Hirschi High School

Infobox School
name = John Hirschi IB Magnet High School

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motto =
established = 1962
type = Magnet school - Public Secondary
affiliation =
district = Wichita Falls Independent School District
grades = 9-12
president =
principal = Mrs. Wanda Jackson
head of school =
dean =
faculty =
staff =
students =
enrollment = 850
athletics = Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Track, Cross Country, Soccer, Tennis, Swimming, Baseball, Softball, and Golf
conference = UIL District 6-AAA
colors = Columbia Blue and Scarlet Red
mascot = "King" the Husky Team Competition - Huskies and Lady Huskies
free_label = Newspaper
free_text = "The Husky Howl"
free_label2 = Oversight
free_text2 = Texas Education Agency International Baccalaureate Organization
location = 3106 Borton Lane
Wichita Falls, Texas 76306
country = USA
information = (940)-716-2800
website = http://wichitafalls.hirschi.groupfusion.net

John R. Hirschi Math/Science International Baccalaureate Magnet High School, or commonly known as Hirschi High School or HHS for short, is a four year public high school in Wichita Falls, Texas located at 3106 Borton Lane. It is an accredited International Baccalaureate World School offering the Diploma and Middle Years Program to students wishing to pursue advanced academic study in Mathematics, Science, English, Spanish, French, History, and the Arts. Also, Hirschi, an award winning member of the Magnet Schools of America Association, offers its students hands-on instruction in aviation, studio/visual art, and nursing. Hirschi, which serves a population of 850 students, is overseen by the Wichita Falls Independent School District and the Texas Education Agency.

History

Recognizing the urgent need for a junior and senior high school in north Wichita Falls, benefactor and businessman John R. Hirschi turned over the ownership of property to the WFISD and in September 1962, John Hirschi Junior-Senior High School opened for operation under the leadership of Principal A.D. Neal. During its inaugural year, students chose "Columbia Blue" and "Scarlet Red" as the official school colors and the "Husky" as the school's mascot. Even though Mr. Hirschi never saw the school completed, his daughter, Mrs. Mrytle Hirschi Ledford, remained committed to the education of Hirschi students until her death in 1994, often giving scholarships and financial assistance to deserving Hirschi students. During the early 1970s, the school surpassed its building capacity forcing construction of a new building for the junior high. The new Hirschi Junior High, which for a brief time was called Northwest Junior High, was later renamed Kirby Junior High in honor of former WFISD Superintendent G.H. Kirby. The Husky Field House, which also houses the band hall, was constructed for the basketball and volleyball teams during the early 1980s and is unique to the area because of its tartan playing floors. In 1992, Hirschi High School became an official magnet school by adding a strong math/science based curriculum to its existing one as well as a multi-million dollar technology lab on the second floor. And in 1998, Hirschi became an IB school and graduated its first diploma and certificate recipients in 2002. In March of 2007, the school was officially authorized as an IB World School and became one of ten north Texas high schools to offer the IB Middle Years Program along with Kirby Jr. High. Also, because of the school's close proximity to Sheppard Air Force Base, Hirschi has traditionally had a strong military presence from students whose parents are active or retired personnel. Hirschi is the third oldest public high school in Wichita Falls.

tudent Life

Many Hirschi students constantly balance a strong academic life with the several extra-curricular activities the school has to offer. Along with traditional student government organizations, students can participate in clubs that are dedicated to academics, community service, technology, music, JROTC and/or the theater arts. Due to Hirschi's flexible academic and social atmosphere, many students are also able to compete in varsity level sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, track, soccer, tennis, softball, baseball, and golf. Hirschi High School is classified as a Class 3A school by the University Interscholastic League and competes with other class 3A schools, both in academic and sport events, in District 6-3A.The primary student newspaper for Hirschi is the "Husky Howl" which is a monthly publication and the annual yearbook is named "The Husky".

