Author: Tanner Atha

Chase Hampton’s story has come full circle. A 2015 graduate of Hilliard Darby High School, he is now a seventh grade math and We Build it Better teacher at The Hub – Innovative Learning Campus. 

He said the Hilliard City Schools Academy Edu program that he participated in as a student is a key part of his success today. 

“Letting students explore different pathways while the risk and cost are low is something Hilliard Schools did and continues to do well. I got to observe a lot of areas through the Academy Edu program while I was here, which helped me determine that that’s what I wanted to do as a career,” he said. 

He was recruited to Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, a Division I school where he ran cross country and track, before wrapping up his degree at Otterbein University when COVID-19 put an abrupt halt to his student teaching.

He feels fortunate to have gotten his foot in the door as a tutor at Weaver Middle School during the 2020-2021 school year. He then worked as a seventh grade math teacher at Weaver for a year before being offered his current job. 

Mr. Hampton is excited about the opportunity to be part of Hilliard’s innovation at The Hub. Two years ago, they paired the curriculum from Flight Works Alabama with the existing math program of study to help students learn math through real-world application. For example, they use 3D printers while learning about scale and measurement, and Raspberry Pi computers to code and build calculators that actually work to solve equations. 

He loves the sense of family and community that Hilliard provides. 

“When students learn that I went to school here, I think it gives me a leg up on relating to them,” he said. “I also love that in 10-15 years, some of my students could be my colleagues and I’m building relationships that will one day turn into friendships just as my relationships with former teachers and coaches have turned into friendships.”

Some of those teachers and coaches include Mrs. Gongwer, his Academy Edu teacher who has since retired but who he still likes to bounce ideas off of when they connect, and Mark Tremayne, his high school cross country coach and teacher at Darby. Today, Mr. Tremayne is the Director of Innovation and Extended Learning. 

If you would like to nominate a teacher or staff member for our Hilliard Highlight for their work/activities inside or outside the classroom, or you know alumni you would like to see spotlighted, email us! 

SAVE THE DATE: May 14th, 4-7 PM! Join Hilliard City Schools, the City of Hilliard, and Hilliard City Lab for an Innovation Showcase at The HUB. Explore cutting-edge projects, hands-on activities, and creative solutions from students, community members, and local innovators. This event is an opportunity for students and community members to demonstrate how they’re making a difference in the community and in learning through innovation. There will be food trucks and activities for kids of all ages.

It has taken Hannah Gardner, a 2017 graduate of Davidson High School, a little longer than some to figure out what she wanted to do for a career. It’s certainly not for a lack of trying new things, however. 

Upon graduating, she attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago for two years. She returned home and secured several part-time jobs, including working part-time for Festa, an organization dedicated to overcoming poverty; as a retail manager for rue21; and creating graphics and serving as an office manager and youth leader at a church. 

All of these experiences led her to find her passion. Today, she works full-time for Festa as their volunteer coordinator and developer. In her role, she meets with local congregations and businesses to help expand the community’s knowledge of poverty and how they can help. She also oversees the children’s portion of Festa’s 3-Generation English as a Second Language program which serves nearly 600 people. She is currently attending Southeastern University pursuing a degree in human services and criminal justice. She hopes to one day practice immigration law. 

She said the diverse cultural experiences she had at Hilliard Schools opened her up to the world and prepared her for exactly what she is doing today. Teachers like her art teacher, Ms. Yates, photography teacher, Mr. Ricker, and math teacher, Mr. Nutter, also made learning fun. 

While in high school, she served as a youth leader at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church – Mill Run Campus. She also traveled to Russia and taught English to children during her spring breaks. These two experiences helped her realize her calling for the future!

“I appreciated people seeing the leadership potential in me during that time. It’s nice to be on the other side of that now encouraging others,” she said. 

If you have an alum you would like to see spotlighted, click here to send us an email!

Get ready for an exciting summer filled with fun and learning opportunities! Hilliard City Schools is offering summer workshops for K-8 students. Please note that registration is based on the students’ current 2023-2024 grade level. Don’t wait too long! Limited spaces are available, so make sure you sign up now to secure your spot.

Registration for the K-8 summer enrichment will run from March 22-April 25th. Each session is $50 per student. Students can sign up for one or both sessions. Scholarships are available. Location for Summer Enrichment: All classes will be at the The HUB 3859 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026.

Learn More & Sign-Up Here! 

Congratulations to both Weaver and Heritage Middle Schools and Crossing Elementary for achieving the Momentum Award for results on the 2022-2023 report card! The Momentum Award is for a school who has improved their performance index by 3 or more points from the 2021-2022 report card to the 2022-2023 report AND received a value-added rating of 4 or more stars.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen Dackin said, “This remarkable accomplishment reflects your unwavering commitment to excellence and the outstanding services you provide to your students and the community. It recognizes the devoted teachers and staff who consistently go above and beyond, ensuring that all students receive exceptional learning and instruction. Your tireless efforts in nurturing young minds, fostering a positive learning environment, and promoting holistic development has not gone unnoticed.”

You can click here to read more about the Hilliard Schools 2022-2023 report card.

Hilliard Darby High School and Washington Elementary have been recognized as a Purple Star School by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. This award celebrates the school’s dedication to supporting military-connected students and their families. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement! These two join Davidson and Bradley High Schools which have already been designated as Purple Star Schools.

To learn more about the Purple Star Award, click here!