New teacher handgun law draws strong response

For now, Sumner County schools are opting out of a new state law that allows teachers and other school employees to carry concealed handguns on campus if they possess the proper training and certification.

“We will not arm teachers in Sumner County,” Schools Superintendent Dr. Scott Langford told parents and staff in a letter Wednesday (April 24).

But that doesn’t mean HHS teachers, administrators and students don’t have opinions about the law, which Tennessee lawmakers approved Tuesday (April 23).

The law stems from a rash of school shootings in recent years, including one at the private Covenant School in Nashville last year that left three children and three adults dead.

Tennessee is now the 34th state to allow teachers to carry guns with administrator approval and some training, according to the publication Education Week.

“I don’t think the answer to solving these problems is with more guns,” said English teacher Candice Cunningham. “Unless they (teachers) have a military background, I would be opposed to one more person in the building with a gun.”

HHS and every other school in the county has an armed School Resource Officer (SRO) on campus.

Like Mrs. Cunningham, HHS Principal Dr. Mel Sawyers also has said he is against arming teachers.

In an interview with The Ville News this semester, he asked rhetorically, “We already ask teachers to do a lot, and now you want them to take someone’s life?”

Other opponents have said the law poses many problems, from access and storage of weapons to making it harder for law enforcement in the event of an active school shooter.

The law requires teachers and other school personnel who carry a concealed handgun to complete 40 hours of training as well as a background check, The New York Times reported. They also would have to provide fingerprints to state and federal authorities and submit a psychological certification from a licensed health provider.

Dr. Langford told parents in his letter that there isn’t a need to arm teachers in Sumner County schools because there are SROs and other safety precautions already in place.

“Our SRO program is currently ranked number one in the nation,” Dr. Langford wrote.

He also said, “We are at our best when our teachers focus on teaching, and our law enforcement officers continue their work to ensure our schools and students are safe.”

But not everyone agrees. 

Keith McArthur, an HHS junior, said he would feel safer if some teachers were armed.

“I think it’s a good idea because we’re giving the school shooters a level of threat that wasn’t there before," he said. "Now they have to think about the fact that they are putting their lives in danger, too.”

Story by Abbey Kovalycsik

Students, staff to read 'Atomic Habits'

Most HHS students will read the book “Atomic Habits” by James Clear for their summer reading assignment.

    The lone exception will be students taking College English next school year.

This is the first time in recent memory that all students - as well as staff - will read the same book for summer reading.

In the past, English teachers assigned incoming students their own selections to read.

But even with the change, students will still be held accountable for the assignment, as their English teachers will have them write a one-page response to the 320-page book when they return in August.

“Atomic Habits” has sold more than 10 million copies and is a New York Times bestseller. The book helps readers build good habits and break bad ones. 

Story by Braden Rose

Organizers say Black & Gold Day bigger, better this year

Next week’s Black & Gold Day will offer more activities and events than in recent years, organizers say.

“The last couple years we haven't offered much other than the football game, and this year we are offering a lot more things that reach students,” math teacher Amanda Carter, one of the planners of the May 3 event, told The Ville News.

Among the offerings are a pep rally, food trucks, football game and several gaming tournaments.

Black & Gold Day has been a fixture at HHS for several years, but it has become smaller in scale since the covid pandemic.

Ms. Carter thinks that once students see the expansion this year, more will want to attend.

Organizers sold 752 tickets this year compared to 740 last year.

The $20 tickets include a t-shirt and pizza and a drink, or a $5 voucher for the food trucks.

Freshman Maridia Napolitano said she’s eager to attend her first Black & Gold Day.

“I'm definitely excited for the food trucks and am ready to make new friends,” Maridia said.

She added, “A lot of people think the $20 is too much, but getting out of school along with the food and games are as good as it gets, I think. But it would be nice to get in (admission to the event) in other ways - like good grades for a lower price.”

Senior Asher Good said he is most excited for the pep rally “especially since it’s my last one.”

”I do think, depending on the person, the $20 might be worth it considering the food trucks, but other than that it’s just a shirt for the money,” Asher said.

Story by Samantha  Mueggenborg

First HHS literary magazine since 2017 will soon be available

Members of the HHS Literary Magazine Club are compiling works for a collection that will be the first in several years.

Overseen by English teacher Carmen Watts, the club is relatively new, as the school hasn’t had a literary magazine since 2017.

“We’re still in the process of formatting it,” Mrs.Watts said. “But we’re hoping in the next two weeks” the magazine will be published and available to students and to the public.

Mrs. Watts said students from her AP Lang class suggested the idea. They saw the magazine has an avenue for showcasing their writing.

“It’ll give students a chance to publish their works,” Mrs. Watts said. “Some students in the past have gone on to become published authors.”

Senior Reilly Sitler, one of the students involved, said the initial submissions for the magazine are “pretty good.”

“We have a lot of talented students,” Reilly said.

Among the HHS students who will have literary pieces published in the first issue are Kiera Placek, Dayanna Ramirez, Lilla Hawn and Madalyn Rose.

The magazine is being formatted by digital art teacher Jeffrey Ball and will be printed by the company Busy Bee. The foreword will be written by Hendersonville Laureate Poet Henry Jones.

Students and teachers interested in submitting works for future editions of the magazine should see Mrs. Watts in Room 207.

Story by Graham Adamson

‘Matilda’cast ready for opening night 

This year’s spring musical “Matilda” opens tonight (Thursday, April 18) with an evening performance and continues with an in-school show on Friday and more public performances Saturday and Sunday.

Showtimes will be 7 tonight and Saturday night and 2:30 Sunday afternoon. The in-school show starts during first block.

Some of the talented actors and actresses spoke to The Ville News and shared their experiences and insights into their roles, rehearsals, and the challenges they faced.

Emily Alexander, who plays the lead role of Matilda, describes her character as a quiet and intelligent girl who faced ridicule from her parents for her love of reading.

"She's kind of like an introvert and keeps to herself a lot," Emily explained. 

Learning her lines proved to be a struggle, but Emily embraced the opportunity to shine as a freshman in a prominent role.

Genevieve Blemker, who plays Miss Honey, said her character is "very sweet but had a really hard past, so she's kind of weak in the show and Matilda makes her strong."

Etta Mann, who plays Lavender, Matilda's energetic best friend, expressed her excitement about being in the musical.

"It's a really fun show. It's fun to do," she exclaimed. 

Kaley Zadick, who portrays Mrs. Phelps, the librarian whom Matilda confides in, described her character as “kind of like a hippie.” 

Evan Alexander, who plays Rodolfo, the ballroom dancer, also shared his enthusiasm for his part. “I like my role,” Evan shared. “It's pretty funny.”

Madison Hickey said she had a lot of fun playing her character, the villainous headmistress Trunchbull.

