District Awards & Recognitions

The students and staff of the Lake Hamilton School District strive for excellence in everything that they do. Here are some of their accomplishments that deserve recognition. Click to jump to Student Awards or Staff Awards

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  LH has One of America's Best High Schools

  Each year, Newsweek picks the best high schools in the country based on how hard their school staff works to challenge students with advanced placement college-level courses and tests. Just over 1,600 schools, only six percent of all the public schools in the U.S., made the list. Read more...
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  LHSD is #1 of 244 Public Districts in Arkansas for 2010

  The Lake Hamilton School District has recently been named the Number One Academic Public School of 244 districts in Arkansas! The Arkansas Policy Foundation, a nonpartisan, non-profit organization that analyzes the impact of public policy on Arkansas and makes recommendations, has released its most recent evaluation of the state's public schools. Based on scholastic criteria, the Lake Hamilton School District received the top ranking in state.

  We are very proud of this special academic recognition by the Arkansas Policy Foundation. However, we are even more proud of the outstanding performance of our students on these evaluations. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our professional teaching staff. They have provided the guidance and leadership to our students to help them continue improving their academic performance. The partnership of students, teachers, administrators, and supportive parents has provided the right combination to place the Lake Hamilton School District atop all other Arkansas school districts; based on these criteria.

  According to their website, www.arkansaspolicyfoundation.org, “the Arkansas Policy Foundation (APF) emphasizes the importance of tax policy and education reform. In the area of education reform, APF seeks intellectual honesty and complete openness in reporting the lack of academic progress in Arkansas' school system.” Since 2005, the APF has provided letter grade rankings of Arkansas school districts based on student performance on nationally recognized test. Similar to the standard letter grades that students receive in school, the APF assigns each school district the grade of A through F. The most recent ranking criteria was largely based on the 2007 - 2008 administration of the Stanford Achievement Test - 10th Edition (SAT-10) scores in mathematics and reading comprehension portions of the SAT-10 for 9th grade students. Adjustment was made for each school district using a predictor score based on performance on 1st grade SAT - 10 scores. The APF uses a sophisticated adjustment system taking in consideration of other factors in assigning the district grade and ranking. Lake Hamilton received the top grade of A in both areas and was followed by eight other school districts that also received the grade of A in both areas.

  Arkansas Policy Foundation Top Ten Ranked Arkansas Public School Districts

  Letter grades were based on comparisons of Arkansas schools using normal equivalents (T-scores) of 9th-grade Reading & Math scores, and on an adjustment to those scores based on 1st-grade performance.

  T-Scores					/	Letter Grade
  Rank	District	Math	Reading	Adjustment	/	Math	Reading	Adjustment	Overall
  #1	Lake Hamilton	70	69	74	/	A	A	A	A
  #2	Bentonville	70	69	66	/	A	A	A	A
  #3	Pottsville	64	73	67	/	A	A	A	A
  #4	Fayetteville	67	66	68	/	A	A	A	A
  #5	Conway	64	67	66	/	A	A	A	A
  #6	Lakeside (Garland Co.)	64	66	65	/	A	A	A	A
  #7	Mena	64	66	65	/	A	A	A	A
  #8	Bryant	64	65	64	/	A	A	A	A
  #9	Searcy	64	63	63	/	A	A	A	A
  #10	Scranton	75	66	58	/	A	A	B	A-

  
  
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  HS - 2009 College Readiness Award

  The Arkansas ACT Council recently announced that LHHS has been presented with the 2009 College Readiness Award. The award recognizes the fact that our school has seen a significant increase in ACT composite scores over the last five years, while at the same time increasing the number of students taking the ACT. Less than 10% of the schools in the state were able to accomplish what we have done! This is yet another evidence of the outstanding job that our students and teachers do.
  ACT Media Press Release   See All of the 2009 Award Recipients

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  HS - High School Powerband takes 1st Division Rating

  Congratulations to the Lake Hamilton High School Powerband! The Powerband competed Saturday, October 3rd, at the Four States Marching Invitational in Texarkana, TX. The Band earned 1st Division rating in all captions: band, drum majors, color guard, and percussion. In addition, the Powerband was named GRAND CHAMPION, and earned Outstanding Drum Majors, Outstanding Color Guard, Outstanding Percussion, and Outstanding Band of the Day. Congratulations to the students and staff! GO WOLVES!
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  JH - Junior High School Powerband takes 1st Division Rating

  Congratulations to the Lake Hamilton High School Powerband! The Powerband competed this past weekend at the Ouachita Valley Invitational in Camden, AR. LHJH brought home First Division Ratings in all captions: band, drum majors, percussion, and color guard. In addition, the band earned Outstanding Band, Outstanding Drum Majors, Outstanding Color Guard, and Outstanding Percussion. Congratulations to the students and staff! GO WOLVES!

