Naperville’s Hill Middle School celebrates 30 years

In 1981, Thayer J. Hill Junior High School in Naperville broke new ground when it opened to alleviate the crowding at Waubonsie High School, which was also housing seventh and eighth graders.

Thirty years and a conversion to a middle school later, Indian Prairie Unit District 204 and school officials say the “Trailblazers” nickname still fits.

“We’re breaking new ground in the areas of pedagogy and differentiated instruction making sure our students are challenged appropriately,” said Hill Middle School Principal Darrell Echols. “We’re breaking new ground in the area of science, technology, engineering and math.”

The district kicked off a yearlong celebration of its first middle school Wednesday with a 30th Anniversary celebration breakfast before class.

Officials also honored and surprised Project Arrow gifted program teacher Judy Ronaldson, the only person to work at Hill since the doors opened, with the Original Trailblazer Award.

Ronaldson “is just an outstanding teacher and an outstanding person,” said Superintendent Kathy Birkett. “I don’t think you can find anybody who is more dedicated to kids and has given her entire career to the students of District 204.”

Said Ronaldson, “I feel so blessed and honored to have worked with some amazing people. I’m extremely blessed to have been able to stay here as long as I have.”

Naperville Mayor George Pradel also visited, read the morning announcements and giving the school a Pradel bobblehead doll, the first, he said that has ever been given to a school.

“I hope this is placed somewhere where all the students can look it,” Pradel said. “But they can’t throw anything at it.”