Hastings High School is pleased to welcome Ryan Mitchell as our new Assistant Principal overseeing Career and Technical Education (CTE) and the Hastings Virtual Academy.
Mr. Mitchell brings a strong background in educational leadership, student support, workforce development, and vocational training. Most recently, he served as Principal of Ionia Middle School, where he led school improvement efforts focused on instructional excellence, positive school culture, student achievement, and collaborative leadership.
In his new role, Mr. Mitchell will lead Hastings High School’s CTE programs and the Hastings Virtual Academy, helping expand opportunities for students to explore career pathways, develop industry-relevant skills, and succeed through both traditional and alternative learning environments.
Mr. Mitchell brings a strong background in educational leadership, student support, workforce development, and vocational training. Most recently, he served as Principal of Ionia Middle School, where he led school improvement efforts focused on instructional excellence, positive school culture, student achievement, and collaborative leadership.
In his new role, Mr. Mitchell will lead Hastings High School’s CTE programs and the Hastings Virtual Academy, helping expand opportunities for students to explore career pathways, develop industry-relevant skills, and succeed through both traditional and alternative learning environments.
Please join us in welcoming Jared Swiger as the new Director of Transportation for Hastings Area School System! Jared brings a blend of transportation experience, business leadership, and operational expertise to our district. We’re thrilled to have him.
We're also very thankful for the job done by Dale Krueger, who now has the opportunity to focus all his attention on buildings, grounds and facilities!
We're also very thankful for the job done by Dale Krueger, who now has the opportunity to focus all his attention on buildings, grounds and facilities!
Mr. Powell is certainly on the move this year!
A few months ago, we announced his appointment as our new Director of Career and Technical Education. Since then, an exciting new opportunity emerged, and we are thrilled to share that Mr. Powell will now instead serve as our new High School Principal!
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Powell on this new leadership role. Stay tuned for more exciting staff announcements at the high school and across the district in the coming weeks!
A few months ago, we announced his appointment as our new Director of Career and Technical Education. Since then, an exciting new opportunity emerged, and we are thrilled to share that Mr. Powell will now instead serve as our new High School Principal!
Please join us in congratulating Mr. Powell on this new leadership role. Stay tuned for more exciting staff announcements at the high school and across the district in the coming weeks!
There is a lot of activity happening across the Hastings Area School System, and we're excited about these facility upgrades! 🚧
Crews are hard at work on a variety of bond-funded projects, including:
- A repaved parking lot between Central Elementary and Hastings Middle School.
- Newly remodeled boys and girls locker rooms at Hastings Middle School.
- A revamped media center at the high school, plus extensive renovations in the kitchen and cafeteria.
As progress unfolds this summer, we will provide more updates!
Crews are hard at work on a variety of bond-funded projects, including:
- A repaved parking lot between Central Elementary and Hastings Middle School.
- Newly remodeled boys and girls locker rooms at Hastings Middle School.
- A revamped media center at the high school, plus extensive renovations in the kitchen and cafeteria.
As progress unfolds this summer, we will provide more updates!
Bright new turf is down on Johnson Field, and it's already looking fantastic! Crews will be putting the finishing touches on the project in the coming weeks, and now football season just needs to hurry up and get here! 🏈
The Saxons made some noise at the Division 2 Girls Track & Field State Championship over the weekend, highlighted by a state championship performance by Bella Friddle! A trio of Saxons medaled at the meet:
🥇 Bella Friddle captured her second career state championship in the high jump, clearing a school-record 5'9". She also medaled in the long jump (4th) and 100 meters (8th).
🏅 Olivia Friddle, took 6th in discus (126'9").
🥈 Caroline Randall placed 3rd in the 3200 meters, shattering the school record at 10:45.88.
Incredible weekend for these athletes!
📸: The Hastings Banner
🥇 Bella Friddle captured her second career state championship in the high jump, clearing a school-record 5'9". She also medaled in the long jump (4th) and 100 meters (8th).
🏅 Olivia Friddle, took 6th in discus (126'9").
🥈 Caroline Randall placed 3rd in the 3200 meters, shattering the school record at 10:45.88.
Incredible weekend for these athletes!
📸: The Hastings Banner
Here are some 📸s from last week's Concert in the Hayfield. Always a great event! A huge thanks to everyone who had a hand in organizing this year's concert and to all those who attended!
"It's time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I'd much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure." — Ernie Harwell
Thank you for an amazing 2025-26 school year. Have a great summer and we'll see you in the fall for more adventures!
Thank you for an amazing 2025-26 school year. Have a great summer and we'll see you in the fall for more adventures!