• MS - Arkansas Department of Education Recognizes Students' Achievements

  The Arkansas Department of Education has notified the Lake Hamilton Middle School that they have been awarded $60, 200.00 as a result of a large improvement in student achievement with a group of Middle School students in consecutive years. Lake Hamilton Middle School made some of the highest education value-added gains in the state of Arkansas. The monetary incentive was created in accordance with Arkansas Code Ann.6-15-2101 et.seq of Act 35 of the Second Extraordinary Session of 2003, also known as the Arkansas School Recognition Program. This program was designed to provide performance based incentives to outstanding public schools including charter schools. The Lake Hamilton Middle School exceeded the annual improvement gain in student achievement scores in consecutive years (2007-08) qualifying for performance based funding in the amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) per student tested. The funding may be used to award bonuses to teachers and for purchasing educational materials to supplement in teacher’s classrooms.

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Staff Awards & Recognitions

• Brian Leonard Named All American Teacher of the Year for Arkansas in AP Mathematics

  The National Math and Science Initiative’s 2011 All American Teacher of the Year for Arkansas in AP Mathematics is Brian Leonard. Mr. Leonard teaches AP Calculus AB and AP Statistics at Lake Hamilton High School. Congratulations Brian Leonard!
  
  For more information visit the following website:
  
  http://www.nationalmathandscience.org/newsroom/press-release/national-math-and-science-initiative-names-winners-second-annual-all-american

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  Pat McDonald Individual Achievement Award

  Introduction for Diane Hughes by Connie Zimmer, past recipient of the Pat McDonald Individual Achievement Award in 2010:

  When asked to introduce Diane as the winner of the Pat McDonald Individual Achievement Award at the 2011 AAIM Conference, the first thing I thought of was “What can I say?”. So many things came to mind and I knew there would not be that much time for the introduction.

  Diane has had one of the most varied careers as anyone I know. Her smile draws you in when you first meet her. Her past students feel the same way about that smile as we do. I have discovered much I did not know about Diane when I recently reviewed her resume, Did you know she has been a school library media specialist since 1974/ Concurrently (not all at the same time) she has been half time librarian at Quapaw Vocational Technical School and at the Arkansas Career Training Institute. She retired with 30 years teaching experience in 2006 (she says she is redirected). Since that time she has served as Library Media Consultant for McGehee and Lake Hamilton School Districts. She is an adjunct professor in the Master of Education in Instructional Technology at Arkansas Tech University since 2009. She also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. In 2010, she began to serve a part-time job share position as library media specialist for the Lake Hamilton District.

  While doing all the things listed above, she has served as President of AAIM, ArASL, ArLA, AAIM Board Member, ArLA Board Member, ArLA Scholarship Committee Chair, and the American Association of School Librarians 2009-10 Awards Chair. Her professional dedication and talents have been recognized by her school media program winning the 2005 AAIM Outstanding School Library Program of the Year Award and she was the 2006 winner of the ArLA Rhetta Patrick Award for contributions to the field of library media in the state and region. Today we are here to add to her list of awards for her contributions in this area. Please welcome as the 2011 AAIM Recipient of the Pat McDonald Individual Achievement Award , Diane Ellen Hughes.

