Celebrating Ms. Hillery’s TRS Impact

Aug 26

Not many people aspire to become a professional fundraiser. Asking people for money regularly appears in the “Things We Fear Most” national polls. And do you know what fear ranks at the top of those same polls: public speaking.

As the TRS Development & Admissions Director, Ms. Jewell Hillery was tasked to conquer both fears on an almost daily basis as she served as an ambassador of our institution throughout the city. Her contributions of bringing vital resources and community awareness to the mission of our organization have made a tremendous and lasting impact for our school. And she isn’t just good at her job; she is great at it!

Ms. Hillery posing with TRS students on a team sports dress up day.

That is why it was hard to hear the news that she had accepted a journalist position with WGN in her home town of Chicago. But even while we will feel the void of her absence from our team, our school community is excited to cheer her on as she makes this transition back to her first professional love of journalism.

And who can blame her?! Chicago is home to The Cubs at Wrigley Field, Bozo the Clown (Remember Him?), and the Oprah Winfrey Show. We could not be more proud of Ms. Hillery and this next chapter of life for her.

In addition to her development efforts, Ms. Hillery was a regular during our Morning Assembly for students and staff. She welcomed every opportunity to point our students to the truths found in God’s Word and encourage them to pursue a relationship with Jesus. She approached Leadership Meetings and her other responsibilities with this same ministry-mindedness that was a blessing to all of her colleagues.

Ms. Hillery leading our students in Morning Assembly with the aid of Mrs. Garner.

While she served the majority of her time at TRS as the Development Director, Ms. Hillery expanded her responsibilities to include the entire Admissions process in the summer of 2020. Her care for prospective families as they journeyed through the admissions process was a great encouragement to them and a blessing for our school.

Whether it was development, admissions, or stepping in to answer the office phone when we had limited staff, Ms. Hillery was always eager to serve in whatever capacity best met the needs of the school. Her team-first approach, professionalism, and attention to detail were great assets to our school, and we can’t wait to see how the Lord will continue to use her skills to advance His kingdom in Chicago.