”She’s absolutely insane, so the physicality is really fun to portray,” Madison said.

Emily has had leading performances in the Hendersonville Performing Arts Center’s productions of "Annie Jr." and "Legally Blonde Jr," but "Matilda" marked her first major lead in a full-length play.

Similarly, Genevieve, Kaley, Madison, and Evan also had experience in other roles in the HHS theater department. Etta, on the other hand, returned to theater after a four-year break.

The show’s directors, theater teachers Don Griffiths and Laurie Kerhoulas-Brown, were praised for their guidance and expertise.

"Mr. G is awesome, and Ms. KB. They are a great team. Mr. G has great direction and really knows how to run a rehearsal," Emily expressed.

As the rehearsals progressed, the cast faced their fair share of challenges. Emily mentioned the difficulty of memorizing lines, while Evan highlighted the setbacks caused by inclement weather. 

Rehearsals were described as long and yet rewarding because of the close relationship among the cast members.

"I know I can get a good laugh at rehearsals," Emily said.

Ms. KB described the rehearsals as hectic.

“Live theater can be challenging because deliveries might not come in on time,” she revealed.

She then added as an example,” Today, we were missing a wig that Amazon delivered. We finally found it.”

Story by Heaven Ferrell and Alex Garcia

Q&A: Dr. Sawyers discusses vape detectors, bulletproof windows, bathroom renovations in exclusive interview

Most everyone knows that this is Dr. Mel Sawyers’ first year as principal at Hendersonville High School, but not everyone knows that this is his second time working at HHS.

Dr. Sawyers was an assistant principal here from 2012 to 2017. 

He’s noticed some changes since he left, and not all of them are good. Teen vaping has become a national epidemic, and cell phones have become a big distraction.

He shared his thoughts in a March 13 interview with The Ville News.

His edited responses appear below.

You have a lot of experience in Sumner County schools. Can you tell us about your background?

Well, when I graduated from college I became a 5th grade teacher at Benny Bills Elementary. After I left, I went to R.T. Fisher and worked as a bus driver and taught 7th and 8th grade math. After R.T. Fisher, I came here as an assistant principal and stayed for about five years. I left in 2017 and worked as the principal of Millersville Elementary for one year, and then I was promoted to principal at Guild Elementary. After six years at Guild, I came back to HHS.

What made you want to be a teacher?

I want to help kids. I came from a very challenging background and probably checked every statistical box you can imagine. So I wanted to be an example to kids that you can overcome adversity.

What was your favorite grade to teach?

I loved teaching 5th graders, some great kids there. Middle schoolers were definitely a lot more hormonal; we’ve had to have more than one conversation saying, “Your body is changing, you’re going to need to put on deodorant.” So I think teaching 5th graders was definitely my favorite.

What made you want to work at HHS?

I had always worked in the Gallatin area (Dr. Sawyers is a 1997 graduate of Gallatin High School), and I wanted to see a new demographic. So coming back was kind of a no-brainer.

How would you describe your vision for the school in one sentence?

An environment where students feel safe, loved and accomplished to the maximum capacity.

How are you going to do that?

By setting a culture, a culture where kids want to come to school, faculty and staff want to come to work, and parents feel safe sending their kids to school in an environment where they’re going to succeed 

Why is the administration so concerned about earbuds?

Thank you for asking that. It goes back to this: safety. Just last week I was yelling for a kid to come here and they couldn’t hear me, not because they were being disrespectful but because they had two earbuds in. Now I ask you, are school shootings going down? No, they are not, and if something bad happens we need students to be able to hear instructions. I will also tell you that we have gotten hundreds of emails saying, “My kid watched an entire episode of ‘Friends’ in class.” You all don’t come here to listen to music or watch TV, you come here to learn. 

What's your opinion on the teen vaping problem?

Research shows that young people who vape before their brains are fully developed have a higher chance of developing mental issues. It’s a problem, and if someone has to use THC in school as well, it's a major problem. 

We’ve heard that there will be vape detectors installed in the bathrooms. In other schools, students have found ways to get around it.

Kids are always going to find ways around it. We’re not expecting to catch every person that vapes, but we’re hoping that it’ll guide people away from doing it.

What do you think about the condition of the school bathrooms?

They are nasty. I went in and was just disgusted. I would like to get every bathroom here renovated, but there’s the problem. You want to get these things done but then you go in and there are kids throwing paper towels and soap on the floor. It's like, “Come on, man.” At some point it’s going to take the students to do something and take responsibility. So the goal is to improve the bathrooms. It’s taking a lot longer than expected, but you all deserve better than what is there.

What is the status of the new bleachers? Will we have bleachers for graduation and Black & Gold Day?

We are waiting for rental bleachers to be approved, and we should be getting them before Black & Gold Day. We’ll have those for football season, and in November they’ll start building the permanent bleachers.

Do you like the new E-pass system?

Yes, because it creates a proper report. Yesterday, I checked the amount of time students had been out, and since January 11th there have been kids that’ve been out for two hours and 30 minutes. Then you can see who’s trying to get out at the same time and what teachers are signing the most passes. It shows us the statistics, which helps a lot.

Why is the dress code enforced so vigorously?

When I first came to the school, one of the first things I did was ask the faculty, “What is one of the biggest issues?” and one of the answers was “Dress Code.” With the implementation of the new county-wide dress code, there was an expectation to follow it. If someone was to tell you to not do something but then do nothing when you do it, is there really a rule? It shows that we’re serious about this and that you can’t come in breaking the dress code.

For many years we had a period called “Commando Time” that a lot of students liked. Why was it taken away and do you see it coming back?

I think it’s mainly because it was deemed unsuccessful. It was originally implemented because of intervention with students that weren’t performing well in school. In this environment we have 1,500 kids and the ones that really need support are only around 60. It seems asinine to rearrange a whole schedule for 1,500 kids just for a small portion of them. So we’ve adjusted our system to address the 60 students’ needs instead of having Commando Time.

School security has been a concern all over the country. What policies do you see Sumner County Schools implementing to help protect students?

They’re going to start adding film to the windows, so that you can see out but no one can see in. They’re going to make some windows bullet-proof, which unfortunately stems from most recent shootings where they have shot through the windows. They’re also giving administrators an emergency button.

How do you view the importance of college education?

In the past there was a lot of focus on college, and it was expected for students to go. Now there are so many ways to build wealth and be successful.

How have students changed since you began teaching? 

The students haven’t changed; the expectations have. Kids are going to make mistakes, and it's important to create an environment where they feel safe, loved and successful. 

There was such a push last year for students to wear IDs, and this year we don’t have to wear them at all. Why the change? 

It was a futile effort to get students to wear them. 

What is it like being a principal here compared to an elementary school?

It is like running a small city; something is always happening.

Tell us something about you that students would find surprising.

