2001 Heather Upton (Leaders)
When did you graduate from HHS and where did you go from here?
I graduated from HHS in 2001. Over the summer I moved to Kansas where I lived until 2015, when my family and I relocated back to Hillsdale. While in Kansas I worked on Ft. Riley Army post, helping soldiers with their housing needs and obtained my Bachelors of Science in Family Studies & Human Services degree from Kansas State University. I also volunteered as a CASA (Court appointed Special Advocate) for two years, working with children in foster care. I am married and have a daughter named Rachel, who is in 7th grade at Davis Middle School.
Can you tell us a little bit about the company you work for?
I currently work for Hillsdale CASA, Inc which is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers who advocate for children who are in the foster care system due to abuse and/or neglect. I am the advocate supervisor.
What does your workday look like?
My work days always vary. I attend abuse/neglect hearings at probate court, I recruit new volunteers out in the community, and facilitate the mandatory 30 hour new volunteer trainings, I manage the Hillsdale CASA, Inc. Facebook page, and advertise upcoming events and stories about CASA. I manage the volunteer’s cases and make sure I am as accessible as possible to the volunteers to answer any questions they may have about their case, help with court report writing, and offer support.
Can you tell us what your time at HHS was like?
I absolutely loved high school. I had amazing teachers, wonderful friends, and enjoyed school over all. Sometimes I wish I could go back and do it all over again.
How did your time at HHS help you now?
I remember always being told that I could do anything I wanted with my life, but I had to put in the work. With determination and a lot of hard work, I am now working in my dream position, helping families.
Is there a teacher who had a significant impact on your life?
I was blessed to have a lot of great teachers. Three of my favorites were Mrs. Robare Mrs. Webb, and Mrs. Dunlap. I had Mrs. Robare and Mrs. Webb for English and Mrs. Dunlap for life skills. They were kind, supportive, and wonderful at what they did. They always believed in me and were encouraging. They have had a long lasting effect on me. Specifically Mrs. Dunlap. In 8th grade she gave us an assignment where we were to give a worksheet to an adult to fill out. The adult was asked to talk about what they hoped for us during our upcoming high school years. We turned it in, and then the following year while in our freshman year, she sent the worksheets to us. I had my mom fill mine out and during that summer she passed away. Receiving the worksheet that I had completely forgotten about and getting to read, in her handwriting, her dreams for me, meant the world to me. I still have the worksheet.
Advice for current students?
Don’t take these years for granted! You will truly miss them when they are gone. Enjoy your high school years. I couldn’t wait to graduate and move away from Hillsdale and small town life. Now, I love living in a small town and love raising my family in this community.
