Below are stories, memories, and reflections shared by Hilger alumni. We are honored to have had each one of them in our program, and it is such a joy to see where they are today!
ALUMNI
Jacob
Dental Student
“I started taking classes at Hilger when I was in 8th grade, although at the time, since I had never formally taken classes before, I really didn’t know what grade I was in until halfway through the year! Each year, I was able to fit in at least one class that had to do with writing, which was one of my favorite subjects. More often than not, that also included Ms. George, which elevated the class even more! I attended Hilger from my 8th grade year until my 11th grade year, and I can still list off the name of every teacher I had and class I took. I still keep up with many of my teachers, including Mrs. Bingham, Mrs. Schumpert, Mrs. Fields, and others. One of the more significant memories that I have is from when I was a part of the inaugural team that started the Hilger Highlight yearbook. I am not sure if that is still ongoing, but I know that it was my first time ever being in charge of something on such a large scale. I learned many lessons from that experience that helped to form the leadership skills that I now use on a daily basis as a dental student. I am currently in my fourth year of dental school at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, and I look forward to what lies ahead for my wife and I after graduation. I am thankful for Hilger providing an instructive, welcoming, supportive, and unique environment for me to learn and grow from during my time as a student.”
Kyah
Pre-Med Student
“My name is Kyah Miller. I am currently majoring in Biology Pre Med at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama with hopes to pursue God’s plan for my life. Recently,I have become particularly fond of Proverbs 16:9, which states, "A man deviseth his ways but the Lord directeth his steps". Since my sophomore year, when I first enrolled in Hilger, I have witnessed the validity of this verse. Hilger quickly became a home away from home for me. I was affirmed and loved by academic teachers and supporting staff alike. Hilger is such a Christ filled environment and it is during my time here that my relationship with Christ grew even more. Hilger properly embodies its title as an institution for higher learning. As I continue to pursue my major, I am able to recall concepts that I learned from Biology with Mrs. Hilger my sophomore year. The level of mastery that is required for each subject allows a seamless transition to tertiary education. Hilger is an institution where students are fostered wholistically. No amount of words can truly describe Hilger’s influence on my life. Hilger instilled in me the tools for success, and built a foundation that reflects excellence. I am so thankful that God directed the steps in my journey to Hilger Higher Learning.”
George
Tour Lighting Technician
“My name is George Wood, and during my time being homeschooled, I spent three years at Hilger & graduated in 2019. I made many memories during my time spent attending HHL. Ever since 10th grade, I have pursued a career in music of some kind. Ms. George saw potential in me and spoke into my career dream. Now, I am a Touring Lighting Technician. I have toured with many Christian artists, including For King & Country, Maverick City Music, Chris Tomlin and I’m currently touring with Toby Mac. My job includes being the first one inside the arena in the morning, overseeing the construction and functionality of the lighting rig of the show, tearing it down after it ends and then sleeping on the tour bus while we go to the next city!”
Taylor
Graduate Student
“I have always laughed at those who refer to homeschoolers as “reclusive” and claim that we are ‘missing out on the social experience of school’ …Clearly those people have never walked the halls of Hilger Higher Learning! I took my first class at HHL when I was in the 3rd grade and had become a ‘full timer’ by the time I entered high school; my parents made this decision largely due to the quality of education I was receiving, but also because of how much I was genuinely enjoying my experience there. To this day, some of my very closest friendships in the world are those that formed at HHL, and for that, I will be forever grateful. After graduating from high school, I received my bachelors degree from Lee University and am currently enrolled at Richmont Graduate University working on a Masters in Spiritual Formation & Spiritual Direction.”
Hannah
Teacher
“Thanks to Shelley George, Pam Fields, and Carlee Hilger allowing me to be their teacher assistant/tutor my senior year of high school and freshman year of college, I discovered my calling to teach. Without these opportunities at Hilger, I'm not sure I would've had the confidence to pursue this calling. I remember feeling lost my senior year, not knowing what I was supposed to do with my life. It was through these opportunities that God showed me there was nothing else I could imagine doing. I was called to teach. I'm forever grateful to these women and to Hilger for starting my little teaching career at a young age. After a few years in the public school system, the Lord put on my heart to teach my own babies at home and homeschool, like I was. I'll get that opportunity soon since I just gave birth to our first little girl in July. I'm so thankful that Hilger Higher Learning and the wonderful staff helped mold me into the teacher and mother that God intended me to be.”
Savannah
Communications Specialist
“During my nine years at Hilger, I learned to be a well-rounded student while making lifelong friends. The teachers I had taught me to love learning, and the atmosphere fostered success. After Hilger, I went on to get two degrees, and I can confidently say that the environment created by Eddy and Carlee at Hilger helped me get where I am today. My siblings and I are so thankful we went to Hilger. To Eddy and Carlee, thank you for creating a great space for challenging education and friendship! After graduation, I attended Georgetown University where I received a masters in PR and Corporate Communications, and I now work as a communications specialist for North Georgia Electric Membership Corporation.”