Because Hirschi has such a small school feeling to it, students typically unite behind the "one family, one destiny" idea and support their school, their classmates, and their teachers in any and every endeavor. In the fall, students, teachers, alumni, and fans come together during the Hirschi football season, celebrating decades of tradition by showcasing Husky pride each and every weekend. The Hirschi Huskies, who share Memorial Stadium with the other two high schools in the district, are usually supported by performances from the Big Blue Band from Huskyland, the Hirschi HiLites dance team, the Hirschi Cheerleaders, and the Hirschi Yell Squad. Hirschi’s highly acclaimed JROTC and student council, in their respective roles, help with presenting the colors and coordinating pre-game activities. In the spring, junior and senior students who demonstrate leadership, a commitment to service, and maintain a high GPA are inducted in the Myrtle Hirschi Ledford Chapter of the National Honor Society. Also, among several other student superlative awards, four students from each class are chosen in the spring to receive the "Pride of Hirschi" award, which is the highest student award that can be bestowed upon a student by his or her peers.

Alma Mater

:During the song, students usually point their index finger towards the sky.

:"Loyal Forever":"To our Red and Blue:"This symbol of our Hirschi High School spirit true":"We love you":"Loyal Forever":"We will always be":"Mighty and fighting on to victory"

Fight Song

:To the tune of Mister Touchdown, USA

:"We're gonna fight, fight, fight for victory":"We're gonna shout, shout, shout for you":"Hirschi High goes down the field":"To any other team we'll never yield":"We're gonna fight until we win this game":"We're gonna make our fellow Huskies proud":"So give a great big cheer for the Heroes of the year":"Hirschi Huskies we're for you"

Magnet Programs

International Baccalaureate Program

Unique to north Texas, Hirschi High School offers to its students a challenging, rigorous, and internationally standardized program of study that prepares them for the most competitive and exclusive colleges, universities, and careers around the world. Since March 2007, Hirschi has been authorized as an IB World School, offering the IB Diploma Program to its juniors and seniors and the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) to its underclassmen. Kirby Junior High School, which offers the MYP to 7th and 8th grade students, partners with Hirschi to facilitate the transition from 8th grade to 9th grade. As a part of a new magnet initiative, all incoming students are equipped with laptops in order to effectively assist them with the completion of their coursework both at school and home. Students who receive the IB Diploma with all passing test scores are guaranteed a minimum 24 college credit hours at any Texas public university. However, students who do not wish to take all of the courses required for the diploma program can work to obtain IB Certificates in individual subjects. Hirschi students are the only high school students in the Wichita Falls area to be able to take both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement exams at the end of the year. And because of Hirschi’s manageable size, students are given personal and frequent attention by teachers as they work to complete research assignments, academic portfolios, and service projects. During graduation exercises in May, Hirschi diploma candidates are hooded by IB Coordinator, Dr. Elaine Beck, for the purpose of honoring hard work and perseverance throughout the program.

Medical

The medical program at Hirschi allows students interested in medicine to take specified courses that will immediately prepare them for college nursing programs and a successful career in the health care profession. Medical students not only have the opportunity to obtain their Certified Nursing Assistance (CNA) license on campus but also are provided with the opportunity to train and work at local medical facilities such as United Regional Health Care System, the primary hospital in the Wichita Falls metropolitan area. Also, Hirschi students who successfully obtain their CNA license are awarded pins during graduation exercises in May.

Aviation

The Aviation Program is designed to give students the opportunity to learn principles of aviation and aerospace. The Program also provides students with a strong foundation in math and science that will be useful in any future professional career choice.

Topics to be addressed are:

The heritage of flight The aerospace community and environment Principles of flight and navigation Aerospace vehicles, rocketry and spacecraft Aviation career opportunities Aircraft maintenance

Students use to have the opportunity to obtain their private pilots license at no cost to them. Unfortunately the flight portion of the program is no longer provided.

