LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Dennis Hill

Position: Assistant Principal
School: Essex High School
School District: Essex Westford School District
City, State: Essex Junction, VT

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Music that Describes Dennis

Dennis Hill was nominated by a family member, Jennifer Luck-Hill.

Mr. Hill is a Vermonter who has dedicated his life’s work to helping mold Vermont’s future. He has worked in public education for 25 years. During this time, he has served as a public school administrator at all grade levels. He leads with kindness, compassion, and empathy for every student or adult he engages with. During the course of his career, he has led school systems through triumphant and turbulent times. Regardless of the situation, he always puts the students first. It's rare to walk past his office and not see a student there for advice or a friendly check-in. Years later, and time and again, students who have worked with Mr. Hill will take the time to call or write to him to say hello or tell him what an incredible impact he has made on their lives.

Mr. Hill is relentlessly optimistic, and his ability to see situations from many perspectives allows him to reach beyond the surface issues to truly discover the real obstacles that students are facing. His life's passion is to see the young adults he works with transform into confident, successful, contributing community members. Mr. Hill is unique in his ability to bring adolescents out of their developmental shells to share their fears, passions, and dreams with him. Students see Mr. Hill as an adult who listens and cares about each of them. This incredible ability makes him the go-to for every kid in every school he has ever worked in. It's amazing to witness, and yet it happens in every school he is in.

The role of an assistant principal often conjures up visions of cranky adults assigning detentions, but Mr. Hill destroys that stereotype. His honest approach, endless optimism, and genuine caring have helped him be a LifeChanger for literally thousands of Vermont's students. He has tutored, mentored, and cared for Vermont's most precious entities and has done so without ever putting himself first. Mr. Hill continues to be a LifeChanger today, but more importantly, he has made Vermont a better place to be through the indelible mark he has left on every student who has ever been lucky enough to be a part of his life.

Below is a college application essay from a student, provided as a testament to Mr. Hill's impact.

A time traveler gives you a remote with two buttons: pause and rewind. Which would you prefer to use on your own life and why?

A time traveler confronts me while I am currently waiting for cheerleading practice to start. This time traveler states, “You have one chance, one chance to completely change the way you view your life. I am giving you the chance to travel back through your life and revisit any of your memories.” I sit here to consider my options, of course there are many. After about ten minutes, I finally settle on one memory. I tell the time traveler, “I would like to jump back a week, during lunch, when Mr. Hill was playing his guitar.” My vision blurs as the time traveler throws me backwards in time.

I wake up during my lunch break, some day during the week of September 1st, 2019. I look around and immediately recognize the familiar scenery of Mr. Hill’s office. My eyes then find Mr. Hill as he searches around for his guitar pick.

Mr. Hill is my assistant principal, my favorite assistant principal. Mr. Hill and I have bonded through our mutual hate for our migraines and, just recently, the passing of a parent due to cancer. Mr. Hill bonds with students like no other. He recognizes that students are only mini-adults and should be treated so. We have built a connection throughout the past three years that he has been working for Essex High School, and I show that through my everyday visits to his office.

I focus back on Mr. Hill’s desperate search for a pick as he digs around in a little pocket on the inside of his guitar case. After he sighs in relief for finding his pick, he takes a seat across the room from me. He strums his guitar and then laughs as he tells me he’s only warming up, and that it’ll get a little bit better. I sit there in silence for a few minutes as he plays folk songs that I have never heard, hitting the wrong chord every few minutes. We sit in this peaceful state until he feels that he has stretched his fingers well enough to tell me, “OK, I am done warming up.” I am in a state of shock as Mr. Hill opens his mouth to start singing. His scratchy voice serenades the entire office, and draws people to peek in and see where the music is coming from.

The room whirls around me as I am pulled back to this day, September 17th, only a week and a half after that short memory. I smile in relief at the bliss I feel from that experience. I tie my cheer shoes, and start stretching, all while I keep thinking about how happy I was only a few minutes before.

Faculty and staff love to work with Mr. Hill, as well. His guidance, leadership, and support have made an impact and changed the lives of hundreds of adults. He's calm, caring, and thoughtful with his staff, and they are always appreciative of his support and constant presence throughout the building.

Below is an email sent to Mr. Hill from one of his colleagues in March 2020.

Mr. Hill,

Thank you for all your help and support in times like these. I know a lot of people who are extremely nervous about this, and I want you to know that your emails and talks are really helpful to them and to myself.

Again I say, thank you for always greeting us with a smile and good attitude. I know it must be hard, especially with everything that goes on in the news. You are appreciated ,and you really do make a difference at EHS.

