Harlan County High School (also known as HCHS) is a public high school located in the unincorporated community of Baxter

Harlan County, Kentucky

Harlan County is a county located in the U.S. state of Kentucky. It was formed in 1819. As of 2000, the population was 33,200. Its county seat is Harlan...

, Kentucky

Kentucky

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is a state located in the East Central United States of America. As classified by the United States Census Bureau, Kentucky is a Southern state, more specifically in the East South Central region. Kentucky is one of four U.S. states constituted as a commonwealth...

 that opened in late 2008 to replace the county's previously separate public high schools: Evarts High School, James A. Cawood, and Cumberland High School. The school has been met with mixed criticism, with praises for its unique architecture and design and educational value.

History

Main construction for Harlan County High School began in 2006 and finished in 2008. Opening orientation was held on August 24, 2008, and school was scheduled to open for students the next day. However, an arson attempt activated several sprinklers throughout the school, forcing the postponement of opening day until September. More than 1,700 students began attending the school on opening day.

The mascot was provisionally to be called the 'Knights,' however, public opinion led to the decision to name it the 'Black Bears' in honor of the Ursus americanus

American black bear

The American black bear is a medium-sized bear native to North America. It is the continent's smallest and most common bear species. Black bears are omnivores, with their diets varying greatly depending on season and location. They typically live in largely forested areas, but do leave forests in...

 bears that inhabit the area. The school is the flagship of the Harlan County Public Schools, whose superintendent is Tim Saylor.

Architecture and design

Although Harlan County High School is located in a rural community, the school was built with a generous budget and has been praised for its unique architectural design. Paired with a few defining characteristics - such as the multiple bear statues and giant bear paw painted on its grassy embankment - more remarkable qualities distinguish the school. The school's main entrance leads students through a lobby featuring images and artifacts of historic schools and into a three-story atrium, designed as a street that connects all the main functions of the school, from which one can almost view every area in the building as well. Other important areas include the main office, gymnasium, auditorium, lunchroom, library, security office, and classrooms.

Sports, clubs, and organizations

Harlan County High School is praised for its number of extracurricular activities, organizations, clubs, sports, and in-school electives that 'provide students unique opportunities to focus their studies on career interests, college preparatory, military science, the world of work and the fine arts.'

Below are a list of organizations, clubs, and sports that students may participate in, according to the official website of Harlan County High School.

Athletics

Boys:

• Archery
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Football
• Golf
• Track and Cross Country

Girls:

• Archery
• Basketball
• Cheerleading
• Dance
• Golf
• Softball
• Track & Cross Country
• Volleyball

Clubs and organizations

• Academic Team
• Band
• Beta Club
• Choir
• DECA
• Drama Club
• FBLA
• FCCLA
• FEA
• First Priority
• French Club
• JROTC(Raider, Drill Team, Rifle Team,Color Guard)
• NHS
• STLP
• Y-Club