“Once a Sequoit, always a Sequoit” is a phrase commonly heard amongst Sequoit alumni. 2016 graduate Griffin Hill lives by those words. Hill became a Sequoit in 2012 and made an impact on many lives in his four years at Antioch Community High School. Now, Hill reflects on his time as a Sequoit.
“Overall, I cherish my experience at ACHS,” Hill said. “[Some say that] they wouldn’t do high school over again and that they’re glad it’s over, but I would go through those years again in a heartbeat. Some of my fondest and proudest memories happened in high school.”
Growing up, Hill always wanted to be an NFL football player, but as he aged, so did his dream. Hill decided on the University of Minnesota-Duluth where he would major in pre-law. Despite enjoying his high school years, Hill believes that ACHS did not brace him for college.
“I don’t think high school prepared me super well for college, at least academically,” Hill said. “Material you learn in college is a lot different from high school.”
However, high school sports helped Hill develop the habits he needed to succeed in college.
“I think being a two-sport athlete prepared me more, as I was able to develop good habits and time management,” Hill said.
While Hill was in high school, he was a stellar athlete, competing in football and basketball. Hill had an opportunity that many high school athletes do not obtain—the division two Minnesota-Duluth football team offered Hill a scholarship.
“Nothing can prepare you for how different of an experience it is,” Hill said. “The speed of the game is on a whole different level. I remember seeing a 300+ pound lineman run down a running back on a sweep. Unfortunately, I suffered a lot of injuries in college, which ended up derailing my career overall; however, the experience on its own was very eye-opening.”
Hill played for the Bulldogs from 2016 to 2018. Hill left football behind due to several injuries, and his time playing in college was over.
After the injuries, Hill’s eyes were on a career in teaching. He decided to switch his major and prepare himself for his future in education. Hill has plenty of advice for Sequoits who are graduating this year.
“Try to live life to its fullest, and try to get the most out of it with maximum effort,” Hill said. “Life can throw a lot of things at you unexpectedly, and the last thing you want to do is sit there down the road thinking ‘what if’ or ‘what could’ve been.’”
Hill will graduate with a degree in elementary and special education in the fall of 2022, while planning to move back to the Lake County area and find a teaching position. Hill’s future looks bright, and he will accomplish great things in life.