Whether it's popping into a classroom and cracking a joke, performing with some musicians, traveling to the hospital with me when I fainted in class, or even just holding the door open for people in the morning, your acts of kindness go such a long way, and they mean so much to me and to a lot of people at school.

Thank you again for everything you do. It truly means so much.

"Dennis has made a tremendous impact on so many people, for so many years," said Luck-Hill. "He is humble, kind, nurturing, caring, and most of all, a positive beacon in all of the lives he touches. He literally changes people’s lives for the better and leaves a positive imprint that lasts forever. Dennis is an educator beyond compare. He has improved school climate in numerous schools with his compassionate leadership. He is always seeking to understand and respond more effectively to the needs of all of the members of his school community, and he learns from and celebrates the diverse perspectives. As an educator and administrator, Dennis strives to ensure the positive development and achievement of his students, is supportive and involved in the lives and work of his teachers, and works tirelessly toward improving the school as a whole. Dennis is a LifeChanger."

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Comments (20)

Michael Curtin Posted over a year ago

I have had the distinct pleasure of calling Dennis Hill my dear friend for over 50 years. And somehow the word "friend" does not seem to cover how important he is and has been to my journey. I think the word "pillar" would be more descriptive. Dennis is the pillar I have leaned on time and time again for support, guidance, understanding or if I just needed a push in the back. And I know I am one of many who know Dennis in this way because I have witnessed it. It is in his DNA. It is evident every day of his life. As such I am not surprised by his choice of calling or the incredible success he has achieved. Every relationship Dennis has is personal and important. His first concern is always the wellbeing of others. An excellent example of this would be his effort to launch a football program at Missisquoi Valley Union High School. When he described this initiative to me, and the hard work needed to overcome the hurdles of getting it started I asked him why it was so important to him. His response was simple - these kids need to know what it feels like to belong to something positive and I want to provide that for them. That is Dennis, changing lives. Dennis' students, like me, are fortunate indeed to have this Life Changing pillar in our lives.

Steve Sheeler Posted over a year ago

I vividly remember my first faculty meeting with our new principal at MVU, Dennis Hill. There were many memorable moments from his first address to the whole faculty: such as his charismatic nature and love of family and his dogs. That said, what stood out the most to me is what has become my own guiding star as a teacher. When you are presented with a challenging decision, ask yourself "what is best for kids?" To me, this moment encapsulated who Dennis is as an educator and as a man. He is truly selfless in his work, and he is in this work becomes he loves working with, and helping, young people. Not only does he love working with young people, his student-first mindset has transformed the lives of countless kids who had the pleasure of sharing his office with him. And his office door? Always open! Especially for a students who needs a lift. If a student was going through a crisis, he was there to support them, cry with them, and be there for them in any way that he could. Many times I would walk by the office and hear him playing guitar with a student. His ability to connect with young people, be sincere in his passion for doing what is in their best interest, and establish a relationship with so many students who desperately needed an adult they could trust has changed countless lives. One of the more life-changing initiatives that I shared with him was our effort to establish a football team at MVU. This was a tremendously difficult experience, mostly for him, as he took a lot of heat from many people who felt this was a waste of tax payer funds. What those opponents did not understand was the team had nothing to do with football. It had everything to do with empowering kids. Many students who joined our team during the years that he and I coached had never been on any team, let alone played the game of football. What happened to that group of young people during our first few years as a team was powerful. Kids who had never been on a team, many of whom had few, if any, friends, came together and formed a football family. For the first time in many of their lives, they were part of something. They woke up in the morning and wanted to come to school. They wanted to do well in school so they could be on the team. They were and always will be Thunderbirds. The glow that many of these kids had on their faces is something that will live inside them forever, and thanks to Dennis Hill, their lives were changed for the better. In all aspects of his work with kids, Dennis made it a point to incorporate life lessons. At the start and end of every practice, Dennis spoke with the team about an important lesson that would make them better people. We discussed issues related to conduct in school, but also how to treat people. One specific example is when Dennis stopped practice after a player said "you are running like a girl." We had a spontaneous team meeting to reinforce why that is condescending towards women, and that language would not be tolerated as a member of our team. When he walked into my classroom (as he frequently would as the principal), he would often sit down as if he was a student and participate in our discussion. Always offering a lesson that applies to life outside of the walls of school. Dennis is always teaching, always trying to help improve the lives of the kids he works with. I am so fortunate and grateful that I had the pleasure of working with Dennis. He is an amazing human being, one I am grateful to call my mentor. In addition to the countless students, my life has been drastically changed for the better due to the guidance and influence of Dennis Hill.

