HCS Index
March 5, 2024
Hoover High Bucs Dominate 7A State Basketball Championships, Again!
Photo: AHSAA
The Hoover High School (HHS) Bucs swept the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) 7A State Basketball Championships for the second consecutive year. Fans packed the Legacy Arena on Saturday, March 2, for the 2024 state competition. After the back-to-back championship titles, the HHS community is buzzing with pride and excitement. This is a historic achievement, and we couldn't be more proud of the teams' excellence and sportsmanship.
The Lady Bucs showcased their remarkable talent on the court as they secured their fourth consecutive state championship title by defeating Hewitt-Trussville High School. Led by the coaching of Krystle Johnson, the Lady Bucs displayed outstanding teamwork and determination throughout the game, earning them yet another remarkable victory.
Coach Johnson said, "I am very proud of these ladies. They were counted out this season because of all the pieces we lost (seven seniors in the 2023 class), but they stayed together, fought hard, and achieved their goal."
Coach Johnson extends her gratitude to all supporters of the Lady Bucs. To her team, Coach Johnson said, "Thank you! Adversity is not easy and they faced it all season. They could've given up at some point, but they didn't, and now they have the ultimate prize: a state championship."
Photo: AHSAA
In parallel, the HHS Boys Bucs, under the leadership of Coach Scott Ware, delivered a stellar performance, clinching their second consecutive championship title with an impressive win against Enterprise High School.
Coach Ware said, "The young men on this team are special athletes, students, and, more importantly, people. The assistant coaches are all incredible coaches and role models for our players. I am blessed to be around the young men and my assistants on a daily basis. They all make me a better person. Good things happen to good people! So my immediate reaction was excitement and a feeling of being blessed."
To the team, Coach Ware said, "Thank you for your daily approach of hard work, your toughness, and your belief in each other, as well as the plan put before you by the coaching staff. Winners win and each person in our program is a winner. "
The Boys Bucs and Lady Bucs demonstrated exceptional skill and outstanding performance throughout their respective games and kept the blue maps at HHS! GO, BUCS!!
HCS Celebrated Black History Month with Engaging and Educational Initiatives
Photo taken inside Rocky Ridge Elementary School
In the Hoover City Schools District (HCS), Black History Month was full of engaging activities, events, and programs aimed at highlighting the incredible contributions of African Americans to our society and culture. From researching notable African Americans to black history assemblies to exploring African Americans artists, HCS embraced the spirit of Black History Month in various exciting ways.
Berry Middle School set the tone for the month with a captivating school-wide assembly featuring esteemed keynote speakers, award-winning author Chandra Sparks Splond and Coach Bobby Humphrey (pictured below with students). The assembly provided students with an opportunity to glean insights and inspiration from individuals who have made significant impacts in their respective fields. Splond's literary achievements and Humphrey's leadership in sports served as powerful examples of African American excellence and resilience.
At Brock's Gap Intermediate School, District leaders and community members were eager to spread joy and knowledge by reading children's books from Black authors to students all month long. HCS Chief Learning Officer Dr. Chris Robbins served as one of the guest readers, diving into stories that reflect diverse voices and experiences. Through this initiative, Brock's Gap Intermediate aimed to honor the richness of Black literature and history while inspiring young minds to embrace diversity and celebrate unity. Take a look at the video below!
Meanwhile, Rocky Ridge Elementary School culminated its Black History Month festivities with an adorable and educational showcase that captured the spirit of celebration and learning. The school's kindergarteners took center stage, dressing up as inspiring Black leaders and icons for a unique "Parade" and "Wax Museum" experience. Under the guidance of their dedicated teachers, the young students delved into the lives and legacies of prominent Black figures who have shaped history and continue to leave their mark today. Check out the video below!
HCS Teacher and Administrator Career Fair: A Huge Success
The Hoover City Schools District (HCS) held a Teacher and Administrator Career Fair on Thursday, February 22, at the Riverchase Career Connection Center, welcoming nearly 200 enthusiastic individuals eager to become part of our exceptional district. The event marked a significant milestone in the district's ongoing commitment to recruiting the best talent for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
Administrators from each of our esteemed schools were delighted to engage with and speak to numerous outstanding candidates, showcasing the vibrant opportunities available within Hoover City Schools. HCS Chief Talent Officer Dr. Desiree Smith says attendees were able to learn more about the campuses as well as hear about the competitive compensation and attractive benefits that HCS offers.