I love fishing. I’m an outdoorsy person. I don’t think a lot of people would guess that about me.

Story by The Ville News staff

Students not too charged up about school-issued iPads

Students and teachers have mixed feelings about the new Apple iPads issued school-wide last semester.

While some see the devices as another learning tool, others, like junior Cole Robinson, view them as a “worthless expense."

“Half the stuff I can do on the iPad I can do on my phone,” Cole said.

Sophomore Morgan Bassett said the iPads "haven’t really affected me at all, honestly. In my classes we don’t even use them that much.”

The devices were issued a few weeks after school began to most of HHS’s 1,530 students.

Students carry their iPads with them during the day and take them home after school.

The iPads play a big part in the new electronic hall pass system implemented this semester. Students use them to get permission to leave class for the bathroom, library, office and to go most anywhere else in the building.

“I think they’ve made things a little more complicated, especially with the bathroom passes,” Morgan said.

Elvis Duarte, a senior, thinks the iPads are a “good resource” but “not necessarily good for learning.”

Freshman Emily Alexander said they can be distracting for some students.

She finds them cumbersome for taking notes in class because she can write by hand much quicker than typing or writing on the iPad.

”I think we're better off without the iPads,” Emily said.

But math teacher Amanda Carter believes students are more engaged in lessons when working on their iPads compared to using paper packets.

Ms. Carter embraces digital learning in her class and requires students to have an Apple Pencil and a charged iPad.

Even so, she said there are drawbacks.

“Sometimes I’m a little worried people aren’t on task because I can’t see what they’re doing on their iPad,” Ms. Carter said.

English teacher Candice Cunningham said the new devices haven’t affected her or her teaching style.

She thinks oral and written communication are still key.

“You need to know how to speak, and you need to know how to communicate effectively on the spot,” Mrs. Cunningham said.

Story by Samantha Mueggenborg

Library makes push to collect overdue books

HHS Librarian Pamela Hodgeman says students who are slow to return checked out books to the school library are preventing other students from gaining access to the materials.

As of Thursday (March 7), 31 books were overdue, according to Mrs. Hodgeman, one of two librarians at the school.

There is not a fine for returning a book after the due date, but students who fail to return them will have to pay for a new copy.

Students with overdue accounts also could be blocked from receiving a school-issued Apple iPad and from checking out new books from the library.

Mrs. Hodgeman said that if you are having trouble finding your book, check the shelves in your classes; the most common way students lose their books, she said, is by putting them on classroom shelves.

The library sends out weekly overdue notices to students’ Gmail accounts, but Mrs. Hodgeman worries that students don’t always see the reminders.

“Some people don’t check their email all year,” she said.

Story by Braden Rose

New track season opens with new coach, new expectations

Track season has started, and this year the team has a new head coach.

HHS history teacher Daniel Bruce is the new coach. This will be his first year coaching, but he has track experience. He ran track all four years at Lipscomb High School. He ran 100, 200, 4 x 1, and 4 x 2.

Being a first-year coach, he said he is a little nervous, but he has high expectations for the team.

“Better people, working with the team, better athletes, and winning,” he said of his goals this season.

He also wants to see relay and distance runners working together and upperclassmen stepping up to be team leaders.

Coach Bruce said he thinks the team will do well with several key athletes returning, including seniors Blaze Hargrove, DJ Lewis and Oliver Cunningham.

His assistant will be Caleb Head, who has coached for four years at HHS and seven years overall.

Coach Head said he wants the team to win the county meet, send 25 athletes to sectional and produce state qualifiers.

He thinks senior Caden Parizek has a good chance to break the shot-put record. 

The track team will have a practice meet Tuesday (March 5) at Liberty Creek. The first real meet is March 22 with the place and time to be announced.

Story by Alexandra Jones

Editor’s note: Alexandra is a member of the HHS track team.

Commando Recruit Day exposes 8th graders to high school opportunities

More than 350 rising freshmen from Ellis and Hawkins middle schools visited HHS recently for the annual eighth grade Commando Recruit Day.

The Feb. 20 event, now in its third year, aims to give students “an idea of what they want to be involved with” when they get to high school, said HHS teaching assistant Amy Bateman.

High school leaders guided small groups of 8th graders around the school, exposing them to CTE classes. Students visited the auditorium to see the band, orchestra and theater departments and also saw a pep rally in the gym. 

Booths were set up in the gym during the rising freshmens’ lunch time to learn about various clubs and programs.

“They seemed to get involved,” said Ms. Bateman, who added, “I’m hoping they’ll be good.”

Digital art teacher Jeffrey Ball noted that students came in for short sessions where he shared information about his class.

”The ones who were involved got something out of it,” Mr. Ball said, although he also acknowledged that few questions were asked by the kids. 

One eighth grader, Rose Worri, said, “All the teachers pretty much said, ‘This class is a cool environment and we don’t like homework so we don’t give it.’" 

Rose also mentioned that high school didn’t feel remarkably different from her current school, Ellis Middle. 

“I am excited for high school because it feels like the classes are going to be really fun, and we’ll have at least a little more freedom than middle school,” she remarked.

Story by Heaven Farrell and Alexandria Garcia

Principal Bob Cotter to retire, take part-time post

HHS Principal Bob Cotter announced Monday (May 22, 2023) that he will retire at the end of this school year.

“It’s time for you guys to break in somebody new,” he told faculty and staff in a brief after-school meeting.

Even though he is retiring, Mr. Cotter said he doesn’t “intend to sit around” and plans to work part-time with the county Department of Education.

He said details about his new position are still being worked out, and he will discuss the post once he knows more.

“I know when it’s time to transition into something else,” said Mr. Cotter, who has been principal at HHS since the 2014-2015 school year.

He said any decision on a new principal will be up to the superintendent and the school board. “I don’t know of a timeline,” Mr. Cotter said.

After the announcement, someone in the audience shouted, “You will be missed!,” and the crowd gave Mr. Cotter a standing ovation.

Mr. Cotter also told staff, “I didn’t make this decision until May 3” and explained after the meeting that that was the date he learned about his options to remain with the county in a part-time capacity.

During his tenure, HHS added a new wing for the math department and is about to launch a renovation of the science department. The school won numerous academic achievements under his watch, and just this spring the Tennessee Association of Secondary School Principals named Mr. Cotter the 2023 regional winner for Principal of the Year.

He also guided HHS through the COVID-19 pandemic and all the complications that went with it. He told The Ville News a couple years ago that the ordeal was “the most challenging of my 28 years in education.”

Before settling in Middle Tennessee to be closer to family, Mr. Cotter and his wife, Jennie, who is a graduate of HHS (class of 1981), lived in Atlanta. He shared with The Ville News the story of the phone call that landed him in Sumner County schools. It came while he was trout fishing on the Caney Fork River, and it was about an opportunity to teach history and coach football at Knox Doss Middle School.

