Hayesville High School graduation scheduled for July 24
Clay County Schools, Community, News June 30, 2020
HAYESVILLE, N.C. – In the June 25 Clay County Schools Board of Education meeting, Hayesville High School (HHS) Principal Jim Saltz discussed graduation plans for July 24 at 6 p.m.
Each HHS graduate can bring four guests to the ceremony at Frank R. Long Football stadium. Seniors will sit socially distanced on the football field, and guests will receive assigned seating in the stands. All students and guests must wear masks. The students’ masks will feature the HHS logo.
The school opted for a balloon release instead of throwing caps, and a parade around the square will take place after the ceremony.
Students who cannot attend will have a personalized ceremony that will live-streamed. The hybrid baccalaureate, awards, and scholarship service were all previously broadcast.
Saltz gave graduation and end of year update over a live stream meeting.
Clay County Sheriff’s Office provided Senior yard signs and the large signage on the square. HHS Journalism class created the senior spotlight features.
71 percent of the 2020 seniors earned at least one job certification through the Career Technical Education Program. 34 percent received more than one nationally recognized job certification.
80 percent of the class earned a Silver level or better on the ACT WorkKeys exam. The exam focused on career-readiness of students and trainability.
“Really great job of our seniors showing that they are career-ready,” said Superintendent Dale Cole.
College-ready seniors accepted over 95 scholarships. 29 percent graduated with honors, 25 percent were N.C. scholars, and 17 percent were Presidential scholars.
The 2020 graduating class earned the largest number of college degrees ever at HHS. Five students graduated with a two-year degree and a high school diploma. Also, 41 percent graduated with at least one college credit.
“We’re going to see that number continue to grow each year. I also think we’re going to see the number of nationally recognized job certifications grow each year because really, they need both. It’s college and career ready, not college or career ready,” stated Cole.
Cole presented the 2020 senior statistics.
The rain dates for the graduation ceremony are July 25 and July 26. Prom’s currently on hold, but the school plans to hold it at a later date.
HHS 9-11 Students
As for the 9-11 students, the Tiger Team contacted most of the individuals to discuss options for 2019-2020 grades.
“A student was allowed to choose a COVID-19 grade that would not affect their GPA or a traditional grade, which would affect their GPA,” explained HHS Principal Jim Saltz.
Also, 90 percent of the 2020-2021 students have registered for classes. TCC advisement and intern placements are also underway.
All six CNA students passed their CNA certification examination on June 25, 2020.
Two FBLA students Tia Proctor and Virginia Sumpter came in 14th place in the national competition.
Jones recognized as Clay County District Teacher of the Year
Clay County Schools, News June 30, 2020
HAYESVILLE, N.C – Hayesville High School Teacher Bobbie Jones received the Clay County District Teacher of the Year honor in the June 2020 board meeting.
A third-party group selected Jones as District Teacher of the Year after a thorough interview process. She will go on to represent CCS in the regional competition.
“Thank you…it was exciting sharing my journey with that group, and I hope Hayesville can win. I want to be the State Teacher of the Year,” expressed an enthused Jones.
She also spoke about her passion for CCS, calling it an “amazing and educational experience.” Before joining the CCS faculty, Jones was unfamiliar with the area and now desires to put Hayesville on the map.
Jones receiving her award.
If chosen as one of the nine regional teachers, Jones would go on to the state competition.
For State Teacher of the Year, competitors will undergo several screening activities from a committee consisting of professional educators as well as business and community leaders. The chosen teacher will have the opportunity to travel and speak on education and teaching methods.
“On behalf of the school system, congratulations, and we know that you’re going to do great!” stated Superintendent Dale Cole.
Each member of the board expressed their thanks for all Jones’s hard work as well.
Jessica Hughes received Hayesville Elementary Teacher of the Year. Hayesville Middle School Teacher of the Year went to Amanda Gaddis. Jones earned the Hayesville High School Teacher of the Year.
Since starting the program in 1970, three North Carolina State Teachers of the Year became National Teachers of the Year, four became finalists, and one was inducted into the National Teachers’ Hall of Fame.
TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week- Kasey Owens, no. 63
Sports, TeamFYNSports September 27, 2019
Senior Kasey Owens for the Yellow Jackets played a great game last Friday night. He helped the offense gain 350 total yards and score 44 points. He also had 2 tackles on defense. Kasey played this great game Friday night despite an emotional week, displaying his strength both on and off the field.
Congratulations to Kasey Owens, the TeamFYNSports Writer’s Player of the Week for the game against North Georgia!
Hayesville High School Senior Loses Life in Tragic Drowning Accident.
