Leading the Way - March 5, 2026

Leading Moments From Across the District

Future-Ready: Exploring High Growth Careers at Atricure

As part of the Certified Manufacturing Associate Training Program students visited AtriCure to explore a career in production. AtriCure, Inc., founded in 2000 and based in Mason, Ohio is a medical device company focused on treating atrial fibrillation (Afib), related conditions and post-operative pain management. This visit is the first step toward a lifelong career in an industry where there is opportunity for advancement and well-paying jobs.

'We Help.' A Simple but Impactful Reminder of What Matters Most in Business, Success and Entrepreneurship

Earlier this week, our students had the privilege of visiting Junk King, where CEO Jack Brendamour (and Class of 2004 IHHS Alum) personally hosted an engaging and insightful behind-the-scenes experience. During the visit, students gained a firsthand look at how a small, family-owned business has grown into a highly successful operation through strong leadership, clear values, and a commitment to service excellence.

Mr. Brendamour and his team shared the company’s entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the importance of culture, accountability, innovation, and customer focus in building a sustainable business. Students explored how operational efficiency, branding, team development, and community engagement all play critical roles in long-term growth.

Beyond learning about the logistics of the junk removal industry, students walked away with powerful lessons in leadership, sustainability, adaptability, and the mindset required to scale a business while staying true to core values. Experiences like this continue to connect classroom learning to real-world application, helping students better understand the diverse pathways available to them in business ownership, operations, and leadership.

From Local Internship to Global Leadership:

A Career Without Limits

We were honored to welcome Susan Street Whaley, Chief Legal Officer at Procter & Gamble, as our latest Career Connections speaker. Leading a global legal team of 500 for a Fortune 50 company, Susan shared how her journey began locally with an internship at P&G through the University of Cincinnati College of Law—an opportunity that launched a dynamic career spanning Advertising, Labor & Employment, Corporate Securities, and Global Legal & Compliance.

Her message to students was powerful: corporate law is not a narrow path, but a versatile foundation that allows professionals to pivot across specialties and grow in diverse areas. Students left encouraged by the flexibility within the legal field and inspired by her reminder that success is not linear. Through hard work, curiosity, and a willingness to explore, a single opportunity can evolve into a career on the global stage.

Real Questions & Candid Feedback

During last month's IHHS Student Leadership Team meeting, Interim Superintendent, Dr. Melissa Stewart stopped by to connect with our group and ask them for candid feedback on all things IHHS. Collectively, they celebrated the ample opportunities here for all students, including our vast course catalog, the IHExperienceships program, the IH Entrepreneurs' Center, our outstanding staff and the intentionality of leaning into student leadership.

They also shared key areas where we can continue to improve the student experience and ensure that students of today are truly ready for tomorrow. Afterwards our SLT met in their sub-committees as they continue to work on the 'big idea' this year, several that are in action as we speak!

It was an awesome example of student empowerment, building a high trust culture and acknowledging that the most important voice is the collective student voice.

Jeff Damadeo, Director of K-12 Leadership & Career Development

Jeff.Damadeo@ihsd.us

Twitter: @indianhillEC

My #IHPromise - to work tirelessly for our students, providing them with the most exceptional educational opportunities & experiences to help ensure that they develop into outstanding academic students and future ready individuals!