Dear Alumni:
Hillsboro High School is moving ahead!
Each year Newsweek magazine compiles an annual ranking of the top 1000 high schools from among more than 25,000 public schools in the United States. The ranking is based upon the academic rigor of the curriculum and the diversity of the student population in each school. This comprehensive ranking also includes all magnet and selective public schools in the nation. In the past three years, the Newsweek rankings have demonstrated Hillsboro High School’s progressive commitment to excellence, rising from #812 in 2005 to #504 in 2006 and #442 in 2007. We are very proud of this honor, which reflects the quality of our staff, students, programs, and support at Hillsboro.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program continues to expand and enjoy great success. In 2007, Hillsboro students took 378 Advanced Placement (AP) exams and 102 IB exams, and the second Hillsboro IB graduating class received their diplomas from this prestigious program. We are continuing our participation in the nationally recognized AVID program designed to more fully prepare a wider spectrum of our students for college and other post-secondary opportunities. Leadership classes, a district initiative, have also added to the scope and strength of our total curriculum.
Each year our students and their staff sponsors participate in a wide variety of extra-curricular, community, volunteer, and charitable activities that carry the tradition and reputation of Hillsboro High School from Green Hills to Vietnam. Hillsboro continues as the third largest contributor in the United States to the Saigon Children’s Charity. Through this annual project, the members of our Burro family have helped to build two schools, provided school tuition and bicycles for over 100 Vietnamese children, and secured monthly rice provisions for their families each year. Involvement with Second Harvest Food Bank, the Red Cross, Edgehill Day Care, and community, national, and international disaster relief efforts are ongoing examples of the giving nature of our students and staff. These are lessons that truly go well beyond the walls of our classrooms!
All of the Burro athletic programs compete at successful levels, and once again our football team is a playoff contender for the state title. In our gym on November 26, 2007, Coach Tommy Frensley was recognized for his 29 years of service as basketball coach and teacher at Hillsboro High School. He was joined by many of his former players and students as we officially dedicated the newly named “Frensley Court” in his honor.
The Hillsboro High School “Alumni Hall” is in place and features displays and memorabilia for each decade from 1939 to present. We encourage each of you to visit us at any time and enjoy a walk through the storied tradition, history, and excellence of Hillsboro High and its alumni. Contributions and memorabilia to expand and enhance our existing displays are always welcome.
Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools sponsors a special Web site for Nashville high school alumni who wish to keep up with classmates, alumni news, upcoming reunions, etc. Simply go to www.alumni.mnps.org and follow the online instructions. Hillsboro High School Alumni Development organization maintains a page on the Hillsboro Web site at www.hillsborohs.com/alumni.htm.
The staff at Hillsboro is totally committed to move forward with the many successful programs and initiatives that have become integral parts of Hillsboro’s tradition of excellence. However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to fund these programs at the level required to maintain the results everyone has come to expect. The growth and continuing community outreach activities of our Fine Arts programs; our ever-expanding IB and AP academic programs; the continued need for technology in all areas; the rising expenses of all athletic programs; and the ongoing facility issues in our aging building are some of the most pressing funding needs we face. While we receive some district funds in some of these areas and try to raise funds within each program and the school, we are very dependent on donations and the hard work and generosity of our PTSA/Alumni groups to supplement these various areas.
Our outstanding Fine Arts department will present a fresh approach to a springtime Burro tradition with the “Festival of the Arts” on April 23, 2008. You are invited to join us that evening and experience the talent and energy of Hillsboro’s future graduates. We are proud of Hillsboro High School and want you to continue to be proud of your alma mater! Your support of and contributions to our continued success are welcomed and deeply appreciated. GO BURROS!
Sincerely,
Roderick Manuel John Horrell
Executive Principal 2007-2008 HHS Alumni Chairman