From the desk of Hamilton Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood

Update No. 143

Something pretty cool happened over the weekend.

Three Hamilton Heights wrestlers, Kendall Moe, Zoe Pugh, and Izzy Bailey, qualified to compete at the inaugural IHSAA girls wrestling state finals held at the Indiana State Fairgrounds Coliseum on Friday. They were among a total of 224 wrestlers representing 121 member schools at the highly anticipated event.

Kendall, a junior, topped her perfect season (25-0) by winning the 105-pound championship. Kendall is now a three-time state champion after winning the 98- and 100-pound titles previously during the IHSGWA state finals. Senior Zoe Pugh, a two-time medalist, placed fourth.

The event’s roots started with Coach Gary Myers and a vision for a girls’ wrestling program. Congratulations!

* * *

I would like to give a shout out to Kaden Derrer, Quentin Derrer, Cooper Rollins, Caden Hine, and Lauren Happel. These students made an outstanding showing at the National Western Roundup at the Denver Stock Show in Denver, Colo. Their impressive performance in the Livestock Judging events brought personal accomplishments and accolades for our district.

Under the leadership of Emilie Carson, Hamilton Heights’ Agricultural Education and FFA Advisor, and Coach Spencer Carson, our students were a competitive force on a national stage. This is a testament to the strong agricultural education and leadership development programs at Hamilton Heights. Congratulations on your individual and team achievements at this event!

* * *

Congratulations to Hamilton Heights band students Rachel England (trumpet) and Kaylee Roberts (euphonium) who were selected to perform in the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA) Honor Band. They represented Hamilton Heights well with an incredible performance at the Embassy Theater in Fort Wayne on Sunday.

* * *

You won’t want to miss our latest HHSC Monthly Video Update. Highlighted in this edition are some high school students caught doing good things, amazing 4-H students, the district’s inclement weather delay and closing process, our fantastic HHSC School Board, HHHS Athletic signings, Husky Hero SROs, and a Sagamore of the Wabash. Check it out here.

All updates and these bi-monthly messages can also be found on our website at hhschuskies.org.

* * *

This year’s annual Kindergarten Roundup will take place on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 3:45 to 6 p.m. at the elementary school. Doors A and K will be open for this event. Registration will be live on Monday, Feb. 24 by 4 p.m.

Our Kindergarten educators are phenomenal in providing an exceptional blend of engaging, inspiring, and fun learning experiences that are the building blocks of early literacy, socialization, communication skills, independence, and success in school for our littlest Huskies.

Click here for more information on what you need to do to begin your child’s educational journey at Heights for the 2025-26 school year.

* * *

The sixth annual Hickory Classic basketball event vs. the Tipton Blue Devils is set for next Wednesday, Jan. 29 at the Hoosier Gym in Knightstown beginning at 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. (for players and fans). The eighth-grade girls (on court first) and boys will compete in a fun evening of Hoosier Hysteria. Heights’ reserved seating capacity is 250. Admission is free for HHMS students and younger and $5 (cash only) at the gate for all others. The game will also be live streamed here.

* * *

While this snowy and icy blast from Mother Nature isn’t necessarily giving us much to cheer about, we always have something to celebrate when it comes to our students and staff. Stay warm and stay safe.

#WeAreHuskies