HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The branding for the new consolidated Christian County High School was shared, with the goal of honoring the previous legacies of the merging schools. On May 15, Christian County Public Schools Superintendent Chris Bentzel led a press conference and broadcasted live to HHS and CCHS students to unveil the look for the Christian County Tigers.
“This brand is a representation of unity. It’s bringing two schools together, it’s bringing our community together, it’s combining some great traditions,” said Bentzel. “We want to set a new course, a new pathway forward for our students.”
The logos, shield, typography, and variations of the mascot design they shared will be prevalent on all athletic gear for the school and for school clubs and organizations. It will serve as the visual that the community will associate with the consolidated school and will be displayed throughout the campus when construction is completed.
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Designing the Tigers
The branding decisions came to fruition over multiple years of scrapped designs and collaborations between staff and current students. Sports branding company BSN Sports presented the final results on various examples such as flags, marching band gear, and shirts. After the presentation, students that were streaming were able to purchase gear from the website link provided to classes.
BSN representative Craig Biggs spoke, saying it was an honor to be involved in the process. CCPS has consistently working with the branding company, who also provides work for Western Kentucky and Murray State University.
Newly announced Executive Principal of CCHS Ken Carver was present at the press conference alongside his family. An emotional Carver shared his commitment to the community, and investment in the district’s values that drew him to the position.
“The building is just a building. It’s about the people, it’s about the students,” he said. “I understand the huge responsibility that I will be entrusted with…I’m eager to learn more about the history and traditions of both schools.”
History of both schools
Although both of the existing high schools serve different areas of Christian County, the two campuses are currently located less than four miles apart from each other. Over the past few decades, the HHS Tigers and the CCHS Colonels have operated as athletic rivals, with a long history of competition through football, basketball, and other sports. Once the schools combine, over 2,000 students will walk through the doors of CCHS, transforming into unified Tigers.
The first high school was established in the city in 1881 on Clay Street, and was later named Hopkinsville High School in 1903. In 1912, Hopkinsville High School was moved to Walnut Street between Stanley and Central Avenue, according to the HHS website. At this point in time, schools in Hopkinsville remained segregated, with black students attending Attucks High School until desegregation in the late 60’s. The present HHS was built at Koffman Drive between 1962 and 1963.
Christian County High School was established in Hopkinsville just before HHS was moved, having opened in 1959 on Glass Avenue. The school was at the time also a consolidated school, absorbing the surrounding campuses that were spread out in various cities in the county.
Timeline of new CCHS
The Christian County Public Schools website lists a timeline of decisions that led to the consolidation of both high schools.
- August 2021: Christian County Public Schools Board voted to consolidate CCHS, HHS & 2 Gateway Academy Campuses into one College & Career Academy High School. The board also voted unanimously to pursue a land option on Ft. Campbell Blvd.
- November 2021: CCPS purchased 86 acres of land adjacent to Murray State Regional Campus at the corner of Lovers Lane and 41A for the purpose of constructing the consolidated high school. The campus, as seen below allows room for multiple buildings, athletics, parking and growth.
- August 2022: CCPS Board approves agreement with Alliance Corporation to be the Construction Manager for CCHS project.
- Summer 2023: Bids accepted for construction of new Christian County High School
- September 2023: Official groundbreaking was held and site work for the new high school began.
- September 2026: Classes begin.
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