Esteemed educator Benn VanOudenallen returned to Indian Hill High School during the 2022-2023 school year ... we say “back” because VanOudenallen is an alum, and he has a Brave family! Benn’s wife, Michelle Metcalf, is a 1997 graduate, and his two daughters, Grey and Ingrid, are current Indian Hill students. In addition to teaching government and economics, VanOudenallen is leading the prestigious Indian Hill High School Mock Trial program, an institution he helped establish during his tenure as a student. What you may not know, is this educator has a GRAMMY!
From Benn:
“The full name is the Jane Ortner Educator Award and it is from the Grammy Museum. The award is for the use of music in the classroom. Specifically, the award is connected to my use of the banjo and guitar in the teaching of cultural diffusion in AP Human Geography. The genesis of the idea is rooted in my love of playing and performing folk music. I was the national winner back in 2021.”
Art Career Highlight…
“We kicked off a show for Richie Havens once and it was so cool to 'open' for the guy who opened Woodstock! As a folk music nerd it doesn't get much better than that.”
Art Memories from Indian Hill High School…
“Jim Willits suggested I join up for the big musical my senior year. IH was doing Singin’ in the Rain. Saying no remains my biggest regret. I remember sitting in the audience and wishing I was part of the crew that made the magic happen. I remembered that feeling and stepped up as an emcee for Musicfest that spring. I had such a blast that I've said ‘yes’ to every opportunity to get on stage ever since.”
Read more about Benn’s service to students as recognized
here by
Honored.