Gerald K Stoner Posted over a year ago

Dennis Hill is a principal that makes connections with all staff, professionals, and students regardless of where he is employed. His ability to reach out and connect with students and make them feel like they have a true friend in their education endeavors or life is unparalleled. His office door is always open and he is always willing to drop whatever of the multiple tasks he has going to address a student’s needs. This attention to his student body has a ripple effect that creates a real community of kindness in his school.

Elaine Charron Posted over a year ago

Dennis was a principal with high expectations and standards. Dennis made a significant impact on many of the lives of the BFA student body and community. Working with Dennis I remember him asking numerous times, “ What can we all do together to improve our school, our classrooms, and our students’ learning to improve their success.” His focus was always on the students, and how we, as dedicated professionals could work to make a difference in their lives.

Tom Wiggans Posted over a year ago

I’ve had the high privilege of knowing Dennis for a long time. Our friendship goes back more than fifty years to our mutual early elementary school days in South Burlington, Vermont. Dennis’ uniqueness was apparent even then. Both large in stature even then, as well as in grade-school personality, I distinctly recall Dennis as the center of action. Over the years that followed, up to and including high school, our friendship only grew stronger. Dennis was a force, not only physically, but personally, and always knew how to best wield those skills. Possessing a unique ability to quickly assess a wide array of situations, Dennis always kept the best interests of those close to him foremost in mind. Whether it was a classroom setting, diffusing a tense hallway social situation, his leadership on the football field during a close game, or anywhere in between, we all knew that Dennis had our collective backs. A greater friend could not be found. That Dennis would find his life’s calling in education is no surprise. However, I also know it would take Dennis a several full years of life experiences to fill his quiver with the magic that makes him a true Life Changer. I’m aware he regularly engages any and all students during his secondary school positions, especially those under his care that may find themselves in troubling circumstances. The empathy and awareness Dennis bring to bear ensures the outcome of those confrontations are positive precisely as he has undoubtedly been in equally troubling or worse situations. Dennis knows, that given the right guidance and approach, there are lessons to be learned in any encounter. That skill is a true gift, indeed. Dennis is rare among those we stand in awe of. We simply marvel at how positive his attitude, how constant his goal is to be impactful, and how strong his passion for improving the lives of those around him. Given life’s challenges, an easier path would have been for Dennis to travel a much different direction. Rarely is anything gained via the easy route, however. Many are his friends, colleagues, and students that have crossed paths with Dennis who have truly benefited from his guidance and example. Lucky are we who have done so. Though our paths diverged somewhat after high school, fortunate for me we have stayed in touch, and I know we both appreciate the courses each of our lives have taken. I know I am not alone in that mutual admiration and appreciation. I remain well aware my life-long friend, Dennis, possesses the rare skill to turn a negative encounter into a positive, to see the good where others see only trouble, to instruct where some may only wish to punish, to realize the lessons to learn, and ensure there are always life experiences to teach. This and more I know to be true, that over the course of more than fifty years, Dennis Hill has positively changed my life, and I am fully confident he has done the same for countless others, all with positive, encouraging, and caring results. Can there be any other evidence that he is, indeed a Life Changer? I think not. Thanks for considering Dennis for this recognition.