Congratulations to the many HHS students honored for their academic achievements at last night's Underclassmen Honors Night!
Events like this are a great reminder of the incredible talent and dedication our students bring to every area of learning, from CTE programs like Construction and Culinary Arts to traditional subjects like Math, Science, and English.
We’re proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited to see what’s ahead!
Events like this are a great reminder of the incredible talent and dedication our students bring to every area of learning, from CTE programs like Construction and Culinary Arts to traditional subjects like Math, Science, and English.
We’re proud of all you’ve accomplished and excited to see what’s ahead!
Join our bands for a beloved tradition! The annual Hayfield Concert features an evening of live music, great food, and community fun benefiting the Hastings band program.
This year’s lineup features the incredible 150-member Hastings Community Mass Band and the renowned Thornapple Jazz Orchestra, promising plenty of excellent music to kick off the summer season.
Beyond the music, guests can enjoy fresh grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, hand-dipped ice cream, and a silent auction.
Grab your lawn chairs, bring the family, and come out to support our local student musicians!
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: Concert begins at 5:30 PM
Location: 2704 N. Charlton Park, Hastings, MI 49058
Weather: Rain or shine (Rain venue will be the HPAC)
This year’s lineup features the incredible 150-member Hastings Community Mass Band and the renowned Thornapple Jazz Orchestra, promising plenty of excellent music to kick off the summer season.
Beyond the music, guests can enjoy fresh grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, hand-dipped ice cream, and a silent auction.
Grab your lawn chairs, bring the family, and come out to support our local student musicians!
Date: Thursday, May 28, 2026
Time: Concert begins at 5:30 PM
Location: 2704 N. Charlton Park, Hastings, MI 49058
Weather: Rain or shine (Rain venue will be the HPAC)
"As you walk out those doors, everyone’s going to ask you ‘What’s your plan?’ Just know, your answer today will likely be different than in the next six months or the next six years," Mrs. Kramer told graduates tonight.
Class of 2026, wherever you go and whatever you do, you'll always be a Saxon. Thank you for the memories. 💙💛
Class of 2026, wherever you go and whatever you do, you'll always be a Saxon. Thank you for the memories. 💙💛
On the eve of graduation, seniors, staff, and supporters filled the HPAC for Senior Honors Night. The Class of 2026 has accomplished so much this year and throughout their time at HHS. It was only fitting to honor them one final time and celebrate their hard work, dedication, and achievements!
Tonight, prior to our Board of Education meeting, we had the privilege of recognizing Teresa Heide, Stephen Crozier, Ed Domke, and Nancy Medeiros, who will all be retiring at the end of this school year.
We are deeply grateful for their years of faithful service, dedication, and commitment to our district and community. Their impact will be felt for years to come, and we wish each of them all the best in this next chapter.
We are deeply grateful for their years of faithful service, dedication, and commitment to our district and community. Their impact will be felt for years to come, and we wish each of them all the best in this next chapter.
🏆 REGIONAL CHAMPIONS 🏆
On Friday, the Saxons track team competed at the Regional Tournament in Williamston and the girls team made history by bringing home the Regional Championship! This marks the first regional title for the girls program in 49 years!
Some outstanding performances from the meet included:
⭐ Bella Friddle - First in high jump, long jump and 100 meters; Second in 200 meters.
⭐ Olivia Friddle - First in shot put and discus; Second in pole vault.
⭐ Caroline Randall - First in 1600 and 3200 meters; Fourth in 800 meters.
⭐ Naomi Cook - Seventh in 800 meters.
⭐ London Hammond - Seventh in pole vault
⭐ Chloe Pirtle, Emerson Leary, Malena Tomaszewska and Zikarra Warner - Sixth in 4x800 relay
⭐ Riley Furrow, London Hammond, Malena Tomaszewska and Lilly Randall - Eighth in 4x200 relay.
A special congratulations to Bella, Olivia, and Caroline for qualifying for the State Meet in their respective events!
On Friday, the Saxons track team competed at the Regional Tournament in Williamston and the girls team made history by bringing home the Regional Championship! This marks the first regional title for the girls program in 49 years!
Some outstanding performances from the meet included:
⭐ Bella Friddle - First in high jump, long jump and 100 meters; Second in 200 meters.
⭐ Olivia Friddle - First in shot put and discus; Second in pole vault.
⭐ Caroline Randall - First in 1600 and 3200 meters; Fourth in 800 meters.
⭐ Naomi Cook - Seventh in 800 meters.
⭐ London Hammond - Seventh in pole vault
⭐ Chloe Pirtle, Emerson Leary, Malena Tomaszewska and Zikarra Warner - Sixth in 4x800 relay
⭐ Riley Furrow, London Hammond, Malena Tomaszewska and Lilly Randall - Eighth in 4x200 relay.
