About Our Program
In 2010, the idea for the academy was first offered by Dr. Rick Akers, then principal of South High, and Dr. Clyde Harrell who was in the Curriculum and Instruction Department at the central office. The goal was to target and focus on the top achieving students in order to provide for them the academic rigor they deserved and could achieve while in high school to better prepare them for college upon graduation.
South Hagerstown High School’s Academic Leadership Academy was created to prepare high achieving learners for a lifetime of leadership through academically challenging courses and leadership opportunities within both the school community and the community of Washington County.
The ALA program sets a high academic standard for all students to push them to achieve to their highest potential in order to prepare them for success after college.
The Symbol of the ALA program– An Adinkra (a-din-ka) Symbol- is the symbol of service and leadership.“ African symbols known as adinkra (a-din-ka) are ubiquitous in Ghana, on cloth and walls, in pottery andlogos. These Asante (a-san-te) tribe symbols can be found everywhere.”
The ALA group slogan "He who wants to be king in the future must learn to serve.” As an academy it is important for the students students to not only understand and possess leadership roles but to also know the value of working with others, following directions, and helping others achieve success.
Last year our graduating class again included the Valedictorian as well was Salutatorian. It also included 24 students who were accepted to a variety of 4 year universities and colleges.
ALAInformationalVideo.mp4