We “Have It All:” A History of Our Class

We started Kindergarten on August 6, 2008. As small 5 or 6 year olds, we walked into our elementary schools for the very first time. We started our education by learning our ABC’s, reading picture books, and sharing our toys. It’s been 13 years since that day, and our class has grown so much—physically (obviously), mentally and emotionally. The class of 2021 graduated high school May 17 a little after 7 p.m.

On April 29, 2021, we returned to where everything started—our elementary schools (F.E. Burleson, Barley Bridge or Crestline). We walked through the halls and looked at the children who stood where we used to stand with teachers who we used to have. Then, we visited the Intermediate School. The class of 2021 was the first class to have fifth grade at the Intermediate school instead of the junior high. It was a big step for us, changing classes throughout the day and having lockers. In August of 2015, we started Junior High. Then, in 2017, we finally started high school. We went to freshman camp and tried to find our way through the gigantic school. Since then, we have grown up. The class of 2021 has excelled in virtually every area.

Sports: Just during our senior year, our volleyball team went to the state championship game and won runner up. Our boys basketball team was ranked #1 in the state throughout their season and won the area championship. Our girls basketball team went to Wallace and finished in the elite eight. Our boys soccer team progressed further than ever in school history and finished the second round of the playoffs. Our football team went to the playoffs. Our baseball team progressed to the State Championship. Our softball team dominated. Our boys and girls golf teams won sectionals. Our dance team won nationals. For the first time in history, one of our seniors won the state diving competition. And our cheer team graciously made signs for almost every one of these events to congratulate them.

Academics: Our class has also excelled academically; this was evident at Awards Day. We have 25 students in the 30+ ACT score. We had over $4 million worth of academic and leadership scholarships awarded to the class. There are 49 seniors in the National Honor Society and 53 seniors in Mu Alpha Theta, the math honor society. The two weeks before graduation, many students took AP exams that they had prepared all year for. AP Calculus and Computer Science teacher Bucky Garner said, “This group of seniors are special to me because they value learning, they have great attitudes, and they work very hard in the classroom. The HHS class of 2021 is an outstanding group of young adults, and I want to wish them all the best as they graduate from high school and move on to even bigger and better adventures in the future.” These students gathered on weekends and after school to study for these tests. If they pass, which it is likely many will, they will receive college credit. Also, many students have dual enrolled courses, and they will be receiving college credit.

Arts: Our class is full of talented students. There are 21 seniors in art classes. Some of these students are enrolled in multiple art classes. Their artwork has been featured around the school and at various art exhibits in the community. This year’s school production of Annie featured many seniors on stage and behind the scenes. The play received raving reviews from fellow students, teachers and members of the community. The HHS Marching Band performed at every football game this year. Then, April 27, the band held its annual spring concert. The seniors gathered and played one last song together such as . The department performed its spring concert outdoors April 20. Choral teacher Kate Dupuis wrote a heartfelt poem that had at least one line dedicated to each senior. The HHS performers sang “Have It All” by Jason Mraz with tears in their eyes.

The speech and debate team, which was formed last year, won at numerous virtual and in-person competitions this year. Two seniors placed in the American legion competition and one senior won at the state competition. The speech and debate team coach, Kelly Cimino, said, “This class [of 2021] embraces every opportunity to think critically and share that reasoning in a respectful yet assertive way. Anyone can blurt out an opinion, especially one that is adopted from a parent or a peer. However, it requires self-control to hold onto an idea long enough to wrestle with its nuances before declaring it to be truth.”

Careers: Our class had many students enrolled in the Tiger Launch program. These students have been working at places like Sunoco and Cerrowire, preparing for their future. Because of this experience, they will be able to enter the workforce immediately. We also had around 40 people complete the Medical Academy and become EKG certified and Patient Care Technicians. Along with that, we had many students in various Career Academies. These classes prepared them for real-life careers they plan to pursue.

Clubs and Organizations: It’s nearly impossible to name all the fundraisers and events our clubs hosted. They were all so active in the school, bringing people together even when we were supposed to stay 6 feet apart.

Congratulations, Class of 2021 for all of your hard work and accomplishments.