8th Annual IMPACT Awards Celebrates Students’ Success
The Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance Program celebrated the success of 15 amazing students at its 8th annual IMPACT Awards Dinner at Hamilton Heights Middle School on Wednesday. The event drew in some 170 students, their families, Hamilton Heights School Corporation personnel, and representatives from the greater Hamilton County area and beyond for this special celebration of accomplishment.
The program recognizes at least one student per grade (grades K – 12) who successfully maneuvered through a challenge in their life. Students can be nominated by a teacher, guidance counselor, administrator, or any staff member that feels a student is deserving of the award.
“I look forward to this event every year,” said Mary Ann Haymaker, Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance Early Intervention Advocate, who was an instrumental part of creating this annual recognition program. “This time is truly about the kids and recognizing the impact they have made on their teachers and classmates. It is a special time to come together and honor their hard work, resilience, and determination of these students to rise above a challenging issue that may otherwise have negatively impacted their life.”
The 2025 Hamilton Heights Youth Assistance IMPACT Award Recipients along with their presenters include:
K: Cooper Nix (presented by Sara Smith and Tracy Zachary)
1st: Issac Quinn (presented by Laurie Smucker)
2nd: Sage Garner (presented by Ashley Mandery and Cara Woodruff)
3rd: Ronin Deering (presented by Jenna Daniel)
4th: Bella Siljanovska (presented by Amy Day and Tracy Zachary)
5th: Ryder Deering (presented by Heather Greider)
6th: Braxton Hilton (presented by Stacy Hall, Chelsea Pacheco, and Mary Ann Haymaker)
7th: Juliana VanHorn (presented by Brianna Reeder)
8th: Victor Bailey Taylor (presented by Bonny Stites)
9th: Emmilynn Tharp (presented by Joy Volz)
9th: Lukas White (presented by Robin Hildebrand)
10: Jolie Garcia (presented by Summer Bailey)
11th: Zander Sykes (presented by Kelly Smith)
11th: Landen Greene (presented by Kelly Ressler)
12th: Maddison McMillan (presented by Dee Roper)
In addition, Erin Hileman, a member of the custodial staff at Hamilton Heights Elementary School, was the recipient of the 2025 Tony Etchison Memorial Award. “Erin exemplifies what Tony believed in, being kind, making a difference and loving everyone,” said Haymaker. “She goes above and beyond and always has a smile on her face. She is the best! She will always lend a helping hand.” Perry Williams and Syd Loomis were recognized for their service and dedication as their tenure on the Youth Assistance Program Board draws to a close.
“This event is a true celebration of the accomplishments and triumphs of these remarkable students, many of whom have overcome significant challenges in their lives,” said Superintendent Dr. Derek Arrowood, who served as the event’s emcee. “Their resilience, determination, and grit have allowed them to rise above adversity—proving that obstacles do not define one’s ability to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom. Their journeys serve as a powerful reminder that anyone can overcome life’s challenges and, in doing so, inspire others to persevere.”
Heights Schools would like to extend a thank you to the following sponsors who made this special program possible:
Presenting Sponsors: Beck’s Hybrids, Blades Audio Video Security, Church, Church, Hittle & Antrim, Jackson Township Trustee’s Office, Lehman and Company, P.C., Majestic Care, Robinson and Sons Sandblasting, and Specialty Tax Services.
Supporting Sponsors: Bender Homes and Harbour Shores Church.
Individual Sponsorships: Edward Jones-Corey Sylvester, Lydia Harvey, Fred Woodruff and Wynona Dings, Purkey’s Heating & Cooling, The Farmer’s Bank, Powers Septic & Sewer, Arcadia Christian Church, Noblesville Elks #576, Peapod Public Relations, and Richard Eugene Pock.
A special thank you to the Youth Assistance Program Board members: Tricia Akers, Dr. Derek Arrowood, Judge Andrew Bloch, Sarah Buckner, Judge Michael Casati, Jeanann Dodson, Ashley Woodward Fisher, Jeremy Hunt, Brittany Jamieson, Syd Loomis, Natasha Robinson, Emily Schmale, Zach Smith, and Perry Williams.
Also, thank you to Summer Bailey for her extra help in making this such a successful evening and Rain Deering for her amazing artwork on this year’s program: