Leading the Way - January 15, 2026

Leading Moments From Across the District

Student Voices. Real Growth. Lasting Impact:

The Impact of our IH Entrepreneurs' Center!

This past Tuesday evening at our January Board of Education Meeting, was one of those moments that reminds you exactly why we do this work.

Four of our Student Advisory Board members, IHExperienceships students, and HS Student Leadership Team members, took the stage and shared something incredibly powerful, their personal stories. Not scripted. Not rehearsed. Just honest reflections on how the Entrepreneurs’ Center and the opportunities created through it have impacted their self-growth, leadership development, and future preparedness.

As each student spoke, it became clear that these experiences are doing far more than building résumés; they’re building confidence. They shared how stepping into real-world learning environments has helped them discover strengths they didn’t know they had, develop the courage to take risks, and lead with purpose. From finding their voice and learning how to collaborate, to exploring career interests and envisioning what’s next beyond high school, their stories captured the true value of experiential learning.

What made the night so special wasn’t just what they said, it was how they said it. These students didn’t just talk about being impacted…they modeled the growth we strive to create in every student, every day.

It was a powerful reminder that when students are given meaningful opportunities, trusted with responsibility, and supported by a community that believes in them, they rise well beyond anything they imagined possible.

Rotary in Action: Growing Student Leaders Through Service & Partnership

We were grateful to welcome Sean Dennedy, local Realtor and proud member of the Cincinnati Eastside Rotary Club, to our Entrepreneur’s Center earlier this week. Sean shared how the Cincinnati Eastside Rotary partners with and supports our high school Interact Club, creating meaningful opportunities for students to grow as leaders, serve others, and engage in global learning experiences.

His visit was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when schools and community organizations work together with a shared purpose. The Rotary’s global mission paired with local energy and investment continues to open doors for our students in truly impactful ways.

Thank you, Sean, and the Cincinnati Eastside Rotary Club, for believing in our students and helping prepare them for bright futures ahead. Special shout out to Senior and IHInteract President, Luke Bergstrom, for spearheading the inception of this club and opportunity here at IH!

It Always Feels Good to do Good!

This month, our Indian Hill Middle School Braves Council demonstrated what true student leadership looks like by organizing and leading a coat and clothing drive benefiting the FreeStore FoodBank. From planning and promoting the drive to collecting, organizing, and preparing every item for donation, our students took ownership of every step, and their hard work made an incredible impact.

Our IHMS Braves Council donated 31 large bags of clothing, and the FreeStore FoodBank team shared that this was the largest donation their Clothing Room has received in recent memory.

What an outstanding reflection of the compassion, initiative, and leadership our students continue to model. Thank you to everyone who supported this effort and encouraged our students throughout the drive. Together, we helped turn student leadership into meaningful service for our community.

From Midterms to Mic Drop: IHExp Students Level Up Their Future Readiness

During December's midterm week, our IHExp Resume Workshop delivered an incredible boost to the future preparedness of our students, both in professional skill development and in building meaningful networks that will support them well beyond high school. It was inspiring to see over 30 IHExp students pivot immediately after midterms and dive into the next phase of their growth: preparing for their professional futures with purpose and confidence.

Students dedicated time to refining their resumes and practicing essential interview skills, bringing high energy and genuine engagement to every session. What made the experience even more impactful was the opportunity to work side-by-side with our partner mentors, who provided specific, actionable feedback that students could apply immediately. One partner said "her resume was better than mine right at this moment, wow!"

Watching students light up as they gained clarity, direction, and confidence was a powerful reminder of what happens when real-world guidance meets student determination. As one student perfectly summed it up: “Mic drop!”

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible community mentors and partners; time and time again you continue to say 'yes' and the impact you are having on our students is invaluable!

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!