The Bronco Monthly

The start of summer marks the hardest time of the year for me personally. I know this sounds crazy because "Summer Break" is supposed to be a break right??? In reality the month of June is consumed with getting things ready for our students for the next school year and that summer break thing just means that students are not consistently in the hallway 😂😂😂. I would like to take a minute to personally thank Ms. Jenny Gay for the work that she has put in over the last few weeks to make sure that our students have the best year possible and that our schedule is conducive for making that happen!! We have one of the best in the business at Holly Pond High School!

I would also like to take a minute to congratulate the class of 2024. During your time at HPHS you have left a legacy that will span the test of time and for that you should be very proud. As you transition into the next chapter of your life we encourage you to keep the same determination that you had throughout your high school days because your dreams will not become reality if you don't. No matter where your journey takes you don't ever forget where you came from and how special it is to be considered a BRONCO!!

I would also like to congratulate Coach Huddleston on his retirement from HPHS after 26 years of service to our young people!! It has been an absolute pleasure to call you my coach, a mentor, and coworker, and most importantly my brother in Christ!!

On the June board agenda we were also blessed to welcome two new staff members to the Bronco family. Coach Will McDaniel will be teaching History as well as leading the Football program as our new head coach. Coach McDaniel comes to us from Hanceville where he spent the last several years as their defensive coordinator. Coach Todd Carter will be teaching Drivers Education and Health and will be leading the Baseball program as the new head coach. Coach Carter comes to us from James Clemons High School where he has spent the last several years as the pitching coach for the Jets. Both men have a wealth of knowledge and we can't wait to see them pour that into our young people at HPHS.

Moving forward please keep an eye out for upcoming announcements with important dates for the 2024-2025 school year. Try to relax and recharge your batteries as this school year will be consumed with greatness that will require you as Broncos to be at your best! I can't wait to see each of you when the start of school rolls back around and don't every forget IT'S A GREAT DAY TO BE A BRONCO!!

Summer is in full swing at HPHS, and the work to improve never stops! Our football stadium bleachers and retaining wall have been pressure-washed and are looking so much better. In addition to this, we are knee-deep in landscaping changes around the outside of the main building, and the gym lobby floor is being prepped for the new epoxy covering that is set to be put in very soon. New paint is being applied to various structures and walls as this is written, and so much more is still to be done in the next few weeks. While we are loving all the features of summer, everything that is being done is in anticipation of the school year to come.

This includes the work that is being put in by various teams and extracurricular groups and organizations. Students are still very visible on campus and are competing in summer competitions and events. To wrap up this edition of AP’s Thoughts, I just want to say that even though we are always working, it’s a labor that we enjoy, and (as always) IT’S A GREAT DAY TO BE A BRONCO!

The gym renovations are almost complete but we need your help to put the finishing touches on the project. Please watch the video below to see how you can help.

Hello everyone, my name is Jenny Gay and I am the school counselor. I hope this message finds you all enjoying a wonderful and restful summer break. I wanted to reach out and share a few updates and tips to help make the most of this season. Summer is the perfect time for students to reflect on the past school year and set goals for the upcoming one. Encourage your children to think about what they enjoyed, what challenges they faced, and how they grew. This reflection can be a powerful tool in preparing for a successful new school year. While summer is a time to relax, it's also important to stay active and keep your minds engaged. It’s also a great time to work on your community service hours. Although it may feel early, now is a great time to start thinking about the upcoming school year. Gradually reintroducing routines as the summer progresses can make the transition back to school smoother. Setting up a regular sleep schedule, planning school supplies shopping, and discussing what to expect in the new grade can ease any anxieties you may have. Even though school is out, I am still here to support you and your children. If you have any concerns or need resources, please do not hesitate to reach out. My email is jgay@ccboe.org and I am available to assist with any questions or support you may need during the summer months.

Enjoy the rest of your summer, and I look forward to seeing all of you soon!

