Tuesday, May 17 was a day to honor all Advanced Placement (AP) students and Advanced Placement Biology teacher Mrs. Marianna Hendrycy. During fifth period all the students were required to go to the Performing Arts Center where Trumen Bell, grant coordinator with Exxon/Mobil presented a $10,000 check to the school.
To make the day even more special there were many guests: Dale Fleury, Regional AP Director for the National Math and Science Initiative; a representative from Governor Mike Beebe’s office; Tommy Sue Anthony, President of Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science (AAIMS); Dr. Don Love, Assistant Superintendent, and Springdale School Board Members.
The school’s administration and faculty are very ecstatic to receive this grant.
“The school has a great focus on AP courses and to be recognized nationally it’s a great honor,” said Assisant Principal Dr. Michael Shepherd.
The school gave over 1,200 AP exams, a dramatic increase from the year before. There was a 120 percent growth of the exams given and 114 percent increase in the amount of qualifying scores.
“I expect AP students to know what they are getting into, these are college level courses. If you put time and effort into the class, it will pay off; otherwise there is no need to waste your time,” said AP Chemistry teacher Leslie Pitman.
According to Newsweek, Har-Ber High School is ranked 425 in America’s Best High Schools for 2010 that featured only six percent of the public schools in the United States.
“I am very impressed by the work of the students and teachers and only expect to improve and continue to be better,” said Dr. Shepherd.
Mrs. Hendrycy, who is also the AAMIS district leader, received the Exxon/Mobile Master Teacher Award.
“I am very appreciative for the award and the funding the school received. I expect the students to fearlessly approach AP courses and trust the teachers to lead them,” she said.
Mrs. Hendrycy is also in a commercial promoting AP courses.
“I was one out of the four teachers selected. It was like a silent selection. I didn’t even realize that I was being interviewed for a commercial. I think they appreciated my passion for the program,” she added.
“I’m very proud. She represents the best in teaching,” said Dr. Shepherd.
With the grant the school is able to purchase equipment to enhance the AP program.
“I’m so honored that she is a part of our AP staff,” said Mrs. Pitman.
“My favorite quote by Mohandas Gandhi is ‘Be the change that you want to see in the world’,” concluded Mrs. Hendrycy.