Dr. Smith said, "The purpose of the Hoover City Schools Teacher and Administrator Career Fair was to market the wonderful opportunity of employment with Hoover City Schools to talented educators who are looking for teaching or administrative jobs. It provided interested, talented candidates a forum to make an in-person connection with each of the schools' administrative teams as well as some of our central office administrative teams."
Dr. Smith says that some schools within the district have already initiated screenings and interviews with candidates who attended the fair, reflecting the event's immediate impact and value.
2024 Finley Award Winners Announced!
Keri Ross, Spain Park High School, is the Finley Character Award Faculty Winner
The Finley Committee has announced the 2024 Finley Character Award winners. Each year, the committee accepts nominations for a Hoover City Schools District (HCS) faculty member and a senior from each high school to be considered for the coveted Finley Award.
- Keri Ross, Spain Park High School, is the Finley Character Award Faculty Winner
- Phanuelle Manuel is the Hoover High School Finley Character Award Senior Winner
- Josh Helms is the Spain Park High School Finley Character Award Senior Winner
The award honors the late Coach Bob Finley, whose legacy of exemplary character lives on in Hoover City Schools for young men and women to emulate. The Finley Committee created the Finley Award program to pay tribute to Coach Finley's character and legacy and to recognize outstanding character found within Hoover City Schools.
The 29th annual Finley Awards Recognition Program is Thursday, March 21, at 6:00 pm at the Finley Center, honoring all nominees and grade-level winners throughout Hoover City Schools. Read more about the winners here.
Celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of the GEMS Expo
The Hoover City Schools District (HCS) marked a decade of inspiring young women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at the annual Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) Expo, held on February 3, at Berry Middle School. With a mission to inspire the next generation of young women to pursue STEM-related careers, the GEMS Expo celebrated its milestone tenth anniversary with remarkable participation and enthusiasm.
The GEMS Expo attracted approximately 500 HCS girls accompanied by parents and educators eager to witness the creativity showcased by aspiring young scientists and engineers. Rocky Ridge Elementary School Principal Dr. Dil Uswatte expressed her pride.
Dr. Uswatte said, “Our biggest hope is to inspire the next generation of young women to want to be scientists, engineers, and people passionate about all things related to STEM. We still have less than 50% of the population of females in STEM fields. As educators, we always hope to create the next generation of leaders. I am incredibly proud of how much our girls love this.”
The Hovercraft Project Takes Flight at Hoover City Schools
The Hovercraft Project is an exciting STEM initiative that has brought innovation and hands-on learning to fifth graders across the district. This transformative program has been made possible through the generous support of the Hoover City Schools Foundation.
Through this initiative, students have the opportunity to learn, problem-solve, and collaborate as they work together to build hovercrafts and, most importantly, ride them!
The Hovercraft Project is an effort between Hoover City Schools and the Hoover City Schools Foundation to provide enriching educational experiences that inspire lifelong learning and achievement. As students continue to explore the fascinating world of STEM, the district looks forward to fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in education. Check out the video!
Superintendent Dr. Kevin Maddox got in on the hovercraft fun!
At Rocky Ridge Elementary School, Principal Dr. Dil Uswatte posed a question: Would our superintendent agree to hop on a hovercraft built by kids? Well, guess what? Dr. Kevin Maddox stepped up to the plate and joined the adventure!
Huge thanks to Dr. Maddox for being part of The Hovercraft Project - the school loved having you there! From the looks of it, Dr. Maddox had just as much fun, if not more, than the students!
Hoover High School's Baseball and Softball Teams Debut Fields with New Turf
Photos: Hoover High School Baseball Parents
Hoover High School's (HHS) baseball and softball teams kicked off the season with brand new turf on their fields! Both teams celebrated the grand unveiling with ribbon cutting ceremonies on their Opening Nights in February. Spain Park High School (SPHS) will hold its ribbon cuttings soon!
