or top performer, but one that shows drive and passion to make the team better!


RCHS is having some fun this week and celebrating the holidays! On Tuesday, students are encouraged to dress like their favorite Christmas movie character. Wednesday will be Christmas/Wacky Sock Day. And Thursday it will be time for EXTREME Christmas Day! So let's wrap up finals week with some fun and celebrate the upcoming winter break!
Please remember school dress code rules still apply.


Olney VFW Post #4226 and its Auxiliary have recognized two students and an educator from Richland County High School. Selena Fuentes was the first place recipient for her VFW Auxiliary Voice of Democracy Audio Essay, and Callista Ridgley was the second place recipient. Fuentes essay will move on to district competition. FCS teacher Paula West was selected as the VFW Post #4226 Teacher of The Year recipient. RCHS is so proud of the students and Mrs. West!







Thank you Dr. Trish Kessler-Bookhout and the team at Meadowview Dental Group for their generous donation to SRO Ameter's coat and toy drive. SRO Ameter and the students of Richland County are grateful for your contribution!


Tiger Basketball and Tiger Wrestling will still offer fans a few matchups to catch before winter break begins. On Monday, Tiger F/S Basketball will host Salem at 6pm in Ron Herrin Gymnasium. Tuesday, Tiger Basketball hits the road to St. Anthony. Tiger JV starts at 6pm while Tiger Varsity hits the court at 7:30pm. And on Wednesday, Tiger Wrestling will take to the mats against Mt. Carmel in RHG at 6pm. Come on out and show these students some support as they head into break!


The College & Careers students have spent this week job shadowing in professions that interest them. Thank you to our local professionals who allowed the students to have this wonderful opportunity.
Marsha Heath at Carle RMH
Nancy Stremme at OCC Cosmetology School
Lissa Hosick at Uptown Girls Salon
Brad Doll & Chris Doll at Doll’s Inc.
Josh Enlow at Enlow Inc.
Caiti Lambird at Olney Chamber of Commerce
Heather Martin at Daylight Donuts
Mike Shipman & Mark Weiler at Freedom 92.9
Katie Bell at U of I Extension Office








RCHS Best Buddies held their Christmas party/gift exchange in The Commons during OTA. Students exchanged gifts with their buddies and fun was had by all!
Best Buddies is a club that exists to build one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. This group offers social interactions that improves the quality of life and level of inclusion within the school. These students form meaningful connections, gain self-confidence, and self-esteem through shared interests, experiences, and activities with their buddy.







The Tiger F/S game at Mt. Carmel on Thursday, December 14 has been cancelled and there will not be a makeup game rescheduled.


Congratulations to Emma Wells and Aidan Gomez for being selected to the ILMEA 2024 All-State Band!



On December 18th, and 19th from 6-8pm, at the Richland County Elementary School gym, SRO Ameter will be putting toys, sweatshirts, and coats out for parents to do some last minute Christmas shopping. This is for parents in need. Thank you, and Happy Holidays!


GRIT winners for the week of December 3-9 are:
Boys Basketball - Hudson Kuhn
Wrestling - Aaron Douglas
Girls Basketball - Kyrstin Weiler
Cheerleading - Hope Mills
Congratulations students on a job well done!


Olney Tiger Athletics gives fans a plethora of events to see this week! Starting Monday, December 11, Tiger F/S Basketball hosts Marshall with play beginning at 6pm. While the boys tackle Marshall at home, Lady Tiger Basketball hits the road to Marshall for play at 6pm as well. Lady Tiger F/S Basketball takes on Salem at home Tuesday while Tiger Basketball hits the court in Salem; both games begin at 6pm. Thursday the 14th Lady Tiger Basketball takes on the Fairfield Mules at 6:15pm in RHG while Tiger F/S Basketball plays at 6pm in Mt. Carmel. Friday night is game night in Ron Herrin Gym with Tiger Basketball hosting Paris with JV tipoff at 6pm. On Saturday, Tiger Wrestling will hit the mats in Cumberland beginning at 9am while Lady Tiger Basketball has play in St. Joe-Ogden at 12:30 and 2:30pm. Tiger Basketball will be on the road to Greenville for a 7pm game that evening. And on Sunday, Tiger Cheer competes in Edwardsville at 12:30pm. Good luck to our athletes during this busy week!


Coming Soon! A Toy Drive at the RCES Gym on December 18 & 19 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. FREE Toys and FREE Coats and Sweatshirts all sizes.


The RCHS College & Careers class completed their final volunteer day of the semester. Each student contributed 10 hours of service within Richland County from August to December. We are extremely proud of the work these students have devoted back to their community. As Arthur Ashe once said, "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can."



Mrs. Burgener's Community Workshop class went to SKS-USA to learn about warehouse work. Students participated in picking and packing products. Additionally, student Frank Little from the Community Workshop class begins his volunteer work at Hovey's Diner following the class learning about kitchen and dining room jobs.











Mrs. Burgener's Pre Vocational Class just finished Christmas cards for veterans provided by the VFW. Students learned about piece work and assembly line work by stuffing cards into envelopes, putting printed address labels on, and postage.




Congratulations to Lady Tiger Volleyball seniors Rylee Bloomer and Aliyah Tracy for being selected to the 3A All-South Team! Thanks for representing OTN so well this season girls!




Congratulations to the following art students who won the People's Choice in the Fall Art Show:
1st place: Jereme Higginbotham
2nd place: Grayce Burgener
3rd place: Jordan Albin
4th place: Sean Joyce
5th place: Taylor Bloomer
Great work students!
