High School Profile
Welcome to the home of Union High School!
Philosophy of Education
We believe that Union High School has the responsibility to assist each student to develop his/her intellectual, physical, and moral potential as fully as possible so that he may be a productive member of society and lead a personally satisfying life. We believe that education is a continuing lifelong process, encouraging curiosity and creativity, and that the results of the learning process may not be immediate or measurable but of enduring value.
Union High School Philosophy
The philosophy of Union High School is not static, but must be flexible enough to reflect the changing needs of the students and the community. In order to implement this philosophy, we believe that academic freedom as defined by the school and the community is essential in order to help both students and teachers live in a changing society.
We feel a strong obligation for helping create within each person respect for his own worth and for that of every human being. We believe that all students, regardless of ability, should have an opportunity for personal recognition and fulfillment in some phase of the educational process, be they academic, social, or civic. We recognize that an understanding of the democratic process is developed through study and participation. Furthermore, the involvement in the democratic process during adulthood should be an extension of these high school practices. We encourage pride in heritage, appreciation of diverse cultural backgrounds, and understanding of individual and national freedoms. We affirm that cultural, ethical, moral, and spiritual values are central to the home, but that the school also has a responsibility in defining and reinforcing those values vital to a democratic society.
Union High stands proud forever!
Loyalty rides high.
Memories, forget them never
As the years go by.
Friends, we make from year to year.
Watch as goals are reached
Union High will always be dear
To our destiny.
High School Mission
It is our mission to provide our community of learners with educational opportunities to acquire and develop the best possible academic, vocational, recreational, social, and participatory skills, enabling them to become valued, contributing members of a changing global society.
It's A Great Day To Be A Redhawk!
School Goals
The overall instructional goals of Union High School are to develop the abilities of each student and to allow him/her to master basic academic competencies.
Basic Academic Competencies
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Communication skills necessary for effective writing and speaking expression.
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Listening skills necessary for exchanging ideas critically and constructively.
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Skills necessary to read effectively and comprehend fully ideas presented through the written media.
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Skills required for understanding and using scientific principles and methods.
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Gain knowledge of numbers and acquire skills in the use of mathematical concepts.
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To have understanding and appreciation for the American heritage and other cultures through the world.
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Study skills to gain competency in acquiring knowledge for lifelong learning.
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Self-understanding and a feeling of self-worth.
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Good citizenship and an awareness of civic responsibility
School History and Features
Union High School was built in 1972, moving secondary students out of the original Union school which housed kindergarten-12. The High School was originally 26,400 square feet with 30 classrooms, restroom facilities and offices.
By 1985, eight additions had been made, enlarging the building to more than 12 times its original size. By the opening of the 1998-1999 school year, yet another addition, a 36-room classroom wing with a commons area, was readied for use.
Patrons in the district have chosen to enlarge the current building rather than risk splitting the Union community by building a second high school.
The High School also features a 2,000 seat Performing Arts Center which accommodates student performances and occasionally plays host to well-known artists and community events. Thanks to voter support, the High School’s fine arts department was renovated to include a new fine arts wing and staging area for the Renegade Regiment – Union’s award-winning marching band. The PAC was renovated in 2009 and re-opened in 2010.
The High School also features a second theater space for smaller productions, baseball diamonds, a running track, practice rooms for wrestling, a gymnasium, newspaper and video production rooms, a dark room for photographers and even a special oven for art students working with ceramics. In fact, because the High School is so large Union is able to offer many more electives than smaller high schools.
Nearby on the same campus is the Union Multipurpose Activity Center (UMAC), a mid-sized venue unlike any other in the region. It includes a 5,600-seat multi-use arena, versatile floor space, the U-Wear Spirit Store, locker and dressing rooms, concessions, offices and the Y at Union Wellness Center. Voters in the Union district overwhelmingly passed two consecutive bond issues to pay for the $22-million building. After two years of construction, the UMAC opened its doors in November 2003.
