(Updated w/audio) (Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic School Board met Wednesday evening during a regular session, during which they learned from Superintendent Steve Barber, that the enrollment numbers are up.

Barber said he’s confident to say certified enrollment is up 25+, and the net open enrollment will probably be 20 students. Perhaps the most interesting tidbit of information, was the number of students who are entirely new to the district, or who have returned since the pandemic began.

The district’s official, certified enrollment – the numbers submitted to the State -won’t be available until October 1st. In other news, the Atlantic School Board, Wednesday evening, gave its initial blessing to renaming the Trojan High School Track Invitational, as the Bruce Henderson Invitational. Mark Worth, Missy Goergen and Matt Mullenix spoke about a committee of people who approached Superintendent Steve Barber about a month ago, wanting to recognize Bruce Henderson, who Atlantic Athletic Director Andy Mitchell said has “meant a lot to our school district.” Mark Worth said he’s known Bruce Henderson for 40 years. He choked-up when he spoke about the Coach.

Missy Goergen ran Cross County and Track under Coach Henderson.

She said he has a proven record of success and is a “numbers genius,” meaning he knew exactly how fast a person on the team needed to run, and where to place runners in order to win the meet.

Matt Mullenix said Henderson laid the foundation for the girl’s track program in 1974, and is very well known in the sport of track and field, both here and abroad.

Andy Mitchell said the group believes Henderson is worthy of having an Invitational Meet named in his honor. The Board agreed, and that it would be effective with the 2022 track season. The home event will be known as the “Bruce Henderson Invitational Relay.” The first event will held on the new track, with Bruce’s former athletes over his extended career, in attendance. The name change will not be official until the Board’s meeting next month. At that time, Superintendent Barber will recommend approval.

On a separate note, Superintendent Steve Barber mentioned that the District’s “Joy Crew” is holding a tailgate prior to this Friday night’s varsity football game, to pay special recognition to First Responders, Firefighters and Law Enforcement. The event takes place between 5:30- and 5:45-p.m. Barber said they’re also extending the invitation to Shenandoah First Responders, since they are the Trojan’s opponents that night.

They’ll be treated to a pork sandwich and other goodies. At half-time of the game, those who helped battle the fire will be recognized, along with their colleagues, especially in light of the 20th Anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks. It’s also a time for Atlantic’s 1970 Undefeated Football Team to be recognized.