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  Jon Shultz is a Director Who Makes a Difference

  In its December issue, School Band and Orchestra named Lake Hamilton High’s own band director Jon Shultz as one of the “50 Directors Who Make a Difference.” Shultz was chosen as Arkansas’ honoree in the 13th annual report published by the national journal. Directors nominated by students, colleagues and administrators, are recognized for their outstanding contributions to music education. “From small town elementary general music teachers to the directors of nationally acclaimed powerhouse high school ensembles, these educators are bonded by a love of music and the perseverance to endow this passion unto their following generations.” Shultz has taught at Lake Hamilton for 9 years and has served as Director of Bands for four of those. There are 580 students in the Lake Hamilton band program. Lake Hamilton is extremely proud to have faculty of this caliber to positively influence the lives of hundreds of students on a daily basis. Congratulations to Mr. Shultz!
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  Allen Saylor Named Teacher of the Year for the Arkansas Chapter

  The Arkansas Air force Association has named LHJH teacher Allen Saylor Teacher of the Year for the Arkansas chapter. Coach Saylor became involved with the Air Force Association while seeking a grant to fund the 8th grade science “Rocket Project”. He was voted the Hot Springs Air Force Association Teacher of the Year, and this fall was voted State Teacher of the Year. A ceremony was held at LHJH and Coach Saylor was presented with the award by State President Jerry Reichenbach, Hot Springs Chapter President Larry Louden, and Treasure Morris Cash.
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  Dawn Higgs Named All American Teacher of the Year for Arkansas in AP English

  The National Math and Science Initiative's 2010 All American Teacher of the Year for Arkansas in AP English is Dawn Higgs. Congratulations Ms. Higgs!

  Press Release
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  Coach Koonce Receives National Honor

  Karl Koonce has been named the National Federation of State High School Associations National Boys Track Coach for 2009. This covers all 50 states. Coach Utley said, “It is a great honor and I can't think of anyone more deserving. It is not very often Arkansas has a national winner in any sport.” We are proud of you Coach Koonce!

  Superintendent Recognition Letter
  
  Letter from the National Federation of State High School Associations
  
  
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  Mrs. Dorris Receives Outreach Grant from NASA

  Rebecca Ann Dorris, 7th grade science teacher, was awarded an Outreach Grant for $500 from the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium. Mrs. Dorris will be attending the SEEC (Space Exploration Educator’s Conference) at NASA in Houston, Texas to attend sessions hosted by the actual scientists and engineers and astronauts working on exciting endeavors including the International Space Station, Mars exploration, and the planets beyond. She will be using new labs and techniques learned at the SEEC with her students, and sharing ideas with her colleagues.

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Student Awards & Recognitions

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  HS - Academic Excellence Banquet

  The Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce held its annual Academic Excellence Banquet on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 to honor the top 5% of Garland County’s graduating seniors. Lake Hamilton was proud to have fourteen seniors honored at the banquet. The event was hosted by Weyerhaeuser. Congratulations seniors!
• District Wide - 2011 Arkansas Art Educators Region 5 Art Show

  Several art students from Lake Hamilton participated in the 2011 Arkansas Art Educators Region 5 Art Show at the ArtChurch in downtown Hot Springs this past Friday night during Gallery Walk. The Region 5 show, which represents 9 counties, gives 1st – 3rd place prizes in each grade K-12, with the winner in each grade going to the state AAE show where their work will be displayed in Little Rock over the summer. Of the 39 ribbons handed out, art students from Lake Hamilton won 14, including four 1st place winners that are going to state. If you see these students around campus, take the time to congratulate them on their hard work!

  
  

  LH Region 5 Winners:

  11th grade 1st place - Haley Martin
  11th grade 2nd place - Kelsey Ledbetter
  10th grade 2nd place - Julia Ross
  9th grade 1st place - Stacia Dickinson
  9th grade 3rd place - Brin Lewis
  8th grade 1st place - Noel Frazier
  8th grade 2nd place - Dylan Greco
  7th grade 3rd place - Hope Winkle
  6th grade 2nd place - James Lockwood
  5th grade 2nd place - Molly Brennan
  4th grade 1st place - Hayden Burrow
  3rd grade 3rd place - Justin Cox
  2nd grade 2nd place - Kaila Burge
  1st grade 3rd place - Gage Winterroth

  LH Art Teachers:

  Ted Smith – High School
  Jeanne Longinotti – Jr. High School
  Sara Ewing – Middle School
  Angie Thornton – Intermediate / Primary School
  Sarah Riley – Elementary / Primary School
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  IS - Congratulations Intermediate Quiz Bowl Team

  The Intermediate Quiz Bowl team won first place at the regional Quiz Bowl tournament sponsored by Dawson Co-op. After six games, playing against seven other school districts, the students displayed outstanding problem solving skills and sportsmanship to take the top prize. Quiz Bowl is a component of the Gifted and Talented program within our district.
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  Certificate of Bravery

  At the February School Board Meeting, president Mark Curry presented Rocky Saylor, a Lake Hamilton 6th grade student, a Certificate of Bravery in recognition of his heroic action on Sunday, January 23, 2011. His calm and brave response in calling 911 and providing important information to emergency personnel played a key role in helping save his father’s life from a heart attack. Lake Hamilton School District is proud to have such a brave student.

