Patton’s right hand, Hillhouse administrative assistant Anna Atkinson, explained that Patton is “so very special because she cares about everyone.” Board of Alders Education Committee Chair Gary Hogan: “I’ve always felt an affinity for Hillhouse.” For 56 years, Hillhouse High Sch ool paraprofessional Lucille Patton has shown up for students, urging them to come to school each day. On Friday, Patton’s school community showed up for her. Patton was honored by Board of Education member Andrea Downer during last week’s school-wide assembly at Hillhouse. Both Patton and Downer are Hillhouse alums; Patton graduated in 1956, Downer in 1989. Both talked Friday about the legacy of Hillhouse being instilled in them since they were students. Downer recalled that Patton provided her with “collegiate direction” throughout her time at the Sherman Parkway public school. She said Patton has long been a welcoming and consistent face for students. She said Patton has helped keep the school running for decades. “She believed in me before I fully believed in myself,” Downer said. Downer emphasized the importance of giving dedicated staff recognition before it’s too late; that is, “giving them their flowers while you can smell them.” Patton said that, in addition to the attendance work she does at Hillhouse, she also does occasional record-verification work. She said she was very grateful for Friday’s recognition because “sometimes older people kind of get discarded.” Patton said that Hillhouse always finds a way to make you feel loved — a goal she aspires to each day with the students she works with. She often connects with students when they first arrive at Hillhouse, helping them adapt to the building. Patton was one of the last Hillhouse classes to graduate from the school’s former site on Tower Parkway. “I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else,” Patton concluded. In concluding remarks, Downer reminded the student body that they are each carrying Hillhouse’s legacy forward. “You are the future walking in real time,” she said. “Distractions are loud but your future is louder,” she said. Friday’s assembly also introduced the students to all of Hillhouse’s staff, including coaches and educators and counselors, security, and cafeteria workers. The assembly reminded students of the school’s wraparound services. The presentation also introduced students during their first week of the school year to Hillhouse’s student clubs and organizations, Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) program, and athletics. Staffers explained Friday that Hillhouse’s legacy is made up by the school’s strong sense of family created for staff and students. Hillhouse librarian Malcolm Welfare spoke about how students can use the library as a research hub, book club, and space to gathering resources about the world. Hillhouse has support for students both inside and outside the school building, Assistant Principal Jonathan Berryman said. This is the first year Hillhouse has hosted the first-week assembly to introduce students to the school’s resources. Berryman said it was especially important to do so alongside Hillhouse’s growing alumni association. The assembly preparation involved taking photos of each Hillhouse staffer, which Berryman said reminded him of Hillhouse’s “long, rich legacy.” Beryl Bailey, who graduated from Hillhouse in 1977, also shared remarks Friday on behalf of Hillhouse’s Alumni Association. She reminded students that “you can do it and alumni can help.” When student-retention specialist Darrell Brown called out, “Who’s house?,” the student body called back, “Hillhouse!” Beaver Hills Alder Gary Hogan also spoke at Friday’s assembly. Hogan told the school’s community that, as chair of the alders’ Education Committee, he is working to support the district’s efforts to address building deficiencies. Because Hillhouse is in Hogan’s ward, he said, “Hillhouse is coming first.” He explained to the students that as alder it is his “duty and responsibility” to connect with his neighborhood’s constituents, to be a liaison for the ward, and to bring neighbors’ concerns to the city for resolution. Hogan’s parents graduated from Hillhouse, in 1951 and 1953. He grew up on Carmel Street and learned to swim and play baseball at Hillhouse as a child. His father-in-law was a custodian for the school district and his father was previously on the Board of Education. “While I did not attend Hillhouse, I’ve always felt an affinity for Hillhouse,” he said. Hogan added that he enjoyed being in the building to see students’ and staff’s energy. “It was an opportunity to step aside from all the ill things going on just to see the joy and the enthusiasm and the journey that these kids are about to embark on,” he said. At the conclusion of Friday’s assembly, Principal Antoine Billy described Hillhouse staff as “the best staff in the city of New Haven.”   He reminded students that attendance is key, especially as the district works to increase its graduation rate and keep ninth graders on track. He promised that if the graduation rate increases to the 70s this year, the school will celebrate with a food truck. He noted that in one year Hillhouse increased its graduation rate from 55 percent to 69 percent. “Look past that chaos and see the possibilities we have and you have,” he concluded. . Friday’s ceremony ended with the school band and Berryman performing the Hillhouse alma mater. Students cheer at Friday’s assembly. Hillhouse staff are introduced to students. Principal Billy promises a food truck at Hillhouse this year if graduation rates increase into the 70s. Cheerleaders and band close out Friday’s assembly. The post Hillhouse Stalwart Honored At School-Wide Assembly appeared first on New Haven Independent. ...read more read less