Indian Hill High School (IHHS) celebrated students who are planning for futures in the arts and military during the third-annual Arts and Military Signing Ceremony on Wednesday, May 10. Twelve students preparing for studies within the arts and military took center stage at the Indian Hill High School Auditorium with friends and family in the audience cheering them on.
“What a wonderful celebration of our student-artists and our students who have committed to serve our great nation,” said Indian Hill High School Principal Jeff Damadeo. “We are so proud of these students, not only for what they have achieved, but also for who they are as individuals. We can’t wait to see what their futures hold.”
The Class of 2023 students being celebrated included:
• Chiara Cavallero, Fine Arts minor, University of Cincinnati
• Emery Maelee Cunningham, Musical Theatre, Boston Conservatory at Berklee
• Jozzy Faber, Architecture with a minor in Visual Culture, Syracuse University
• Michelle Fu, Art and Art History minors, University of Miami
• Min Jae Kim, United States Marine Corps, Ohio State University
• Joseph Francisco Kayne, Double Major in History and Music, Yale University
• Joshua Knehans, Vocal Performance, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Marko Petrovic, Music, Media, and Enterprise Minor, the Ohio State University
• Alex Rozakis, Moving Image Production/Screenwriting, the Ohio State University
• Calum A. Sutherland, Graphic Design, Oregon State University
• Reesë Tuttle, Masters in Software Engineering, Harvard University
• Luis Esteban Vega-Torres, Classical Vocal Performance, Manhattan School of Music
Chiara Cavallero, Fine Arts minor, University of Cincinnati
From Chiara Cavallero:
“I had the most fun with amazing art teachers.”
Emery Maelee Cunningham, Musical Theatre, Boston Conservatory at Berklee
• Orchestra Excellence Award, 2021 & 2022
• Student Director of Premieres Choir
• Nouveau Chamber Players
• Semi-Finalist for Overtures
• Cincinnati Music Theatre Scholarship Finalist
From Emery Cunningham:
“Indian Hill High School has taught me a lot when it comes to the arts. It is a bittersweet moment but I know it is my time to go on to bigger and better things. I thank Indian Hill for teaching me true life lessons and for being the stepping stone for the next chapter of my life.”
Jozzy Faber, Architecture with a minor in Visual Culture, Syracuse University
• Academic Performance Visual Arts Award
From Jozzy Faber:
“The amazing thing about art is that no matter how much I practice it, I can always improve and learn something new.”
Michelle Fu, Art and Art History minors, University of Miami
• Overture Awards (semifinalist)
• Governor's Art Awards (Nationals)
• Scholastic Awards (Nationals)
• Art Scholarship Award
From Michelle Fu:
“Thank you for all the opportunities and outlets in the art department that allowed me to freely express and explore my interests for painting; especially to Mr. Wolter and Mrs. Pfeiffer for always supporting and believing in my abilities.”
Joseph Francisco Kayne, Double Major in History and Music, Yale University
• Finalist at Cincinnati Arts Association Overture Awards
• National Association of Teachers of Singing National Semi-finalist
• Ohio Music Education Association All-State Choir
From Joseph Kayne: “Singing in choir, The Power of Music, and performing in music theatre shows at Indian Hill High School, has shown me the power of self-expression through the arts. I'm certainly not ready to give that up after high school. In college I will continue to study music, perform in musical theatre, and learn about music history and theory.”
Joshua William Tobias Knehans, Vocal Performance, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• Two awards in excellence for band
• One award in excellence for choir
• Full tuition scholarship to UIUC
From Josh Knehans:
“Music at Indian Hill has helped me grow as a performer and as a person. I wouldn't be pursuing this career without the support of the teachers and the love of music they instill in their students.”
Marko Petrovic, Music, Media, and Enterprise Minor, The Ohio State University
From Marko:
“Thank you, Indian Hill High School, for all the opportunities over the years to express myself and participate in the music program.”
Alex Rozakis, Moving Image Production/Screenwriting, The Ohio State University
• 5 Blue Chip Awards – 2022
• 10 nominations for Blue Chip Awards 2023
• President Indian Hill Television Network (IHTN)
• Member of Sports Media
From Alex Rozakis:
“I have found my time at IHHS very fulfilling. The skills that I have developed over these four years have helped me excel in the area that I would like to continue to study in college. My teachers and mentors have been instrumental in helping me reach my goals. I have learned to lead others and communicate efficiently.”
Calum Alexander Sutherland, Graphic Design, Oregon State University
• Silver Key from Scholastics
From Cal Sutherland:
“As a kid, I loved the arts, and over time fell out of love, until my junior year I rediscovered my childhood fondness and chose this for my path.”
Reesë Tuttle, Masters in Software Engineering at Harvard University
• Associate of Science (AS) Honors Program, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Computer Software Development (CSD), Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Software Engineering Technology (SET), Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
• Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Computer Information Systems (CINS), Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, University of the People
From Reesë Tuttle:
“Working with Mr. Dupps and Coach King, honing my skills through Braves Beat and Sports Media has not only expanded my technical abilities but has also taught me crucial social skills such as collaboration, time management, and adaptability. These skills will undoubtedly serve me well in my future endeavors, both personally and professionally.”
Luis Esteban Vega-Torres, Classical Vocal Performance, Manhattan School of Music
• Director’s Choice for Choir (2022 and 2023)
• Academic Excellence Award for Voice (2022)
• First place awards in National Association of Teachers of Singing
• First place Matinée Musicale
From Luis Vega-Torres:
“Indian Hill gave me an incredible amount of opportunities as a soloist. The choir and theater programs were the seed for my passion, and I’m so grateful for the great resources and professionals who have helped me develop my voice at Indian Hill.”
Additionally, Indian Hill High School celebrated the military signing of Min Jae Kim, United States Marine Corps, Ohio State University.
Photo caption: Indian Hill High School celebrated students who are planning for futures in the arts and military during the third-annual Arts and Military Signing Ceremony on Wednesday, May 10.