Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Recognition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rickards High School leaders, student authors and state‑champion athletes honored at school board meeting
Summary
The board spotlighted James S. Rickards High School: a district creative-writing book and signing were celebrated and student author Addison Baxley read a poem; the board also recognized retiring principal Doug Cook and several state‑champion athletes, including Journey Belcher and a state champion 4x100 relay team.
At the May 12 Leon County School Board meeting, the district used its superintendent spotlight to highlight student achievement at James S. Rickards High School and across partner schools.
Superintendent Hannah and district leaders introduced a creative writing project funded by a grant; teachers and foundation representatives described a published book, a Midtown Reader author signing and districtwide participation. Sheree Brown and teacher sponsors from Leon, Godby, Rickards, Childs and SAIL described student authorship, and Margaret Farris of the foundation noted the Cornelia Bailey Foundation provided grant support. "We filled the entire Midtown Reader," Sheree Brown said, describing high turnout for the signing.
A student author, Addison Baxley, read an excerpt of a poem titled "Forgiveness." "Forgiveness isn't soft... It's remembering every word, every bruise, every moment your heart shattered and choosing to unclench your fist anyway," Addison read to the board. Board members and the superintendent praised the project as confidence‑building for students.
The meeting also recognized the retirement of Principal Doug Cook after 14 years at Rickards. Board Member Daryl Jones and Superintendent Hannah both praised Cook's focus on communication, safety and academic consistency; Cook credited prior leaders and his deputy for continuity as he discussed building programs during his tenure.
Rickards' athletic success was highlighted by Athletic Director Adi Hankerson and coaches. Coach Terrika Jones introduced state champions, including Journey Belcher, a junior who is back‑to‑back state champion in the high jump and a champion in sprint events; Belcher told the board she cleared 5 feet, 7 and 3/4 inches at the state meet. Hankerson also noted the school’s combined $2.1 million in scholarship offers for graduating classes and recent science and academic championships.
Board members invited retiring Principal Cook and colleagues for a photo and congratulated students and coaches. The superintendent noted graduation season and the district’s pride in students moving into the next phases of their lives.
Next steps: the board and staff will continue to support district writing programs and to work with the foundation on sustaining the creative‑writing initiative.