• HS - THEA Foundation Scholarship Competition Winners

  LHHS Senior AP Art student Victoria Anzaldua won first place in the THEA Foundation Scholarship Art Competition and fellow LHHS Senior AP Art student Bree Rose was awarded 10th place. Victoria was awarded a $4000 scholarship and Bree a $2000 scholarship. Along with this, they are automatically awarded an additional scholarship at several Arkansas colleges and out of state art colleges through the THEA Education Partners program. This is a very tough competition with 250 entries from around the state and Lake Hamilton should be proud that two of our own made the top 10! The winners can be seen here.

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  First Graduate of the New Horizons Program

  On January, 18 2011, during the Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Steve Anderson made opening comments stating, “An ALE program had been a dream for some time and is now a reality. Tonight we are celebrating the reality of a dream.” Graduate Richard Jenne dressed in Lake Hamilton cap and gown received his high school diploma in the presence of New Horizons Program Director Jodi Chalmers, School Board President Mark Curry, and High School Principal Vernon Brooks. Other program staff members, family and friends were also present for the ceremony. Congratulations to Richard.

• HS - Arkansas’ Junior Miss Scholarship Program

  Congratulations to Aubrey Burroughs and Alley Dailey. These two Lake Hamilton High School students were participants in the Arkansas’ Junior Miss scholarship program, an official state preliminary of the America’s Junior Miss scholarship program. Out of 19 participants, Aubrey Burroughs, as Garland County Junior Miss, won fitness and placed second, and Alley Dailey, as Junior Miss Hot Springs, placed third in the competition. These young women who have distinguished themselves at school and in their communities are awarded college scholarships, and those who participate in Junior Miss programs develop interview skills, self-confidence, and other life skills that lead to future success.

• HS - Signing Letters of Intent

  Sam Ewing signed for track and field at the University of Arkansas, Benson Jordan signed for football with Ouachita Baptist University, Kenny Rains signed for football at Arkansas State University, Richard Williams signed to Arkansas State University for track and field, and Amos Gerber signed with the University of Central Arkansas. Congratulations to these outstanding athletes!

  
  
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  HS - All-State Choir Convention

  Eleven choral students from Lake Hamilton High School will be representing the school at the All-State Choir Convention this week, February 18th - 20th, at the Hot Springs Convention Center. Congratulations to these students.
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  HS - Number One Pole Vaulter in the Nation

  Congratulations to Samuel Ewing for receiving this honor. Sam recently signed with the U of A for Track and Field.
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  District Wide - Lake Hamilton was well represented at the February Gallery Walk

  Several art students from Lake Hamilton participated in the 2010 AAE Region V Art Show at the ArtChurch in downtown Hot Springs. The Region V show, which represents 36 school districts in 9 counties, gives 1st - 3rd place prizes in each grade K-12. The winner in each grade goes to the state AAE show where their work will be displayed at the Thea Foundation in North Little Rock over the summer. Lake Hamilton won 5 of the 13 first place ribbons. The LH winners: 1st Place - 12th grade - Sarrel Keith, 2nd Place - 12th grade - Ashley Weston, 3rd Place - 10th grade - Colby Ashley, 1st Place - 9th grade - Bailey Thomas, 1st Place - 8th grade - Rebecca Cooper, 3rd Place - 8th grade - Brin Lewis, 3rd Place - 7th grade - Rickle Reevo, 1st Place - 3rd grade - Karry Basurto, 3rd Place - 3rd grade - Alyssa Westgate, 2nd Place - 2nd grade - Cameron Kingery, 1st Place - 1st grade - Triston Childs

  

  The “Have a Heart for Art” art competition, an educational component of the Garland County chapter of the American Heart Association, had their annual show downtown at the Malco Theater and Lake Hamilton art students brought home three of the four first place ribbons. The LH winners: 1st Place Grades 10-12 - Lauren Dawson, 1st Place Grades 7-9 - Uriah Miller, 1st Place Grades K-3 - Adam Miller