Thanks to a groundbreaking $9 million partnership between the City of Hoover and Hoover City Schools, our athletes now have state-of-the-art turf fields for baseball and softball at HHS and SPHS. This collaborative effort, initiated in 2022, aims to elevate sports facilities across Hoover, providing top-notch fields at neighborhood sports parks and high school campuses.
The introduction of the new turf fields marks a significant upgrade that will enhance the playing experience and safety for athletes while showcasing Hoover's dedication to supporting its sports programs.
Photos: Hoover High School Assistant Softball
Coach Lexi Shrout
HCS, City of Hoover, and Partners Promote Kindness with Be Kind Week 2024
From February 26 to March 1, 2024, the city and school community came together to celebrate Be Kind Week. The theme of "Spread Kindness" was embraced as a cornerstone of the District’s commitment to promoting empathy and taking a stand against bullying.
Throughout the week, engaging events and activities empowered students, faculty, staff, and community members to make a positive difference through acts of kindness and support. Along with the City of Hoover, our fantastic community partners are the Hoover Public Library, the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hoover City Schools Foundation, and Hoover Helps.
Pink Shirt Day was on Wednesday, February 28. Each school's faculty, staff, and students proudly donned pink shirts to symbolize solidarity and commitment to kindness while denouncing bullying. Read the District's full story here.
Student Spotlight: Spain Park High School's Madeline Cagle
Photo: Craig Cagle
The Hoover City Schools District proudly spotlights Madeline Cagle, a junior at Spain Park High School, for her exceptional achievements in music. Cagle's musical journey has been nothing short of remarkable. This year, she achieved a rare and unique musical trifecta by auditioning for and being selected to the Alabama All-State Jazz Band (piano), All-State Orchestra (horn), and All-State Band (horn).
"I am proud of my accomplishments this year," Cagle said. “These achievements show that my dedication has helped me improve. It is truly an honor to represent the Spain Park High School band program at these honor bands and festivals."
Cagle thanks her private lesson teachers and band directors, including Cynthia Chambless, Pat Fitzsimmons, Anthony Parrish, Richard Adams, Craig Cagle, and Brian Wilson, for their guidance and support. She is also thankful for her parents, family, and friends who have supported her.
Cagle recently received offers from prestigious summer orchestra programs at the Interlochen Center for Arts and the Tanglewood National Youth Orchestra 2. Additionally, she was selected as an alternate for the National Youth Orchestra program.
Students Honored at Annual HPTC City Leaders Breakfast
Photo (L to R): Tatum Ahlemeyer, Ava Hedgepath, Ruchira Shetty, Evelyn Petterson, and Jordyn Averhart.
The Hoover Parent Teacher Council (HPTC) held its annual City Leaders Breakfast on February 22. It's a special event dedicated to recognizing outstanding students and community servants. HPTC honored members of the Hoover Police Department and Hoover Fire Department for their exceptional service through student essay, poetry, and art contests. It was a cherished occasion that brought together the community to show appreciation for the contributions made by these outstanding individuals.
The morning was filled with gratitude and recognition as Hoover's city, police, fire, and school leaders gathered to celebrate and award the remarkable contest winners.
Congratulations to the winners:
Ava Hedgepath of Deer Valley Elementary School, 3rd-Grade Firefighter Poetry Contest Winner.
Ruchira Shetty of Brock's Gap Intermediate School, Fire Prevention Art Contest Winner.
Evelyn Petterson of Gwin Elementary School, 5th grade SRO Essay Contest Winner.
Jordyn Averhart of Hoover High School and Tatum Ahlemeyer of Spain Park High School received scholarships from the Hoover Police Department for their touching essays about peer pressure.
Learning for Life
Our award-winning, nationally-ranked school district features highly-motivated students, skilled and caring educators, and engaged parents.EEOC Notice
Website: hoovercityschools.net
Location: 2810 Metropolitan Way, Birmingham, AL, USA
Phone: 205-439-1000
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