“I didn't know a darn thing about football; I've never coached or participated in football a day in my life,” he remembered telling the caller, “but if it means getting this job I'll learn everything you need me to know.”

Mr. Cotter got that job and several more in Sumner County schools before becoming principal at HHS. He even taught economics at HHS in the 1990s.

He served as an assistant principal at White House Middle and Gallatin High and then as principal of Hawkins Middle and of R.T. Fisher alternative school.

There are also a couple lesser-known roles Mr. Cotter has held, ones he’d probably rather not mention. He was a cheerleader at duPont Manual High School in Louisville when he was a student there, and after graduating from Western Kentucky University he sold women’s lingerie as a management trainee for the old Uptons department store chain.

It's safe to say he's had an eventful career.

And it isn’t quite over yet.

Story by reporter Arlinda Hisenaj

Seniors’ final days filled with assembly, picnic before graduation

The 2022–2023 school year is wrapping up, and the seniors are walking the halls for the last few times before their next big milestone.

As the end inches closer, several events are lined up for seniors. One of the biggest is the Senior Assembly, which is Friday (May 12) in the gym.

“I really enjoy Senior Assembly because it’s kind of a send-off; you get to see everybody in one place just prior to graduation,” said Principal Bob Cotter. “It’s a good time to send the seniors off with a message of hope for their futures.”

The entire student body will attend the assembly. Seniors are to be in traditional attire. Parents or guardians can also attend.

The Senior Assembly will include a welcome from the student body president, and then there will be a swearing in of the 2023–2024 student body officers. Next, there will be three speeches: one from the student body president, one from Mr. Cotter and one from the teacher of the year, English teacher Andrew Martin.

The assembly also will feature a performance from the choir and – always an audience favorite – the sharing of funny stories submitted by the seniors concerning their K–12 experiences.

Before the Senior Assembly, the seniors meet in the auditorium at 8 to watch the senior video and then transfer to the gym around 8:30 for the assembly, which is about an hour and fifteen minutes long.

After the assembly will be the senior picnic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Sanders Ferry Park. The picnic includes a cookout and is an opportunity for seniors to spend some of their last moments together as the class of 2023.

Finally, graduation is 6 p.m. Friday, May 19, at Paul Decker Stadium.

Many seniors have mixed feelings about leaving HHS.

“There’s a lot of emotion going on. We have friends here that we’ve been going to school with since elementary,” said senior Asherah Tobias. “It’s happy, but it’s also kind of sad.”

Fellow senior Chloe Wilson said, “I’m going to miss my teachers the most. I’m just kind of sad that I’ll be going somewhere else and they’ll be stuck here.”

Story by reporters Leslie Jaramillo and Sophia Jones 

Library book deadline fast approaching

As the school year winds down, HHS librarians are making a push to collect overdue books and other checked-out materials.

In case you’ve somehow missed it (morning announcements have featured the deadline for days now), the deadline to return items to the library is Friday (May 12).

Currently, there are about 133 items checked out, with 25 of those overdue, librarian Pamela Hodgeman told The Ville News recently.

The library has been sending small groups of students to classrooms during Commando Time to remind peers with overdue accounts.

Unlike the public library, the school library does not charge a late fee. The thinking is that students are more likely to bring in the missing item if they don’t have to pay a fee.

Plus, in most cases, students have simply misplaced the book or forgotten to bring it in and do not intend to keep it.

Most years, fewer than 10 items remain uncollected by the end of school.

If an item does remain outstanding, however, a student could be required to pay to replace it before he or she can graduate.

“We usually give them quite a bit of time to find it because we would much rather have the actual book to put on the shelf,” Ms. Hodgeman explained. “If someone pays for the book, it takes a little bit more time to order it and process it and put it back on the shelf.”

Story by reporter Alexia Whitehead

NEWS IN BRIEF: Marching band has brush with Hollywood; Class officers elected for '23-'24; Auditions wrap for ‘Pride and Prejudice'; School shooting raises awareness

As most HHS students marched through this week’s EOCs, 20 members of the marching band were in Clarksville to film a parade scene for an upcoming movie starring Nicole Kidman.

The band was chosen to be extras in the movie, “Holland, MI,” largely because of the uniforms. The big “H” fit with the Michigan high school marching band portrayed in the movie.

Set in Holland, Mich., the movie is described as a thriller and also stars Matthew Macfadyen and Gael Garcia Bernal. It is to be released on Amazon Prime Video with the date to be announced.

The students were in Clarksville to film Monday-Wednesday (April 17-19).

“Just being seen in a movie is pretty cool,” said senior Matt Bailey, a member of the marching band.

Among the songs they performed were “King Cotton” and “Thunderer,” both by composer John Philip Sousa.

Nicole Kidman is an international star whose movies include “The Hours,” “The Others,” “Moulin Rouge!” “Cold Mountain” and “Batman Forever.”  She is married to country singer Keith Urban, and the two have a home in Nashville.

Story by reporters Mackenzie Kercher and Carragain Wood

_____

Cate Grandlienard, Elonnie Davidson and Ella Richardson were elected senior, junior and sophomore class presidents, respectively, in Friday's (April 14) class elections.

The elections determine class leaders for next school year.

Other incoming seniors elected were Lola Cunningham (vice president), Abbie Fuqua (secretary) and Liv Greenwell (treasurer).

Other incoming juniors elected were Marynn Enders (vice president), Arianna Rivas (secretary) and Kacie Neblung (treasurer).

Other incoming sophomores elected were Riley Williams (vice president), Kelvey Sarver (Secretary) and Sadie Stephens (treasurer). 

Story by reporters Sophia Jones and Leslie Jaramillo

______

Auditions for the fall semester play, Jane Austen’s classic “Pride and Prejudice,” were held earlier this month (April 11-12).

Forty-four students tried out for 18 parts.

“It’s a very long process, but they seem to cast accordingly,” said Harley Peyton, a freshman seeking the role of Lydia (the brash, youngest Bennet sister) in the 1800s British romance.

Callie Hudgens, another freshman who auditioned for the role, said she hopes to win the part because she enjoys rehearsals.

“Rehearsals are hard, but they are one of the key bonding times for theater kids,” Callie said.

The list of students chosen for the cast is expected to be released this summer.

Story by reporters Lily Lawson, River Wilson and Mae Turner

_____

The recent school shooting in Nashville that killed six, including three children, has raised awareness at HHS and most every other school across the nation.

School Resource Officer Donny Johns said the March 27 shooting at the private Covenant School in Green Hills underscores the importance of being watchful and keeping doors closed and locked.

“I go around making sure every door is locked because if the door is locked, the shooter will most likely leave that room alone,” Officer Johns told The Ville News.

He also said it is important that all visitors use the correct door to enter the school – the one at the main entrance.

