Sharks Prevail at Riverview Chamber Luncheon

Throughout the banquet room at The Regent in Riverview people were seen dressed in black, blue and white, wearing the school colors of Riverivew High School, as the April 23 luncheon of the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce got under way.

At the luncheon were lots of sharks, stuffed and human, in recognition of the school's mascot. The luncheon was sponsored by the Riverview High School Athletic Booster Club.

The featured speaker was principal Robert "Bob" Heilmann, who talked about the school's history and its many achievements, including its recent recognition as the nation's top school in blood donations.

• See Riverview High School Wins 'School Blood Drive Award'

• See Video: What Makes This Man a Great Principal

• See Riverview Students Noted for 'Biggest Impact in This Country'

Among other achievements noted was the annual Relay For Life event held at Riverview High School, which over the years has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society and its mission to support cancer survivors and to prevent and cure the hated disease.

• See On View at the 2013 Riverview Relay For Life

• See 'Team Heather' Stays Strong at 2013 Riverview Relay For Life

Also noted was the annual Trick or Treat Street (TOTS) event, sponsored annually by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, in conjunction with the Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce and Riverview High School. The event is run by 150 to 200 volunteers; draws the strong participation of local businesses, staging booths and handing out treats; and attracts thousands of visitors looking for a good, safe place to trick-or-treat with their kids.

• See Chamber's Signature Trick or Treat Street Set for Thousands of Revelers

At the April 23 luncheon, Hillsborugh County Commissioner Al Higginbotham, on behalf of the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners read a proclmation in support and admiration of Riverview High.

Heilmann discussed the school's history, including charter principal Vince Thompson's move to have the school, originally named Pizzo High School, bear the name of the community it serves.

The principal noted, too, the achievements of Angela Slater, the physical education teacher who this year celebrated her 500th win as a softball coach in Hillsborough County. She taught 13 years at Brandon High followed by her 15 years at Riverview.

Food was prepared by the culinary arts students at Riverview High and served by members of the school's athletic booster club. Riverview JROTC and ROTC members, under the direction of Master Sgt. Milton Clifton, provided the colorguard and cheerleaders were on hand to welcome the guests.

______________

Are you a fan of Riverview High? Let us know why in the comment box below.
______________

Check back with Bloomingdale-Riverview Patch, for videos featuring Commissioner Al Higginbotham's proclamation reading and principal Robert Heilmann's remarks.

______________