Harrison Central High School (Mississippi)

History

In 1957, Harrison County consolidated several community-based high schools to create Harrison Central High School on the present-day Lyman Elementary Campus of Harrison County School District. As the community grew, a new Harrison Central High School was constructed in 1967. Currently, the new campus houses grades 9-12. To help with overcrowding at this campus, the school district recently built West Harrison High School in western Harrison County, MS.

Cheerleading

The school spirit squad has won over Sixteen State Cheerleading titles through MHSAA (Mississippi High School Activities Association), They have been ranked Fifth, Seventh, and Eighth place for several of years at the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship. The squad won its first national title after competing against schools from many states at the Mardi Gras National Cheerleading Championship in 2001. Most recently placing third place in the world competition.

Student Council

The Student Council is composed of four separate class councils and one “overall” council. The student council consists of representatives of each class in school. Each council, including the overall council, has its own set of officers, representatives, and helpers. The council, with their sponsors, help promote the general welfare of the school. The principal works closely with the president in the area of the student government and affairs. The student council’s main duties are to plan and produce many school functions including the prom and homecoming dances. The student council is also responsible for designing class “apparel”, such as t-shirts and jackets.

National Honor Society

The National Honor Society is an organization that recognizes the achievement and intellect of juniors and seniors at Harrison Central High School who not only excel in their classes, but also demonstrate the characteristics of scholarship, character, leadership, and service.. Membership is by invitation only. Every year the National Honor Society (NHS) participates in many service projects such as the Mississippi Coastal Cleanup, Salvation Army Blood Drive, and an “Unsung Heroes” luncheon for the uncertified staff of HCHS. Each student is required to complete 20 hours of community service, not including chapter service projects, in order to remain a member of the society. Seniors are rewarded at graduation with their light blue stole that stands out among all other items. Members also receive the NHS emblem on their diploma.

DECA

DECA is an Association of Marketing Students. This very prestigious organization prepares student for a career in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship by instilling the basic principles of business and leadership. DECA is open to all students (10th-12th grade) enrolled in the Marketing Management Technology course at the Harrison County Vo-Tech center located on the HCHS campus. DECA members use their marketing skills to compete in role-play situations at the district, state, and international level. DECA offers many competitive events ranging from Sports & Entertainment marketing to Apparel and Accessories Marketing. Members can compete individually or in teams of up to four members. DECA gives many students the opportunity to travel to places such as New York, Orlando, and Anaheim, CA.

Band Program

Harrison Central's band has consistently been one of the most talented bands on the Gulf Coast earning them the title "The Pride of the Coast." Harrison Central High School's Band has continued to demonstrate their motto, "Commitment to Excellence," throughout the years earning Straight Superior Ratings for the past 30 years along with many national and international achievements. As of 2014, the band is under the direction of Ken White, Wil Richmond, Kristina Havard, Jeremy Smith and Dwight Hollingsworth. The Harrison Central Band has an amazing marching program with highly qualified staff. The band has multiple programs that include marching, concert, symphonic, jazz, winter guard and indoor percussion. At the 2015 MHSAA Concert Band Evaluations, they scored an overall 1 on stage and an overall 2 in sight reading.

U.S. Army Junior ROTC

The Battalion currently about 150 cadets learning how to be better citizens. The competition part of JROTC involves a Colorguard team, Exhibition Drill Team, Regulation Drill Team, and an Adventure Training Team (Raider Team or Elite).

FBLA-PBL (Future Business Leaders of America) (Phi Beta Lambda)

FBLA-PBL is the largest student-run organization in the United States of America, with 253,365 members, and one of the largest business-related organizations in the world. Local FBLA-PBL chapters are often connected to their school's business education department, and most advisers are business education teachers. It is one of the top 10 organizations listed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Red Rebel Battalion Colorguard

The Red Rebel Battalion's Colorguard consists of Colorguard Commander C/Maj Paige Jackson. The Colorguard presents the Battalion, State and National colors at events in ways that represents Honor, Discipline and Pride in both unit and nation.

Red Rebel Battalion Regulation Drill Team

The Red Rebel Battalion's Reg. Drill Team consists of Reg Commander C/Sgt. Brett Williams. The Regulation Drill team shows the military's Drill and Ceremony(marching) in a professional manner. This team trains and competes in events at other JROTC Battalion. They compete in unarmed squard, unarmed platoon, armed squad, and armed platoon.

Various Sports

Harrison Central is home to a wide variety of sports, including but not limited to: football, soccer, tennis, cross country, swimming, baseball, softball, basketball, golf, volleyball, and weightlifting. Despite the diversity, the quantity of students make sure the teams strive for their high standards and goals. Past honors have included South State Softball Champions, Boys Cross Country District Champions, Girls Basketball Champions, and many other competitive teams.

Notable alumni