Watching each 8th grade student receive his or her diploma is always thrilling, for parents and teachers as well as the graduates, but it is equally wonderful to see those students when they return for a visit or a special Hill School event. Occasionally, students also return to advance their own learning or perform community service; for example, Hill graduates frequently run the theatre light and sound and stage manage for Hill’s many productions. This spring, Hill has been fortunate to host five graduates who have returned to Hill as interns, providing instructional assistance for teachers that taught them so much when they were here.
Since January, Matthew Morency (Class of ‘07) has supported Linda Conti in her art classes. Matt realized that Hill could provide him invaluable preparation for a future in art education, and he is getting classroom experience in preparation for completing his college studies. Ms. Conti says that as a helper Matt has been “amazing! He is always on the job, and he loves working with students individually to help them find their way.” Matt was recently joined by Sophia Sirianni (Class of ’11), who in also assisting in Hill’s art department.
Other high school seniors completing senior projects at Hill include Class of ‘11 Hill graduates Morgan Keeler, Nicholas Whitehead, and Liam Walsh. Reflecting on his plans to study history in college, Morgan realized how his love of the subject began at Hill, and he feels privileged to assist in Mr. Woodruff’s 8th grade American History class. All these alumni have realized the value of the education they received at Hill, and they are eager to give back and to reconnect with the teachers and the community that gave them the foundation to succeed in high school.
For our part, we are so happy to see them back, and to be reminded of how the roots they set down here helped them grow wings to fly.
