Ross Ann Hill

Idalou Middle School
Idalou, TX

Principal: Josh Damron

Ross Ann Hill’s distinguished career as an educator and NJHS adviser spans over 20 years. In that time, she has been recognized for her commitment to students and academic excellence, most recently in 2020 as the Distinguished Educator of Lubbock County, TX. She has created a culture of service and leadership at her chapter, which includes raising money for the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) and NJHS members leading fifth grade orientation and eighth grade leadership day. Under Hill’s supervision, the chapter annually raises between $300–700 for the CMN, and NJHS officers attend the annual banquet that recognizes major fundraising. Members also have the opportunity to tour pediatric hospitals to see how their funds are being used.

In his recommendation, Principal Josh Damron said, “I have come to rely on Mrs. Hill as a leader on the middle school campus. She currently serves on my site-based decision-making committee, where she is trusted as a result of her experience and wisdom. She walks the walk of a servant leader where she is always conscientious of doing the right things in the right way. “

NJHS member Gracey Merrell echoes these thoughts in her own recommendation, highlighting Hill’s strong leadership. She says, “Ross Ann Hill has done an abundance of things to boost my desire to render service, lead a group, have character, and to be a good citizen. Mrs. Hill held me accountable for things I could not have imagined that I would achieve. The goals she had set for me and my fellow NJHS members in the beginning seemed unattainable, but not only did she help us reach them—she helped us surpass them. She always emphasized that if we were good examples to the rest of our school, soon they would follow.”

NJHS is pleased to recognize Ross Ann Hill as this year’s NJHS Rynearson Adviser of the Year.

We are grateful to Principal Damron for his support of NJHS and the role of the NJHS adviser. We are grateful to them both for their commitment to education and student leadership.