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PIPPA PASSES - The June Buchanan School has hired both a new athletic director, JR Hammond, and a new volleyball coach, Tara Reynolds.

Hammond will take on the role of coordinating all sporting events, which includes making sure home events run smoothly. The Martin County native will oversee coaches and athletes throughout the year. He brings a vast amount of experience with him to JBS. Hammond has served as both head coach and assistant coach at Sheldon Clark High School, worked as ALC’s Assistant Athletic Director, and is currently ALC Men’s Basketball Head Coach. He boasts 15 years of experience. Recently, Hammond made his first statement as JBS Athletic Director. “First, I’d like to thank Dean Clark for this opportunity to work at JBS as the AD,” Hammond said. “JBS is a wonderful academic school. I would like to provide an opportunity for students to compete in any sport in which they show an interest. Any kid deserves that. We’re off to a great start by hiring Jerry Manns as our Boys Basketball coach. Our girls have expressed an interest in volleyball, so we have hired JBS alum Tara Reynolds to meet the need for a volleyball coach.”

Reynolds has experience working with students and coaching in both volleyball and softball. She has also served as an instructor at both Alice Lloyd College and The June Buchanan School. Reynolds is certified as a lifeguard and able to perform CPR. She is the current JBS Guidance Counselor and brings 15 years of experience to JBS, as well. Reynolds made her first statement as volleyball coach saying, “I look forward to developing a formidable program focused on character, perseverance, and team work. I am extremely excited and honored for this opportunity to work with the students.”

The mission of the school supports the fact that some of life’s most important lessons and habits can be learned through participation in extracurricular activities. Coaches across the board, including Hammond and Reynolds, hope to continue building a strong work ethic, self-motivation, self-discipline, and commitment among student-athletes at the school. Study after study shows that being involved in extracurricular activities positively affects the academic success of students who are involved. Reflecting on the subject, Dean Amanda Clark said, “Looking forward, students will benefit from the ability to work with two experienced individuals who bring a wealth of skill to the program. JR Hammond and Tara Reynolds will serve as mentors for the students and school, and will instill the sense of excellence that we nurture and expect of our students at JBS.” Clark went on to say that she is excited for what the new school year and season will bring.

Open gym for sports began at June Buchanan in mid-March and will continue. The June Buchanan School has open enrollment for the 2012-13 school year and invites students who are interested in a well-rounded college preparatory education to call ahead for an appointment to tour the school. To schedule a visit, call 606-368-6108.