AUTOGRAPH THE OFFICIAL INDIAN HILL SCHOOL DISTRICT ALUMNI MAGAZINE

INSIDE

BOLL & BRANCH FOUNDER AND INDIAN HILL ALUMNA
MISSY TANNEN

REFLECTING WITH THE VP & TREASURER OF KROGER

Q&A WITH ATHLETES SWIMMING AT STANFORD

SAVE THE DATE

2026-2027 IMPORTANT DATES

CLASS OF 2027 GRADUATION

Saturday April 24

Thursday May 27

LEADERSHIP
ATHLETICS
ARTS

TABLEOFCONTENTS 03

Introducing Brian Phelps, Director of Alumni & Activity Advancement

04

A Message from Dr. Melissa Stewart, Superintendent

05

Monique Sewell: Growing Up Brave

06

EduHero Podcast with Mrinal Singh

07

Reza Yadin: Impact in Action

08

Carin Fike: An Open Mind

09

Defining Leadership with Missy Tannen

11

Decades: Alumni Updates

12

IH Foundation: Distinguished Alumni Awards

13

Gibson Holmes & Jason Zhao: Swimming at Stanford

15

IH Arts Conservatory Debut Hall of Fame

17
2026 Athletic Hall of Fame

A YEAR IN REVIEW HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2025-2026

O

Jason Zhao ‘25 - Stanford Swimming

INTRODUCING BRIAN PHELPS

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND ACTIVITIES ADVANCEMENT

“I am incredibly honored to take on this new role and continue serving the Indian Hill community. Indian Hill has always been defined by the strength of its people and the connections that unite us. This opportunity allows us to thoughtfully bring together athletics, arts, activities, and alumni engagement in a way that enhances the student experience and builds lasting relationships.”

COMING SOON
BRAVES FOR LIFE

Alumni, let’s stay in touch!

Scan the QR code to submit your information to stay in the loop on all things
IH Alumni.

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WE ARE & WILL ALWAYS
BE BRAVES

A letter from Dr. Melissa Stewart Superintendent, Indian Hill Schools

T^here ^is ^something ^powerful ^about ^reflection. ^Pausing to consider where we have been, who we have become, and the people and experiences that shaped us along the way.

As we proudly present the second edition of AUTOGRAPH, our official district alumni magazine, we are reminded that the story of Indian Hill does not end at graduation. In many ways, it is only just beginning…

Across the country and around the world, Indian Hill graduates are making a meaningful impact—leading innovative businesses, shaping the future through the arts, competing and excelling in athletics, and contributing to their communities with purpose and integrity. Their paths are diverse, but their foundation is shared: a commitment to excellence, a spirit of curiosity, and a deep sense of connection to something greater than themselves. This publication celebrates those journeys.

These are the Brave stories that are also powerful reminders to our current students that the possibilities ahead of them are boundless. It is that same spirit, connection, excellence, and belonging, that continues to guide our work today.

Recently, we proudly announced the promotion of Brian Phelps to Director of Alumni and Activities Advancement, a new leadership role designed to further unify our nationally recognized athletics and arts programs while strengthening meaningful connections with our alumni community. This work is more than organizational, it is intentional. It reflects our belief that the Indian Hill experience does not end at graduation but rather evolves into a lifelong relationship.

Through the launch of Braves for Life, our alumni

By bringing together athletics, arts, activities, and alumni engagement, we are building a seamless, student-centered environment that fosters belonging, leadership, and exploration.

This is the continuation of the stories you will read in AUTOGRAPH, not just reflections of past achievements, but a living, growing network of individuals who carry forward the values of Indian Hill in everything they do.

As you read through this year’s AUTOGRAPH, I hope you feel a renewed sense of pride and connection. Whether you graduated recently or decades ago, you are an essential part of this story.

Your journey matters. Your voice matters. Your legacy continues to shape the future of Indian Hill.

And we ARE and always will be BRAVES.

