Hamilton Southeastern Schools has selected 42 parents, alumni and community members for its 2026–27 HSEngaged cohort.
The program gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at the school district through monthly meetings held from August through April. Sessions hosted at schools across the district will cover academic programs, student services, finance, operations and facilities management.
HSEngaged began in 2021 as a way to share information, highlights and stories about the district. Since then, hundreds of people have applied to participate.
The program’s impact has extended beyond its monthly sessions. According to the district, previous participants have become substitute teachers, joined the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation Board of Directors and volunteered in district schools.
Alumni have also supported community education efforts involving district referendum proposals and helped with events including the HSEF Legacy Celebration and HSE Schools’ Before the Bell.
“My job is to tell the stories of HSE Schools, but HSEngaged reminds me that those stories carry further when community members experience them firsthand,” said Emily Pace Abbotts, the district’s director of school and community relations. “It is rewarding to see participants leave the program better informed, more connected and ready to contribute in ways that are meaningful to them.”
Participants were chosen through an application process.
2026–27 HSEngaged cohort
- Abbi Garvey
- Alexis Ray
- Amanda Fineberg
- Amy Mustafa
- Avery Moon
- Becca Miller
- Chantalle Temperly
- Chelsie Hannon
- Chris Dean
- Colin McCahill
- Daniel Mendoza
- Ferrell Kemp
- Jaki Milakovic
- James Lyons
- Jeremy Metz
- Jeremy Sprouse
- John Metzger
- Josh Perry
- Katie Richardson
- Katie Woodard
- Kayla Owens
- Keith Biro
- Krishna Gurusamy
- Kristen Sprague
- Lauren Cole
- Lindsay Beals
- Lindsay Downing
- Matt Gerberich
- Maya Alshawa
- Michael Winterhalder
- Mike York
- Muqsit Abdul
- Nakeisha Washington
- NiOshia Craig
- Sara Sturm
- Sarah Black
- Sonia Dhanjal
- Srini Bodla
- Tara Fisher
- Taylor Courtney
- Tiffany Presley
- Tolitha Lewis