As the 2025 school year comes to a close, it’s time to recognize some of the outstanding members of our senior class. From her contributions to journalism to her passion for teaching, Lilly Hatfield is a standout student who is sure to go on to do great things.
Senior Lilly Hatfield has been a member of the Titan Times newspaper team for three years and has served as an editor for two of those years, including editor-in-chief during her final year. As a first-year student, Lilly found a mentor in Dr. Neale, who took her under his wing early on.
“Dr. Neale immediately became a teacher whose class I knew I would enjoy without worrying about starting over,” Lilly said.
Her firsthand experience with a great teacher inspired her to pursue a career in education.
“I absolutely love taking care of people, which is one of the reasons I chose to become a teacher,” she said. Lilly will further her education at Virginia Tech, where she will study English language arts education.
She believes college will be a transformative time: “A space like college can be a soft launch into adulthood and a glimpse into how you will exist in the future.”
While the Hidden Valley student body is eager to watch the Class of 2025 create their futures, it’s important to reflect on the memories they’re leaving behind. Lilly’s favorite high school memory is drawing on the whiteboard in her French class.
“It was always an opportunity for the class to come together and have some fun creating drawings we thought Miss Donathan would enjoy,” she said.
Lilly also credits her close friendships with helping shape who she is.
“I give so much credit to Abby Wanek, Zoe Kluber, Caitlin Musser, and Jack Barbour for making me into the person I am today. It has been the most rewarding feeling to have the most positive group of friends that support me through everything,” she said.
Before graduating, Lilly shared some advice for her classmates: “It does not matter how many friends you have or how well known you are; the most important thing is to be confident and consistent with what you love.”
Outside of academics, Lilly has her own set of favorites. When asked about her favorite movie, she chose Barbie Princess Charm School because “it is so nostalgic and such a fun watch every time I come across it.”
She said she most relates to Remus Lupin from Harry Potter: “He is a teacher and mentor, as I aspire to be, and is also very passionate and loyal.”
If she could have dinner with any historical figure, Lilly would choose Sylvia Plath.
“I imagine we would have a lovely conversation, and I wouldn’t mind just sitting and listening to her speak about her experiences as a female poet,” she said.
Lilly is excited to continue her journey at Virginia Tech and begin her career as an English teacher. The Hidden Valley High School community will be cheering her on every step of the way.
