Topper Pride Award

Olan Lentz Named Senior Topper Pride Recipient for Fourth Quarter Hillsboro High School is proud to recognize Olan Lentz as the Senior Topper Pride recipient for the fourth quarter. Olan is the son of Bettina and Eric Lentz. Olan enjoys staying active and spending time outdoors. In his free time, he likes listening to music and being with friends and family. Throughout his high school career, he has been actively involved in football, wrestling, choir, band, and the National Honor Society. Olan credits the wrestling program as his favorite part of Hillsboro High School. He values the lessons it has taught him and describes it as one of the most positive and impactful experiences of his high school years. He encourages any students interested in wrestling to consider joining the program. In addition to his school activities, Olan also enjoys cycling, fishing, hunting, weightlifting, and running.  He offers the following advice to underclassmen: “Don’t take high school for granted. Enjoy every moment because it goes by much quicker than you think.”  After graduation, Olan plans to attend Lincoln Land Community College to pursue an associate degree in Commercial Electrical Maintenance.

Natalee Kuhns, a junior at Hillsboro High School, has been named a Topper Pride Award winner for the 4th Quarter of the 2026–2027 school year! Daughter of Nick and Gwen Kuhns, Natalee stays active in Soccer, Student Council, and Interact Club. She loves spending time outdoors with her family—especially trips to visit her sister in Colorado. Natalee says her favorite part of HHS is the teachers: “They connect with their students and make the day better.”  Natalee would like to give a special shoutout to Mrs. Gonzalez for being such an amazing teacher—“Her class is the best part of my day!, everyday!” Outside of school, Natalee enjoys reading, taking walks with her dog, listening to folk music, rewatching Ted Lasso, and, of course, ice cream. Her advice to others: “You don’t have to be a part of the popular groups. It’s better to be happy with yourself than try and become someone you’re not.” After high school, Natalee plans to attend an out-of-state college to study environmental science. Congratulations, Natalee! 

Kailey Weiss

Congratulations to Kailey Weiss, the sophomore Topper Pride recipient for 4th Quarter at Hillsboro High School!  Kailey is the daughter of Matt and Jen Weiss and has two siblings, Colton and Kenna, along with her German Shepherd, Marley. Kailey stays busy at HHS, participating in volleyball, track, Science Club, and BTOP. Her favorite part of high school is Volleyball season—her favorite sport and the time of year she enjoys most! Outside of school, Kailey loves spending time with friends, going to youth group, and staying active through sports. Her favorite book is The Conditions of Will, and when it comes to treats, you can’t go wrong with anything from the Creamery! After high school, Kailey plans to attend college and earn a degree, and we can’t wait to see all she accomplishes! Way to represent Topper Pride, Kailey!

Dawson Pace

Dawson Pace, a freshman at Hillsboro High School, has been selected as a Topper Pride Award recipient for this quarter. He is the son of Vanessa and Roger Price.  Dawson is actively involved in school activities as a member of the HHS fishing team and golf team. Outside of school, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and archery. In his free time, Dawson likes spending time with his girlfriend and friends, often outdoors doing what he enjoys most. When asked about his favorite part of high school, Dawson shared that he appreciates both the people and the teachers, who help make his experience positive and enjoyable. His advice to others is simple but meaningful: “Don’t let someone tell you you can’t do something—go do it and show them that you can.” Dawson would like to give a shout out to Nataleigh Jackson, describing her as a kind and charismatic person who brings joy and happiness to those around her. After high school, Dawson plans to join the military and serve his country. Congratulations to Dawson Pace on being recognized as a Topper Pride Award recipient!

Hillsboro High School is proud to announce that senior Sadie Houchlei, daughter of Josh and Shannon Houchlei, has been selected to represent the Class of 2026 as the Topper Pride Award recipient for the third quarter of the 2025–2026 school year.  Sadie has been actively involved throughout her high school career. She has been a member of the girls’ basketball program for four years, served as National Honor Society Secretary for one year, and is also a dedicated member of the Art Club.  Sadie enjoys painting, designing banners, and spending time with friends and family. She especially values opportunities to give back and cherishes time with her loved ones. Her family enjoys watching softball together and spending time with their three dogs. Sadie shared that one of her favorite parts of high school has been the supportive staff at HHS. “The staff all click so well and treat students with kindness,” she said. “They can joke and laugh with students while also upholding a respected environment, making the high school experience more enjoyable.” When asked about her favorites, Sadie enthusiastically recommends the Snowdrift Blizzard from Dairy Queen!! Looking ahead, Sadie plans to pursue a career as a third-grade elementary teacher. In ten years, she hopes to be freshly graduated and finishing her first year of teaching.  She also offered advice to underclassmen: “Despite what it feels like now, these four years go by fast. Don’t take it for granted and enjoy every moment.”  Sadie would like to give special thanks to Mrs. Edwards and Ms. Kumlin for making her high school experience positive and providing opportunities she never imagined she would have. She also extends a heartfelt thank you to Ethan Hamby for always supporting her and having her back.