Story by reporters Jaiden Montgomery and Sierra Gullo

Student council elections Friday; candidate videos on Google Classroom

No doubt you’ve seen the posters all over the school, the ones that shout “VOTE FOR …” for president or vice president. This could mean only one thing: The 2023-2024 student council elections are here.

Students will have the chance to cast their votes tomorrow (April 14) on Google Classroom using a Google form.

The candidates’ campaign videos are also up on Google Classroom, so check them out before you vote. This is the first year that the candidates have recorded videos for their campaigns.

Below is a list of the students running for office.

Sophomores

President:

Ella Richardson

Vice President:

Riley Williams

Secretary:

Kelvey Sarver

Treasure:

Sadie Stephens, Carson Anderson

Juniors

President: 

Elonnie Davidson

Vice President:

Marynn Enders

Secretary:

Arianna Rivas

Treasure:

Kacie Neblung, Elizabeth Swartzel

Seniors

President:

Cate Grandlienard

Vice President:

Lola Cunningham

Secretary:

Jackie Weissinger, Abbie Fuaug

Treasure: 

Liv Greenwell

Story by reporters Sophia Jones and Leslie Jaramillo

Teacher says road crossings pose safety hazard, delays

Science teacher Brannon Jones says so many HHS students are parking on the other side of Gallatin Road and crossing the busy street in the morning that they are causing a safety hazard and making motorists late for work.

“It’s like ducks crossing the road,” Mr. Jones said of the students crossing on foot. “It’s inefficient and inconvenient.”

One morning this week (March 27-31), he counted 17 students crossing the thoroughfare to get to HHS. And that was just the ones he saw while he was driving in, let alone the many more who probably crossed at other times of the morning. Drivers had to slow down or stop so the students could pass.

The students are likely sophomores, who for the first time were barred this year from using the HHS parking lot because of a shortage of parking spaces. Many of them have been parking off-campus - at the risk of being ticketed or towed - and walking to the building.

Principal Bob Cotter said the problem is that this year’s junior class is unusually large, the largest since he’s been at HHS.

“When you count the senior and junior classes, it’s larger than the number of parking spots we have available,” he said.

Consequently, passes for on-campus student parking were issued only to juniors and seniors.

Some have questioned why parking spots can’t be given to sophomores as the spots become available due to early graduation (64 seniors graduated in December).

But Mr. Cotter said that even some of the juniors and seniors couldn’t get parking passes at the start of the school year because there are so many upperclassmen. They should get the freed-up parking spaces, he said, not the sophomores.

Another common question is why HHS doesn’t just add more parking area.

Mr. Cotter explained that any expansion would be costly and require the Sumner County Board of Education’s approval.

It is safe to say that more on-campus parking won’t be available any time soon.

Story by reporters Arlinda Hisenaj, Shayla Orndorff and Kenya Woodard

‘We Will Rock You’ draws enthusiastic reviews

After months of hard work, the cast of the HHS musical “We Will Rock You” gave its opening performance Wednesday (March 29) in the school auditorium.

Students seemed to enjoy it based on their applause during the show and their remarks afterward.

“I really liked the costume design, and everybody’s singing was awesome,” said sophomore Logan Baeder.

All 480 tickets for the student-only performance sold out.  

The show, which is inspired by the music of the rock band Queen, was a long time in the making.

Theater teachers Laurie Kerhoulas-Brown and Don Griffiths selected the musical way back in August. Practice and other preparations began in January.

Freshman Lily Lawson, who plays former Journey singer Steve Perry in the play, said she thought the opening “went really well, and the cast was excited.”

But the moment was also a little bittersweet for Lily.

“My favorite part was the rehearsal,” she said. “The fact that we’re at this moment where we finally get to perform was kind of sad.”

Public performances are 7 p.m. Thursday (March 30), Friday (March 31) and Saturday (April 1). Tickets are available on GoFan! ($15 for adults, $10 for students).

“We Will Rock You” was written by the remaining members of Queen and named for the group’s popular song of the same title.

The play blends comedy, action and, of course, the music of Queen.

The story is set in the future. A villain from a video game has come to life, and the only way to destroy it is for people to work together to bring back rock and roll.

Story by reporters Mackenzie Kercher and Carragain Wood

SPORTS: Tennis teams show improvement, gain experience

Tennis season is back in session with the boys and girls teams recently competing at a tournament in Chattanooga.

The teams played in The Chattanooga Rotary Club Tennis Invitational March 24-25.

Most other teams in the tournament were from private schools or out-of-state public schools. HHS was one of only two Tennessee public schools in the contest.

Coach Brannon Jones said the teams had to play up a seed and competed well but did not finish as high as expected.

“Regardless, the experience and competition we faced was excellent, and I saw improvement over the weekend physically and mentally,” Coach Jones said.

“With more experience, improvement over the off-season, and a few new players, both teams are stronger,” he said.

Freshmen Autumn Gunter and Lincoln Elrod were both successful at their first high school tournaments. Autumn played five matches - both singles and doubles - and won two. Lincoln played six matches – three singles and three doubles – and made it to the consolation finals.

HHS will host its own Invitational Tournament April 14-15, where the boys will try to defend their title from last year.

Coach Jones said the teams plan to “stay healthy, improve mentally and tactically, and compete at 100 percent each match in the month of April and the postseason.”

Story by reporters Riley Williams, Olivia Weissinger and Carly Meador

Spring Commando Craft Fair features more than 80 vendors

The HHS wrestling team will host its annual Spring Commando Craft Fair 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday (March 25) in the cafeteria and in several hallways throughout the school. 

The spring fair is one of two craft fairs held each year to raise money for the wrestling program. The other is during the winter.

“We raised several thousand dollars, and we had over 3,000 people come to our winter show,” said music teacher Laura Gabriel who, along with her husband, wrestling coach and science teacher Ralph Gabriel, organizes the craft fairs.

Mrs. Gabriel said this weekend’s event is larger and better organized than recent fairs.

“I can’t wait to see the turnout,” she said.

More than 80 vendors will have booths selling items. The vendors pay an average of $100 each, but the fee depends on the size of the booth. The fees go to the wrestling team.

Several food options will be available including barbecue, hibachi, hot dogs, coffee and lemonade.

This is the sixth year for the Spring Commando Craft Fair.

Story by reporter Allie Conner

NEWS IN BRIEF: Students to take ACT online next year; New dress code in the works

Say goodbye to the paper ACT. Next year, the high-stakes college admission exam goes online.

That’s the word from Assistant Principal Mary Beth Allen, who organized this year’s paper ACT exam at HHS (March 7). 

She tells The Ville News that Tennessee counties had the choice this year of giving the test online or continuing one more year on paper.

But next year there is no choice; all schools must administer the ACT online. 

“We have 800 computers at HHS, so we can accommodate it,” Ms. Allen said.

