Hillcrest High School is a comprehensive public high school with a student population of approximately 1,230 students in grades 9-12. Hillcrest serves four communities: Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, Markham, and Homewood. We are located at 17401 South Pulaski in Country Club Hills. Hillcrest was built in 1967 in a park-like, attractive community. It is conveniently located near Prairie State College, Governors State University, and South Suburban College.
We have a long-standing tradition of academic and athletic excellence. There are 12 academic departments with a rich variety of programs including honors and advanced placement courses. Our faculty are committed, talented, and well accomplished in their respective areas. We strive daily to meet the needs of all of our students. Among our many accomplishments, we proudly boast that we are the home of the 2009 State of Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Boys' Track Champions.
Our motto is, "Soaring with unity, pride, and excellence." It defines our belief in our students and our faculty. We are very proud of our high school. It has long been considered by many to be the focal point of our community. We invite you to utilize this web site to learn more about Hillcrest High School and the many happenings.
Principal, Mr. Clinton Alexander
Mr. Clinton Alexander was born and raised in the South Suburbs of Chicago. He is a second-generation educator. As a local prep star, Alexander received a full scholarship to play football to Eastern Illinois University, where he was a two-sport (Football and Track) standout athlete.
Mr. Alexander’s career began as an English teacher, which he taught a range of preps from AP and honors courses to English electives. His most notable achievement as a teacher was being awarded the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Those Who Excel Award for his contributions to data-driven instruction.
Before being appointed as the principal of Hillcrest, Mr. Alexander served as the Associate Principal of Curriculum and Instruction and the Associate Principal of Business and Operations at Rich Township High Schools. During his tenure at Rich Township High Schools, Alexander was responsible for stabilizing the culture and climate of two buildings.
He has earned two Bachelors of Arts degrees from Eastern Illinois University (Communications) and Governors State University (Secondary Education/English), he has also earned a Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership from Concordia University and he is currently pursuing his doctoral degree at National Louis University.
Mr. Alexander can be contacted at calexander@bhsd228.com or (708)799-7000 ext. 4800
Associate Principal, Dr. Scott Buchanan
Dr. Scott Buchanan started his career as a Science teacher and football and wrestling coach in Nebraska, where he was born and raised. After seven years of teaching and coaching, he moved into his first administrative position. Dr. Buchanan has served as a principal, athletic director, associate director of human resources, and curriculum coordinator before joining the Hillcrest High School administrative team.
He has been at Hillcrest High School since the 2010-2011 school year. He served one year as the Assistant Principal for Student Services before moving into the Associate Principal’s position. As the Associate Principal, he oversees many different aspects of the building including student registration, building and grounds, and security. One of his main goals is to provide a safe environment for all students, staff, and guests.
Dr. Buchanan earned his Bachelors of Science Degrees in Biology and Physical Education from Dana College, his Masters in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and his Doctorate from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Illinois. The title of his dissertation is The Relationship between Mobility and Student Achievement.
Dr. Buchanan is married with two adult daughters, a son-in-law, and a beautiful granddaughter.
Dr. Buchanan can be reached at sbuchanan@bhsd228.com or (708)799-7000 ext. 4802
Associate Principal for Student Success, Colin Milton
Mr. Colin Milton was born and raised in Urbana, Illinois. He holds a BA in History from Illinois Wesleyan University. He completed his student teaching practicum through the Urban Education Program at Benito Juarez High School in Chicago. While in college, Mr. Milton was part of the swimming team, where he competed in diving.
After college, Mr. Milton taught in Kankakee District 111. In 1999, Mr. Milton joined District 228 as a Social Studies teacher at Oak Forest High School. He taught a variety of courses including AP Geography and Psychology. Mr. Milton helped organize a Psychology Fair, where students across the district shared research projects.
Mr. Milton earned an MA in Educational Leadership from The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He also completed an MA in Curriculum & Instruction from NLU. In 2009, Mr. Milton transitioned to administration as the BHSD 228 Social Studies Supervisor, where he led successful initiatives to expand AP course offerings/participation and implemented common assessments across the department.
Mr. Milton is excited to move to his new role at Hillcrest High School, where he will oversee a data-driven initiative to connect students with academic and social- emotional support to ensure they reach their full potential.
Mr. Milton is married with two children.
Mr. Milton can be contacted at cmilton@bhsd228.com.
Assistant Principal, Dr. Maurice Young
Dr. Maurice E. Young’s teaching career began in Stone Mountain, Georgia at Redan High School where he taught English, directed the Gifted Program, and coached Girls Track & Field. After relocating to Chicago, he continued teaching English and coaching Girls Track & Field at Hillcrest for several years before being promoted as District 228 English Department Supervisor, where he served for 6 years.
In 2008, Dr. Young was appointed as the Assistant Principal of Small Learning Communities at Hillcrest, where he served for several years before the position title was revised to Assistant Principal of Teaching and Learning at Hillcrest.
During his tenure as AP of Teaching and Learning, he has led scores of students across the graduation stage, presented on several topics. He is a member of the Illinois Principals’ Association and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. His current research is on Culturally Responsive Instruction.
He earned his Bachelor’s of Arts from University of Illinois (Champaign) in Secondary Education, he earned his Master of Arts from Georgia State University in Educational Leadership, and he earned his Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Loyola University
Dr. Young can be reached at myoung@bhsd228.com or 708-799-7000 ext. 4804.
Assistant Principal, Dr. Jon Kahney
Dr. Jon Kahney began his career in education as a mathematics teacher at Hillcrest High School in the 2001-2002 school year. Over his ten years in this position he taught courses from regular through honors level. One of his most notable achievements as a mathematics teacher was his contribution to the development of, and service in, the small learning community which supported incoming freshmen who were behind their peers in English and mathematics. During this time, he also coached and sponsored several sports and activities including volleyball, golf, bowling, chess club, and mathletes.
Currently, Dr. Kahney serves as the Assistant Principal for Student Services. In this position, he oversees many aspects of student and family support throughout the school and leads with a students first mindset.
Dr. Kahney earned his Bachelor’s degree in mathematics as well as his Masters of Secondary Education from DePaul University. He earned his Masters and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Francis. The title of his dissertation is Teacher Behavioral Process Criteria Grading Practices and the Effect on Student Achievement in English and Mathematics.
Dr. Kahney is married with two married adult children.
Dr. Kahney can be reached at (708)799-7000 ext. 4806 or at jkahney@bhsd228.com.
Athletic Director, Ms. Lisa Wunar
Lisa Wunar is a 1985 graduate of Hillcrest High School. She attended the University of South Florida on a softball scholarship, where she earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in English Education in the Spring of 1989. Lisa was hired as an English teacher and coach at Hillcrest High School in August of 1989. She earned her Masters Degree from Governors State University in 1994 and her Certificate of Advanced Study in Curriculum and Instruction from St. Xavier University in 2000.
Lisa became the Athletic Director of Hillcrest High School in 1997. She has seen thousands of kids live their dreams of earning a quality education while participating in High School Athletics. Her greatest joy is seeing the success of former students. She is a life-time member of the Illinois Athletic Directors Association.
Lisa Wunar can be reached at 708-647-4821 or at lwunar@bhsd228.com.