The Riverwalk Roar
Happy Sunday, Pride!
I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful and restful weekend. Saturday’s weather may have been a little blah, but Sunday certainly made up for it. I was thankful the sunshine dried out my yard just enough for me to get the grass cut—which, of course, means it’s time for another installment of “Random Thoughts While Cutting the Grass.”
While mowing today, my thoughts drifted back to when my oldest daughter (who graduates high school this year) was just four years old. At the time, we were touring different kindergarten programs we were considering. One of the schools on our list was Richmond Drive Elementary (RDES), because Rock Hill School District had just started a Spanish Immersion program there.
The principal of RDES was Mr. Pat Maness. Spoiler alert: we liked Mr. Maness a lot, and Campbell ended up starting the following year in their immersion program.
When I first reached out about scheduling a tour, I asked Mr. Maness if I could stop by and introduce myself. I didn’t know him prior to that visit, but as a fellow school leader, I wanted to extend the courtesy of saying “hi.”
I immediately liked and respected Mr. Maness. I could tell that his vision and school community would be a great fit for Campbell.
But he also said something that initially caught me off guard, yet still echoes with me today. While we were talking, he told us he wanted to be honest. He said, “If you’re looking for a school where Campbell is going to be number one, then RDES might not be for her.”
Curious, I asked him what he meant. He explained that Richmond Drive was a large community, and in a community like theirs, no one person was “better” than anyone else. Instead, everyone had a role to play, and every child made a difference in the lives of others.
That perspective has stayed with me all these years. As Campbell gets ready to graduate, I’m reminded that true success isn’t about being number one on a list or scoreboard. It’s about knowing that you belong, that your contributions matter, and that you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
That’s exactly what I want for each of our Lions here at Riverwalk Academy. My hope is that every student feels like they make a difference, because they do. When each of us leans into our gifts and lifts each other up, the entire Pride grows stronger.
Lions, I hope everyone has a wonderful week leading up to the 3-day weekend and Labor Day.
In Pride and Purpose,
~Dr. Compton
Monday: 8/25/2025
- XC Practice 3:30-5:00
- Volleyball @ Gov. School 6:00
- Cheer Practice 3:30-5:30 (MS/HS MPR)
- Cross Country @ Lancaster (Scrimmage) 5:00
- Swim @ Northwestern 6:00
- Volleyball vs. McBee 6:00
- XC Practice 3:30-5:00
- Spirit Night @ Casa Tequila
- Cheer Practice 3:30-5:30 (MS/HS MPR)
- XC Practice 3:30-5:00
- Upper School Open House 6:00
- Volleyball @ Lamar 6:00
Friday: 8/29/2025
- Early Release Day (No After School) Elementary 11:00 / Middle-High 11:30
Saturday: 8/30/2025
- Cross Country "Eye Opener" @ Wofford College 8:00am
- Elementary News (K - 5)
- Middle School News (6 - 8)
- High School News (9 - 12)
- School Counselors
- Athletics