To the members of its proud community, Hahnville High School means a little something different – and special – to each one.
For HHS principal Jose Gonzales, it represents a place that taught him about planting roots.
“I started here in 2008 as a teacher, fresh out of college,” Gonzales said. “I grew up as a military brat, so I moved around a lot. For me, it was nothing to go to one school one year then be off to a different school. So, for me, coming to Hahnville is where I learned a lot about tradition – what it means to put your roots down and see the connections that grow in the community.”
That tradition will be celebrated throughout this school year. As is the case at Destrehan High School as well, Hahnville High is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this school year, and Gonzales says the school plans to showcase the stories of many alums who have made HHS a special place over the years.
“This is a big deal for all of us. We want to honor the tradition of Hahnville … generations and generations of families have come through,” Gonzales said. “Because, I think, of the tradition here and because generations have gone through here, people have a personal stake in this school. ‘That is my school, that is my family.’ So, when something happens at Hahnville, good or bad, it’s personal.”
That is why this project takes on added importance, Gonzales said.
“It’s not just about celebrating the school’s history, but the community’s history and people’s individual stories,” he said.
Plans are to bring in community members as part of a centennial committee to further plan out ways to celebrate the history of the school. HHS is also looking to highlight memorabilia or other items community members may have that showcase the stories of the school and its alumni, asking for news articles, pictures, clothing, and any other memorabilia that highlights HHS through the years.
In the coming weeks, Hahnville will feature a trophy case – its Centennial Showcase – at the front of the school to feature these and other items.
Community members can also share stories, photos and other information on social media – using the hashtags #100yearsoftigerpride and #shareyourstory.
“We’ll be creating weekly posts about Hahnville High School history, either from things we already have or things that have been submitted to us,” said Gonzales.
Hahnville will also be honoring several of its former standout athletes with alumni awards to be presented at halftime of selected games.
The school is also reaching out to the former students who first integrated to HHS in the 1960s in order to spotlight their story.
While HHS students past will be celebrated, for the students of today it also represents a unique opportunity to learn more about their school, their community and, in many cases, their own families.
“For many students, they just know their family members have gone through Hahnville. This presents a chance for them to know what that means, through the stories shared – what lessons were learned, how this school has evolved into what it is now. I think that creates a really cool opportunity for them to learn about their history and realize their own place in it,” Gonzales said.
