Mr. Aaron Hill Honored with ADL’s Educator Changemaker Award

8/31/2023

Marist School Director of Inclusion & Diversity Mr. Aaron Hill received the 2023 Educator Changemaker Award from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) Southeast for his leadership and allyship inside and outside of the classroom. The ADL is a prominent civil rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination and intolerance and to securing justice and fair treatment for all. Through collaborations with K-12 students and educators, the ADL combats hate and bullying while providing anti-bias resources. Mr. Hill’s nomination for the award came from Marist student Elizabeth McCall ’24, who commended him for supporting minority students, inviting speakers, organizing presentations, and making a difference by addressing bias and working to foster an inclusive and equitable community at Marist.

The announcement of Mr. Hill's award took place in May 2023, and he was formally recognized amongst his peers during Marist’s faculty and staff retreat on Friday, August 11. Notable attendees present for the announcement included ADL Southeast Education Director Dr. Nichole Murry, Dr. Christa-Marie Singleton ’83 (a Marist Diversity Advisory Committee member and recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award), and Frank McCloskey ’68 (a Marist Diversity Advisory Committee member and recipient of the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award). Their presence highlighted the significance of Mr. Hill's achievement.

As a distinguished lifetime member of the ADL Southeast’s Board of Directors, McCloskey had the honor of presenting the award to Mr. Hill in Woodruff Auditorium. During the presentation, McCloskey shared a quote from McCall’s nomination, stating, “Mr. Hill has been a great example of change within our school.” McCloskey underscored the sentiment by addressing the faculty and staff present, saying, “As educators, you realize how meaningful it is for a student, and many other students who feel this same way, to make this public endorsement.”

McCloskey also highlighted Mr. Hill’s dedication to combating bias and bullying, fostering inclusivity, and for upholding the values of the “No Place for Hate” initiative. Under Mr. Hill’s guidance, Marist is one of hundreds of schools across the south committed to the mission of the ADL’s “No Place for Hate” program. This initiative offers a framework for schools to nurture cultures of respect and safe learning environments. Marist students reaffirm our school's “No Place for Hate” status by signing a pledge at the beginning of each academic year.

In February, Mr. Hill led a group of 10 students to the 22nd annual ADL Southeast No Place for Hate Summit. This event seeks to empower students as leaders, equip them with effective allyship skills, and provide them with the tools needed to counteract hatred in their lives, schools, and communities. The summit not only exposes students to esteemed guest speakers but also facilitates connections with peers from various schools.

Since his arrival at Marist School in 2022, Mr. Hill has been a strong advocate for equity and belonging for all Marist students. As he continues to lead by example, Mr. Hill's legacy reinforces the power of education in shaping a more just and peaceful society.

Read more about Inclusion & Diversity at Marist School.

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Mr. Aaron Hill Honored with ADL’s Educator Changemaker Award

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