Hunter Stidham, who graduated from Danville High School in 2000, is an ambassador in hospital medicine for Sound Physicians, a healthcare management company. 

“Ambassadors travel the nation, usually to hospitals with a significant need or in crisis, to improve patient care and hospital function,” Stidham said. 

She and her husband own a home north of Nashville, but she has spent most of her time in New York City since 2020 and considers it her “true home.” 

Stidham shared her Danville Schools journey.

Tell us about your Danville Schools journey. What school(s) did you attend, and what’s a highlight that stands out to you?

Before freshman year, I initially attempted to enroll at Boyle County, [but ended up] enrolled at Danville High School.  

My guidance counselor, Rhonda Cassiday, helped me sign up for the journalism course, though freshmen were prohibited from enrolling. By breaking the rules and taking a chance on a random transfer student, Rhonda changed the trajectory of my life. Rhonda is the best kind of rule breaker.

What aspects of your Danville Schools education helped mold you into the person you are today?

My teachers and mentors loved and believed in me. They nurtured my talents and held me to high standards while also giving me the freedom to make mistakes and, to an extent, build my own educational curriculum. When I [was] working three jobs to support myself, they made sure I had what I needed to continue succeeding.

When you think back on your Danville Schools experience, are there specific instances or relationships that stand out to you as having had a significant impact on your success since graduating?

Janet Scott of the English/journalism department. We went from teacher/mentor/pupil, to friends, to family. Our relationship has spanned nearly 30 years. She and her husband, Dr. Larry Scott, are my adopted parents. I spent a lot of extra time at the school, working on the newspaper or other projects late into the night. 

In addition to being editor of the school newspaper, I was the basketball manager. Ed McKinney, the basketball coach, always encouraged me, validated me, and lifted me up. 

I had my wedding at Jan and Larry’s house. And Ed McKinney was there.

 

 

As a product of Danville Schools, what advice would you give to a parent who was choosing an education path for their child?

I am child-free by choice but believe young people should experience different cultures, ethnicities, ideas, languages, religions. Encourage reading, going to museums, trying new foods, art appreciation, critical thinking, talking about big ideas. If able, travel. Learn about people who don’t look or sound like you. Develop their compassion and humanity by helping those less fortunate and teaching them about community investment and mutual aid. 

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