New principals named
HUTTO – Misty Davis, M.Ed., has been named as Principal of the Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP) for the 2023-23 school year. She is currently serving as the 7th Grade Assistant Principal at Hutto Middle School.
“I realize each day we are leading all students by example,” said Davis. “Whether we realize it or not, or whether it’s positive or negative, we are influencing those around us. I accept the opportunity as a privilege to influence some of our most vulnerable students and lead them into a brighter future.”
Desirae Hendricks Patterson, M.Ed., has been appointed principal of River Horse Academy for the next school year. She is currently serving as Assistant Principal at Howard Norman Elementary School.
“It is such a blessing to be chosen to lead the River Horse family and to serve the students and families of our Virtual Academy,” said Hendricks Patterson. “I’m excited to engage with students as they plan for their postsecondary experiences. I am most looking forward to having the opportunity to inspire excellence in their academics, character, and community just before they enter adulthood.”
High school graduation scheduled
Hutto High School will hold its graduation ceremony from 8 to 10 p.m. May 25 at Hutto Memorial Stadium. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m.
Parking is limited due to current construction at the high school. The district will provide air-conditioned shuttle buses to and from the graduation ceremony beginning at 6:15 p.m. from the parking lots at the East Williamson County Higher Education Center, 1600 Innovation Blvd and Adam Orgain Park, 1001 County Road 137.
The shuttles will continue every 15 minutes until the event begins and will resume immediately following the commencement ceremony and will run continuously for an hour after the ceremony is complete.
The following items will not be allowed in the stadium: noisemakers, signs and banners, balloons, confetti sticks, wrapped gifts or gift bags, food or drinks, coolers, tripods, selfie sticks and umbrellas, among others.
Water will be provided at the event, but concession stands will remain closed.
The ceremony will be followed by a short fireworks display. For a full list of rules, see www.HippoNation.org/ graduation.
Brighter future for Farley Street
Since the 2022 holiday season, trees along Farley Street downtown have remained wrapped in Christmas lights. At an April City Council meeting, City staff recommended that the lighting be left in place and professionally maintained for two years, as implementation of the City’s overall downtown improvement plan progresses.
Staff reported that downtown businesses have expressed concern that the street is too dark, and support having the holiday lights become a permanent fixture.
“If you don’t have at least a medium amount of light, the next thing that happens is crime. You’ll have fighting in the streets, people getting mugged. I’ve seen it happen time and time again and light is one of the key things that reduces that likelihood,” said City Manager James Earp.
The council voted to make sure funding for continued lighting was included in the city’s next budget.
