Category: News

Nolan Rogner Will Travel to Washington, D.C. for Prestigious Journalism Conference

Nolan Rogner, a student at Hilliard Darby High School (Hilliard, OH, US), has been selected to represent Hilliard, OH as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2024 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University.

Rogner joins a select group of students from all over the country for an intensive study of journalism and media. Rogner was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies. National Youth Correspondents participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations that challenge them to solve problems and explore the creative, practical, and ethical tensions inherent in journalism and media. The experiential portion of the program is complemented by speakers who are well-known leaders in the media community. Presenters include prominent journalists, CEOs of major media outlets, researchers, and recent college graduates successfully entering the field. Past speakers have included Hoda Kotb from NBC, Brian Lamb from C-SPAN, Pulitzer Prize winning photographer Carol Guzy, and Susan Goldberg from National Geographic.

With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, the Washington Journalism and Media Conference offers aspiring journalists and student leaders an unparalleled experience. The week long program, held at George Mason University’s state-of-the-art campus, will encourage and inspire young leaders from across the country who desire a unique experience focused on successful careers in this dynamic industry.

About George Mason University

George Mason University is setting the gold standard for the modern, public university. Its dynamic culture and innovative academic programs prepare Mason’s hard-working students for 21st century careers. Its commitment to teaching excellence combines with cutting-edge research that enriches the academic experience and is changing the world. Mason is affordable, yet offers high value. Ideally located in the National Capital region, students enjoy terrific cultural experiences and access to the most sought-after internships and employers in the country.

About the 2024 Washington Journalism and Media Conference

The Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) is a unique student leadership conference designed to develop and encourage future leaders in the changing face of media in the 21st century. The Advisory Board includes CEOs of media outlets, distinguished journalists, renowned authors, and university faculty.

Bridging Art and Mindfulness

Heather Allen has been an art teacher for the past 13 years, the last six of which have been with Hilliard City Schools. According to Ms. Allen, the best part of her job is sparking curiosity in her students.

“Most students won’t grow up to be artists, but art is in everything we do and see, from the clothes we wear to the cars we drive to the furniture we sit on,” she said. “I enjoy being able to help them discover art and see that their creativity can be applied no matter the field they go into.”

Her favorite project to start the year with is contour drawing. This requires students to do a blind drawing, which puts everyone on a level playing field in terms of their artistic ability. She said most sixth graders are very self-conscious about entering a new school and starting new routines.

She said, “These projects aren’t supposed to look good. It increases their belief in themselves and I love being able to support that creation process.”

Another fun practice she’s incorporated into her classroom: mindful meditation Fridays. She began encouraging her students to be more mindful after the pandemic, which she recalls as a time of looking within ourselves. 

“I want the art room to be a safe space where students can be themselves and not worry about what happened earlier in the day or about what someone may have said to them,” said Ms. Allen. 

She has found that it really calms students and that they often approach her on Friday mornings telling her they can’t wait until art class and mindful meditation time.

Ms. Allen feels fortunate to work in a community like Hilliard. She said no matter where she goes, she runs into students or parents and they are all amazing people. Additionally, she feels supported by her co-workers and administrators. 

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

“Having the option to go to Tolles Career & Technical Center; to find my own path and do what I wanted to do, made all the difference,” said Sean Morrill of the Hilliard City Schools experience. 

Morrill, a 2014 graduate of Davidson High School, has taken the restaurant industry by storm. After graduating high school, he earned a degree in Food Business Management and Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in New York. Just as he did in his time at Tolles, where he competed in cooking competitions at the local, state and national levels, he took advantage of every opportunity presented to him at the Culinary Institute. This led to his being awarded the Founders Management Award and the Craig Claiborne Communications Award.   

After college, he went to work for J. Alexander’s, a contemporary American restaurant known for its wood-fired cuisine. With nearly 50 restaurants in 16 states, Morrill had the chance to work at the restaurant’s Lexington, Kentucky, and Cincinnati and Columbus locations before he decided to branch out. His next move took him to Boston, Massachusetts, where he served as the General Manager of Banyan Bar + Refuge, a Pan-Asian small plates restaurant in the city’s south end. And, effective in January of this year, he was promoted to Director of Operations for The Gallows Group where he oversees the general managers and executive chefs for the company’s four restaurants and their multiple locations.  

“Not everyone’s academic or career path is going to take them to college. While at Hilliard, I felt supported in my decision to go in a different direction, especially by Liz Hummel, my family and consumer science teacher,” he said. 

Morrill also said the district does a good job of helping students who attend Tolles feel connected to their home school. 

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

This month’s Embrace, Empower & Inspire Award goes to 5 incredible staff members at Weaver Middle School. Chelsey Summer, Rachel Thompson, Neil Ferreri, and Officer Gleason took extraordinary actions in helping to save the life of a student who was choking in the cafeteria. They demonstrated exceptional courage, quick thinking, and remarkable composure in a life-threatening situation, going above and beyond.

Their actions are a testament to their dedication to the safety and well-being of our students. Their ability to remain calm under pressure and apply their training in an emergency situation not only saved a life but also exemplified the qualities of a true hero and role model within our school community.

These staff members go above and beyond the expectations of the Hilliard Way and truly make a difference in our district. If you know a staff member who goes above and beyond their way to make a difference, you can nominate them for next month’s award by clicking HERE!

Hilliard Davidson Graduation Video ⬇️  ⬇️

Hilliard Darby Graduation Video ⬇️  ⬇️

Hilliard Bradley Graduation Video ⬇️  ⬇️

 

Hilliard Davidson Graduation

May 22, 2024 7pm

Davidson Live Stream

 

Hilliard Darby Graduation

May 23, 2024 7pm

Darby Live Stream

 

Hilliard Bradley Graduation

May 24, 2024 7pm

Bradley Live Stream