Licking Heights is pleased to announce that high school junior Richard Hill has received the first-ever student scholarship from Pataskala-based solar panel manufacturer Illuminate USA. Hill was presented with the $1,000 award by Eric Heis, Head of Public Affairs for Illuminate USA, during a Career Xpress event at Licking Heights High School on March 19.

Heis served as the closing keynote speaker at the Career Xpress conference, an all-day event designed to connect Heights upperclassmen to employment and education pathways right in Central Ohio.

“Illuminate USA is proud to support local students as they pursue their academic dreams,” the company said in a social media post. “This scholarship program is just one way we’re truly honored to invest in our incredible community. Congratulations and thanks to all who participated!”

Licking Heights Assistant Superintendent Tom Holdren says this is an excellent example of local industry investment into the futures of students.

“We sincerely appreciate the generosity of Illuminate USA in providing our students with not just the necessary financial resources to further their education, but also accessible pathways to employment right in our backyard,” Holdren says. “We were thrilled to have them join our Career Xpress event and take the time to network with interested students about future careers. They are building the skilled, prepared, competitive workforce we need in Central Ohio, starting with our students.”

Hill currently participates in college and career preparatory coursework at Heights, including AP courses and working in the hands-on Fabrication Laboratory (FAB Lab) sponsored by Meta. He is a two-sport varsity athlete, playing football in the fall and baseball in the spring.