Leading the Way - January 22, 2026

Leading Moments From Across the District

The Indian Hill Entrepreneurs' Center Digital Leadership Academy has officially been launched!

This morning marked an exciting milestone for Indian Hill Schools as we officially unveiled and launched the IH EC Digital Leadership Academy during our Monthly High School Student Leadership Team meeting. After more than a year of intentional planning, building, and collaboration, we are proud to introduce a digital leadership hub that is truly first of its kind. Created specifically to elevate student voice, strengthen leadership development, and expand the impact of ALL of our student leaders across our schools and community.

The IH EC Digital Leadership Academy is designed to be much more than a platform, it is a space where our SLT members can collaborate with purpose across sub-committees, share their work more efficiently, and communicate key updates and initiatives in a way that is accessible to both students and staff. This hub will allow great ideas to move faster, stronger work to be amplified, and student leadership efforts to become even more visible and connected throughout our district.

In addition, the Digital Leadership Academy is built to be an interactive leadership learning experience, one that encourages students to continuously “flex” their leadership muscles. Through a blend of asynchronous and synchronous opportunities, students can engage in short, impactful learning bursts that explore leadership tenets, lessons, and culture. Each learning experience is credentialed and badged, allowing students to highlight, track, and showcase their growth as leaders in meaningful and authentic ways.

A special thank you to, Kristi Thompson, CEO of Strategic Advancement, who joined me this morning to help guide our students through the onboarding experience and introduce them to the many powerful features within the platform. As part of the launch, we also invited students to reflect deeply on their own leadership journey, where they see themselves right now, what they want more of as we continue evolving SLT, and which leadership skills they are eager to grow next.

Their insights were thoughtful, inspiring, and reaffirmed exactly why this work matters. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see how our students shape the future of leadership through this new academy.

Leadership in Action: IHMS 8th Graders Discover What It Truly Means to Lead

I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with Mrs. Kim Gordon, Indian Hill Middle School Discovery Teacher, as she continues to do outstanding work intentionally building leadership development into the student experience. Mrs. Gordon has been deeply focused on helping students not only understand what leadership is, but also recognize the leadership potential that already exists within each of them. She began this work by challenging students to create their own personal definition of leadership, while also reflecting on themselves as leaders; identifying both areas to celebrate and meaningful opportunities for growth. This type of intentional self-awareness is exactly where authentic leadership development begins.

Following that foundation, I had the privilege of joining her class to engage students in a leadership lesson centered around the four main traits of the most effective leaders. Together, we explored what those traits look like in real life and why they matter, both inside and outside of school. Students participated in thoughtful conversations about the people in their lives they consider impactful leaders, sharing stories and examples that highlighted how leadership is often demonstrated through character, consistency, and care for others. As we continued the discussion, we challenged students to think deeper about what truly makes someone an effective leader, not based on title or popularity, but on the way they influence, serve, and inspire those around them.

I’m grateful for the passion and purpose Mrs. Gordon brings to creating those opportunities. This is just the beginning of an exciting series we are building together, and we are excited to share more about our students' personal leadership journeys!

"IHExperienceships Insights"

Our IHExperienceships program continues to expand in record numbers, not only through increased student participation, but also through the growing breadth and depth of career-connected experiential learning opportunities available to our Braves. More importantly, this growth is creating real momentum for our students as they begin to better understand who they are, what they care about, and where their unique strengths can take them.

Through these hands-on experiences, students are gaining exposure to new industries and career pathways, discovering interests they didn’t even know they had, and beginning to connect their passions in the classroom to authentic work happening in the real world.

Each week, we continue to strengthen and grow our network of community and professional partners, allowing us to curate meaningful, high-impact opportunities that empower students to explore, reflect, and take confident steps forward on their future-ready journey.

Click on the images below to hear from our students as they share their personal insights.

SpeakUP Showcase: 5th Grade Voices Take the Stage

Founded by two IHHS Juniors, Jane Holbrook & Kristen Mallow, SpeakUP is a state-recognized, tax-deductible 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping students build essential communication, public speaking, presentation, and advocacy skills. Through research-based K–12 lesson plans, interactive workshops, and real-world speaking opportunities, SpeakUP empowers students to confidently share their ideas and advocate for causes they care about. As part of their mission, and with the support of 5th grade teacher Mrs. Kanzeg, SpeakUp developed an abbreviated and experienced based curriculum for Go Time!

Today’s GoTime culminating event highlighted exactly what SpeakUP is all about, as 5th grade students delivered their final presentations to classmates with guidance and support from high school student leaders. From fashion, to music and an exploration of succulents, our 5th graders' passions shined brightly!

This experience served as a powerful example of student leadership, mentorship, and community-building, while helping students develop the confidence and success skills that will serve them in school and beyond.

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!