3rd Quarter Topper Pride Recipients for 2024-2025 School Year

Senior

Austin Newingham

Austin Newingham has been named the Topper Pride recipient for the third quarter of the 2024-2025 school year at Hillsboro High School. A senior set to graduate in May 2025, Austin is the son of Jakob and Christina Newingham. He dedicates much of his time to sports but also enjoys spending time with friends and family, playing video games, and watching movies—especially horror. Coming from a family of nine, Austin also shares his home with three dogs, a turtle, and a cat.

At HHS, Austin has been an active member of the National Honor Society for two years. His athletic achievements include four years on the varsity football and track teams, as well as two years on the varsity wrestling team. His favorite part of Hillsboro High School is the ability to move around between classes, as well as the supportive atmosphere created by both teachers and students. What he appreciates most about Hillsboro is the strong sense of encouragement—people who push you to achieve your goals and help you keep going when times get tough.

In his spare time, Austin enjoys throwing discus. His advice to other students is that success in sports—whether at the college level or just for personal achievement—requires dedication and hard work. He believes that the feeling of pushing past personal limits is incredibly rewarding and encourages others to embrace the challenges that come with chasing their goals.

Austin would like to give a special shout out to his father, who has been a constant source of support throughout his life. From the beginning, it was just the two of them, and his father has always helped him set and achieve his goals. Whether after a tough game or meet, his father never gets upset but instead focuses on ways to improve. Austin is grateful to have not only a coach and mentor but also a lifelong friend in his father.

After high school, Austin plans to attend Indiana State University to pursue a degree in graphic design while continuing to throw discus at the collegiate level.

Junior

Briar Kuhl

Briar Kuhl, a junior at Hillsboro High School, has been selected as the Topper Pride recipient for the third quarter of the 2024-2025 school year. He is the son of Todd and Rachel Kuhl. Briar enjoys working at Hillsboro Rental, spending time working on his truck, and hunting.

An active member of the HHS Wrestling Team, Briar is also passionate about welding and enjoys attending classes at SCI. His advice to other students is to work hard and turn in assignments on time for the best results. Looking ahead, Briar plans to attend a welding trade school and pursue a career in welding, with hopes of securing a job on a pipeline.

Sophomore

Hannah Laurent

Hannah Laurent, a sophomore at Hillsboro High School, has been selected as the sophomore Topper Pride recipient for the third quarter of the 2024-2025 school year. She is the daughter of Sarah and Byron Laurent and has one younger sister. In addition, she has two dogs, two cats, two horses, and a flock of chickens.

Hannah enjoys exploring new places and is an active member of HHS athletics, playing soccer and participating on the cheerleading squad. Her favorite class at Hillsboro High School is Anatomy, as she finds it the most enjoyable. In her free time, she loves to crochet and read.

Her advice to others is to always find a way to believe that everything will be okay because having a positive mindset can help improve the day. She would also like to give a special shout out to her best friend, Natalee, for always being there when she needed her. Looking ahead, Hannah plans to pursue a career as a Laboratory Medical Scientist after high school. 

Freshman

Rylee Rogers

Rylee Rogers, a freshman at Hillsboro High School, has been selected as the Topper Pride recipient for her class for the third quarter of the 2024-2025 school year. She is the daughter of Dan and Aun Rogers and the oldest of three siblings. At home, she cares for two dogs and two cats, including her cat, Carole Baskin, who recently had two kittens.

Rylee is actively involved in various school activities, including this year’s operetta, where she plays the role of "Fannie." She has a passion for singing and dancing and enjoys performing. Athletically, she has participated in three sports this year—tennis, wrestling, and softball—with tennis being her favorite. In her free time, she cherishes moments spent with family and friends, and one of her favorite pastimes is going for a run while listening to music. She also has a love for ice cream and enjoys all kinds of food.

Beyond athletics and the arts, Rylee is engaged in student leadership as a representative of the freshman student council and vice president of her freshman class. She expresses a deep appreciation for her choir teacher, Mrs. Lemons, for always supporting her in both sports and operetta. Additionally, she gives a special shoutout to Mrs. Olroyd for making Geometry fun and enjoyable, even when the concepts are challenging.

Rylee's advice to others is to remember that self-worth is not determined by the opinions of others. She encourages her peers to focus on what truly makes them happy rather than trying to meet everyone else's expectations, emphasizing, "You are enough!"  Rylee would also like to recognize senior Aly Leisure, whom she admires greatly. Rylee describes Aly as a role model who has taken her under her wing, calling her a "Godsend" and someone who radiates positivity.

While Rylee does not have a specific career path in mind after high school, she knows she wants a flexible schedule that allows her to start a family, take her children to school, and coach their ballgames.