Harlan High School

🏀 Basketball season is here! The Lady Dragons have their first scrimmage of the season today at Madison Southern H.S. Both JV and Varsity will be playing. Tip-off is set for 4 PM. Good luck, ladies!

Harlan Cross Country Shines at State Championship The Harlan Cross Country program proudly represented the Harlan Independent School District at the 2025 KHSAA State Championship in Lexington this past weekend, with 13 runners—six girls and seven boys—taking the line for one of the most competitive meets of the year. For many of our athletes, it was their first-ever State appearance, and they rose to the occasion with grit, determination, and heart. Girls’ Team The girls’ team, Harper Carmical (22:30.43), Priscilla Stewart (24:51.06), Cora Jones (25:22.48), Lillie Carver (26:23.41), Josephine Toll (26:25.19), and Gwendolyn Toll (29:15.66), finished 19th overall, showing strong improvement against regional competition. Of the six runners, only three, Carmical, Stewart, and Gwendolyn Toll, had previous State experience, making this an exciting moment for the young, growing team. Their perseverance throughout the season has laid a foundation for future success, as they continue to build a program centered on teamwork, resilience, and consistent progress. Boys’ Team On the boys’ side, Tanner Daniels led the team with an incredible third-place finish, clocking an outstanding 16:11.87, a major improvement from last season’s performance. Cooper Thomas (19:22.67), Gibson Wilder (20:36.52), Cruz Galloway (20:42.82), Dalton Halcomb (20:52.26), Xavier Farley (21:28.52), and Garrett Wilder (22:11.57) all delivered strong performances, many setting new personal bests. Thomas battled through adversity, running nearly the entire race with one spike after being cleated in the first 400 meters, but refused to let it slow him down. For several of the boys, including six first-time State qualifiers, this race marked the start of a new tradition, one built on commitment and championship aspirations. A Program on the Rise Coach Erin Alred shared her pride and optimism for the team’s future, stating: “This trip for these kids was such a wonderful experience. They know now what it takes to make it and want to continue to grow. I do not think we will have another State appearance drought for a long time. So proud to be part of this program and coach these kids.” This year’s State Championship was not just a race—it was a statement. The foundation has been laid for a program that intends to make State appearances a new normal. The district and community could not be prouder of these student-athletes for representing Harlan with excellence, perseverance, and heart. Congratulations to all of our runners on an incredible season!

🏈 Good luck to the Green Dragons in the first round of the playoffs. Tonight's game against the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets is set for 7 pm. #GoBigGreen 🐉

Thanks to journalism student Ray Smith for today's gameday graphic!

Students in Dr. Saylor’s English III class stepped into the courtroom last week for a full-scale mock trial inspired by The Crucible. While reading Arthur Miller’s classic, students brought the play to life by taking on the roles of judges, attorneys, witnesses, and jurors in The Commonwealth of Salem vs. Elizabeth Proctor. They analyzed evidence, questioned motives, delivered opening and closing statements, and debated what justice, truth, and integrity really mean. This engaging activity challenged students to think critically, argue effectively, and connect timeless themes to the world around them, all while having a little fun in 1692 Salem. #TheCrucible  #StudentEngagement #MockTrial

📷 Don't forget, Picture Day is Friday, November 7th, for all Harlan middle school and high school students! This includes Senior photos.

Thanks to journalism student Tiana Penny for the graphic!

Our HHS Cross Country team has arrived at the KHSAA State Championship in Lexington, KY. The boys will race at 3:00 p.m., and the girls will run at 3:45 p.m. Let’s hear it for the green team! Go Dragons!! 🐉👟🌟

🏃‍♂️💚 Best of luck to the HHS Cross Country team as they travel to the State Cross Country Championship at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY! We’re especially proud of our boys’ team, making their first trip to state since 1987! Your hard work, dedication, and determination have made Harlan history—now go show the state what it means to be a Green Dragon! 🐉💪 #HHSXC #DragonPride #StateBound

💚 Caring for Every Dragon, Every Day 🐉

At Harlan Independent Schools, we’re committed to making sure every student and family has access to the support they need—starting with healthy meals. We’ve created a new page on our district website to connect families with local food resources and support programs across our community.

