Contributed NEW PLAYGROUND — Among those on hand for the Oct. 19 dedication of playground equipment at Hills Elementary School were, from left, Superintendent T.C. Chappelear, board President Bob Smith, Sue Hammack, Bill Hammack, board Vice President Kim Mark, board members Dr. Ted Starkey and Daniel Bove and Assistant Superintendent John Belt.

MINGO JUNCTION — A former teacher is leaving a lasting legacy for the students and school she loved at Hills Elementary with new playground equipment for play and education.

Retired kindergarten teacher Sue Hammack joined her husband, Bill, as well as family, fellow educators and the Indian Creek Local Board of Education for a dedication Oct. 19 at the Mingo Junction campus. The Hammack family made a $50,000 contribution for the project, which has added fun, educational equipment for kids to thrive and incorporates elements with a nod to the school’s Native American theme. Among the features are a music station with a xylophone and drums, miniature teepees, a canoe, a writing and painting station, several outside learning spaces including one with chalkboards and a presentation stage, sand tables, a water station, a large Connect Four-style game, basketball court and a modern jungle gym plus swings and a rock wall.

A sign also hangs at the site as a show of appreciation.

Superintendent T.C. Chappelear presented a plaque to Hammack and read a letter thanking her for.

“Your gift is not just a financial boost; it is a gesture of faith and support that means the world to us,” he said. “As a former teacher at Hills Elementary School, your donation holds special significance. Your dedication to our school community has been evident throughout your tenure here, and now your commitment continues to shine brightly. Your generosity demonstrates the profound impact that a teacher can have, extending far beyond the classroom.”

He continued that the donation will have a lasting impact on the students and school community by allowing the district to create a “vibrant, safe and stimulating environment for our children to learn, play and grow.” Chappelear noted that the facility will foster physical activity, social interaction and overall well-being.

“The pieces are for play but they have an educational component,” he later said. “Sue Hammack was a longtime, well-respected teacher and wanted to give back to the school she loved.”

Assistant Superintendent John Belt said the project was completed following renovations at the school and gives students a permanent place to enjoy.

“The district is extremely grateful for their generosity,” Belt said of the Hammacks. “They were able to turn it into something fun, and it also has learning elements embedded into it. We put it off until the end of the Hills project, and because of the project the kids had to have recess at the track. They are enjoying this now.”

Hills Principal Makenzie Householder said it has proven to be a hit with her estimated 370 students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade.

“They absolutely love it. It gets their energy out and their imaginations flourish,” Householder commented. “You can see the kids who love theater and the kids that love music. There’s something for everyone out here. The learning areas are being utilized and I definitely appreciate this donation.”

Hammack was delighted to provide a gift to her workplace of 30 years and has not been no stranger to the site since departing in 2020.

“I just wanted to give back to the community, and one way was to give to the school,” she said. “This is a beautiful playground and our community has valued and supported Indian Creek with new buildings. It’s only fair that I give back to the school.”

She still gets a chance to interact with children each week as a volunteer mentor through Share Time and Read Together and said the school holds a special place in her heart.

“Hills is a great building and I love it,” Hammack concluded. “I always have, and I always will.”