HOPE – It was like an extended shout-out; but Hope High School Principal Donald Patton called it a “boast on our kids” in an Oct. 18 presentation to the HPS Board of Education.
\r\n“Any time I have an opportunity to boast on our kids, you know I am going to do that,” Patton quipped as he outlined bright spots for HHS during the second COVID-19 affected year at HHS.\r\n
\r\nHe said an initiative to increase the enrollment of the HHS Concurrent Credit, Hope Collegiate Academy, and Hope Career and Technical Education collaborations with the University of Arkansas-Hope has been a success.\r\n
\r\n“That program has doubled since the start of school,” Patton said.\r\n
\r\nHe said all CTE classes taught on the HHS campus have been fully accredited, as well.\r\n
\r\nPatton said a new community partnership, Bobcats Work, is in the final stages before roll-out from being suspended after the onset of COVID-19. The program asks local employers to hire HHS CTE students in an apprenticeship-type capacity that will provide experience and/or pay and result in full time employment after graduation.\r\n
\r\n“We think this is a great thing to do,” Patton said.\r\n
\r\nHe said the Creative Action Team School campus HUB program has also provided opportunities for high school students to continue their education while often working full time under eligible circumstances.\r\n
\r\nPatton said recent state information regarding HHS ACT Aspire scores shows improvement campus wide.\r\n
\r\n“We are getting there,” he noted.\r\n
\r\nPatton also gave some student shout-outs:\r\n
\r\nRICHARD WARE – Arkansas Boys’ State Governor, Boys’ Nation Senator.\r\n
\r\n“We call him the young President,” Patton quipped.\r\n
\r\nHUNTER MATHIS – Arkansas AAA Conf. 5A State Golf qualifier.\r\n
\r\nBOBCAT MARCHING BAND – First Division Color Guard, First Division Percussion, Overall Percussion Winner, Second Division Band, Cabot Invitational Marching Contest.\r\n
\r\nHALEY, LANIE LOCKHART – National Cattlemen’s Show exhibitors.\r\n
\r\nHHS AGRI STUDENTS – Community service participation at the Arkansas State Fair.\r\n
