When junior Doreen Moranga’s sister first introduced her to the Higher Achievement Program (HAP), she readily joined because she felt it could benefit her academic career.

Moranga said returning adviser Peter Redmond plays an important role in building knowledge about colleges.

“It is beneficial because Mr. Redmond teaches us how to develop relationships with colleges and other professors,” Moranga said.

Redmond said HAP is intended for students of color who take higher level courses and the club’s focus is offering academic support for its members.

“The main purpose is to provide a net for students that are taking certain classes to make sure they are successful,” Redmond said. “We talk about college, we talk about grades, I monitor grades and I talk to them about grades specifically.”

According to Redmond, the club was established many years ago and has been at Park ever since.

“Ms. Stevens did our HAP program for four years, but she moved on to a different position and then prior to that about six or seven, so I would say about a decade maybe, ten or twelve years,” said Redmond.

Moranga said field trips provide HAP members with learning experiences.

“My favorite part would have to be the field trips because they’re engaging. We have several field trips and out of school trips that teach us more about topics we want to learn,” Moranga said.

Redmond said he is always grateful for new recruits and hopes students with questions about joining HAP will come to his office, located in the Learning Lab.

“I have all kinds of handouts that explain what it’s about and you could meet me and see the room we have,” Redmond said.

According to Redmond, HAP will mostly meet in room L8 and ¾ , but meeting times will vary depending on the day and grade. The club meets twice a month during school hours.