With the recent number of news stories regarding Hixson High School, many of which I have been asked to comment on by the media, I felt it necessary to report on the many good things going on HHS. This report is not meant to downplay the seriousness of the recent events but it’s time some of the good students received recognition for their good works and deeds, instead of the troublemakers and juvenile delinquents.

In May of 2009, Hixson High School will celebrate it 100th anniversary. Many events are being planned to celebrate our past. HHS has had a long rich tradition of academic excellence and community service. Though I am certainly not one of the academic stars of the past, I did receive a solid high school education that prepared me for success later in life.

In the past HHS has had its share of Merit Scholarship winners. Last year HHS had four students score 30 or better on the ACT test. As memory serves, there were approximately 35 students within the county with scores over 30.

As I reported to the school board during Thursday night’s meeting, Hixson is one of only two high schools in Hamilton County where ACT scores are on the rise over the last couple of years. Credit for this success must go to the faculty. These dedicated professionals are to be commended for their continuing efforts on behalf of all the students at HHS.

Hixson High School has partnered with two local businesses to create learning opportunities through intern programs. Memorial North Park has been working with HHS over the last few years to introduce students to the medical field through a clinical internship program. Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union will soon be opening a branch office at HHS. As I understand the program, students will work within the branch office and all students will be able to conduct daily banking business at school. At the recent career day, sponsored by the Math, Science and Health Occupations Academy, over 300 hundred students participated. Career opportunities were presented from a wide range of companies.

Hixson High School students are involved in a variety of community service events. On average the student body at HHS contributes over 25,000 service hours per school year.
Very often these fine folks are overlooked for their good deeds and good work. Most recently they helped build a home for Habitat for Humanity. Members of the senior class are in the local elementary schools serving as mentors to younger students. The senior class is involved in a pen pal project with at risk students in Charlotte, NC. In the near future between 70 – 80 students will help roof a home for Widows harvest. The student body is primarily responsible for staffing and working all events at the Mackenzie Arena. Proceeds are given to the technology fund at HHS. The student body has collected goods for the Goodwill Smiles Week.

Hixson High provides excellent opportunities for leadership to the students. This spring four students will shadow Tennessee state delegates in Nashville. In March, 25 juniors will travel to Washington, D.C. to learn more about Congress and the daily workings of government. This summer, sophomores and juniors will have the opportunity to attend a leadership summit at Maryville College.

The athletic teams at Hixson continually compete for district, region and state titles. Since 2004, HHS has had at least one athletic team bring home a state championship.
The athletic facilities at HHS are among the best in the county. The newly added weight training center is the rival of most small colleges. The football stadium press box was renovated last fall. The new softball field has added even more stature to the athletic complex. The soccer field is currently going through a renovation. The baseball complex is without question one of the best in the area.

Students who excel in fine arts and drama have ample opportunities to develop their talents. The HHS marching band has won several awards in its classification. The theatre and fine arts department will be traveling to New York City to visit the theatre district. The drama department will present its annual play in April. Hixson is the only true public high school in Hamilton County to offer a strings program. As well, the art department at HHS is one of the few to offer an A/P class in art.

In closing, there are many things at Hixson of which the students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni and community should be proud. As in all schools, it is sometimes difficult to get the word out about the many good things that the students who care and are concerned about their school are doing.

Marty Haynes
Hixson
Wmhaynes4@bellsouth.net

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That's great.

So, the students at Hixson are learning quite a lot of things through internships, community service, shadowing delegates in Nashville, athletic teams and fine arts and drama. And they had merit scholarships, in the past.

Now if you can keep the drugs and firearms out of their hands long enough to teach them something in the classroom such as math, English and history we might be getting somewhere.

Mike Dobbs
Hixson Class of '84
heckfarr@comcast.net

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Congratulations to the students, faculty, and friends of Hixson High School.

Once upon a time my school had the misfortune of being the poster school for all bad things. I am very proud to read your letter detailing all of the good things that are taken place at your school.

I am sure that if the media wanted to they could highlight those kinds of things throughout the district. However, when there is an opportunity to keep bad things front and center, those stories are not missed.

Additionally, it is sad that all bad things that happen are the fault of Dr. Scales, bad teachers, administrators or the Public Education Foundation; yet, they can never be a part of the success stories.

You did a fine job of giving credit and attention to some good news. For the record, I am neither friend nor foe of Dr. Scales; I have never met him personally. I am an informed supporter of public education for all and I believe it takes many people to make a good team.

Yes, my heart belongs to Howard School but I support them all.

Victor F. Bryant