Haylee Hilton has been named the 2026 Student of the Year at Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center, an honor recognizing students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, scholarship, service, and character.
At the heart of every school year are students who leave a lasting impact not only through academic achievement, but through the way they serve others, lead by example, and represent their school community with character and compassion.
A senior in the Culinary Arts program from Southeastern High School, Hilton was selected after nominations from three instructors, each highlighting her leadership, service, determination, and positive influence within both the school and the community.
Instructors described Hilton as someone who leads quietly but consistently through her actions. She regularly volunteered to help classmates, instructors, and community members while balancing academics, extracurricular activities, and service projects. Despite her busy schedule, she maintained honor roll status throughout her time at Pickaway-Ross.
“Haylee consistently volunteers to help others and can always be counted on to complete tasks responsibly and professionally,” one nomination stated. “Her quiet strength, positive attitude, and selfless commitment to others make her an exceptional student and role model within the PRCTC community.”
Hilton remained actively involved in organizations, including SkillsUSA, National Technical Honor Society, National Honor Society, and M.A.D.E. Her instructors said she continually stepped forward when help was needed and earned the trust and respect of both staff and peers through her reliability and professionalism.
Community service also played a major role in Hilton’s time at Pickaway-Ross. Through the Voice of Freedom class, she interviewed veterans and helped preserve their stories for future generations. Her speech at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 108 made such an impact that members donated $10,000 to support the program. She also contributed narration for a Voice of Freedom video featured by the Ross County Historical Society and traveled to Washington, D.C., to honor veterans and their service.
Haylee has also devoted countless hours to maintaining the Veterans Healing Garden at the Chillicothe Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
In addition to her work with veterans, Hilton volunteered countless hours through the Culinary Arts program, preparing meals for individuals experiencing homelessness, supporting disabled veterans during retreats, donating food to local pantries, and assisting in the Tecumseh Room beyond normal class expectations.
Culinary Arts instructor Amy Groff praised Hilton’s willingness to step up for tasks others may avoid, noting her professionalism, initiative, and “service over self” mindset. Her nominations also recognized the resilience she demonstrated while navigating personal hardships during her senior year, including the loss of her grandmother and a family cancer diagnosis.
Despite those challenges, Hilton continued to excel academically, meet deadlines, volunteer in the community, and plan for her future after graduation.
“Her ability to persevere, innovate, and maintain such a high level of commitment in both her personal and academic life is a testament to her character,” wrote Groff.
Although Hilton may not seek recognition, her instructors agreed that her impact on Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center and the surrounding community speaks for itself. Her leadership, compassion, and commitment to serving others made her a clear choice for the school’s 2026 Student of the Year honor.