Board President Gerald Pauling attended the Black Creativity Gala and was very impressed with the student talent. He shared that HF was the talk of the evening. HF's senior Javiyah Israel took home Best of Show for her 3'x4' Self-Portrait, "Unbothered", in the Teen Category of the Black Creativity Exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry. In total, five HF students had art selected to exhibit in the juried exhibition, meaning that the students exhibiting work were chosen by a preliminary panel before the exhibition was judged.
- Nyla Bishop, photography
- DeAnthony Garner, photography
- Javiyah Israel, painting, mixed media and digital
- Za'nyah Johnson, drawing
- William Opakunle, painting
Superintendent Dr. Scott Wakeley thanked audience members for attending the meetiing and for their care for our school community. He also shared that HF is working with the Live Free 999 Foundation to plan a fullday of Mental Health Awareness activities, an information fair and speakers. He also explained that related to the federal changes for the US Department of Education, we don't know exactly what changes will come. It's important to to note that financially HF doesn't receive a great deal of federal funding so he doesn't anticipate the impact be significant. HF continues to help our students grow through the Profile of Viking with diversity and inclusion as our true north.
Board Member Steve Anderson shared that now is the time to be vigilant and get involved with the issues that matter to you. He also said he is disheartened as he's talked to residents who may be priced out of their homes in our community because of property tax assessments. He also said that being a part of MLK Day of Service activities with others was a joyful experience.
Director of Communications Carla Erdey shared that the launch of the new website last month has been a success. Feedback from staff, students and families has been positive. The feedback tool deployed with the new site allowed us to quickly fix any broken links or add information that people were looking for but couldn't find. A huge thank you goes to the staff committee who sheparded this process and to the 40 people who provided real time input to help us continue to improve.
She also thanked Science Teacher Corrine Zimmerman and her students for representing HF at the District 161 STEAM Night. Engagement Coordinator Stephanie Wright shared that the record-breaking crowd thoroughly enjoyed their interactive lessons that gave a taste of what Anatomy and Physiology classes here are like.