Dr. Melissa Stewart Superintendent
Indian Hill School District

Dr. Melissa Stewart began serving the district in 2007 and has spent nearly two decades in leadership roles within Indian Hill Schools.

engagement initiative, we are creating opportunities for graduates to remain connected in ways that matter: mentoring students, sharing their experiences, and
helping to shape the next generation of Braves.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT
DR. STEWART

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GROWING UP BRAVE

A FAMILY’S SHARED JOURNEY THROUGH INDIAN HILL BLENDS SERVICE, GLOBAL LEARNING, AND LASTING IMPACT

F_or _the _Sewell _family, _being _a _Brave _has _never _been _limited to time spent inside the classroom. It is a mindset, one rooted in curiosity, service, and a commitment to making the most of every opportunity.

As the parents of four Indian Hill High School graduates, Monique and Mike Sewell have watched that mindset take shape in each of their children’s journeys. From academics to extracurriculars, the Sewell family experience reflects not just individual achievement, but a shared commitment to growth.

A common thread for all four children was their involvement in Indian Hill High School’s nationally awarded DECA business and marketing curriculum, a program Monique describes as transformative.
“My involvement in DECA prepared me for my business major courses at Ohio State University,” confirmed Julia (Sewell) Becker, IHHS ‘15. “Involvement in sports in high school built my leadership skills, teamwork and communication skills, and they taught me the rewards of hard work and dedication, as well as time management.”

For the Sewell family, those lessons extended far beyond competition or coursework. Mike and Monique consider service a cornerstone of their family life and model service to their children. Mike has served on numerous boards including, the Cincinnati Ballet, the YMCA, Dan Beard Council and the Ronald McDonald House. Monique has
focused her service to the Indian Hill Community.

“I am so incredibly proud of all the work my Mom has done for the Village, not only during her time on Council or as Comptroller, but her commitment to giving back to the community throughout me and my siblings’ years in Indian Hill. Throughout our time at Indian Hill, my Mom attended countless school field trips, raised money for Volley for a Cure, judged DECA, helped build the new schools, and chaired After Prom, but that is only scratching the surface,” said Katie (Sewell) McClelland, IHHS ‘13. “She always has, and continues to, go above and beyond for her community.”

Each child pursued excellence not only in school activities, but also through a shared deep commitment to service, an ethos reflected in the fact that all four earned the highest honors in scouting, achieving either the Gold Award or Eagle Scout distinction.

Learning also stretched well beyond Indian Hill’s classrooms. The Sewell family made global travel a cornerstone of education, intentionally connecting classroom lessons to real-world experiences. Trips to Egypt, Rome, and Turkey brought 7th grade studies of geography and world religions to life. Visits to Russia and Cuba offered firsthand perspectives on communism, while time in South Africa deepened understanding of apartheid and its
lasting impact.

These experiences, paired with the academic foundation at Indian Hill, helped prepare the Sewell children for success well beyond high school. Today, the family includes two CPAs, an optometrist, and Lauren, a DECA standout and the program’s first four-time state champion at Indian Hill, who now works in fashion marketing in New York City.

The Sewell family gathered for Christmas in 2025.
From left to right: Mike, Katie, Monique, Lauren, Julia, and Michael.

Yet, for all the accomplishments, it is the moments

of connection that stand out most.

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“The friendships made, and conversations I had during long bus rides or late nights on the track during meets are some of my favorite memories,” Becker said. “The lessons learned outside of the classroom were just as important as in the classroom.”

Those experiences were often made possible by a strong network of family and community support, something Monique both contributed to and valued deeply. While her service to the Village and the district has been extensive, the Sewell story is ultimately one of a family growing together through shared experiences, meaningful opportunities, and a belief in the power of education.

“I got more back than I ever gave,” Monique Sewell reflected.

Lauren Sewell reflects, “I’m incredibly grateful for my time at Indian Hill. Not only for learning from state-of-the-art top-level teachers and administrators that were extremely supportive, but also for the memories and personal development that I had during my years at Indian Hill. K-12 are some of the most transformative years in your life and build the foundation of who you are as a person. I’m proud to say that I come from a district and community that strives for excellence, leadership and service. The faculty and staff at Indian Hill are the best out there and I am proud to always be a Brave!”

