Dr. Sheila Hilwig

For every school district, there are behind-the-scene people who keep things running smoothly. These individuals serve as the oil that makes the engine hum. Dr. Sheila Hillwig, the Administrative Assistant of Kiski Area School District, is just such a person. She is in charge of curriculum and instruction, and she’s perfect for the job. Along with a winning, cheerful personality, she leads with a sincere focus on what is best for the students.

Dr. Hillwig came to the district with a wealth of experience. Working for the Karn City Area School District, she taught third grade for 12 years, then served as a program administrator through the Intermediate Unit, as an assistant high school principal for three years, and finally as an elementary principal for six years. In 1999, Dr. Hillwig accepted the position as principal at Allegheny Hyde Park Elementary and served until becoming the Administrative Assistant in 2003.

When asked to elaborate on some of Kiski’s awards and programs, Dr. Hillwig finds it difficult to highlight only a few. “Each program is exemplary,” she asserts. Narrowing down her response, she praises the elementary schools for receiving their second Keystone Achievement Award for adequate yearly progress. All seven elementary schools have met the state’s criteria for progress in math and reading and have received this honor every year since its inception. In addition, Dr. Hillwig is proud of the “Kiski Cares Program,” which focuses on character traits that help students become successful.

Each month teachers integrate into the curriculum one trait such as honesty, trustworthiness, respect, and perseverance. Dr. Hillwig explains, “I’ve tried to help our students understand that it doesn’t matter how smart you are, if you can’t effectively interact with others. It’s very important that you be a good student, but it’s also important to be a good person.” Recognizing the benefits of teaching these traits, Dr. Hillwig was instrumental in developing this enrichment when she came to the district.

A final praiseworthy program she highlights is the full-day kindergarten. Based on a summer screening, Kiski invites the students who would benefit the most from the extra instruction time. Above all the programs, however, Dr. Hillwig declares, “I’m always proud of our students….How do you draw a line that this is what I want to talk about, when you talk about the kids and the kinds of things they do in this district? They really accomplish a lot!”

Along with her administrative role, Dr. Hillwig greatly enjoys being a wife and mother. She and her husband of 34 years have two children, Dominick, 25, and Nina, 23. After living in Fort Brag for a year, she and her husband moved back to this area to raise their children near their grandparents. They live in the estate built by her husband’s great-grandfather, which was originally a 268-acre farm. Her husband’s parents raised their eight children in this home. She is close to all of these family members, adding that they even take beach vacations together… all 27 of them!

When not at school, Dr. Hillwig stays busy volunteering in her community. She is the president of the school board for the Karn City Area School District. In addition, she directs the choir and sings as a canter every Sunday at St. Patrick’s Parish in Brady’s Bend. Right now she is preparing special music for the 200th anniversary of the St. Patrick’s Chapel at Sugar Creek.

Having reached the goal of earning a doctorate degree, Dr. Hillwig now sets her sites on broader goals. Her plan is to continue to grow, learn, and serve the community. She notes, “I’ve been very blessed in my life. The one lesson I’ve always tried to drive home with students and my own children is that when you have gifts and talents, you have to be willing to share them. I hope that I am able to continue to do that and give back to the community.”

Being in an administrative role doesn’t keep Dr. Hillwig out of the classroom. She stays active in visiting schools, meeting with principals and teachers, always seeking to improve the learning process for students. Describing the aspect she finds most rewarding, she shares, “When I hear a student yell and wave, ‘Hey Dr. Hillwig, … Dr. Hillwig.’ That’s rewarding, that they’re glad that I’m here. It doesn’t get any better than that.” Watch the video interview, go to www.alle-kiskitoday.com/video/educators