Holly Pond High School's Varsity and JV cheerleading squads showcased their talent and dedication at the recent Auburn University UCA cheer camp, earning accolades across various categories. Both teams demonstrated their excellence with consistent performances, receiving Gold and Blue Superior ribbons for all their evaluation routines. The team excelled in multiple routines, securing top honors and demonstrating their prowess in spirit, cheer, and overall leadership. The Holly Pond High School cheer program as a whole garnered additional recognition, earning the Leadership Award as voted by other cheer teams, affirming their reputation as a team others aspire to join. They also received the Red Shirt Award for the best camp and were awarded the Spirit Banana on Night #3, symbolizing their infectious enthusiasm and team spirit throughout the event. Their commitment to team spirit was evident as they were awarded the spirit stick each night of the camp, reinforcing their enthusiasm and unity.

Among the standout achievements, the JV team excelled in the Spirit routine, earning a commendable 2nd place overall. They also impressed the judges with their Camp routine, securing another 2nd place. Their prowess in Sideline routines was unmatched, claiming 1st place in this category. Additionally, they clinched 2nd place in the Cheer routine, showcasing their versatility and skill. Recognition was also given to individuals who excelled in their performances. Maci Gibbs, Dixie Watson, and Bellah Carr received the prestigious Pin-it-Forward Award, highlighting their outstanding contributions and dedication to others. Moreover, several cheerleaders were named All-American for their exceptional skills and leadership. Nadia Gibbs, Jaycie Pitts, Cira Thrift, Annabella Dye, and Maci Gibbs earned this prestigious title, underscoring their talent and commitment to the sport. The camp also featured Ily Wilbanks as a jump-off finalist, further showcasing Holly Pond's depth of talent and competitive edge. With such remarkable achievements, the Holly Pond High School cheerleading program continues to set high standards and inspire both on and off the mat.

The Varsity team dominated the competition, earning 1st place in both the Spirit routine and Cheer overall categories. Their dynamic performances and synchronized routines impressed judges and peers alike. They also achieved notable 2nd place finishes in the Camp Dance and Sideline routines, further solidifying their standing as one of the top teams at the camp. Individual achievements highlighted the team's depth of talent and commitment. Taylin Clemmons emerged as the Camp Jump-off Champion, showcasing her agility and precision in the jump-off competition. Madison Lamoreaux, Tayvin Faulkner, Taylin Clemmons, and Anna Nash were recognized with the Pin-it-Forward award, celebrating their leadership and contributions to team spirit. Furthermore, several members of the Varsity team were honored as All-Americans for their exceptional skills and dedication. Presli Carr, Kylie Crenshaw, Sarah Grace Brown, Makenzy Bolin, Blakely Bagget, Ava Claire Foust, Taylin Clemmons, and Erin Hibbert received this prestigious title, underscoring their individual talents. Adding to the accolades, the team's bronco mascot, Gus, achieved dual honors by winning the All-American and Gatorade Guru awards, further highlighting the team's comprehensive success and community spirit.

It’s A Great Day to Be a Bronco!

The HPS Varsity and JV cheerleaders, under the guidance of their coaches and with unwavering support from their school community, have set a high standard of excellence, showcasing their talent, teamwork, and dedication to the sport of cheerleading.

-Mrs. Allbright

The Lady Broncos basketball program has been hard at work the last several weeks. Along with practice, players at all levels participate in Strength Camp which is run by Steve Johnson & Colton Terry. This is the third year our program has participated, and this truly sets the tone for our program. Ava Thomas has done especially well and has earned the Big Red 1 shirt twice already.

Additionally, we have participated in play days at Danville High School, Supreme Courts, Cullman High School, & Wallace. The varsity holds a 6-1 record and is continuing to develop a young and talented group of players. Madison Butts and Millie McBee have done a solid job directing our offense while Ava Thomas leads the team in scoring and assists. Maggie Nail leads the team in charges, and Blakely Baggett and Alana Phillips have been irreplaceable on the boards. Sadie Nail has stepped up her game and provided a strong inside presence for our team.