Proponents of the change say it allows for easier registration and faster scoring.

Not everyone is comfortable with the move, though. The EOC test is given online, and technical glitches make it a nightmare.

“Other than saving a bunch of trees, I don’t see the advantage,” said biology teacher Andrew Beld. “Having it on computers makes it sort of a headache for teachers and administrators to deal with possible technical issues.”

Business teacher Jeffery Jones called the switch a “mixed bag.”

“Some students do better with online testing, but then you’re at the mercy of technology,” Mr. Jones said.

Math teacher Stephanie Allen said that while the move was inevitable, it is still “concerning.”

“It’s hard to do math on a screen,” Ms. Allen said. 

Students seem more open to the idea.

Chase Taylor, a senior, said it is “rational to go into the future and do it with technology.” 

But he added, “You risk the fact of being susceptible to data breaches.”

Only time will tell how the online testing works out.

Story by reporter Lexie Whitehead

_____

A new dress code for Sumner County schools is on the way.

The county School Board has been working to update the code for next school year.

The board has released a draft with some of the proposed changes. 

Under the proposal, students can wear yoga pants, ripped pants, shorts, sandals and slides. They also can have “non-natural” hair color.

Tops must have sleeves or “wide” straps at the shoulder; holes or tears must be below mid-thigh. Yoga pants must be paired with tops that extend past the wrist when arms are down by the side.

Criminal justice teacher Tabitha Fitzwilson has been meeting with the board as it works on the new dress code. She said the board has been conservative in making changes.

“There are many traditional and old school people who have a seat on the board,” Ms. Fitzwilson told The Ville News.

Students have long complained about the dress code, saying it is outdated and stricter for girls than for boys.

“The dress code is still sexist because it went from a 2-3 finger width to a wider strap” at the shoulder, said sophomore Shiah Atwood.

The School Board is expected to vote soon on the new code.

Story by reporter Karlee Netherton

Change on the way as CT winds down

HHS administrators are still deciding how the extra 40 minutes gained from the elimination of Commando Time will be worked into the schedule next year.

“We’ve had some discussions, but no true plan yet,” Assistant Principal Kerry West told The Ville News this week (March 6-10).

Commando Time, which began in 2017, is scheduled to end after this semester.

Principal Bob Cotter said one thing is certain: the time between lunches - that 3 minutes when cafeteria workers have to scramble to get everything ready for the next wave of students - will be extended to 5 minutes.

Mr. Cotter also has said previously that extra instructional time will almost certainly be added to each block, but the amount remains unclear.

Students would like to see some of the available time added to the lunch periods. Most say the current 25 minutes is too short because it includes walking to the cafeteria, waiting in line for food and, oftentimes, using the bathroom before returning to class.

A 2012 study by the American Academy of Pediatrics found that teens need at least 20 minutes of actual eating time to get the full health benefits of lunch.

Many HHS students say they get only about 10 or 15 minutes of eating time, especially if they use the bathroom during lunch as some third-block teachers require.

“By the time I walk to lunch, get my food, sit down and eat, I feel like I’m being rushed,” said junior Allyson Lucas. “More lunch time would benefit all of the students.”

HHS is one of only a couple high schools in Sumner County that still has the 40 minute “skinny block,” or Commando Time as it is called at HHS. Most of the other schools have dumped it and returned to a traditional four-block schedule.

Commando Time began as an effort to help students struggling in core subjects like reading and math. The students received small-group intervention to help them sharpen their skills.

But as time went on, fewer students met the threshold for intervention, and the block began to be used more for elective courses and study halls.

Story by reporters Arlinda Hisenaj and Ava Lorance

Garnett’s passion for books lands her role of student advocate on Book Review Committee

Julia Garnett, a junior, will bring student input to a committee created to review controversial materials in the HHS library, including the popular teen novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Julia was chosen to serve on HHS’s Book Review Committee for Challenged Materials, created last year to address concerns about items some consider inappropriate for high school students.

When a parent or school employee objects to a book in the school, they can file a formal "challenge" with the county, which triggers a review process to determine whether the book should stay or go.

Part of the process involves the Book Review Committee, whose members read the book, discuss its merits and make a recommendation to Principal Bob Cotter.

The committee's work is key with Sumner County at the center of recent book controversies. Last semester, the committee recommended that the young adult novel Lawn Boy by Jonathan Evison be pulled from the HHS library after it was challenged for sexually explicit content. The book was promptly removed.

That episode followed a much-publicized controversy at Jack Anderson Elementary where the book A Place Inside of me: A Poem to Heal the Heart by Zetta Elliott was challenged for removal by a parent upset about the content.

The poem tells of a young black boy dealing with his emotions following the death of a girl by police in his neighborhood.

After several parents and teachers expressed support for the book, the Sumner County Board of Education voted to keep it on the shelves.

Most schools in the county have created book review committees. Until now, HHS's committee consisted solely of adults (teachers, librarians and parents). The addition of Julia gives students a voice in the process.

The HHS committee is presently reviewing another challenged novel, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. The story follows a teen’s first year of high school and includes drug abuse, sexuality, rape and teen pregnancy.

The novel, which was made into a movie in 2012, has been challenged frequently since it was published in 1999, but it also has been widely praised for its honest portrayal of adolescence. Reader's Digest ranks it first on its list of 50 best young adult novels.

Julia said she wants to hear from students who have read The Perks of Being a Wallflower so she can share their thoughts with the committee. She can be contacted through social media.

Julia spoke to The Ville News this week (Feb. 13-17). Some of her responses appear below.

Why were you the only student chosen for this committee?

I went before the (Sumner County Board of Education), and I asked for students’ voices to be considered as part of this process, and I emailed our librarians asking for this process, and I was chosen to be on the Review Committee.

Why are you so passionate about this issue?

To me, every student should be able to have a voice in what we are able to read and what’s available to us. I just want us to be considered; it doesn’t mean everyone has to agree with us. But that’s just something that is really important to me, defending books in our schools. Adults for a long time have had a say in what we’re allowed to read, and they should have a say, but we should also have a say.

Why has book banning been in the news so much lately?

It’s been going on around the country and parents and board members feel that books, especially high school-level books, have too much explicit material that is inappropriate for all grade levels. And for some parents, they don’t want their kids to have access to these books in the classroom or libraries.

Story by reporters Will Luckett and Tyrone Owens

Posters, announcements part of new anti-vaping campaign

Students returning from winter break were greeted with a new anti-vaping campaign and stricter rules for the restrooms and lunchroom. 

Assistant Principal Jessica Araujo de Jorge said a recent school climate survey played a large part in the changes.

“When we did our school climate quarterly survey as part of our school improvement plan, we saw a lot of students comment on the vaping issue,” Mrs. de Jorge told The Ville News, “and it was our effort to address those concerns.”

