HP Board Honors Student Athletes, Leaders

It’s been a winning year for Highland Park ISD both on and off the field, and May 13 was a busy evening of recognitions for the district’s board of trustees.

The board honored:

• Members of the Highland Park High School student council who worked this school year to develop an Honor Code Statement, Honor Council, and Honor Code System. “Thank you, students, for being leaders on the campus,” HPHS principal Kevin Hunt said. “I’ve learned so much from working with you this year … I couldn’t be prouder of you for the work you’ve done.” Student council sponsor John Hinton praised the students’ maturity and professionalism, and said that it had been an honor and privilege to work with them.

• The Scots soccer team, which had a historic season. In 24 games, the team had 16 shutouts, scored 65 goals and conceded 11. The team was co-district champion, and represented Highland Park in the state championship game. “I am proud of the growth of all these young men in our epic journey together,” head coach Scott Turner said.

• The boys gymnastics team, which head coach Mark Sherman said defied his expectations to earn a spot at the state championship. Sherman said that three stuck landings on vault at the team’s big meet of the season helped propel the HP gymnasts to the state competition. “We were like oh my gosh, what? It’s possible we could win it,” he said. “For us, the win was qualifying for the state championship.” 

• The girls gymnastics team, which finished in ninth place in the state meet in Odessa. “Each and every girl did what was necessary to improve their individual performance.” Head coach Justin James said. “The team cohesion just improved meet after meet after meet, to culminate in a fantastic experience in Odessa.”

• The Scots golf team, which tied for runner up in the team standings of the Class 5A state tournament after the competition’s final round was cancelled due to inclement weather. “We did everything this year. There are no what ifs that we left behind,” coach Richard Wager said. “I’m extremely proud of them. It was a great year, and I’m going to miss these seniors.”

• The Lady Scots golf team, which placed third at the 5A state tournament, earning HP’s first state medal in ten years. “In a field of over 200 5A schools with girls golf programs across the state of Texas, these young women put Highland Park on the podium,” Head coach Mercedes Trent said. “Their commitment and resilience made this possible.”