Even though we’ve had a busy schedule, we’ve made time for fun. The Allbright’s hosted our summer kick-off party, and we look forward to our team game night and team trip to Big Time Entertainment. The Varsity and JV will travel to Jacksonville State University June 19-21, and both teams are looking forward to competing against tough competition.

Mr. Roden and the FFA department spent a few days in early June competing against FFA chapters from all over the state and brought home multiple state awards! Congratulations to Evan Roden for winning first place in Sheep Production and qualifying for the National Convention in Indianapolis!!

Our varsity and jv boys have had a busy and productive start to the 2024-25 basketball season by taking part in summer workouts and games. The players are practicing and playing with a focus on improving as individuals and as a team. We have had practice games on June 7, 11, 13,14, 19, and 21 in addition to practicing and beginning summer (weight and agility) workouts. We have played bigger schools like Bob Jones and Oneonta, as well as schools closer to our classification level, and the players have been competitive throughout. Progress has been positive and we are working diligently to improve our chances at success this season.

We have also welcomed a new coach on staff, as Bryson Fletcher will be varsity assistant. Coach Fletcher is doing a great job and joins Coach Willoughby and Coach Neal to round out our boys basketball staff. We are excited about our teams and looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish in the future.

Education:
1987 Graduate of Wilson High School
1994 Graduate of Athens State College with a Bachelors Degree of Science in Education.

Professional Experience

*Assistant Varsity/JV Baseball Coach Wilson High School
*Assistant Baseball Coach for Calhoun Community College (Pitchers/Catchers), Decatur, AL
*Assistant Baseball Coach for American *Legion Post 229, Madison, AL
*Assistant Varsity Baseball &; Football Coach at Bob Jones High School, Madison, AL
*Head Baseball / Assistant Football Coach at Liberty Middle School, Madison, AL
*Assistant Varsity Baseball and; Football Coach at Bob Jones High School, Madison, AL
*Head Baseball/Football Coach; *Athletic Director at Discovery Middle School, Madison,AL Head Freshman Football / Assistant Varsity Baseball

*Coach at Decatur High School, Decatur, AL Assistant Football Coach at Liberty *Middle School, Madison
*Head Softball Coach at Liberty Middle School, Madison, AL
*Assistant Varsity Baseball/Football Coach at James Clemens High School, Madison, AL

Personal:
Currently reside in Madison, AL and will be moving to the Bremen area in early Summer 2024
My hobbies include fishing, hunting, golf, baseball, football, basketball.

Will McDaniel is the new Head Football Coach at Holly Pond High School, bringing 17 years of high school football coaching experience in Alabama. He has spent 11 of those years as a varsity defensive coordinator. Additionally, he was the Head Baseball Coach at West Limestone High School for four years. His previous coaching positions include roles at Hanceville High School, Austin High School, Jasper High School, West Limestone High School, and East Lawrence High School. Will is supported by his wife Emily and their four children: sons Layton, Trett, and Win, and daughter Tilly.

Holly Pond High School would like to congratulate Coach Jay Huddleston on his retirement from education!! Coach Hudd has dedicated the last 26 years of his life pouring into the young people of the Holly Pond Community. During his time in education Coach Huddleston coached multiple sports, started the HPHS archery program, and started First Priority this past school year! Thank you for your years of dedicated service to our students and we wish you luck and relaxation during your retirement!!

• Parking/Lockers/Schedules (7/24/24 & 7/25/24)
• 7/24: 12:00-2:00 Seniors
• 7/24: 2:00-4:00 Juniors
• 7/25: 12:00-2:00 Sophomores
• 7/25: 2:00-4:00 Freshmen
• Open House (8/6/24)
• 4:00-5:30 (Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors)
• 5:30-7:00 (Freshmen Boot Camp)
• Meet the Broncos (8/9/24)
• 6:30 Felton Easterwood Gymnasium
• Trick or Treat with the Broncos (10/31/24)
• 6:00-8:00 pm HPHS Parking Lot