Heights’ Drew Hilton receives 2024 Nancy Herndon Award

Drew Hilton, a sophomore at Hamilton Heights, is the recipient of the 2024 Nancy Herndon Award of Excellence.

This award, created by Herndon last year, is designed to recognize a student who shows excellence in dedication to school, community, and the ideals of the Purdue Extension A Chance to Serve Program (ACTS).

Hilton was nominated by Carrie VanAlstine, a member of the Our Town Cicero Board on which Hilton has also served for the past year. Herndon, ACTS Emeritus, helps coordinate the ACTS programs in participating schools in Hamilton County.

“I am not surprised to hear that Drew won this award,” Hamilton Heights High School (HHHS) Freshman Counselor Lori Watson said. “He is always quick to volunteer and help in any capacity when I call on him at school. He has served on our Advisory Council, helped with tours and visits, and continues to be a leader in many areas. We are very proud of him here at Hamilton Heights.”

“Drew is an excellent selection for this award,” added HHHS Principal Jarrod Mason. “His involvement with ACTS has given him an avenue to use his talents for our community. We are proud of him and know he has great things ahead of him!”

“The ACTS program is a wonderful collaboration between the Purdue Extension Hamilton County and local schools that give several members of our freshmen class a chance to meet and learn from great leaders in our community while interacting with student leaders from other schools,” Heights Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood said. “My favorite session is led by Hamilton County Historian David Heighway and involves a bus tour of North Central Hamilton County. I learn something new every time I get to participate in this session, and I know the students really enjoy it.”

This leadership program, created in 1999, and sponsored by Purdue Extension/Hamilton County, offers freshman the opportunity to participate in five, day-long training sessions their first semester of high school. Graduates then get to apply those skills coupled with real-time learning experiences by serving as a member of a local board for one year.

The ACTS Youth Leadership Program involves over 60 students per year from schools throughout Hamilton County.