HHS invited students to explore course selection options at the first elective fair in the competition gym Feb. 6. Teachers explained their classes by showcasing their curricula, passing out flyers and presenting their schedules.

In previous years, students relied on word of mouth or counselor recommendations to learn about classes before choosing their schedule. Jana Flinkow, assistant principal of instruction, explains the intent behind the elective fair.

“It is an opportunity for students to walk around and identify what all electives we will offer next year and learn about the different electives, and learn what graduation requirements they meet,” Flinkow said, “[It] helps them make a better choice in course selection for next year.”

HHS career coach Grace Burgess and Flinkow planned the electives for weeks before the fair. Teachers had guidelines about what to put in their presentation for the fair, such as graduation requirements and the amount of homework.

Sophomore and junior counselor Zach Butler explains why the addition this year was important. 

“We wanted to reach the most students, so doing something during the day was our best bet,” Butler said. “We also wanted to pay attention to the high school students and help them select things that they want for their future.”

Flinkow adds on about the elective fair helping to understand course offerings.

“We wanted to try and help students understand more course offerings,” Flinkow said. “We have more course offerings than we had in the past, so we felt like students didn’t really fully understand what options there were and what requirements they could meet.”

Butler adds how the relationships built during the fair helps students make long-term goals.

“They can really make the connection with the elective teacher and know how it fits their four-year plan, and how it either relates to their interest…or how it would prepare them for college,” Butler said.

Counselors will come to classes starting Feb. 9 to explain the courses available. Soon after, counselors will meet with students individually to confirm their schedule for next year.

Junior and senior counselor Bobby Deavers explains why students should have electives throughout high school.

“It’s important that students are well rounded,” Deavers said, “We know students here like to be involved in different extracurricular activities, but we don’t want them to be stuck in band or show choir.”

Prospective elective offerings for the 2026-2027 school year, such as an introductory AI course, are computer science based. Deavers explains why these new courses are especially important.

“It’s going to become a requirement for students to graduate, so the current group that are 6th graders will have to have a computer science course before they graduate,” Deavers said, “We try to get in front of that and give students opportunities for computer-science based electives.”

Flinkow adds that the computer based courses are versatile.

“Computer classes can count as your fourth math or your third science, so it can count for more than a computer class,” Flinkow said, “With a high-job demand, we’re aligning our courses for the job demand.”