By Joe Pinchot
HERMITAGE — An expansion of the distance learning room in Hickory High School’s Jones Library is underway, and officials are planning a new course offering to coincide with the completion of the work.
Starting in the fall, juniors and seniors will be able to take Chinese I and Introduction to Chinese II in a dual-enrollment arrangement with Gannon University, Erie, that will allow students to earn high school and college credits at the same time.
The expansion was made possible by Glenn R. Jones, the library’s long-time benefactor. He is chairman and chief executive officer of Jones International Ltd., Jones Radio Networks and Jones Media Group, and chancellor of Jones International University, a cyber college.
Jones donated $100,000 to enlarge the room so 25 to 30 students can use it at one time — only 15 have been able to fit in — and install the new equipment, said principal Chris Gill.
The $600,000-plus library was built during the 1999-2001 high school renovation project — with a $500,000 donation from Jones, a 1948 Hickory graduate — and has been used for mock trials, exchange student contacts with their home classrooms, alternative education classes and enrichment activities.
“Several years ago, all the equipment became obsolete,” Gill said.
Officials contacted Jones, and he agreed to come through again. In the years since the renovation, Jones has bought everything from light bulbs to computers for the library that is named after Jones’ brother, William A. Jones, and sister-in-law, Sara Doolin Jones, a former district teacher.
“It’s quite an honor and a privilege to have something like that available,” Gill said of the distance learning center, also known as a teleconferencing lab.
“Prior to all of us and not because of any of us he’s been here for Hickory High School,” said co-principal Nanci Hosick.
The Chinese classes will be paid out of a state grant the district receives each year for dual enrollment. Students who complete a class will earn three college credits, Ms. Hosick said.
“This is going to meet a lot of different needs,” she said.
Should the courses be successful, offerings could expand to other grades, Gill said.
“This will remain college-level work and a student could leave Hickory High School with a large portion of a college requirement,” said Superintendent Dr. Daniel Bell.
Students have not been officially notified of the availability of the Chinese classes, but some who have heard of the possibility have said they would interested in enrolling, Gill said.
Officials also are working with Riverside School District in Lawrence County, Hickory grad Justin Bonner and Riverside alum Kasey Turner to offer supplementary classes in the science, technology, engineering and math disciplines, such as network security and advanced technology, Gill said.
