By Britt Smith, Principal, J.R. Arnold High School
J.R. Arnold High School prides itself in providing our Marlins a “A-A-A” education. As a result, our students excel in Academics, Arts, and Athletics.
Our ACADEMIC program is designed to prepare students to be successful in the pursuit of the college or career of their choice. Arnold High School was the first high school in Bay County to provide students the opportunity to earn the College Board’s Capstone Diploma. This special diploma designation is earned through a rigorous course of study and viewed by upper tier universities to be an indicator of a student’s preparedness for success at the collegiate level. Over the past two years alone, Arnold graduates have been recognized as National Merit Scholar Finalists and have earned appointments to military academies across the country.
Arnold prides itself in providing 14 career-technical education (CTE) certification programs. Our newest CTE program is the Unmanned Aircraft System, UAS. Students completing this program will earn their pilot’s license to fly drones and be sought after by companies for one of the most rapidly growing career opportunities. Arnold’s Construction Trades Academy was recently awarded a grant to expand its program to include simulators for Heavy Equipment Operation. Our other CTE programs are equally exciting and are expanding to meet the diverse needs of our community and interests of students. We pride ourselves in providing diverse CTE learning opportunities as our students can earn industry certifications ranging from Engineering and Computer Science to Culinary Arts and Hospitality.
The ARTS play a vital role in the education of students at Arnold HS and our programs are award winning. Arnold’s Theatrical program has earned the International Honor Award for six years in a row. This past year they were awarded a $10,000 scholarship to attend the International Thespian Conference where one of our students was elected an International Officer and received first place in the International Monologue category. Of course our Blue Thunder Band is an award winning group that excels during both marching and concert competitions. They regularly and consistently are awarded Superior ratings!
Finally, Marlin ATHLETIC programs have been recognized for their excellence in competition and sportsmanship. Our Lady Marlin Weightlifting team has earned Back-to-Back State Championships! During this most recent school year, Arnold’s male and female athletic teams were the highest ranked in the area earning a 6th place finish in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Floyd E. Lay Sunshine Cup All-Sports rankings. In addition, our school was awarded the Fred E. Rozelle Sportsmanship Award. This prestigious award was only given to 14 schools in the state of Florida.
J.R. Arnold High School is proud to be part of the Panama City Beach community and serve as its high school. As we begin our 21st school year, Arnold Marlins are helping to make our community a great place to learn, live, and work!
#GoMarlins
