From the desk of Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood

Update No. 136

Wednesday was Custodian Appreciation Day. It’s my true honor to shine a spotlight on our custodial staff’s hard work, dedication, and tremendous impact on our school. Their tireless dedication to maintaining a clean and safe environment for students and staff cannot be overstated.

They include:

• High School: Trevor Cunningham, Jason Dobbins, Bruce Kaiser, Taylor Kendall, Brady Kendall, Byoung Kim, Teresa Pena, Tanya Southard, and Chong Woo
• Middle School: Steve Cunningham, Trystan Hileman, Kathy Lee, Tammy Rednour, and Mike Wilham
• Elementary School: Erin Hileman, Tim Jenkins, Sarah Jefferies, Cortney Jefferies, Matt Jones, and Daniel Zell
• Student Activity Center & Subs: Ike Gibbons, Hailie Johnson, and Keri Stern, and Tia Bowman

They are invaluable members of our educational community whose role and function extend beyond the classroom. Thank you to our amazing custodians for the crucial role you play in shaping our students’ educational journey.

* * *

This month marks the recognition and celebration of another dedicated group of individuals serving our district – our school principals.

We are fortunate to have Julie Griffey and Ken Watson (HHES), Bret Bailey, Jill Landers, and Andy Smith (HHMS) and Jarrod Mason, Whitney Gray, and Mitch Street (HHHS) at the helm of their buildings. They bring knowledge, experience, an unwavering dedication, and exceptional leadership to Heights at every level. Their passion and commitment to their profession, this district, and most importantly, to the children in our classrooms, is commendable and deeply valued. You make a difference every day. Thank you!

* * *

Mark your calendar to attend the Annual Fall Foliage Tour from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, hosted by the Hamilton County Historical Society.

This year, participants will travel to northern Hamilton County to enjoy the fall scenery and learn from local historians about the history of the area with stops at The Roberts Settlement Chapel, Hamilton Heights Historical Hall, and Arcadia Depot Museum.

R.S.V.P. to (317) 770-0775 or email info@hamiltoncoinhs.com before Oct. 16. The event will occur rain or shine and is free.

* * *

It’s Homecoming Week at Heights. This is one of my favorite weeks of the year. The spirit days, athletic games, pep rally, homecoming parade, football game, and half-time festivities bring our Huskies together in the kind of energy, enthusiasm, and pride that can be seen and felt in every way throughout the campus and our community. Nothing brings the community together quite like a Homecoming celebration!

Be sure to join us at the Homecoming Parade and football game where the Huskies host the Twin Lakes Indians under the bright lights of the Husky Field. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. The award-winning Hamilton Heights High School Band and Amber Guard will lead the parade with the school song and impressive flag routine through the streets of Arcadia.

The parade line-up begins at 3 p.m. in the north/west high school parking lot. The parade starts at 4 p.m. The parade route can be found here.

Halftime festivities include recognition of alumni from the classes of ’75, ’85, ’95, ’05, and ‘15, followed by the presentation of the 2024 Homecoming Court and the crowning of this year’s Homecoming King and Queen.

On Saturday, we will induct the Class of 2024 to the Hamilton Heights Athletic Hall of Fame which includes four incredible student athletes and one amazing team. This year’s honorees include Tony Cook (’69), Hamilton Heights’ Undefeated Football Team (’70), Tracey (Money) Million (’88), Zack Bardonner (’98), and Austin Etherington (’11).

Enjoy the rest of this year’s homecoming celebrations! Go Huskies!

#WeAreHuskies