In the 2011-2012 school year, Union restructured its 10-12th grade classes, assigning principals by class level rather than grade, meaning students will have the same team of principals and counselors following them each year. During the same year, the High School was under construction for the new Collegiate Academy wing which opened in the fall of 2012. The expansion allowed more room for incoming sophomores who moved from the old Intermediate High School (now 9th Grade Center) and college-oriented courses and additional classrooms and eating areas.
High School Teachers of the Year
Darin Cousens, Chemistry
Dr. Cory Davis, History
Chloe Zoellner,
English & Creative Writing
Union Collegiate Academy
Union Public Schools has transformed the High School into higher education through the Union Collegiate Academy. Union wants 100 percent of its students to graduate career and college-ready, so it's bringing college to them.
The Academy wing allows sophomores to move to the High School as Union focuses on challenging curriculum offerings that will steer students to the college of their choice and/or a satisfying career.
With the new wing, which opened in 2012, students enjoy an experience that emulates college both academically and aesthetically. Larger lecture rooms, cafes throughout the High School, special science rooms, an outdoor classroom, a virtual learning and other amenities in combination with a dedicated and caring staff will help students prepare for college by showing them what college is like and answering their questions along the way.
About the Building
The Union Collegiate Academy addition to the High School’s north campus is three stories high with a breathtaking glass front. The entry is two stories high with a grand open stairway on the left and an inviting soft seating area on the right. The College and Career area is directly across from the outside front doors. The entire building has a completely different look than the existing high school. That new look resembles what students will experience when they attend a university or college.
The $28,275,000 High School remodel has many different components.
Components
- An additional 160 parking spaces added to the south parking lot
- Several new kitchens and eating areas
- A new High School front entrance
- A three-story Collegiate Academy addition
- A new bus loop
- A total replacement of the north side parking lot
- An additional HVAC chiller
- A new beautifully landscaped oval park-like setting inside of the new bus loop
- A renovated west road that runs behind the High School
Students can take the bus or drive to school.
Recognitions
Union High School is proud of the accomplishments of its student body! A tradition of excellence carries through all areas of school life, including academics, fine arts, spirit, athletics, leadership, and community service.
Whether in the classroom or community, on the playing field or in the concert hall, Union students shine in their pursuits, displaying not only talent but the benefits of discipline, team work, effort and commitment.
Class Principals
Principal
Beau Brannon
Beau Brannon is a passionate and results-oriented educational leader with more than 12 years of experience in secondary education. Currently serving as principal of Union High School, Brannon has a proven track record of driving academic achievement, improving school culture, and fostering strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Previously, he served as principal of the school’s Freshman Academy from 2022 to 2024 and held the position of assistant principal from 2018 to 2022.
A 2008 graduate of Muldrow High School, Brannon began his collegiate career as a football player at the University of Tulsa. He subsequently earned his bachelor’s degree in middle childhood education at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith in 2012, obtained a master’s degree in educational leadership at Arkansas State University in 2016, and completed the Superintendent certification program at Northeastern State University in 2020.
Brannon began his educational journey in 2012 at Alma Public Schools in Alma, Arkansas, where he taught science and coached football. He subsequently spent three years teaching math and coaching at Keys High School in Keys, Oklahoma, earning recognition as the District's Teacher of the Year in 2015.
In 2016, Mr. Brannon joined Union Public Schools, where he taught geometry at the High School and was a proud member of the 2016 State Championship football team. He and his wife, Caitlyn, have been married since May 2013 and are blessed with two children, Baker and Collins.
Associate Principal
John Chargois
John Chargois was named a High School class principal in 2011. Previously, Chargois served as principal of the Union Intermediate High School.
A graduate of both the University of Tulsa and Northeastern State University, he has served the district in various capacities including earth science teacher, varsity football and tennis coach, ROPES Course Facilitator and assistant principal at various sites with the district.
He enjoys preparing students for future opportunities by providing them with a learning challenging environment that allows them to reach their academic and social goals. He is committed to ensuring the district reaches its goal of 100 percent graduation and 100 percent college and career-ready. Away from school, he enjoys family-time, reading, golfing, mentoring youth and listening to various types of music.
Assistant Principals
High School At A Glance
