HOPE – Hope Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart thanked friends, collaborators, staff, fellow educators, parents and students Tuesday for the acceptance shown to his leadership of the HPS the past nine years as Dr. Hart was feted with a farewell reception at Hempstead Hall.

Hart, who will assume duties as superintendent of the Searcy Public Schools in Searcy, Ar., in July, said his tenure in Hope has been remarkable.

“I want to thank the city of Hope, Arkansas, for embracing me and my family,” he said. “You not only made us feel welcomed, but you became our friends.”

Hart was presented with a gift by Ala Mae Flenory, president of the Yerger Alumni Association, for his work with the organization.

“We appreciate all that you have done to help preserve the legacy of Yerger High School, and the Yerger Alumni Association,” Flenory said.

Flenory invited Hart and his family back to Hope for the next Yerger Reunion, set for July, 2022.

Some 100 guests attended the come and go reception honoring Hart and his family.

Ala Mae Flenory, center, and Margaret Moss, left, representing the Yerger Alumni Association, present Hope Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Bobby Hart with a farewell gift during a reception honoring Dr. Hart and his family Tuesday at Hempstead Hall. – Ken McLemore/Hope Public Schools