Mrs. Hilton: Purpose and Passion

HILTON AND HER PURPOSE

LEAD TEACHER, MARY ANNE HILTON, SHARES THE SOURCE OF HER SAUCE.

By: Ashlynn B. On a cool morning in December, students enter through the front glass doors at ASH and are greeted with upbeat music and the lively energy of lead teacher, Mrs. Mary Anne Hilton.

Hilton’s presence on campus is distinct and her purpose is clear: to have every opportunity available to students when they leave ASH.

Hilton graduated from Alexandria Senior High, then went on to graduate from Louisiana Tech. Soon after graduating from Tech, she returned to ASH to pursue her career in teaching, and according to her, it never felt like a choice. “I knew I always wanted to teach. It honestly felt like more of a calling to me,” Hilton said. She began teaching history, and later earned a master’s degree in

Educational Leadership from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

The entirety of Hilton’s career has been here at ASH. “I have always known that this is such a special school, every single student here matters,” Hilton said.

“When I look at each student and realize that we are instrumental in what they do when they graduate, it’s no longer work, it’s no longer a career--it’s a mission,” Hilton said.

Even though Hilton’s time teaching U.S. history is over she still loves history and looks up to many historical figures, specifically Theodore Rosevelt.

A life-size cardboard cutout of Roosevelt himself flanks the entrance of her office. This cutout was a gift from Hilton’s husband, a fact that affirms her admiration for this former president.

She illustrates her fascination with Rosevelt by saying: “he wasn’t the strongest physically, and experienced a great deal of losses, but he worked to overcome those struggles. In every single stage of his life, you can see examples of how he truly lived life to the fullest.” She admires his ability to seize opportunities despite all the hardships he faced in life and his belief in his purpose.

Like her favorite historical figure, Hilton herself continues to overcome obstacles and struggles that 2020 has presented. She manages to maintain her drive and positive outlook because she wholeheartedly believes in the strength of ASH’s environment and the potential of its students.

ASH/CENTRIC 7