The first step was the crackdown in the lunchroom and bathrooms. Under the new policy, all students must eat in the lunchroom - not in the halls – and turn in their phones if they leave to use the bathroom.

As for the bathrooms, only one person is supposed to be in a stall at a time.

“The reason for that is because 90 percent of the time we catch two students in a stall together, there is a vape involved,” said Principal Bob Cotter.

The second step of the new campaign is the posters and fliers posted throughout the hallways and a plan to begin providing information in the morning announcements about the dangers of vaping.

Vaping appears to be a growing problem at HHS. According to a Ville News review of school records, 45 vaping offenses were reported last semester alone.

Assistant Principal Kerry West calls the anti-vaping campaign a “solid plan” and predicts a positive change in school cleanliness and atmosphere.

But while administrators are enthusiastic, students are skeptical. 

Senior Trace Brown said the new lunchroom policy is “a bit too restrictive.”

Sophomores Aidan McKinney and Addison McKinney (no relation) also said the rules are too harsh and have been relatively ineffective. 

“I don’t think changing the lunch rules and all the stuff they have about going to the library and the bathroom is going to help the issue,” Aidan said. “It's just going to have the kids that vape continue to find more ways to be sneaky.” 

Addison called the changes “unnecessary” and said they “won’t stop the issue entirely.”

Regardless of student opinion, these changes won’t be going away any time soon.

Story by reporter Allie Conner

HHS equipped with four AEDs in event of sudden cardiac arrest episode like Bills‘ Damar Hamlin

The quick action that saved Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin after he suffered a cardiac arrest during a Monday Night Football game could be duplicated at HHS and other buildings equipped with defibrillators.

“Sumner County schools are certified as Project ADAM schools which means we go through training and testing every year to make sure we have enough defibrillators in each school and that we can get them to the scene in time to use if needed,” said HHS nurse Meredith Melvin.

Project ADAM began in 1999 in memory of Adam Lemel, a 17-year-old student in Wisconsin who went into cardiac arrest and died while playing basketball. The program helps schools establish a response plan for cardiac emergencies.

HHS has four AEDs – Automated External Defibrillators – in the building. Most of them are within 1 minute of any spot in the school. The devices are labeled and mounted to the wall by the cafeteria, in the main hall, by the upstairs elevator, and by the auditorium door.

The AEDs are easy to use (audio instructions walk the user through step-by-step) and can restore normal heart rhythm by delivering an electric shock.

In addition to the AEDs, at least 17 employees at HHS are trained in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).

Like AEDs, CPR is a life saver. About nine out of 10 people who have cardiac arrest outside the hospital die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If CPR is performed in the first few minutes, the agency says, it can double or triple a person’s chance of survival.

CPR and AEDs have drawn a lot of attention since Hamlin’s heart suddenly stopped after a tackle during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 2.  Millions of viewers watched as medical staff worked on the 24-year-old Bills safety, and the crew’s quick use of CPR and an AED is credited with saving his life.  

Hamlin was discharged Jan. 11 after more than a week in the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Mrs. Melvin said the AEDs at HHS are monitored every month to make sure that everything is in working order. The school also has an AED drill every year.

“We always pass the first time,” she said.

Story by reporter Lexie Whitehead

More states allow students ‘mental health days’to cope with stress

Big changes at lunch – and not with the menu, either

The hallway outside the library is strikingly empty during lunch these days compared to what it was only a few weeks ago when droves of students sat propped against the walls and sprawled on the floor.

Beginning this semester, students can no longer eat in the halls - only in the cafeteria or at the tables in the outside courtyard.

And that’s not all. Anyone who wants to use the bathroom at lunch must sign out and turn in their phone until they return.

The changes are expected to help prevent vaping and vandalism in the bathrooms, growing problems in recent years.

Principal Bob Cotter told The Ville News that there are other benefits as well.

“The halls are cleaner, and it presents a better image when we have visitors,” Mr. Cotter said. “The lady that has been subbing as a custodian said that it has made her life much easier.”

Students don’t seem too thrilled with the new policy. They complain that the cafeteria is too crowded and too loud, and they don't like leaving their phones to use the bathroom.

“I don’t feel safe knowing that my phone is a walk away from me,” remarked junior Emily Suttle. “What if something happens and I need to call my family?”

How do you feel about the new lunch policy? Let us know by texting lexie670354@gmail.com.

Story by reporter Lexie Whitehead

World Cup captivates HHS students with its excitement, diversity

“Ecstatic,” “unpredictable,” “dramatic” … these are some of the words HHS students are using as all eyes are on the World Cup.

Seventy-six percent of 30 HHS students surveyed by The Ville News last week (Dec. 5-9) said they were following the World Cup, with Brazil and Argentina the favorite teams.

“I enjoy the sportsmanship and the diversity with everyone coming together over one sport,” junior Max Reeder said of the event.

With the time difference between Hendersonville and Qatar, the location of the 2022 World Cup, many of the games fall during the school day.

This has made some students distraught about not seeing their favorite team compete, especially in the knockout round, where one loss could mean not seeing their team play for another four years. 

But some HHS teachers have saved the day by allowing students to tune into the games or projecting the action for them to monitor.

Max says he “really appreciates” teachers helping students keep up with this worldwide event.

Of the HHS students who said they’ve been following the tournament, 26 percent identified Brazil as their favorite team followed closely by Argentina with 23 percent. Thirteen percent were rooting for Morocco, 10 percent for England, 6 percent for France and 6 percent for The Netherlands.

The championship match for the 2022 World Cup will be Dec. 18.

Story by Samuel Pagoria and Oliver Cunningham

Students give new grading system top marks; teachers not as enthusiastic

Teachers and students think the new 10-point grading scale adopted this year at HHS and other Tennessee high schools has inflated grades, but by how much is hard to say.

“It feels like it’s quite a big opportunity for everybody to get an ‘A’ that maybe they didn’t deserve,” said theatre arts teacher Laurie Kerhoulas-Brown. “I feel like the ‘B’ felt fairer being where it was, but I’m okay with it generally.”

Before this school year, Sumner County students had to earn a 70 percent to pass a course. The scale was 70-74, D; 75-84, C; 85-92, B; and 93-100, A.

Now, the passing mark is just 60 percent with 60-70 a D, 70-80 a C, 80-90 a B, and 90-100 an A.

State lawmakers changed the scale because they said Tennessee students were at a disadvantage in earning scholarships and in getting into colleges.

Most states have long been using the 10-point grading scale, as have most colleges. The scale can make it easier to earn a higher GPA, though other things are involved too such as rigor of material and teacher grading method.

Before the change, a student in neighboring Kentucky could earn a 90 in a class and receive an “A” on his or her transcript, while a student at HHS with the same score would receive a “B” on the transcript.

As expected, students prefer the new system.