IMPACT IN ACTION

I^n ^2005, ^Reza ^Yazdian, ^JD, ^IHHS ^‘89, ^founded Synchrocare LLC, a company dedicated to advancing

the way surgical technologies are integrated into hospitals and outpatient centers by improving the efficiency and accessibility of medical devices, ensuring that critical devices are available when and where they are needed. In 2025, he launched the first-of-its-kind franchise program.

At the heart of his business, and who he is, is giving back. Serving and advocating for others has always come naturally for Yazdian. "Indian Hill sparked that interest in me," he said, reflecting on where his passion for service began. As a student, Yazdian led an initiative to help underserved families.

“INDIAN HILL SPARKED THAT INTEREST IN ME.”

He was named the University of Cincinnati's Interfraternity Council Chairman of the Year where he won the national award for philanthropy, leading volunteer efforts with children's shelters.

Continuing to care for others through a legal lens, Yazdian represented veterans and the elderly pro bono while at Cooley Law School. He was awarded one of the highest accolades, the Distinguished Student Award and was elected to sit on the Alumni Board of Governors. Yazdian went on to serve as a court-appointed special advocate for children in foster care.

Looking back on his life and success, Yazdian is

thankful for his Indian Hill roots.

SCAN HERE FOR MRINAL’S INTERVIEW WITH
DR. STEWART

CONNECTION AT THE CORE

‘17 GRADUATE LAUNCHES STARTUP WITH INDIAN HILL CONNECTION AT ITS ROOTS

M^rinal ^Singh, ^IHHS ^‘17, ^is ^the ^CEO/Co-Founder ^of ^Bolto, ^an ^AI ^enabled global payments and HR company. On a recent Brave Chat, Singh explained how his Indian Hill connections and experiences are at the center of it all.

After graduating from Dartmouth, Singh moved to New York and connected with Milan Bhandari, his tennis doubles partner from Indian Hill. The pair, along with Singh’s friend from Dartmouth, collaborated and created Bolto.

Related to their startup, Singh was invited to speak at the Web Summit in Lisbon as part of the “AI and The Future of Work” series. As he prepared to take the stage, he knew he could fall back on the soft skills he learned at Indian Hill.

“That talk [in Portugal] largely happens because I did things like Mock Trial at Indian Hill,” he said. “When it comes to soft skills... you can learn a lot from a textbook, but at the same time a lot of learning happens when you’re walking through these halls and you’re doing extracurriculars or you’re talking to your friends and learning from their parents businesses and doing internships.” Check out the podcast to learn more!

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THE POWER OF AN OPEN MIND THE VICE PRESIDENT & TREASURER OF KROGER REFLECTS ON HER CAREER JOURNEY

A_s _a _student _at _Indian _Hill, _Carin _Fike, _IHHS _‘86, _wanted _to _pursue _a _career _in _medicine; _it _wasn’t _her passion for accounting, later leading to her career at Kroger.

The Vice President & Treasurer of Kroger recently returned to The Hill to share inspiration and insight with students as a panelist for an IH Experienceships Finance Panel.

Can you share about your career journey?

My career path has taken many unexpected twists and turns, and led to a place I never imagined. As an Indian Hill student, I dreamed of a career in medicine. A freshman year organic chemistry class at Duke University ended that dream – or, rather, made that dream face reality. My first job after college was in the office of Senator John Glenn in Washington, DC. I began as a receptionist and ultimately became one of his legislative correspondents. That’s a fancy title for someone who answers the Senator’s mail! A brief stint in the corporate risk management department of General Dynamics, a defense contractor, led me to pursue an MBA in Finance at Indiana University, where I also specialized in accounting. This is where I really found my passion. After a few years with public accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, I joined Kroger, which has been like a family to me and is where I work today. At Kroger, I’ve enjoyed various roles, most within the finance function. A career in corporate finance was not on my radar as an 18-year-old student at Indian Hill High School. That’s why I encourage students to be open-minded and flexible about their future career paths.

What advice do you have for current students interested in leadership?

I don’t view leadership as an aspirational goal. If you role model positive and constructive behavior, you will become a leader. I’m as flawed as any other human being, but I try to live my life so that I can look at myself in the mirror and be okay with the image reflected back to me.

