The new school year started with a lot of new students and even some new teachers.

One of the new teachers is Darlene Stewart who teaches English. She grew up in Indiana and taught English at the junior high for five years.

“I am so excited about teaching high school,” Stewart said. “I want to teach more short stories and poems than before.”

Another one of our newest teachers is Channing Brock, who teaches algebra II and I-B. She is from Beebe and this is her first year teaching.

“I applied to all the great schools in the area, and was lucky enough to get accepted here,” Brock said.

The third new teacher is Jessica Hance who now is teaching algebra I-A and I-B. She graduated from UCA and taught in Russellville for two years before taking the position.

“I came to work at Searcy because i heard it was a great school and I wanted to be closer to home,” Hance explained, even though she still has to drive from Clinton every day.

The fourth newest teacher is Rick Barnes who teaches biology and Pre Ap biology. Barnes has lived in Searcy but he taught at Jacksonville High School for Pulaski County Special School District.

“Since I live here, I wanted to be part of the community, so now I’m teaching here,” Barnes said.

Joanna Baker who teaches Resource English and Inclusion English for freshmen and sophomores. Barker previously worked at Bald Knob High School for 5 years.

“I wanted to teach at Searcy because I live here,” said Baker. “I also graduated here and I thought it would be a great opportunity.”