Jack Buell ’19 came to Hill Top in 5th grade and admits that when he arrived, he was a handful for teachers and administrators. Fast forward to graduation 2019 when Jack was awarded the Organt Scholarship which meant that he was identified among a class of very successful students to receive the distinguished honor.
Jack worked hard during his time at Hill Top to turn his challenges into advantages. As a result, he became a leader in the School – even being selected as the keynote speaker at the 8th grade Moving-Up Ceremony where he imparted some sound advice to Hill Top middle schoolers.
Jack is currently studying Mechanical Engineering Technology at the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. He has adjusted to college well and feels that Hill Top’s mentor period helped him to prepare for the independence college expects. He is using the techniques he learned to build relationships with teachers at Hill Top, to develop connections with his professors at college. Once these relationships are established, Jack explains, it’s easy to seek help, ask questions and demonstrate competencies.
Receiving the Organt Scholarship made a huge impact for Jack as it freed up some of the funds he had been saving for tuition so that he could get a lap top computer. Previously, he had planned to take his desktop computer to college which would have left him with little flexibility.
Betty Organt once served as head of Hill Top’s History Department, as well as a history teacher during the early years of Hill Top and then again through the 2000’s. She and her husband Jerry have been awarding the Organt scholarship to a deserving student at Hill Top’s Commencement for sixteen years with a total of $32,000 in funding. Even though she retired several years ago, Betty returns each year for graduation to present the award.
Hill Top is grateful for the tireless dedication of its teachers like, Betty, who’s commitment to students extends beyond the classroom and well past their employment as faculty to ensure the success of the School’s unique learners.