HCSD Middle Level Spotlight #2

In this week's HCSD Middle Level Spotlight we are excited to introduce THE leaders of THE Heritage Middle School, Mr. Matt Trombitas and Mr. Nic Gaston.

Mr. Trombitas is entering his 10th year as an educator and is in his first year as THE principal of THE Heritage. Prior to entering administration, Mr. Trombitas taught Social Studies at the high school level in Dublin, Whitehall and Hilliard. Mr. Trombitas also coached football during his teaching tenure. He has served as an assistant principal at THE Heritage and Bradley High School. We are extremely excited to welcome Mr. Trombitas back to Panther Nation as he takes the helm at THE Heritage.

Mr. Trombitas earned his undergraduate degree from THE Ohio State University in Political Science and Education. Mr. Trombitas was also a member of THE Ohio State Buckeyes Football Team. He then went on to earn his teaching licensure from Notre Dame College and his masters’ degree from American College of Education. When asked his "why" for becoming an administrator Mr. Trombitas stated, "I just love the impact I am able to have on teachers and students daily! I LOVE coming to work everyday". 

Mr. Trombitas favorite quote comes from Woody Hayes  - "You win with people". Mr. Trombitas is a proud member of the Hilliard community where he lives with his wife, Katy and their 2 sons Will (4) and Tyson (1 1/2) years old. Mr. Trombitas enjoys spending time with his family and friends outside of school and of course enjoys cheering on his OSU Buckeyes. Mr. Trombitas also cheers for the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoons.

Mr. Trombitas hopes that everyone has a great year and that everyone who gets the chance to walk through the doors of THE Heritage understands and feels that it truly is a special place!

Mr. Nic Gaston is entering his 2nd year as the assistant principal at THE Heritage and his 15th year in education. Prior to coming to THE Heritage Mr. Gaston has served as a teacher and assistant athletic at Darby High School and head athletic director at Bradley High School.

Mr. Gaston attended THE Ohio State University for his undergraduate studies where he earned his bachelor degree and his teaching licensure. Mr. Gaston then pursued and earned his masters’ degree in educational administration and principal licensure from the University of Dayton. When asked why he became an administrator he simply replied, " I love the lead others". Mr. Gaston's favorite quote is "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain." — Anonymous.

Mr. Gaston enjoys spending time with his wife Alicia and their two children; Hadley and Cole. He also enjoys spending time with friends and watching/playing sports. Mr. Gaston is a fan of THE Ohio State Buckeyes and the Cincinnati Bengals "Who Dey"! Mr. Gaston hopes this year is the best one yet! 

HCSD Middle Level Admin Spotlight #1 - Meet the Tharp Team

Welcome to the Hilliard City School District Middle Level Administrator Spotlight Series. In this 1st edition we are honored to highlight Mrs. Cori Kindl and Mr. Scott Snyder. A dynamic leadership duo who provides vision, compassion, energy and positivity to all who enter Hilliard Tharp! Hilliard Tharp is one of two stand alone 6th grade buildings within the Hilliard City Schools. 

"The Tharp Way personalizes the Hilliard City School District VBO (Values, Behaviors, Outcomes) for our students and staff. The Tharp Way is the lens through which our staff and students manage their 20 square feet in our classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, playground and restrooms". 


Mrs. Cori Kindl

Mrs. Cori Kindl is entering her 8th year as the Principal of Hilliard Tharp and her 20th year in the education field. She previously taught 8th grade history for 8 years in the Lakota School District. During her time in Lakota she also coached girl’s varsity tennis and middle school track for 8 years. Mrs. Kindl then came to Hilliard where she served as the Assistant Principal at Weaver Middle School prior to becoming the Principal at Tharp. Mrs. Kindl attended Miami of Ohio University for her undergraduate degree and then went on to Xavier University to complete her master's degree program.

When asked her "why" for being an administrator Mrs. Kindl stated, "I want to positively impact the education and lives of as many kids as possible". Mrs. Kindl is a passionate educator who strives to be better each day. When asked what her favorite quote is she shared this quote: "Someone once told me not to bite off more than I can chew. I said I'd rather choke on greatness than nibble on mediocrity."

Outside of school Mrs. Kindl enjoys raising her 2 kids; Kellan (6), Lila (8) with her husband Dave. They enjoy playing with their family dog, a black lab named Reggie. Mrs. Kindl also enjoys working out, coaching her daughter's soccer team, reading, binge watching my favorite TV series, eating at great restaurants and doing as many activities as possible in downtown Columbus. Mrs. Kindl is a "forced" Browns fan. When asked her favorite NFL team, she said "My husband makes me cheer for the Browns".


Mr. Scott Snyder

We welcome Mr. Snyder into his new role this year as a member of the Tharp Leadership Team. Mr. Snyder is entering his 22nd year in education and his 16th at Tharp. Mr. Snyder has spent his last 16 years teaching 6th grade science and STEM classes. Mr. Snyder completed his undergraduate work at Ohio Northern University. He continued to further his education by attending Ashland University for his master's degree & the American College of Education for M+15.

Mr. Snyder says his reason for teaching is "to strive to impact students and make a positive impact on their education and lives". His favorite quote is; "Work in obscurity: be willing to do something because it matters, not because it will get you noticed".

Mr. Snyder has a wife Brianne and two sons; Cormac who attends Norwich Elementary and Riddock who is 4 years old. Mr. Snyder hopes to support the staff and students in any way he can this school year. He is a HUGE Chicago Cubs fan! He also enjoys cheering for the Miami Dolphins and the OSU Buckeyes Football Team.

To find out more about the amazing things happening at Tharp please visit: http://www.hilliardschools.org/hth/

Follow Tharp on Twitter: @hilliardtharp

"Leadership is the action we take to serve others" - Jon Gordon