After former High Achievement Program adviser Lee-Ann Stephens was offered a job at the district level, Peter Redmond took advantage of the opportunity to move outside the classroom by becoming the new HAP adviser.

The High Achievement Program (HAP) helps students of color succeed in school, graduate and go to college, according to Redmond.

“Ms. Stephens got a district position, and I was offered this position because there was a vacancy,” Redmond said.  “I was in the classroom for 36 years and was ready for something different.”

Senior Cha Hixon said she was delighted when she learned Redmond would fill Stephens’ vacancy.

“I am very excited for Mr. Redmond to be the new adviser,” Hixon said. “He helps us with anything we need regarding the process of school and college.”

To prepare for his new position, Redmond said he sat down with Stephens to learn the ropes of leading HAP, while also preparing to bring his own teaching style to the program.

“There are certain factual things I got from her that I’ll have to implement, but the principal said ‘make it your own,’” Redmond said.

Redmond said he helps students prepare for both in- and out-of-school assignments.

“I help students with ACTs and preparing for tests and assignments,” Redmond said.  “Through HAP, they are exposed to college opportunities like scholarships, and hopefully they’ll go to college.”

Hixon said she was drawn to the program because it made receiving additional assistance from Redmond w
ith the college search more accesible.

“I got involved with H
AP because of the different opportunities,” Hixon said. “I get to visit colleges and have an adviser to help me with school and the application process.”

Interested students should sign up in the Learning Lab.