The students who graduate from Seven Hills reflect the school through their lives as adults. Typically, alumni head off to college where they continue their academic careers. Alumni remember their high school experiences, which shape their lives forever. I feel like you could add another sentence here.
Alumni and Assistant Head of School, Laura Leonard believes it is very important to stay connected with the Seven Hills alumni. The teachers at Seven Hills love engaging with their students, and it is the reason they go into teaching in the first place, Leonard mentioned. These connections allow teachers to see where their former students are in their lives, which can set an example for the current students they are teaching as well. It is important for students to have exposure to alumni and their careers to “start to help kids dream and think a little bit beyond themselves.”
Sophomore Hasika Avanigadda agrees that the connections made will help students pursue what they want to do when they’re older. Avanigadda said, “I find it reassuring and motivating when alumni speakers come because they reassure me that I will have a life after school, but they also motivate me to do my best in what I want to pursue. I found all the alumni speakers we’ve talked to so far very successful and passionate.”
Alum Jenna Harris speaking to students about her experience at Seven Hills
Bringing alumni speakers is an important way for students to see themselves in the future and help them envision their passions and interests. Avanigadda mentioned that she learned there are a lot of challenges that will come along one’s path, but it is important to do your best. Avanigadda said, “I feel like the last speaker, Kathryne Gardette, was one of the more memorable ones because she really interacted with the audience and showed us that failure is part of the path to success.”
There is also an alumni board that works with the board of trustees to host events. These events or smaller reunions take place in Cincinnati, as well as other places around the country such as Boston, New York, Denver, and San Francisco. Leonard mentioned how bigger cities where more alumni are the center of alumni meetings, in order for more alumni to participate are the main locations, to have more people join. There is also a bigger reunion every five years, which helps with the connections and updates in everyone’s lives. “Those events are a great way for people to stay connected,” Leonard said.
To emphasize the importance of connection with the alums of Seven Hills, recalls her high school experience at Seven Hills.“It was great. It was why I went into education,” Leonard said. One of the factors of Seven Hills that stood out to her was the wide range of students and how easy it was to get along with other kids. Seven Hills has evolved, but according to Leonard, the hallways feel the same, and the student teacher connectivity greatly presents itself: “The collegiality between the staff members, the student teacher relationships, you still see.” These aspects of Seven Hills are what prompted Leonard to rejoin the Seven Hills community and become a teacher here. Leonard said, “Mr.Garten used to say ‘we’re the best at getting better”.