During your time at Indian Hill, what experiences helped you develop your leadership skills? Was there a stand-out moment you’d like to share?
I don’t think I was viewed as a leader at Indian Hill Schools, other than my focus on academics. I did participate in many activities, including band and the JV tennis team. I wouldn’t trade my experiences at IH for anything. I formed many genuine friendships that have enriched my life and supported me through challenging times. Many of these friendships remain today, and I feel very blessed for those connections.

Fike’s Final Thoughts:

Indian Hill is such a special community. IH students, I encourage you to take advantage of the incredible educational and development opportunities available to you here. Much of the joy in my life comes from growing up in Indian Hill – through my family, friends, neighbors, and teachers. As a current IH resident, I appreciate the Rangers and the service professionals who take care of our community every day. I’m fortunate to continue to call Indian Hill my home.

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DEFINING LEADERSHIP WITH
MISSY TANNEN

THE PEOPLE MAKING OUR PRODUCTS, COTTON FARMERS AND FACTORY WORKERS, ARE THE REASON THIS BRAND EXISTS. THEY DESERVE THE SAME DIGNITY IN THEIR WORK THAT WE WANT IN OURS.

- MISSY TANNEN Founder/Chief Product Officer, Boll & Branch
Indian Hill High School ‘95

HOW HER TAKE ON LEADERSHIP LEADS BACK TO INDIAN HILL

G^rowing ^up, ^Missy ^(Tullis) ^Tannen, ^IHHS ^‘95 ^and ^Founder/Chief ^Product ^Officer ^of ^Boll ^& ^Branch, ^worked ^at ^LaRosa’s ^Family Pizzeria. She spent time washing the windows, cleaning smudges off the glass door, and seating customers with care. Taking

pride in her work started in moments like these, and went on to be the core of her own business.

Tannen and her husband launched Boll & Branch in 2014 after getting a new bed and going sheet shopping. The couple was overwhelmed thinking about how much to spend, thread count, and not knowing what mattered in a good sheet set.

They realized despite everyone using bed sheets, no one knew who is making them, where they come from, or how to define quality in them.

The couple went on to build their own supply chain from raw material to the finished product. Boll & Branch was the first bedding brand in the industry to become Fair Trade Certified, holding every product to the highest quality standards, from the cotton farmer to the customer's doorstep.

Their first product was white and ivory sheets, made in the signature fabric they still make today.

“We didn’t even have this brand yet. It was just this idea and hope of doing things differently,” Tannen said.

That sentiment is still true and evident in the brand’s approach today. Starting out, Tannen drew inspiration from wanting to make the best sheets possible for her mom and sister, and present them in a way that felt special.

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“That’s even where the packaging comes in. We wrap everything with a bow and we have a beautiful gift box because I wanted them to be proud. I wanted it to feel like they were getting a gift,” she said. “All of our customers have that experience now.”

As Boll & Branch grew, Tannen never lost sight of the

values that were instilled in her.

Although she didn’t know it at the time, Tannen says Indian Hill gave her the foundation she’s built her life and professional career on. “The teachers knew your name, and they knew my family,” she said.

“It’s a rare thing to grow up in a place where you felt

genuinely held by a whole community.”

"Every day for the past decade, I've worked to make sure the people who make our products, on the other side of the world, are treated kindly and paid fairly. The people making our products, cotton farmers and factory workers, are the reason this brand exists. They deserve the same dignity in their work that we want in ours."

Before Boll & Branch, the Tullis family had set this same example in the Indian Hill community. Her father Mark Tullis previously served as the Mayor of Indian Hill, her mother Vicki was head of the PTO, and her brother Bear currently serves as the Indian Hill Board of Education President.

In addition to relying on her family values, Tannen continuously leans on the skills and experiences she gained as an Indian Hill student.

“There are so many opportunities to explore [as a student] that give you such a wide foundation. That’s what I’ve been drawing on, whether it’s color theory for our color palette now or having to speak in front of a group when we had our whole company kickoff meeting, or being part of a
community and realizing we all need to give and take and	^The ^Tullis ^family. ^From ^left ^to ^right: ^Vicki, ^Ali, ^Bear, ^Missy, ^and ^Mark. work together collaboratively,” she said.