A special congratulations to Bella, Olivia, and Caroline for qualifying for the State Meet in their respective events!
It’s time for another incredible art display at the Hastings Performing Arts Center!
The show features work by both high school and middle school artists. We welcome families and community members to stop by and see the talented and creative artworks.
Dates the lobby will be open for viewing:
May 14 - HS Choir Concert and Awards - 7:00 PM
May 15 - Expressions Dance Centre - Evening
May 16 - Expressions Dance Centre - All Day
May 18 - District Retirement Reception - 6:00 PM
May 18 - Board of Ed Meeting - 7:00 PM
May 20 - Senior Honors - 7:00 PM
May 27 - Underclassman Honors - 7:00 PM
The show features work by both high school and middle school artists. We welcome families and community members to stop by and see the talented and creative artworks.
Dates the lobby will be open for viewing:
May 14 - HS Choir Concert and Awards - 7:00 PM
May 15 - Expressions Dance Centre - Evening
May 16 - Expressions Dance Centre - All Day
May 18 - District Retirement Reception - 6:00 PM
May 18 - Board of Ed Meeting - 7:00 PM
May 20 - Senior Honors - 7:00 PM
May 27 - Underclassman Honors - 7:00 PM
Five Hastings High School seniors were recognized by the Barry County Chamber & Economic Development Alliance on Friday, May 8, at KCC's Fehsenfeld Center.
Austin Abson, Ricardo Contreras, Madilyn Dinger, Isaac Lambert, and Landon Yepez successfully completed the Kellogg Advanced Manufacturing and Assembly Program during the Spring 2026 semester.
Through this Industrial Arts dual enrollment course, students had the opportunity to earn up to nine college credits.
Program content included workplace success skills, professional writing, lockout/tagout procedures, time management, workplace and tool safety, an advanced manufacturing simulation, and OSHA 10 industry certification.
Each student was presented with an Employability Endorsement Certification by Barry County Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Heinzman.
Congratulations to these soon-to-be graduates as they take the next step toward successful careers in the workforce!
Austin Abson, Ricardo Contreras, Madilyn Dinger, Isaac Lambert, and Landon Yepez successfully completed the Kellogg Advanced Manufacturing and Assembly Program during the Spring 2026 semester.
Through this Industrial Arts dual enrollment course, students had the opportunity to earn up to nine college credits.
Program content included workplace success skills, professional writing, lockout/tagout procedures, time management, workplace and tool safety, an advanced manufacturing simulation, and OSHA 10 industry certification.
Each student was presented with an Employability Endorsement Certification by Barry County Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Heinzman.
Congratulations to these soon-to-be graduates as they take the next step toward successful careers in the workforce!
Another Saxon has signed to compete at the next level. Congrats, Esther! Good luck at Davenport next year!
After decades of dedicated service, leadership and commitment to our students, our high school principal Teresa Heide announced she will be retiring at the end of the school year.
Mrs. Heide leaves behind a legacy of excellence, kindness, and unwavering support that will be felt for generations to come.
Please join us in thanking her for her service and wishing her all the best in this exciting new chapter. She will join our district's other retirees on May 18 for a reception and celebration!
Mrs. Heide leaves behind a legacy of excellence, kindness, and unwavering support that will be felt for generations to come.
Please join us in thanking her for her service and wishing her all the best in this exciting new chapter. She will join our district's other retirees on May 18 for a reception and celebration!
The track record boards were updated last week, an annual tradition that celebrates and preserves the legacy of the greatest athletes in HHS history.
Caroline Randall has earned her place among them, sitting at the summit of the all-time top 14 with her impressive 17:49.6 achieved at the State Finals at Michigan International Speedway.
The school's All-State record board was also updated to reflect Caroline’s outstanding fourth-place finish at the state meet.
Congratulations, Caroline!
Caroline Randall has earned her place among them, sitting at the summit of the all-time top 14 with her impressive 17:49.6 achieved at the State Finals at Michigan International Speedway.
The school's All-State record board was also updated to reflect Caroline’s outstanding fourth-place finish at the state meet.
Congratulations, Caroline!
Hastings High School's TV production class brought in some promising young talent for their recent broadcasts.
Students from Southeastern Elementary did GREAT on yesterday's broadcast and students from Star Elementary are up today!
Thank you to the high schoolers for taking the time to work with our young students.
Students from Southeastern Elementary did GREAT on yesterday's broadcast and students from Star Elementary are up today!
Thank you to the high schoolers for taking the time to work with our young students.
