4 minute read
Hill Alums Thrive on Paying It Forward
Hill Alums Thrive on Paying It Forward
By Leonard Shapiro
In 1986, the late Reverend Richard Peard gave the blessing at the Hill School’s 8th grade graduation. His words, 38 years later, have provided a backdrop for the entire Hill community. He reminded the students as well as everyone in attendance “Don’t ever give up, and when you find your place in this world remember to help others find theirs.”
As Hill approaches its centennial in 1926, a dedicated group of volunteers stands ready to honor Rev. Peard’s words and to support the institution that has profoundly shaped their lives.
“Hill has always been a community school ... And while there are many aspects to this quality, one is the degree to which our alums are members of the Hill community. Once you’ve attended Hill School, you will always be part of the Hill community.” – Head of School Treavor Lord
Comprised of 18 officers and board members, the Hill School Alumni Association Board is deeply involved in numerous projects aimed at supporting the Middleburg community as well as bolstering their alma mater.
The Association contributes funds for Hill’s spring auction/gala -- the school’s major fundraising event of the year -- provides scholarship support for students, and donates to community non-profits (Piedmont Child Care Center, Middleburg Spring Races, and the Seven Loaves food pantry, to name a few).
Philip Dudley, Class of 1986, has been the Association’s president over the last five years. With the office of the financial services firm he owns about a two-minute walk to the campus, Dudley remains close to Hill in every sense.
“When children leave the community, they still miss some of the secret sauce Hill always provided,” he said. “Whether it’s a favorite teacher or the programs they were part of, there’s just something about the years they spent there that they miss. And they don’t know what it is until they leave. We (the Alumni Association) can help them stay in touch.”
Most board members live in the area. They meet four to six times a year, and virtually all volunteer for a wide variety of fundraising events the association organizes. That would include, for example, the sporting clays competition each April and the annual Hill School golf tournament at Bull Run Golf Club in Haymarket every fall.
“We also try to honor our former faculty members,” Dudley said, adding that last year there was a huge turnout to honor two retired long-time beloved teachers, Jack and Sydney Bowers.
Dudley relishes one of his annual presidential duties, his motivational talk to eighth graders on graduation day. And he’s also delighted that John Ralph, an ’86 classmate and owner of a sign shop in Purcellville, has been helping refurbish or replicate Hill’s iconic Christmas decorations, on display all around the village during the holidays.
One of the busiest board members is Montana Ruffner ‘07, who volunteers at virtually all the alumni events.
“Hill School was there to support me at some of the most critical times of my life,” said Ruffner, who owns her own event business and runs Buchanan Hall in Upperville. “I just want to make sure I’m paying it back to the next generation. And I love it.”
Lisa Patterson, Hill Class of 1985, is Hill’s staff liaison between the school and the Association. She estimated that about 1,300 alums are in Hill’s database, a keyboard away from staying connected with their old school.
“We work really hard to honor and represent those who came before us,” she said. “The school wouldn’t be what it is today without them. And no matter what the age group, so many still feel a sense of community, a sense of place they never lose. And they know they can always come back.”
Head of School Treavor Lord explained the importance of Hill maintaining connections with its graduates.
“Hill has always been a community school,” he said. “And while there are many aspects to this quality, one is the degree to which our alums are members of the Hill community. Once you’ve attended Hill School, you will always be part of the Hill community.”
As Hill approaches its centennial, the Alumni Association stands as a testament to Rev. Peard’s timeless words, ensuring that the spirit of giving back and supporting one another remains ingrained in the Hill community.