News May 21, 2019Official Press Release from Clay County Sheriff’s Office:
Hayesville, NC – (May 20, 2019) Clay County has lost a friend to all who knew him, a model student, a great athlete and all around fine young man and citizen that wasn’t able to call Hayesville home for nearly long enough. Steven Plummer had only been a resident of Hayesville for a short time but the positive impact that he had on our small community was evident yesterday by the massive turn out of support. The loss felt by his family is shared county wide today and it can be seen and felt throughout the community where ever you go.
At approximately 3:00 PM on Monday afternoon Clay County Deputies were dispatched to the area of the TVA Circle near the “saddle dam” off Hinton Center Rd. in response to a drowning victim, 17-year-old Steven Plummer of Hayesville. Steven was a Senior at Hayesville High School this year and was with several of his classmates at the time of the incident. According to eyewitness statements, Steven was attempting to swim from the shoreline to a pontoon boat a short distance away when he began to struggle at about the half way point. Several friends say they saw he was in distress and immediately went to his aid but efforts to reach him in time were unsuccessful.
The 911 call from a student at the scene generated a full response of every emergency resource available in the county. Additional help from Towns and Henderson Counties responded as well as NC State Wildlife and TVA. Hayesville Schools Superintendent along with teachers and staff as well as County Manager and School Board members were all on scene assisting emergency personnel with the mass of students and families that turned out in one of the largest support efforts seen. The Hinton Center was a huge asset by providing a place for friends and loved ones to congregate and meet with grief counselors from the school and Appalachian Community Services while awaiting further news.
At approximately 6:20 PM members of the Towns County Dive Team located Steven’s body in about 23’ of water and about 150’ to 200’ from shore, the same general area identified earlier by eyewitnesses. Local M.E. Kyle Cody was on scene and performed a preliminary examination that revealed no contributing factors to Steven’s accidental drowning.
Jackets and Lady Jackets continued their streak and held on to win 77-50
TeamFYNSports December 6, 2018
Tuesday, Dec 4th the Lady Jackets hosted the Nantahala Hawks, which tipped off at 5:30. The Lady Jackets continued their past dominance as they got off to a hot start against the Hawks.
The Lady Jackets led 21-2 after Q1, The Jackets were led by senior forward S. Annis with 7 points.
The dominance continued throughout Q2 while increasing to a 40-11 lead. The Lady Jackets were led by sophomore L. Brusini with 7 points.
The Lady Jackets continued their dominance throughout the second half, The Lady Jackets held on to win 81-28.
The Lady Jackets next game will be Wed. December 12, against the Cherokee Braves, the Lady Jackets will tip off at 5:30.
The Jackets came out of the game hitting a cold slump as they went (5-13) shooting to open the game.
The Jackets led after Q1 with a score of 12-11. Fr K. Ashe led with 5 points.
The Jackets found stride in Q2 as they led 33-22, Sr Forward M. Cothren led the Jackets with 5 points.
The Jackets continued hitting their stride throughout the second half as they held on to win 77-50. Fr McTaggart led the Jackets with 17 total points.
The Jackets next game will be Wed. December 12, against the Cherokee Braves, The Jackets will tip off at 7:00.
Jackets and Lady Jackets Sting the BREC Bobcats
TeamFYNSports December 5, 2018
Monday, Dec 3rd the Lady Jackets 1-0 traveled to face off against the Blue Ridge Early College Bobcats. The Jackets tipped off at 6:30.
The Lady Jackets opened the game with some hot shooting as they went (3-3) to open the game. After Q1 the Lady Jackets led 12-8.
Sophomore forward B. Foster went off in Q2 leading the team with 5 points and 6 rebounds. The Lady Jackets continued their dominance into the half as they led 28-11.
J. Patterson came out of the half hot and ready to continue to dominate the Bobcats as she led the team with 12 points shooting (4-5) behind the arc.
Behind Foster’s 17 points followed by Patterson’s 16 the Lady Jackets improve to (2-0.)
The Lady Jackets improve to (2-0) and will host the Nantahala Hawks Tuesday, Dec. 4th at 5:00.
The Jackets followed by tipping off at 8:00. The Jackets were without sophomore guard B. Mcclure as he was held out by coaches.
The Jackets got off to a hot start as they led 20-8 after Q!. H. Mcclure led with 7 points.
The phenomenal Jackets defense held the Bobcats to 1 TOTAL point in Q2!
They held a 34-8 lead at the half. Led by H Mcclure with 16 points.
The Jackets dominance continued throughout the second half as they held on to win 76-15. H. Mcclure led the Jackets with 20 total points.
The Jackets improve to (1-1) and will host the Nantahala Hawks Tuesday, Dec. 4th at 6:30.