Wildcats leap into future: HHS makes improvements, additions

Point Pleasant Register
by Delyssa Huffman

11.25.09 - 12:57 am

ASHTON — Located in the hills of Ashton sits a school that is taking leaps and making pawprints for the future of its students.

Hannan High School has recently added to the spirit of the junior senior high school with the completion of the “Wildcats Den,” a new and improved courtyard and a school incentive program.

According to HHS principal Dr. Karen Oldham, the students at Hannan are enjoying what is now being offered to them.

“We have a great group of kids out here who are coming together in a collaborative effort to improve the atmosphere,” Dr. Oldham said.

One of the biggest additions is the school store, “Wildcats Den.” that, in its first day, brought in more than $300. The store is operated by students including Chris Mullins and Brandon Benson who are in the work program at the school.

Brian Booth, life-skills educator, and Frankie Hudnall, community work-based educator, work with the students in the program and understand how important this project is to Mullins, Benson and the other students.

“This is a great opportunity for kids that need life skills,” Booth said. “Not only are they a part of something bigger than themselves, but they are increasing their self-esteem and it has truly been amazing to see the students come to school early just to set up the store and get ready for the day.”

Booth said this creates a great link between all the students in the school.

Dr. Oldham is pleased with the results the store has shown thus far and said that the students at Hannan have a “big, tender heart” when it comes to working with the students that are in charge of running the store.

The “Wildcats Den” was named by the students and it carries everything from pens and pencils to apparel, including hoodies and beanies, and is located adjacent to the cafeteria. The store is open in the morning during breakfast and also during “grab and go.” Not only do the students and teachers shop at the store for their Wildcat items, but parents have also taken part in supporting the school.

“The store has been a great asset to the school,” Hudnall said. “Mr. Booth and his students have done a great job and I hope to see it expand throughout the school year.”

Not only do Hannan students now have their very own store to shop at, but they also have their very own courtyard in which to enjoy outdoor classes or lunch.

Several of Mr. Booth’s students in the life-skills program have come together with the Vocational-Agriculture (Vo-Ag) Department and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) to provide a great atmosphere for learning and socializing.
Jenna Meeks, a Vo-Ag teacher and FFA leader, described the construction project as being good for the kids.

“It’s a great experience for the kids to get out and be involved in a unique opportunity,” Meeks said.
Brian Chapman and Carl Mullins are two students who worked to set up the picnic tables that fill the area and assisted in laying the gravel in the space.
“It was fun to be involved,” Mullins said.
The courtyard, according to Mr. Hudnall, took about two weeks to complete. Before it was just an empty space in the middle of the high school, now it has turned into a relaxing and unique part of HHS.

“The kids took much pride in this project,” Hudnall said, “and it is great for them to see what they have accomplished in a school setting.”

Several groups are already looking forward to working on community service projects with the courtyard and Dr. Oldham is excited about the partnerships that are already forming between the community and high school.

Denita Shaw, a teacher at HHS and a 4-H volunteer, said the Go-Getter’s 4-H Club will take part in a project to bring color to the area by adding planters throughout the courtyard.

With all of the Wildcat spirit circulating throughout the school, a new school incentive program is now providing nearly half of all of the students great opportunities outside of the classroom.

On Dec. 10, 2009, 110 students out of the 230 enrolled at HHS will take a trip to the Charleston Civic Center to enjoy a showing of Scrooge.

Students are selected to participate in the program based on three “A’s:” attendance, attitude and academics. To qualify, a student must have no more than five absences, display great behavior and have a grade point average of 3.0 or better.

“I am so thrilled to be taking nearly half of the school on this trip. It really gives the students something to strive for,” Dr. Oldham said.