Morristown-Hamblen High School East

Morristown-Hamblen High School East (also known as Morristown East High School and formerly known as Morristown High School) is a secondary school located in Morristown, Tennessee. MHHSE is the oldest accredited high school in the state of Tennessee. The school incorporates grades 9-12. The school mascot is "Storm" the Ibis, students and faculty are known as the Hurricanes and the school colors are orange and black. The school had an enrollment of nearly 1,600 students as of the 2013-2014 school year. Gary Johnson is the head principal.

History

Morristown High School was built in 1923 and was admitted to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Isenberg-Siler Gymnasium was added in 1954 and the third floor was added in 1955. The south wing was added in 1968. A major renovation occurred in 1989 at a cost of 8.9 million dollars. A 1.3 million dollar library was opened in 2004 and was named in memory of Dr. Joe E. Gibson, Sr., former School Board Member and East High supporter. A multimillion-dollar school-wide renovation/remodel occurred between 2010 and 2012. This included the addition of a new administrative wing, a new cafeteria, Freshman Academy, STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) Academy, and Health Wing.

The school changed names in 1968 and has been known as Morristown-Hamblen High School East since that time due to the new high school, Morristown-Hamblen High School West for students who lived west of Morristown. The building is of traditional style and is located half a mile from the center of downtown Morristown. Morristown High School was known originally as the Golden Hurricanes but the name has been changed to the Hurricanes. The symbol used in earlier years was a tornado. However, the new logo is that of a hurricane, created for MHHSE by a design artist from New Jersey.

The main building at Morristown East has dozens of classrooms, a cafeteria, an auditorium, a gymnasium, STEM Academy, Freshman Academy, Health and Wellness Center, and a library.

Awards and Recognitions

• 2005 No Child Left Behind - Blue Ribbon School
• 2008, 2009, & 2010 U.S. News & World Report - Bronze Medal School

Statement of Beliefs

• Student learning is our primary goal and, thus, guides all site-based decisions.
• Student learning is enhanced by a safe and physically comfortable environment.
• Students are valued as individuals with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.
• Students are empowered to learn when they are engaged in the learning process.
• Students become more confident, independent learners when there is a commitment to continuous improvement.
• A student's character is cultivated through positive relationships, mutual respect, and opportunities to perform leadership roles.
• Student assessments provide a variety of meaningful opportunities for students to demonstrate their achievement and mastery of skills.
• The participation of stakeholders (i.e. parents/guardians, local businesses, social workers, etc.) is imperative for the success of the school and the community.

Academics

Fine Arts

Sports

Sports offered at Morristown East High School include baseball, basketball (men and women's), cheerleading, cross country, American football, golf, soccer (men and women's), softball, swimming, tennis, track, volleyball, and wrestling.

Student Organizations

Administration

• Mr. Gary D. Johnson - Principal - Student Assignment: A-G
• Mr. Bradley D. Hall - Assistant Principal - Student Assignment: H-O
• Dr. Patricia A. Sigler - Assistant Principal - Student Assignment: P-Z
• Mrs. Morgane Watkins - Assistant Principal, Athletic Director - Student Assignment: Freshmen

Notable alumni

• Randy Sanders, head football coach for East Tennessee State

External links

• Morristown Hamblen High School East
• Hamblen County Department of Education
• National Center for Education Statistics data for Morristown East High School

Coordinates: 36°12′49″N 83°17′09″W / 36.2136°N 83.2858°W / 36.2136; -83.2858