Jake Larrabee Posted over a year ago

I can think of no person more deserving of the title "Life Changer" than Dennis Hill. I have been blessed by his guidance, support and friendship for the past 27+ years. Here is as brief a history about that time and impact that this long winded person can possibly keep... My first meeting with Dennis occurred a few years prior to his career into education. He was a supervisor of sorts as I entered the world of employment. My first job in the real world, at a popular downtown restaurant would be the first time Dennis (introduced as "Big D) would be a life changer for me. As a 15 y/o jock with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, I was inducted into the professional world justly by the majority of my "co-workers". I was talked down upon, refused breaks and treated as just another kid there to clean-up and stay out of the way. The exception to this treatment was from "D". From the first time we met he treated me as an adult, like any of his other co-workers. This was a first for me in any setting that I can recall being treated as an adult, not an annoying teen with too much attitude or swollen ego. This was vastly different from most of my teachers, my coaches or family members who always seemed determined to strong arm me into "learning a lesson or my place". He respected me, thanked me for my efforts and gave me opportunity to expand my skillset in the restaurant field. Others would soon follow his lead and I truly became part of this "team". As a result of his treatment my attitude and approach to people in general changed and the reception I received was so much better. He built a level of confidence that didn't need to be hidden behind attitude and disrespect, but the exact opposite and lead to so much more success in my professional and personal life. Our relationship grew and moved outside of work when "D" would ask me to assist him with home remodeling projects. Again, another experience where I was treated as an adult, a friend and made to feel like I never had before. Giving me tasks that I had no faith in accomplishing, but did thanks to his guidance and belief in me. What took me several years to realize, was that not only was this his nature but his sly plan to "mentor" me into becoming a better teenager and adult. At some point "D" became an assistant coach for my football team. With an already established and respected coaching staff, there wasn't much room for more adults to direct us. We were a very successful team and had seen several coaches come and go outside of the core 4 that had been with us for years. Coach Hill soon became a favorite of the entire team and jealously I had to share with all of them how great and influential this guy was. Proudly I was able to watch my friend and mentor have the same impact on several of my teammates in need. Again, his approach was to be kind, supportive and treat all as essentially mini-adults...what a concept! He offered advise and support without belittling or making you feel inferior. He truly was everyone's friendly big brother, uncle, father that we all wanted and needed as young adults and many didn't have. Somewhere in this period Coach Hill became Mr. Hill and was hired as the Principal at our Elementary School. Again I had to jealously share him, this time with my little brother who would share daily stories about how great the new Principal was. As a Senior in High School I was able to participate in a Community Based Learning program which essentially permitted you to earn school credit for working or volunteering in the community. Mr. Hill asked me if I would be interested in supervising open gym time during the winter months for grades k-4. Trust me when I say that becoming an early riser and entertaining little kids was not the opportunity I was looking forward too. However my friend "D" had asked in such a nice way filled with so much fluff about how good I would be with the kids and how it would allow them to come inside out of the cold...how could I say no to this guy? Those winter mornings were some of the most fun I had ever had. I developed relationships with some of those kids that continued through the rest of their educational years as a mentor or coach and continue today as a friend. I approached them the same way "D" had approached a relationship with myself, though not quite up to his level of expertise and it worked and felt so good. At a time when I was struggling to find direction, when I was preparing to head out into the "real world" and didn't want to hear the same advice speech or lecture from another adult, Dennis found a way to get through to me. Not with a speech or lecture, but with occasional tidbits of ideas or suggestions and by creating an opportunity to see my potential in a different avenue. I now had two potential paths that Dennis had brought to light for me, I had a possible direction when I had none. Both lasted for many years, largely impart due to the Life Changing efforts of Dennis Hill. I spent several successful years working in hospitality followed by several years working in the school system as a support or behavioral staff as well as a coach. Over all of these years I did my best to model this man's behavior that had such a large impact on my life. Several years have passed since this teenager met Dennis Hill on his first day of work (20+). I have maintained relationships with very few of my former co-workers, coaches or educators from that time, but Dennis Hill is one of them. It's not as often as I think we both would like, just a couple times a year through a text or bumping into each other. Always our annual exchange of birthday wishes about "only the greatest are born on this day" (we share the same birthday). When I was made aware of this award, Dennis was tops on my list of people deserving. I continue to read stories posted on social media by current and former students of the daily Life Changing impacts this amazing man has had on them. All with a similar theme of respect, being treated like an adult, cracking a joke, shedding a tear or strumming his guitar. I am so grateful for the different type of relationship I had and have with Dennis, my only wish is that I could also have had one of a student. Please consider Dennis Hill as the Life Changer Of The Year, an award he so deserves and likely is not aware.

Crystal Schafer Posted over a year ago

Mr. Dennis Hill he such a sweet man! I remember my first year at Spaulding. He came up to a couple of us in the lobby introduced himself. I had a baby in high school and he and his wife were both very supportive of me. I will never forget him..

John Gardner Posted over a year ago

I met Dennis, through my Daughter, Lindsay, who at one time was a Student at Spaulding High School where Mr Hill was Assistant Principal. She always spoke highly of Mr. Dennis Hill. She said that all the Students liked him because he was fair and you could talk to him. When I first met him and had some conversation, I immediately like him. My Daughter to this Day keeps in touch Dennis and his wife, Jennifer and I do as well. Bottom Line, we need more Dennis Hills in our School Systems.

Bill LaWare Posted over a year ago

As Director of Security for EWSD, my office was adjacent to Dennis Hill’s at EHS. This mountain of a man and I were at opposite ends of the political spectrum. However, I have never known a man (Dennis Hill) who so respected the opinion of others, even though it may differ from his own. This also was the case when Dennis interacted with the students that he served. Dennis loves his students, and, this is so obvious every hour of the school day. He can be found at the start and end of the school day greeting students as they enter the school bldg., telling them how awesome they are, or, saying goodbye to them at the end of the day. It matters not whether it’s raining or below zero, Dennis is there. During lunch hours, Dennis can be found in the school cafeteria having lunch with the special needs students. — they love Dennis Hill! I learned very quickly that even though Dennis looks like a linebacker for a pro football team, he is the proverbial “big teddy bear.” He wears his heart on his sleeve, and, has a heart as big as his body. This man would do anything for his students, his coworkers, or for his friends. It has been a privilege working with Dennis Hill, and, an honor to call him my friend.

