Aiken, SC, October 18, 2025
News Summary
Aiken, SC, welcomes a new segment by News 12 called ‘Let’s Hear It for the Band’ aimed at spotlighting high school marching bands during football games. The initiative showcases the vital role these bands play in enhancing school spirit and community involvement. North Charleston High School is also gearing up for its 100th anniversary celebration, reflecting on its rich history and recent achievements in improving graduation rates and student performance.
Aiken, SC Welcomes New Segment Celebrating High School Football Spirit
In a bid to enhance the excitement of high school football games, News 12 has introduced a new segment entitled “Let’s Hear It for the Band.” This initiative seeks to celebrate the vibrant performances of high school marching bands and their contributions to the football experience. The segment will air every Friday at 11 p.m. throughout the current football season.
Aiken High School was the featured school for week nine, where the spotlight was on their match against Midland Valley. The segment aims to recognize and highlight not just the teams on the field, but also the crucial role that marching bands play in promoting school spirit and community involvement during games.
Highlighting North Charleston High School
On October 10, 2025, North Charleston High School’s cheerleaders were seen energetically warming up and practicing for an upcoming football game. In preparation for the event, Cynthia Alston Cunningham and Coakly Hilton served a pre-game meal to the football players at Azalea Drive Church of Christ. Coakly Hilton also offered a prayer for the players before the meal, showcasing community support for the students.
As part of the game preparation, members of the North Charleston High School band were busy rehearsing in their band room, ensuring a lively atmosphere for the fans. Highlighting the school’s history, alumna Shavonna Coakley reflected on how the engraved quote above the school’s entrance has profoundly influenced her educational journey.
Centennial Celebrations at North Charleston High School
North Charleston High School is gearing up to commemorate its 100th anniversary in January 2026, with a series of celebrations that will honor the centennial graduating class among other activities. An archive is being established to preserve the school’s history, inviting alumni and the community to contribute memorabilia. Collectible items include yearbook volumes dating back to 1928, newspaper clippings, and a basketball championship drape from 1962, among others.
The school, which originally opened in 1922 to serve a small group of eighth-graders, has expanded its reach significantly over the years. It underwent integration in 1970 and has continuously adapted to changing demographics and community challenges. In recent decades, North Charleston High School has faced issues such as safety concerns, declining enrollment, and low academic performance.
Principal Henry Darby, who began his tenure in 2017, has raised awareness through his multiple job efforts to support low-income students. Under his leadership, North Charleston High School has made significant progress; as of the 2024-2025 school year, it is no longer rated “unsuccessful” on the state report card. Graduation rates have climbed from 67% in 2018 to 75% in 2024, with an increase in student participation in dual courses and career readiness programs.
Current students and alumni alike are looking forward to the upcoming centennial celebrations as they reflect on the school’s rich history and legacy. Community involvement remains a vital component in enhancing the educational experience for students at North Charleston High School.
Conclusion
The “Let’s Hear It for the Band” segment reflects a growing appreciation for the arts in education and reinforces the importance of community and school spirit at football games. With North Charleston High School’s centennial celebrations approaching, current students and alumni together are poised to celebrate not only their storied past but also a hopeful future.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Additional Resources
- News 12: Let’s Hear It for the Band
- Wikipedia: High School Marching Band
- Post and Courier: North Charleston High School 100th Anniversary
- Google Search: North Charleston High School
- WFXG: Silver Bluff High School Marching Band
- Google Scholar: High School Marching Bands
- News 12: Aiken County Teacher Charged
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- Post and Courier: Aiken High School Stadium Renovation
- Google News: Aiken High School
Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN
The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
