BRYSON CITY, NC – Swain County Schools is pleased to announce that Scott Riley has been named the new Head Football Coach for the Swain County Maroon Devils. Coach Riley comes to Bryson City with a proven history of winning and a deep commitment to student-athlete success, both on the field and in the classroom.
Coach Riley joins the Maroon Devils after a highly successful tenure at Cleveland High School in Clayton, NC, where he served as Head Coach since 2014. During his time there, he led his program to an incredible overall record of 130 wins and only 27 losses. His teams have been dominant, securing 11 conference championships and achieving a 61-game regular-season win streak—the 4th longest in North Carolina history. He also led Cleveland to a 3AA State Runner-Up finish in 2020.
Beyond the scoreboard, Coach Riley is dedicated to developing young men of character. He has coached 42 players who moved on to play college football, including several All-Americans and Shrine Bowl participants. His focus on academics is equally rigorous: 288 of his players earned Academic All-Conference honors during his tenure.
His excellence has been recognized statewide; he served as a 2023 NCCA East/West All-Star Coach and has received multiple "Coach of the Year" awards throughout the eastern part of the state.
“I am blessed and extremely grateful to be entrusted with the care of Swain County football,” said Coach Riley. “I hope to live up to the standards established by the legendary coaches of Swain’s past, and I am excited to get started building a team all of Swain County will be proud of!”
An experienced educator, Coach Riley has taught Social Studies and Weightlifting for over 20 years, specializing in subjects like World History and Civics. He holds a degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Coach Riley and his wife, Jennifer, met while attending UNC and have been married for 18 years. They have a 16-year-old son, Lawrence, who is currently a sophomore. Jennifer is originally from Hayesville, NC, marking a return to Western North Carolina for the family.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Riley and his family to Swain County.
However, because temperatures are forecasted to drop Sunday night, we may need to re-evaluate based on conditions Monday morning.
In the unlikely event of a significant weather emergency resulting in widespread power outages, we will utilize every available resource to keep you informed.
Please stay tuned to our Facebook pages, school website, and automated alert system for the latest updates.
Thank you for your patience, and stay safe.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students for the positive impact they have on our schools and community every day.
King, Jr. Day.
Due to predicted overnight weather, Swain County Schools will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, Thursday, January 15th. Buses will not run on icy roads.
However, we will continue to monitor weather conditions overnight and notify you of any changes as soon as possible.
-For the week of the 15th-19th: if any student does not have a scheduled state exam, makeup, or EOC retake exam, their absence will be coded 1I, exempt under local school board policy. No classwork will be assigned this week—only final exams.
-No student will be allowed to leave school until all testing is complete for the entire testing session. (For example, if your child has a morning exam, your child will not be allowed to checkout until all morning testing is finished.)
-Students checking out need a note signed by a guardian. They must sign out through the office.
-Students may check in prior to their designated test time. (For example, if your student is making up an exam in the afternoon, they may check in at 11am.) Students must sign in through the office.
-In accordance with state policy, students will not have access to their personal electronics, including cell phones, during testing.
-Students should have emails with their state exam locations and times.
-Breakfast and/or lunch will be served, breakfast until 7:50am and lunch as soon as morning testing is complete.
-And finally, if you gave permission for your student to retake any EOC exam should they score nonproficient, you will be contacted regarding what day and time the retake exam will take place.
14 Swain High students recently participated in the HOSA Future Health Professionals WNC regional leadership conference.
Congratulations to our Regional Top 10s:
Jany Echeverria - 3rd place Health Career Photography
Asiah Ball - 4th place Veterinary Science
Faith Murray - 9th place Nursing Assisting (CNA)
This Friday, November 15th, is the FINAL DEADLINE to purchase and create a senior tribute ad in the Swain High Yearbook.
Don't miss this chance to honor your graduating senior!
Here is a tutorial from Jostens on how to create your ad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc0Mi4mC2dI
Due to continued driver shortages, students who ride Bus 122 will be released early tomorrow, Friday, October 24, 2025.
🚌 Early Departure Schedule
Bright Adventures (122 Riders Only): Departs at 1:30 PM. Travel to Lots A-tots and then East Elementary.
East Elementary (Bright Adv. & EE 122 Riders Only): Departs at approximately 2:00 PM.
📍 Areas Affected
This affects riders in the Adams Creek, Goose Creek, Old #4 Road, Kaleidoscope Daycare, and Mount Noble areas. Students should arrive home approximately 1 hour earlier than their normal time.
⚠️ Important Notes
Pre-K students who normally transfer to other buses will be held at East Elementary and will load at their regularly scheduled time when their connecting bus arrives.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding as we work to resolve the driver shortage.
📞 Questions?
East Elementary: 488-0939
Bright Adventures: 488-1494
Transportation Director: 488-3129 ext 5130
Please share this important update!
This special hourlong event celebrates the future of public education in North Carolina with inspiring remarks from Superintendent Green, performances by Swain County Schools students, and stories that highlight the incredible work happening across our schools.
Everyone’s invited including families, students, educators, and community partners to join together and help shape the next chapter of education in our state.
🕕 When: Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6:00p.m.
📍 Where: Swain Arts Center, Swain County High School
✅ RSVP: Free registration encouraged - go.ncdpi.gov/western
Honor your Class of 2026 senior with a tribute ad in the Yearbook.
Here is a tutorial from Jostens on how to create your ad:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc0Mi4mC2dI
Juniors - NOW is YOUR time to apply for NC Governor's School for Summer 2026. For full details, go to: bit.ly/2026govschool (or use the QR code in the image) to access a document with information and links to the NC Governor's School official website.
Students & Families! On Thursday, October 23rd, all sophomores will take the Pre-ACT, a version of the ACT college admissions test students take their junior year. Students will receive an email one week prior with information regarding which classroom they will test in and what to bring and do on test day. More info to come!
🎓 Senior Parent Night Success! 🎓
We had a fantastic evening last night at Swain County High School connecting with our Senior families!
A big shoutout to GEAR UP and Swain County High School Staff for leading valuable discussions on:
📌 College Applications
📌 FAFSA & Financial Aid
📌 Senior Year Timeline & Milestones
Upcoming dates to remember for FAFSA help!
🗓️October 14th
🗓️November 6th
🗓️February 3rd
These sessions will be held in the College and Career Center at Swain County High School from 9:00am - 6:00pm with our Gear Up Advisors!
If you did not attend the meeting tonight, you can email tdodge@swainmail.org to set up a time to discuss the topics covered or ask any questions you may have for your Senior Student!
Tonight is Senior Family Night from 5:30 to 6:30 in the high school media center. At this meeting advisors will review the senior year timeline, review college application steps, overview financial aid options, and review various resources and upcoming events.
This meeting is an important opportunity for all senior families and guardians to familiarize yourselves with your student's college or career steps, understand your role, and ask any questions you may have.