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DECADES

INDIAN HILL ALUMNI UPDATES

CASH HAYDEN IHHS ‘95

Cash is the Principal of Indian Hill Primary School, marking his ninth year as an administrator in the district. He lives in the community with his wife, Kelly, and their three children: CJ, IHHS ‘24, and twins Chas and
Sydney (class of 2028).

LET’S CONNECT

Alumni, want to be featured in future IH Publications?

Share your story here!

BENN VANOUDENALLEN & MICHELLE METCALF IHHS ‘94
IHHS ‘97

Benn and Michelle are back home in every sense of the word. Benn is serving as the Economics instructor at Indian Hill High School. He recently received an Outstanding Educator award from the University of Chicago. Outside of teaching, he and his wife Michelle are busy cheering on their daughters Grey (class of 2029) who is active in IH Field Hockey, and Stage Crew, and Ingrid (class of 2030) who runs Cross Country and Track and Field.

TAYLOR JACKSON IHHS ‘13

Taylor is the founder of Tailored Lanes, a luxury travel advisory that designs bespoke trips and experiences for clients around the world. She is based in Cincinnati, Ohio and would love to help fellow IHHS alumni plan their next getaway!

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IH FOUNDATION: DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

2026 ALUMNI AWARD HONOREES

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD DR. TIMOTHY KREMCHECK CLASS OF 1977
Founding Member, Beacon Orthopedics

BRAVE SERVICE AWARD DR.WILLIAM CAMM CLASS OF 1969
Internal Medicine & Medical Insurance Consultant

YOUNG BRAVE AWARD SCOTT SHEPPARD CLASS OF 2006
Composer for Film & Television

T^he ^Indian ^Hill ^Foundation ^announced the recipients of the 2026 Alumni

Awards, recognizing outstanding graduates whose achievements, service, and leadership exemplify the spirit of Indian Hill. The honorees were celebrated during the 2026 Alumni Award event on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Kenwood Country Club.

The evening also featured keynote speaker Tim Spence, Chairman, CEO, and President of Fifth Third Bank.

“These remarkable alumni represent the very best of Indian Hill,” said Lauren Crandall, president of the Indian Hill Foundation. “Their accomplishments across medicine, service, and the arts demonstrate the lasting impact of an Indian Hill education. We are honored to celebrate their contributions and the ways they continue to inspire future generations of Braves.”

Dr. Melissa Stewart, Superintendent of Indian Hill Schools, added, “Our alumni are a powerful reflection of the values instilled throughout their time in Indian Hill – excellence, integrity, and a commitment to making a difference. These honorees exemplify those ideals, and we are proud to recognize their achievements and the meaningful impact they have made in their
respective fields and communities.”

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SWIMMING AT STANF IHHS SENIOR LIBBY HOLMES ASKS WHAT THESE COLLEGIATE ATHLETE

I_ndian _Hill _senior, _swimmer _and _college _recruit, _Libby _Holmes, _sits _down _with brother, Gibson Holmes, IHHS ‘23, and teammate Jason Zhao, IHHS ‘25, both standout swimmers at Stanford University for a Q&A update.

Gibson, an All-American, has earned top finishes in the 200 butterfly and 400 individual medley, ranking among Stanford’s all-time best, and dominated Oh school swimming with 10 state titles and record-setting performances.

Jason has represented Team USA, winning multiple medals at international competitions, breaking world junior and meet records, and setting the OHSAA record in the 500 freestyle.

Together, the trio shared their insights on what it means to be a Brave, lessons learned at Indian Hill, and advice for students striving to succeed academically athletically...

ORD
S HAVE LEARNED

her

io high

state

and

Libby Holmes (LH): Looking back, what experien in college?

Gibson Holmes (GH): Indian Hill prepared me to relationships with faculty and classmates. The lea mentorship, collaboration, and early leadership o development of my professional agency and conf academics with extracurricular commitments hel success in college.

LH: What are your future plans?

