Class of 2019 challenged to set pace

HOPE – “I know how it feels” new head Bobcat football coach and Hope High School alumnus Phillip Turner told the incoming Class of 2019 as he gave the senior charge at the annual HHS Senior Breakfast.\r\n

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“I had buddies, guys we hung out together all the time,” Turner said. “When we made the walk across the field at Hammons Stadium and got the diploma we were crying, because it was over.”\r\n

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Turner challenged the incoming seniors to not only enjoy their final year at Hope High School, but also to set the pace.\r\n

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“You be the examples,” he said. “You be the leaders.”\r\n

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HHS Principal Bill Hoglund had already expanded upon that theme as he emphasized to the parents in attendance what awaits students at HHS this year.\r\n

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“Our goal is not simply for them to walk across the stage at Hempstead Hall,” Hoglund said. “Our goal is for them to be ready to do something else.”\r\n

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He said HHS had acquired some of the best educational technology available, but the teachers who will guide each HHS student through the year are the key to the educational journey of each student.\r\n

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“We have some of the coolest technology in America,” Hoglund said.\r\n

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He said new ZSpace technology can be used across class disciplines to study the human heart in three dimensions in science classes and calculate the flow of blood in math classes.\r\n

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Hogulund urged the parents to help their students resist “Senioritis.”\r\n

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“Come January, it’s going to get hard to do,” he said. “It’s time when the almost can become the certain. Stay strong.”\r\n

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Despite a soggy start to the year after heavy rains across Hope flooded the second floor of the main building, Hoglund said classes will be conducted on schedule.\r\n

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“We’re not going to let rain, floods, or anything else stop us from delivering the education your students deserve,” he said. “I will make one promise to you: My goal this year is that your students will be better off because I’m their principal; and, your students will be better off because our teachers are their teachers.”\r\n

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Commencement exercises are scheduled for May 10 at Hempstead Hall on the University of Arkansas – Hope campus.\r\n

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Senior sponsors Terri Hoglund and Jill Self reminded the seniors of important dates, including Senior Pictures, week of Sept. 18; Homecoming, Sept. 28; and, Senior Banquet, May 9.\r\n

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Seniors should also remember to pay deposits for cap and gown rental, which will cost $65 this year.\r\n

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HHS Counselor Sallie Nix emphasized the need to get class schedules right at the beginning of school, and that each senior should visit her office starting the second week of school to “check off” their earned credits in their Senior Big Book.\r\n

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Career Coach Brittany Holleman also reminded the students and parents of the dates for the ACT test administration this year will be in October, December, February, and April. Holleman said a minimum score of 16 is required for most college admission and 24 or above for admission with scholarship opportunities. She said students should take the ACT exam at least twice, and once a student has registered they need not register for a subsequent administration of the test.\r\n

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HHS Parental Involvement Coordinator Kelly Muldrew asked senior student parents to participate in training to learn the eSchool parental access to student data application on a date to be announced.\r\n