The community of Hobbs has communicated there are 5 Core Values that Hobbs Municipal Schools recognizes, appreciates and strives to exemplify. These 5 Values are Student-Centered, Service, Capacity Building, Innovation and Sustainable High Performance. Along with each Core Value, there are unique descriptors that better define and depict each value. A more in-depth illustration and definition of each of these values can be found by going to www.hobbsschools.net and clicking on the Mission, Vision & Values Icon on our website.
Throughout the school year, Hobbs Schools is highlighting the Value of Focus. For the month of December, we will be focusing on “Sustainable High Performance”. For Hobbs Schools, this is a reflective commitment to excellence. Striving for sustainable high performance is an ongoing process that involves a thoughtful commitment. A long list of people, services and things come to mind as I consider this value and the standards that define it. A few of those that I will write about are the most recent General Election, Hobbs Eagle Boys Soccer Team and Hobbs Eagle Girls Basketball Team.
On November 7, 2023, the voters of Hobbs Municipal Schools took to the polls to cast their ballot in the General Election. Items to note were the reelection of two Hobbs Municipal School Board Members Mr. Joe Calderon and Mr. Terry O’Brain and the election of a new board member Mr. Kerry Romine. Congratulations to each of you and thank you for your service to the students and community of Hobbs Municipal Schools. In addition, the voters cast their ballot in reference to a $50 Million General Obligation Bond question that would allow Hobbs Municipal Schools to partner with New Mexico Public School Capital Outlay Council in the addition of a 4th Middle School and a replacement of Heizer Middle School. The voters approved this measure with a 76% approval rating. Thank you to the voters of Hobbs Municipal Schools who continue to set clear expectations for continuous improvement within our school district. Our students win when our community supports them in large ways. Thank you again and we will begin the design process very soon. For individuals interested in serving on the design team for the new middle school, please email me at stricklandg@hobbsschools.net.
The next item that comes to mind on the list is our very own Hobbs Eagle Boys Soccer Team. This season the team embarked on a new journey. The team is under the direction of Mr. Reyes Marquez, 1st season as Hobbs High Head Coach. As with any transition and changes, there are new things to experience and learn. What we know now is the team came together quickly and committed to getting better each and every practice and game. They held each other accountable and regardless of the outcome, they committed to being better and pushing higher. What that commitment earned them was a number of things. They ended the season nationally ranked; they attained a district championship and earned a perfect season by going 23-0 and claimed the 5A NM State Championship in an instant classic finale. Congratulations to the team, coaches, parents and the entire community of Hobbs. You represented us very well and competed with class.
Third item I would like to highlight is our Hobbs Eagle Girls Basketball Team. While most of us realize their attainment of the 2023 5A Girls State Championship last March. What may be lost on many of us is the sustainability with which that has occurred. In the last 6 seasons, the Lady Eagle Basketball team has played in the state championship title game each year and has won three of those. Claimed 6 consecutive district championships and poised to be very competitive this season with their goal on a 4th Blue Trophy in 7 seasons in sight. The Hobbs Eagle Girls Basketball team, under the direction of Head Coach Joey Carpenter consistently implements their goals for each game and week. They set clear expectations for continuous improvement with the mindset on peaking at the right time of the year. They began their 23-24 season against a tough Texas opponent and learned what to improve on. Let that sink in, a program that is at the top of their game, continues to reflect on what went right and wrong to be better. They have demonstrated a sustained commitment to being better and are committed to improving even more from their most recent experience.
In conclusion, a reflective commitment to sustainable high performance isn’t a short-lived endeavor; it’s a lifelong dedication to continuous improvement. It’s the conscious choice to pursue excellence in a manner that respects personal well-being, promotes growth, and positively impacts the broader world. Sustainable high performance isn’t just about achieving greatness; it’s about sustaining it, ensuring that our pursuit of excellence remains enduring, responsible, and meaningful for generations to come.
Happy Holidays from Hobbs Schools to each of you!
Gene Strickland
Superintendent
Hobbs Municipal Schools