Judy Turner Posted over a year ago

I had the pleasure of working with Dennis Hill for seven years. In that time I observed the way he works with students, staff, parents and the community alike. In the years that I’ve worked in a school setting I have yet to witness any administrator who connects with others the way Dennis does. He genuinely cares about everyone, offers good advice, and helps them find the positive in every situation. Dennis loves what he does and it shows through his involvement in activities from mentoring to coaching sports, and from greeting students in the halls to playing music with them. Dennis is the definition of a LifeChanger and I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.

Robert Corey Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hill is a “kid” first kind of man. His works in education has made a great difference in many countless young lives. His dedication is ...exemplary! One would be hard pressed to find a better nominee for such an award.

Amber Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hill was such a positive force in my life as a high school student. In a time where you can be surrounded by so many and feel so alone, he was there to let you know you weren’t alone. He has always been a someone I admire and think of often still to this day. I couldn’t think of a more deserving educator and role model.

Cathy Quinn Posted over a year ago

Dennis is a champion for all students. I am forever grateful that I got a chance to work with him at Essex High School. His brilliance, creativity, and warmth made ever day a pleasure. I was recently asked to find someone to speak on a panel about connecting with students that push you away. Dennis was my absolute first choice! I cannot think of a leader who deserves this more

C203 Advisory Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hill is easy to talk to, he is a chill person. He is a funny guy. He always greets us outside of school every morning.

Joanne Marie Pillsbury Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hill will forever hold a special place in both of my daughters' hearts. He has the uncanny ability to connect with them to make them feel heard and validated. He is able to laugh with them in the hallway, and he is able to recognize when they need a safe place to cry for a minute. He is empathetic and offers strong and gentle guidance. What a gift to have an educator in my children's lives who instills comfort, joy, hope, and confidence as they make their way into adulthood. Thank you, Mr. Hill, you certainly deserve to be honored.

Lauren Jordan Posted over a year ago

What a good human!!! My family and I are so fortunate to have worked with Dennis as a part of my sons’ high school experience. Dennis is a mensch. Good, fair, thoughtful, honest. Can’t get better than that.

Ryan Poulin Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hill is a man who not only gives students, and peers the molds to become better people, but he teaches them how they can fill them. From the moment he graced Essex High School, he has left a mark of intense kindness on the heart of any student, from any walk of life. For me, Mr. Hill has not only been a mentor, and principal, but he has allowed me to be his friend through even the strangest of times. As a graduating member of the class of 2020, it was easily the most difficult semester of my high school career. I can recall countless times, however, where I could find sanctum in a visit to Mr. Hill’s office. Even being the incredibly busy man that he is, he would always find time to share a moment, and play some guitar with me. When I think of Mr. Hill, it’s impossible to think outside of the realm of the ideal educator. He is humble, dedicated, and has built an environment of love and respect in our humble little high school. Thank you, friend.

Tiffany Schwicker Posted over a year ago

I haven’t been a student of Mr. Hill’s for about 15 years, but I still cannot bring myself to call him Dennis. I respect him as a teacher and an ever influencing role model. The impact he had on my life was and still continues to be very significant. Although, I wasn’t a trouble maker, I did spend a lot of time in his office, where I was treated like an equal, not like a student. Mr. Hill has a way of reaching students that I’m sure makes other educators envious. His optimistic personally makes you see a better world; makes you want to be a better person. We need more people like Mr. Hill in our education systems. Our education system is seriously lacking and educators do their best with what they have, I applaud them, but then there are people like Mr. Hill who go above and beyond what’s expected of them. Educators like Mr. Hill NEED to be put out in the spot light, to inspire others, to truly reach these kids. He does it with a smile on his face every day. He is living his truth, his dream and it’s inspiring and hopeful for all educators who come after him.

Erin Schmitt Posted over a year ago

Dennis genuinely cares about the people around him. I've seen him show immense kindness to students and staff. I know I can go to him for anything, even just a friendly chat. I hear many students talk about how supportive he is and how much they enjoy that they feel like they really know him vs just being an "authority." Thank you so much for all that you do in our school community!

Mikayla Merrill Posted over a year ago

Mr. Hill was one of the best principals and mentors I’ve ever had. His guidance, wisdom, and genuine personality made high school a little less intimidating. He truly cares for each and every one of his students and would do everything in his power to help them reach their fullest potential.