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Dr. Kimbrell presents secondary Star Award to Kirk Henry at Park Hill South
Summary
Dr. Kimbrell, superintendent for Park Hill, honored Kirk Henry, an AP U.S. history teacher at Park Hill South High School, with the district's secondary Star Award in a school recognition segment where students and district leaders praised his classroom dedication and focus on college readiness.
Dr. Kimbrell, superintendent for Park Hill, presented the Park Hill secondary Star Award to Kirk Henry, an AP U.S. history teacher at Park Hill South High School, during a school recognition segment at Park Hill South.
The recognition highlighted Henry’s two decades at Park Hill South and a 32-year teaching career overall, with district leaders and students citing his dedication to students and to preparing them for college-level work.
Kirk Henry introduced himself at the start of the segment, saying, "My name's Kirk Henry and, I teach here at Park Hill South in room, A 114, and I've been here for 20 years. I teach AP US history and I sometimes teach regular American history, but I've been here for for 20 years. This is my 32nd year of teaching overall." He later described the value he places on making history engaging: "It's a story, it's a narrative, and kinda helps explain how we got from here to here. And that's what I really enjoy."
A student who spoke during the recognition described Henry's classroom environment and out-of-class support: "He wants to get to know you on a personal level too, and it makes the class a lot more engaging. I mean, it makes me want to be there. I'm not just there to learn. I'm not just there to ace the AP test because I have to be there. It's fun and exciting, and I'm ready to start my day." The student also noted Henry's availability before and after school.
Dr. Kimbrell framed the award as part of the district's ongoing effort to acknowledge outstanding teachers. He said, "I am doctor Kimbrell. I am the superintendent for Park Hill and I get to go around to all of the different, schools and recognize the very best teachers and give out what are called star awards. And this month's secondary star award of hundreds of secondary teachers is this guy, mister Henry." Kimbrell told Henry the nomination came from a family member and praised his integrity and student focus.
Henry discussed his own path to teaching in the segment, saying he struggled academically in a small high school and wanted to prepare his students for college: "I was I was not the best student. We I didn't have any I went to a small high school, and we didn't have AP. And when I went to college, I found out that I didn't know how to write, and I really didn't know how to read very well ... I don't want my kids to feel nervous or scared when they go to college. I wanna kinda get them prepared." He also stated that success on the AP exam is important but framed it as part of preparing students for college-level work.
The superintendent also noted that Henry has been recognized previously with the Right Hand Man award and described him as a coach and a long-standing contributor to the district. The recognition segment closed with Dr. Kimbrell expressing appreciation for Henry's work in the district.
