Hillcrest

Name: John Hughes

Parents: Noah Huges Anna Hughes (deceased) Emily Hughes (stepmother)

GPA: 4.034

Class Rank: 4 of 16

Co-curricular activities: School Dramas and musicals, Sports (Basketball, Soccer, and Baseball), Pork and chili supper fundraisers, and our school’s National honor society food drive.

Community activities: I ran the Joe Town classic 5k, I play in local basketball leagues, go to school and community fundraisers, and I’ve participated both serving and giving blood in a local blood drive.

Future plans and goals: I plan to go to either Iowa or Iowa State to pursue a future in engineering. Along with becoming an engineer and pursuing a career, I also want to raise a family and be a good disciple of Christ. My goal is to leave a lasting impact on people in my life and reflect Jesus’ love with my action.

How will your high school experiences help you in coming years?

My high school experience at Hillcrest Academy will help me as I transition into college but also when trying to navigate my adult life. Throughout my time at Hillcrest, I have learned a lot about responsibility and hard work which will help me to pursue my goals. Along with developing a good work ethic my time at Hillcrest has also improved my communication skills. Hillcrest has made a lasting impact on my life beyond learning to communicate and work hard. It has shaped me to be who I am today and will leave a positive lasting impression on my life.

Fondest memory of high school?

One of my fondest memories from my time at Hillcrest is winning the state qualifier against Solon at their field two years in a row. This is one of my favorite memories because the team and I were so excited to go to state and the whole community drove an hour to come and support us. It was something that was new to me and is something that I will cherish moving on.

Which teachers have had the biggest impact on your education and why?

One of the teachers that have had the biggest impact on my education is Bryan Neuschwander. He has had an impact on my education because he cares about his students and what he is teaching them. He cares deeply about how you feel and why you feel the way you do. He teaches with a passion that inspires learning and awakens you from the boring midday activities of pain old school. He has become a friend of mine, not close, but a kind and trusted friend. Bryan has left a lasting impression on my life.

Who is your role model and how did they influence you?

One of my biggest role models is my dad. I have always looked up to my dad as a leader and as a provider. My dad has guided me through life and has taught me how to lead, but also how to be kind. He has demonstrated his kindness and love many times and is a key figure I look up to.

What is special about your high school?

My high school is special because of its kind and close-knit community. While it is close-knit and everyone knows everyone else, it is extremely excepting. When I began school there I didn’t know anybody, but after a while I soon knew everyone’s name and they all knew me and they all treated me like a friend. My school is special because its God-centered theme of love that is visible in the way everyone’s actions and feelings toward each other.

If you could go back to when you were a freshman, what advice would you give yourself?

If I could give myself advice as a freshman I would say to have fun and make as many good memories with everyone as possible. This is because looking back high school seemed to go by way too fast and I’m going to miss a lot of the people at Hillcrest. I would also tell myself that it would be really hard at times and that it’s OK to feel down sometimes. If I were to give myself advice, I’d say to always be kind because you’ll regret the times that you weren’t. I would tell myself that giving advice is easy, but using it is a lot harder.