Horace Maynard Middle School is closing out a successful fall semester as school students and staff continue their mission to become an “Everything School.” The staff’s focus at HMMS is clear: excelling in all areas and providing students with opportunities for success and exploration.

The vision began two years ago during an interview with a prospective teacher, who asked Principal Tobi Kilgore what he wanted HMMS to be known for. That question sparked a simple but powerful answer—everything. From that moment on, the goal has been to build a school recognized for excellence academically, athletically, in fine arts, career and technical education, and in the wide range of opportunities available to students.

That vision is becoming a reality. During the fall semester, HMMS students experienced success in athletics, with the football team making the playoffs, the girls’ soccer team winning the district championship, and cross country runners achieving new personal records. The HMMS band continues to grow, performing at community events and Band Director, Hope Williams, earning a major milestone for her program by securing a $40,000 grant through the Morgan Wallen Foundation to purchase new instruments for her students. The boys and girls basketball programs have gotten off to a great start with their seasons and our cheerleaders continue representing Horace Maynard Middle School with tremendous character and pride.

Academically, HMMS has also made tremendous gains. Student growth and achievement have increased significantly and HMMS was recently recognized as being removed from the state targeted and support list. The recent release of state report cards show the school scoring higher than several neighboring middle schools and a drastic improvement in their school letter grade and performance metrics. Additionally, HMMS Beta Club students excelled at the state competition, with several members qualifying for national competition this coming summer.

As the fall semester concludes, HMMS is preparing to finish its final semester at 435 Main Street before moving into a brand-new facility on John Deere Drive. While the location will soon change, the mission will remain the same. Horace Maynard Middle School will continue pushing forward with its commitment to excellence, and being known as an “Everything School.”