By Britt Smith, Principal, J.R. Arnold High School
Arnold High School prides itself on providing our Marlins with a Triple-A educational experience! These A’s represent Academics, Arts, and Athletics. The success of our Marlins can be seen in the various awards bestowed upon them each year.
Academically our Marlins are proving themselves to be exemplary scholars as evidenced by students excelling on state exams and those administered by College Board. History repeated itself once again as our most recent graduating class had another student, Molly Reeder, earn her Associate of Arts degree before being awarded a high school diploma!
Graduates from Arnold High School are continuing their studies at many of our nation’s most prestigious colleges and universities. Two more Marlins will be attending Ivy League schools on academic scholarships as Rachel Jacquay, Class of 2023 Salutatorian, will attend Yale University, and Thomas Cardenas will attend Harvard University. Closer to home, Ridah September is attending Vanderbilt University, and Janu Shah, Class of 2023 Valedictorian, will attend the University of Florida, both on academic scholarships. Combining a high degree of academic excellence and leadership skills, Arielle McCall is attending the United States Naval Academy where she has completed her plebe summer program and is now a Freshman.
Arnold is also very proud of its Career Technical Education, CTE, program and the innovative areas it is focusing to prepare our graduates for work. Arnold’s newest CTE programs include the Unmanned Aircraft System, drones, and Sports Medicine program. Through these programs, students attending Arnold High School are able to earn their FAA UAS/drone pilot license and certification as an Athletic Trainer. Our construction trades academy recently completed the construction of a “tiny house” that is currently being auctioned off and will provide someone with an excellent home. The CTE programs at Arnold High School are preparing students to be competitive and highly sought after in the workforce.
Artistically, Arnold’s fine and performing arts programs have proven to be outstanding. Each year our award-winning Blue Thunder Marching and Pep bands provide excellent entertainment during sporting events. The Blue Thunder Band was proud to be invited to march in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Chicago, Illinois. Kent Arnold was the only student in Bay County to be selected to the All-State Chorus! Our Concert Band was awarded a Superior rating at the State MPA. The theatrical program also had an exceptional year. During the International Thespian Society district competition, Critic’s Choice awards were earned by Grace Samarripa for contrasting monologues while Addison Bradley and Thomas Cardenas won for pantomime.
Athletically, Arnold High School was once again among the highest-achieving sports programs in both Bay County and the Panhandle. While several of our team won county and district titles, Shane McEliece and Eddie Kepran both brought home FHSAA State Titles! Shane won two state titles by winning the 100-meter breaststroke and 100-meter butterfly in swimming competition. Eddie won his state championship in the 800-meter race for Track and Field.
The 2023-2024 school year looks to be another excellent opportunity for Marlins to demonstrate their championship-caliber skills as scholars, artists, and athletes! #GoMarlins