“It makes my classes way easier,” said junior Juan Beltran.

Allend Yassin, also a junior, said, “To be honest, it’s helping a lot of kids out.”

But teachers are more mixed in their reviews of the first semester with the 10-point scale.

“I don’t really like it because children seem to have an easier way of slacking off and still passing,” said special education assistant Amy Bateman.

Architectural and engineering design teacher Brandy McCarter said she sees why the state changed the scale, but she thinks it is unfair to certain students.

“I feel like it’s not fair to people who are sophomores or above because their other grades do not reflect the new system,” she said.

Some teachers say they like that students have more opportunity to succeed.

“I think it’s a very generous grading scale and allows for more students to pass,” said history teacher Carolyn MacDonald.

Story by reporters Tyrone Owens and Will Luckett

Special Olympics: HHS students strike gold

Principal says ‘junior-senior wars’ go too far; pranksters risk prosecution

HHS Homecoming Week always features fun school-sponsored events like dress up days, pep rallies, parades and dances. Not on that list, though, are the infamous “junior-senior wars.”

The “wars” involve groups of juniors and seniors pranking each other, and Principal Bob Cotter says it should stop because the pranks have become increasingly harmful and damaging to the point that they are now acts of vandalism. This year, for instance, students threw eggs, cheese, and other objects at houses and cars.

Even though the “junior-senior wars” are not school sponsored, Mr. Cotter frequently receives calls from parents upset about damaged property. This week, things got bad enough that he made a school-wide announcement warning students to refrain from the pranks or risk police action.

In an interview with The Ville News, Mr. Cotter said the calls from parents were about “damages they received to their houses, cars and shrubbery.” He also said that what the students were doing was “legally wrong and considered vandalism” and that they had a high probability of being caught by witnesses and doorbell cameras.

He advised the parents to “call the Hendersonville Police Department and file a report” for any incidents and said HHS “would be more than happy to help identify any suspects.”

It appears an armistice is overdue for the “junior-senior wars.”

Story by reporters Samuel Pagoria, Ally Hobbs and Oliver Cunningham  

Canned food drive exceeds goal 

This year's canned food drive collected 64,017 items, crushing its goal of 60,000.

The food is donated to the Hendersonville Samaritan Association, which helps people in need in the community.

The drive has been a tradition at HHS for upwards of 20 years. Teachers and students turn in cans and money to support the effort. Every dollar donated is equal to five cans of food.

Some teachers go all out and promote competition between classes.

"It was insane. I was completely shocked," said English teacher Andrew Martin. "I just advertised that we were having a canned food drive, and four or five students in my third block class ended up donating 7,000 cans, which is $1,200."

This year's canned food drive ran Sept. 12-16.

Assistant Principal Dr. Ron Sarver said, "There are a lot of people who depend on (the Samaritan Association), and this is just one of those things that we do to help restock their pantry." 

Story by reporter Allie Conner

War Team sidelined until Fall Break

It’s not as big a blow as losing a star player, but the loss of the HHS War Team will likely be felt when the Commandos take on Gallatin this Friday (Sept. 16) at home.

The War Team and all activities connected with it have been suspended at least until Fall Break (Oct. 3-7), Principal Bob Cotter announced last week over morning announcements.

Afterward, Mr. Cotter told The Ville News that the move stems from disciplinary action taken for events during the Sept. 2 football game against Beech. 

He declined to provide details. 

“We represent the community, and Friday night was not HHS,” Mr. Cotter said.

The War Team is made up of students who seek to boost school spirit. The group is most evident during football games, where they paint their bodies, cheer loudly, wave banners and fill a large section of the bleachers.

The War Team also leads pre-game events, such as morning “ride-ins,” where students caravan to school the morning of game days in vehicles decorated with flags and banners; and gatherings “on the hill” where students paint themselves up before kickoff.

Mr. Cotter said all of those activities are prohibited on school grounds until the students show they “can be safe” and “follow the rules.”

War Team leader Tucker Wood, a senior, told The Ville News, “I don’t think they should take away our flags and drums. It won’t be the same as it usually is.” 

Tucker said War Team leaders meet weekly with school administrators during the season to make sure the group is “staying in line.” He said the group was not notified before the suspension was announced to the student body. 

Asked about enforcement, Athletic Director Dr. Ron Sarver said Thursday (Sept. 8) that he expects the War Team to adhere to the suspension until it is lifted.

Story by reporters Ally Hobbs, Oliver Cunningham and Sam Pagoria

Banners going up for senior members of Marching Band 

For years, senior athletes at HHS have had banners hung around the school for a multitude of sports. 

But not senior members of the Marching Band, though that is about to change. 

Song Dodd, a PTA mom of the HHS Marching Band, said, “For the first time in HHS history, we will be allowed to hang banners featuring our football and band seniors in the football stadium.”

Their banners are expected to be hung in the stadium before the Sept. 16 football game against Gallatin.

The banners will cost $45 and include the students’ pictures, taken by professional photographer Allison White. 

After the football season, seniors who purchased a banner will be able to keep it.

Story by reporter Jessi Wilson

Thirty detentions issued for ID violations

It's no secret that HHS is coming down hard on students without ID badges. In the science and English departments, teachers wait in the halls and practically pounce on kids who don't have them around their necks.

But so far most of the enforcement has been verbal warnings. As of Tuesday (Aug. 30), only 30 detentions had been written for missing IDs since school began Aug. 1, front office worker Deanna Howell told The Ville News. 

That averages well under two detentions a day for a student body of 1,600, though teachers and administrators did not begin writing detentions until after a two-week grace period.

The detentions, which must be served before or after school, are new this year. In the past, students simply received a verbal warning.

That changed after last spring's deadly school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. Now officials around the country are placing greater emphasis on school security.

At HHS, the school-issued, laminated IDs must be worn around the neck for easy identification. They also are required for buying lunches and checking out library books – changes made this year to encourage students to wear them. 

“I’ve said all along it’s going to be a lot easier to convince kids to wear them if they have a purpose besides school safety,” Principal Bob Cotter told The Ville News last month.

Even so, many still view the IDs as an unnecessary hassle.

“I don’t like having it around my neck all day,” remarked senior Ty Lannom, “it’s just aggravating.”

Lannom and others question why the ID can’t be on a backpack or displayed some other way as long as it is visible.

But School Resource Officer Donny Johns said the badges need to be around the neck.

“We have over 1,600 kids at the school now, so with the IDs around your neck, if something were to happen it is easy to look at the ID and know the person's name and grade level,” Officer Johns explained.

As for teachers, some are enforcing the crackdown by writing detentions, or at least threatening to write detentions.

“I warned my class to wear them and told them next time it would be a detention,” criminal justice teacher Tabitha Fitzwilson said.

Story by reporters Ally Hobbs and Samuel Pagoria