If your family—or someone you know—could benefit from food assistance or meal services, visit our website to explore available options. Together, we can make sure every Dragon has what they need to thrive! 💚

🔗 https://www.harlan-ind.k12.ky.us/page/community-resources

#FamilyOfDragons #EveryDayEveryDragon #HarlanIndependent

Great turnout for the HHS FAFSA & Frappes event at Moonbow before fall break! Families had the opportunity to work on their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) with the help of HHS staff, and take another step towards graduation. Seniors, keep working to reach our goal of 100% completion of the FAFSA! Questions? Contact Mr. Zach Dixon, guidance counselor.

🎓Attention SENIORS!: Seniors need to have their cap and gown ordered from Jostens by no later than November 17, 2025. The cost of the cap and gown is $45.00 plus tax. If you have questions or need assistance ordering a cap and gown, please contact Mrs. Michelle Crabtree.  

Use the following link to order: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1069787/HARLAN-HIGH-SCHOOL/Cap-and-Gown/2972031659/CATALOG_REPOSITORY/Cap-and-Gown-Unit/2972031690

AP Exam Announcement!!! If you are registered to take an AP exam this spring, you will need to pay a $25 deposit for each registered exam. The deposits are due to Mr. Dixon no later than NOVEMBER 7TH.

🐉Vibrant learning is taking place in Mrs. Amro’s class! Students created atoms and did an excellent job! #HHS #vibrantlearning #EveryDragonEveryDay

Reminder: Gear up for Red Ribbon Week October 27th-31st! Join us as we take a stand for making wise, healthy choices and showing our school pride! 🐉 #RedRibbonWeek #BeDrugFree #WeAreHarlan

HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to our Cross Country team for their incredible accomplishments today!! 💫Boys Cross Country Team- Regional Runner Up 🥇 Tanner Daniels- 1st place-15:44- Broke the school record!! 🎉All boys ran under 22 minutes!! 🎉 💫Girls Cross Country Team- 4th Place 🏆Harper Carmical-3rd place- 21:16- Broke the school record!! 🐉BOTH TEAMS ARE STATE BOUND!!! This is the first time that the boys team has qualified for state since 1987!! We are so proud of our athletes! Go Dragons!!!! 🐉

👟Our Cross Country team is carb-loading this evening at the Portal in preparation for regionals tomorrow at West Liberty. Join us in wishing them the best of luck! Good luck, Green!! 🐉🐉🐉

🎉 Dragon Attendance Incentive Winner! 🐉

This year, Harlan Independent Schools rolled out a brand-new attendance incentive to celebrate students who show up and give their best every single day!

Each week that a student has perfect attendance — meaning no check-ins late and no early checkouts — they earn a ticket for a chance to win a district prize at the end of the nine weeks. That means a student can earn up to nine chances per quarter! As part of the incentive, students must be present the day of the drawing to claim their prize.

👏 Congratulations to this nine-weeks winner, Hunter Brock! Your dedication and commitment to being present each day truly make you a role model for your fellow Dragons.

💚 A special thank you goes out to our community partner and generous prize donor, the Boys & Girls Club of Appalachia, for supporting our students and helping us celebrate the importance of attendance!

#EveryDayEveryDragon #AttendanceMatters #HarlanIndependent

HMS/HHS Students: Gear up for Red Ribbon Week October 27th-31st! Join us as we take a stand for making wise, healthy choices and show our school pride! 🐉 #RedRibbonWeek #BeDrugFree #WeAreHarlan

🎶🎺 Congratulations to the Harlan High School Marching Band for placing 8th in the regional competition at Madison Southern High School this Saturday! Your hard work, dedication, and talent make us proud! 🎶#GoDragons