Wednesday, March 25, 2020

Dear Mount Vernon Family, This letter is certainly the most challenging letter that I have written over the last two weeks and one of the most difficult in my career. According to a family member, I want to take this opportunity to inform you that Mr. Ron Hill, a beloved member of our Upper School teaching and coaching staff, passed away on March 24, 2020. This is an incredible loss to our community, as he has had an impact on many of us including my own family. We could only wish to have a little of Coach Hill in our lives -- a big smile with an even bigger heart. In 1975, early on in his career, Coach Hill enlisted in the US military. Brave and courageous beyond measure, he fought hard and rose up in the ranks, serving our country until 1983. Also, he was the National President of the Sigma Alpha Gamma Military Fraternity, service-minded military men achieving their highest potential both professionally and personally. During his nearly 7-year tenure at Mount Vernon, he served as a teacher in the Upper School as well as a coach in football, basketball, and track in the Middle School and Upper School. More importantly, he cared deeply for Mount Vernon students and his colleagues, always empathizing with them yet challenging them to be better. He stood up for us during times of rejection, failure, and loss. Now, we need to stand up for Coach Hill, unite in celebrating his impactful life, and pray for his grieving family. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.



Dr. King said, "Everybody can be great because everybody can serve...You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love." Coach Ron Hill, a coach, teacher, and friend had a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love. We salute you, Coach Hill. We will miss you, but we know you are in the hands of our Heavenly Father.



While challenging to communicate, this type of news is also difficult to process and digest, especially for students. To Upper School parents, be sure to share with your students as the US Deans will share this message with students in grades 9-12 via email. Note, this will not be emailed to students in any other divisions. If you or your children need to talk with someone, the Mount Vernon counseling staff and administrative team are here to assist and provide support. Dr. Kelli Bynum, Upper Campus Counselor

Stephanie Corbett, Lower Campus Counselor

Chip Houston, Head of Upper School

Wayne Dabbs, Upper School Dean of Student Life and Operations

Trish Bogdanchik, Upper School Dean of Student Life and Operations

Dr. Erin McCubbin, Upper School Head of Academic and College Counseling

Brandi Hoyos, Director of Multicultural Innovation and Diverse Networks

Dr. Angél Kytle, Head of Middle School

Max Hanson, Middle School Dean of Student Life

Brad Dehem, Director of Athletics

Brian Burchik, Director of Spiritual Life

Tarrik Mabon, Middle School Spiritual Life Coordinator In honor of Coach Hill, an online memorial has been established to offer condolences to the family and celebrate his impactful life. We will update you on more information as made available to us. Please continue to pray for his family and rally around grieving staff members and students during this very difficult time. May we be known for our love for each other, Dr. Brett Jacobsen

Head of School