Multimedia

Hirschi is home to a multi-million dollar technology and computer lab that rivals many of the best around the country. Students in the multimedia program at Hirschi are given the opportunity to produce quality work in digital graphics, animation, video production, web design, newspaper, yearbook, and professional software. Also, Hirschi IB diploma candidates have the opportunity to choose visual arts as their additional IB course of study. As a testament to the work produced by students in Hirschi’s multimedia program, eight Telly Awards, a prestigious award honoring creativity in business commercials and visual productions, have been presented to the school in the past six years.

chool Awards

*Magnet Schools of America Merit Award of Excellence: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006
*Magnet Schools of America School of Distinction: 2004, 2007
*Magnet Schools of Texas Merit Award: 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
*Telly Video Production Awards: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008
*Videographer Award: 2003, 2004, 2007
*Aegis Award: 2003
*NASA Aerospace Scholars (3): 2000, 2004

Academic Awards and Achievements

*2007 Ron Brown Scholar: Dorian Dargan
*State Regional: Hirschi Theatrical Society One Act: 2007
*Math Team District Champions: 2005, 2006
*Number Sense District Champions: 2003–2005
*Calculator Applications District Champions: 2005
*Number Sense State Champion: Matt McCabe, 2004
*Number Sense Team State Runner-Up: 2004
*Number Sense State Third Place Team: 2006
*Science Team District Champions: 2005
*American Chemical Society Area Champions (2) for the National Chemistry Olympiad
*Voice of Democracy Speech Contest Winners: 2004, 2005
*Creative Communication Essay Contest Winners: 2005
*ACT Composite Average above national, state, and local with 21.5: 2005
*Over $4,213,395 in scholarship offers!: 2005
*25% of student body taking an average of 3.5 advanced classes.
*20% of seniors sit for International Exams: 92% of those students passed one or more IB exams

Hirschi graduates are currently attending such schools as: American Military University, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University,Abilene Christian University, University of Oklahoma, Rice University, Columbia University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Boston University, Colorado State University, Midwestern State University, University of Texas, Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, Oklahoma State University, Prairie View A&M, Washington University in St. Louis, California State University, University of North Texas, Kansas City Art Institute, Savannah College of Art and Design, Cameron University, Georgetown University, Southwestern University, Southwestern Assemblies of God University, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Baylor University, Bennington College, and more.

Teachers Awards

*Texas State Teacher of the Year 2005: Sherry Lindemann (History)
*West Foundation Teaching Excellence Award Winner 2006: Carrie Baker (English)
*West Foundation Teaching Excellence Award Winner 2005: Elizabeth McBroom (English)
*West Foundation Teaching Excellence Award Winner 2002 & 2004: Trevor Wildman (Chemistry)
*West Foundation Teaching Excellence Award Winner 2001 & 2004: Sherry Lindemann (History)
*Optimist Club Educator of the Year 2005: Christina Hoffmaster (Mathematics)
*ACS Outstanding Chemistry Teacher Award 2003 & 2005: Trevor Wildman
*Texoma's Best Teacher 2003: Henri Naylor (History)
*Lamar Teacher of Excellence 2003: Wayne Calhoon (Spanish)
*State TCTA President 2004–2005: Shelby Patrick (Chemistry)

Music Awards

*Big Blue Band from Huskyland - Sweepstakes Award (Superior Rating (1) in both Marching and Concert Seasons): 1999-2000, 2000–2001, 2003–2004, 2004–2005, 2005–2006, 2006–2007, and 2007–2008
*Hirschi Choir received 1st place at the Music in the Parks Festival in Illinois: Spring of 2007

Athletic Awards

*Boys' Swimming District Champs: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
*Girls' Swimming District Champs: 2003, 2004
*All-State Swimmer 2004, 2005: Jessica Wellington
*Academic All-American Swimming 2006: Sean O'Connor
*Academic All-State Soccer 2006: Sarah Shutic
*Girls' Basketball Regional Playoffs: 2004, 2005, 2006
*Softball Borger Tournament Champs and Optimist Tournament Champs: 2005
*Girls' Track State Qualifiers: 2007

Principal Wanda Jackson

Mrs. Wanda Jackson made local history when she was chosen by WFISD Superintendent Dr. Dawson Orr in May 2005 to become the seventh principal of Hirschi High School. Since the desegregation of Wichita Falls public schools in 1969, Principal Jackson became both the first African-American principal and first female principal of a Wichita Falls public high school. She is also the first Hirschi principal to be an alumna of the school. She is preceded by Dr. Robert Mobley who served in that position from 1997–2005.

External links

* [http://wichitafalls.hirschi.groupfusion.net/ Hirschi Official Website]
* [http://www.wfisd.net/ Wichita Falls Independent School District Website]