GH: After graduation, I plan to take a gap year to experience in preparation for applying to medical

LH: What advice would you share with current Braves about making the most

GH: Do the things that make you proud of yourself and your community. Take f available to students. The programs and staff at Indian Hill are passionate abou
_13	potential. If you have a goal, Indian Hill is a place where you have the utmost su

ces at IH prepared you most for success

create meaningful and productive rning environment fostered close
pportunities, which allowed for the early idence. Learning to balance rigorous
ped me build the initiative necessary for

continue my clinical and research school.

of their years here?

ull advantage of the opportunities t seeing their students reach their pport to achieve it. Go for it.

STANFORD ATHLETICS

LH: What does leadership mean to you, or how do you define leadership as a student-athlete?

Jason Zhao (JZ): Leadership is not just the impact that one has on their surroundings, though this is usually the most noticed and measured metric of leadership. The best leaders that I look up to inspire others with their ability. Of course, they are never lacking in character, and the combination of both is what defines leadership, and makes it so rare and important.

LH: What does being a Brave mean to you?

JZ: Being a Brave isn’t just about where you went to school. Each Brave represents their own excellence and story but also the pillars of our district. I take great pride in being able to call myself a Brave, and I strive to continue to represent our core values.

LH: What advice would you share with current Braves about making the most of their years here?

JZ: Get comfortable with taking chances. Even temporary setbacks will seem insignificant in due time, and the best lessons are learned through trial. Indian Hill has some of the best support anywhere, whether it be peers or faculty who will help guide you, but the first steps must be your own.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

SCAN THE BELOW QR CODES TO READ MORE ABOUT GIBSON & JASON DURING THEIR TIME AT IHHS

2023 INDIAN HILL AQUABRAVES

CELEBRATE 10-TIME STATE CHAMPION AND NEW STATE RECORD

2025 WORLD RECORD
HOLDER JASON ZHAO WINS STATE FOR INDIAN HILL IN
200 FREESTYLE	^14

I | H

IH ARTS CONSERVATORY HALL OF FAME
MARCH 8, 2026

O^n ^Sunday, ^March ^8, ^the ^Indian ^Hill ^School ^District held a ceremony in the Sue Harder Memorial Performing Arts Center to announce the inaugural inductees of the IH Arts Conservatory Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame and Ceremony honors alumni and educators whose achievements and contributions have strengthened the legacy of arts excellence in the community.

“The arts are foundational to who we are as a school community; our inductees exemplify how artistic education inspires excellence, broadens perspectives, and enriches lives,” said Indian Hill Superintendent Dr. Melissa Stewart. “We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the enduring arts tradition of our esteemed Indian Hill Arts Conservatory.”

There were three categories of recognition: the Distinguished Art Alumni Award, the Rising Star
Award, and the Legacy Art Award.

The debut inductees were Tom Tsuchiya, IHHS ‘90, Sailor Betts, IHHS ‘20, and longtime educator Steve Strider.

“Each inductee represents a different facet of what makes our program exceptional— emerging talent, nationally recognized artistic achievement, and the educators who shape generations,” said Indian Hill Arts and Activities Director Amy Clark. “Their creativity and passion continue to elevate the arts at Indian Hill, and we look forward to joining with our supportive community to honor their achievements.”

WANT TO NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR
THE 2027 IH ARTS CONSERVATORY HALL OF FAME?
SCAN THE QR CODE OR EMAIL AMY.CLARK@IHSD.US!

Recognition During IHHS’s 2026 Cabaret

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MEET THE
2026 INDUCTEES

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD TOM TSUCHIYA
CLASS OF 1990

Internationally acclaimed sculptor Tom Tsuchiya is best known for creating the National Baseball Hall of Fame plaques in Cooperstown and the sculptures at Great American Ball Park. His artistic journey began at Indian Hill, where he developed an early interest in classical mythology that led to award-winning student work. Tsuchiya’s sculptures blend cultural heritage, environmental themes, and public engagement—seen in works such as Atlas Recycled and the first permanent BLINK installation. A founding member of the Creative Asian Society, he continues to champion diversity in the arts. His career reflects extraordinary artistic innovation and global impact.

