Hemlock Public School District is proud to announce the hiring of Danyelle Hillman as the district’s first-ever Performing Arts Center Director, a historic addition as the district prepares to open its new Performing Arts Center later this year.
Hillman joins the Huskie Pack with an impressive background in music education, directing, performance, community arts leadership, and youth programming. In addition to serving as Director of the Performing Arts Center, she will also teach two classes at Hemlock High School, including choir, bringing her talents directly into the classroom and onto the stage.
She is scheduled to officially begin with the district this month.
Hemlock High School Principal Keith Green said Hillman’s student-centered approach and professional background made an immediate impression.
“Danyelle stood out from the moment we met her,” said Green. “She brings incredible talent and experience in music and theater, but even more importantly, she understands students. She understands how the arts create confidence, belonging, discipline, and joy. That combination makes her an exceptional fit for Hemlock High School and for this new role leading the Performing Arts Center.”
For more than fifteen years, Hillman has dedicated her work to arts education and expanding access to music and performance opportunities for students of all ages. Her experience includes serving as Director of the Flint Youth Chorus at the Flint School of Performing Arts, vocal and piano instruction, directing theater productions, program development, fundraising, and building strong community partnerships throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. Her passion for students and the arts stood out throughout the interview process.
Hillman said the opportunity to help shape the future of the new Performing Arts Center in Hemlock felt special from the beginning.
“From my first conversations with Hemlock, it was clear this community believes in creating meaningful opportunities for students,” said Hillman. “The arts have the power to build confidence, connection, creativity, and belonging. I’m honored to join a district that values that so deeply. I’m excited to help create a Performing Arts Center that feels alive with music, storytelling, learning, and community, and most importantly, a place where students feel inspired to find their voice.”
Board President Matt Wesener said the hire represents a major milestone for the district and for the future of arts programming in Hemlock.
“This is a landmark moment for Hemlock Public School District,” said Wesener. “Our new Performing Arts Center will be a destination for students and our community for generations to come, and we knew it was critical to find the right person to lead it. Danyelle brings vision, experience, and tremendous passion for the arts. We’re excited to welcome her to Hemlock and confident she will help build something truly special here.”
Superintendent Don Killingbeck said the hire is another exciting step forward as the district continues investing in student opportunity across campus.
“This isn’t just about opening a new building. It’s about opening doors for kids,” said Killingbeck. “The Performing Arts Center will be a place where students perform, create, take risks, and discover gifts they may not even know they have yet. We believe the arts change lives. Danyelle understands that, and she brings the energy, experience, and heart to help bring this vision to life. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Huskie Pack.”
The new Hemlock Performing Arts Center is designed to serve as both an educational home for student learning and a gathering place for the broader community through concerts, theater productions, performances, showcases, and special events. District leaders believe Hillman’s leadership will help shape not only the programming within the space but also the culture surrounding it.
As the curtain prepares to rise on Hemlock’s newest campus addition, Hillman’s arrival marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the arts in Hemlock.
Students will take the stage. Music will fill the room. The lights will come up.
And a new tradition will begin.