Hillsboro High School is proud to announce that junior Abraham Putnam has been selected to represent the Class of 2027 as the Topper Pride Award recipient for the third quarter of the 2025–2026 school year. Abraham is the son of Nik and Stephanie Putnam. He enjoys spending time with friends and being outdoors as much as possible. In his free time, he can often be found hunting, fishing, riding mountain bike trails, four-wheeling, or biking around town. At HHS, Abraham is actively involved in a wide range of activities, including soccer, wrestling, FFA, the fishing team, and Student Council. Abraham says his favorite part of the school day is Ag Mechanics class. “I enjoy working on projects like powder coating and cutting out new things,” he shared. “I like being around people who enjoy the same things I do.”When it comes to sports fandom, Abraham cheers for the Green Bay Packers, a tradition rooted in family ties to Wisconsin on his mother’s side.In addition to his school activities, Abraham has attended Rotary Youth Leadership Camp for the past two years, further developing his leadership skills and community involvement. He offers this advice to fellow students: “Be friends with everyone and do everything that you can while you can.” Abraham would like to thank Mr. Gallion for always being willing to help with projects and for his constant support. He also expressed appreciation for Mrs. Olroyd for her kindness and for consistently helping him with math assignments. After high school, Abraham plans to either enter the workforce directly or attend trade school to earn his CDL and pursue a career working with heavy machinery and trucks. In five years, he hopes to own his own home and be working in the heavy machinery or mechanics field. Congratulations to Abraham Putnam on this well-deserved recognition as a Topper Pride Award recipient!

Matthew Hemken

Hillsboro High School is proud to recognize sophomore Matthew Hemken as a recent Topper Pride Award honoree. Matthew is the son of Amy Jones and is actively involved in both academics and extracurricular activities at HHS. He enjoys participating in tennis, soccer, and basketball, and has also been involved in operetta productions. Outside of school activities, Matthew likes spending time playing video games and values the strong support of his family. One of Matthew’s favorite parts of HHS is the staff. He shared that he appreciates how kind and supportive the teachers are, helping create a positive learning environment for students.  Matthew would like to offer encouragement to a freshman friend, Kane, saying, “Stick with it—you have the potential to do great things!” Looking ahead, Matthew plans to attend college to study business after graduation. One day, he hopes to own a Porsche 911 GT2 RS. 

Mckenziee Boyer

Hillsboro High School is proud to recognize freshman Mckenziee Boyer as the Topper Pride Award recipient for the third quarter of the school year. Mckenziee is the daughter of Leah Weis and Tyler Boyer and is the oldest sibling in her family. She enjoys spending time with her two dogs and has a strong passion for music, both listening to and performing. During her first year at HHS, Mckenziee has already made an impressive impact. She recently completed her first season with the Topperettes Dance Team and is actively involved in several school activities. She plays the flute in the HHS Band, serves on Student Council, and is a member of the HHS Choir. This year, she is also performing the role of Alice in the school’s production of Matilda. Mckenziee shared that her favorite part of HHS is the wide range of opportunities available to students. “Here at HHS, there is something for everyone,” she said. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and spending time with friends. When it comes to favorites, Mckenziee loves the musicals Hamilton and Mamma Mia! and is especially inspired by the LSU Tiger Girls Dance Team. Her advice to fellow students is simple but encouraging: “If you’re thinking about joining a club or trying out for a sport you’ve never done before, do it! You never know what could come out of it.” Mckenziee would like to give a special shoutout to Mrs. Lemons for being welcoming, accepting, and deeply caring toward every student. “She is such an amazing person to talk to,” Mckenziee shared. Looking ahead, Mckenziee plans to pursue a career as a pediatrician. In five years, she sees herself as a sophomore in college studying medicine. Inspired by her own experiences with her doctor, she hopes to one day serve as a caring and understanding role model for her future patients.