THE RISING STAR AWARD SAILOR BETTS
CLASS OF 2020

A standout member of the Braves Beat news program, Sailor Betts discovered her passion for sports storytelling at Indian Hill, earning a Blue Chip Award for one of her narrative features. After graduating in 2020, she earned a B.A. in Journalism with a certificate in Sports Media from the University of Georgia, where she also served as president of DiGamma Kappa. Her early professional experience includes work with ESPN, NBC Sports, and Deadline Hollywood. She now works as a Sports Social Media Manager for LA-based Digital Media Management, producing live content across the NBC Sports portfolio, including Sunday Night Football and the NBA on NBC. She exemplifies the promise and professionalism recognized through the Rising Star Award.

LEGACY ART AWARD STEVE STRIDER FORMER EDUCATOR

A beloved educator and musician, Steve Strider shaped generations of Indian Hill students through his leadership of the symphonic band, marching band, and jazz ensemble. A skilled jazz drummer who recorded at Cincinnati’s historic King Records, Strider brought deep artistry and joyful professionalism to the classroom. As the school’s longtime auditorium coordinator, he taught the technical craft of theatre—working primarily with the Auditorium Tech Crew— while guiding multiple performance space renovations. Known for his humility, humor, and profound ability to connect with students, Strider inspired many to pursue music and theatre careers and helped countless others develop a lifelong love of the arts. His impact is woven into the fabric of the Indian Hill arts community.

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2026
ATHLETIC
HALL
OF

FAME
_Award _winners _from _left _to _right: _Anna _Podojil, _Coach _Susan _Savage, _Denny _Dupps, _IHTN, _& _Coach _Larry _Ely	2026 AWARD WINNERS

All Braves were invited to attend the Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony on January 10, 2026 to welcome four new members:

ANNA PODOJIL (IHHS ‘19)

Podojil achieved the following during her time at Indian Hill:

2017 Ohio Female Soccer Player of the Year Led IH to the Ohio Division II state title while
undefeated at 22-0-1

Set records with 38 goals in a season and 112 in her career
2019 Ohio Champion in the 400 meters and the 4x400-meter relay
Won the 200-meter title in 2019

Overall, earned nine overall All-State accolades and broke five school records

She was a four-year starter in soccer at Arkansas, setting the school record with 50 career goals and 135 points while leading the Razorbacks to 5 straight NCAA Tournaments. She was also the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year, a five-time All-SEC honoree and a three-time United Soccer Coaches All-American.

Coach Susan Savage

Savage served IH for over three decades as a chemistry teacher and coach. She began her IH coaching career in 1990 as a girls basketball head coach before taking over the cross country program in 1991 and the track and field program in 1992.

She led the girls to the 2019 Division II state track and field championship, where in the process Elizabeth Whaley, Ellie Podojil, Anna Podojil, and Meghan O’Brien set the state record in the 1600-meter relay.

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She went on to be named the Ohio Association of Track and Cross Country Coaches Coach of the Year in girls cross country in 2024.

Coach Savage was a four-year letter winner at West Virginia University and continued to train and compete in road races and triathlons in recent years.

Coach Larry Ely

Coaching over 800 games as a middle school head coach and high school assistant, Ely is known as one of the most beloved coaches in IH history.

After an incredible 47-game middle school winning streak, he set a participation record with 85 players on an eighth-grade football team.

Ely was a linebacker at the University of Iowa before being drafted by Paul Brown and the Cincinnati Bengals, and went on to play several seasons in the NFL and WFL.

Denny Dupps, IHTN

Dupps retired last school year from his teaching role after starting with the district in 1969. He continues to lead the Indian Hill Television Network as an executive producer of district productions which has always been under his direction while streaming thousands of district events.

While teaching and coaching at Indian Hill High School, Dupps has continued to be on the cutting edge of technology, producing live school events in a manner that exceeds expectations and is well beyond peer performance. He has not only provided coverage of thousands of events for thousands of Indian Hill families, but he has also trained several Indian Hill students who went on to work for
multiple television networks, including ESPN.

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INDIAN HILL EXEMPTED VILLAGE SCHOOL DISTRICT
6855 Drake Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243 (513) 272-4500 www.indianhillschools.org