Hillsdale, MI – January 6, 2025 — The Hillsdale County Community Foundation proudly announces the recipient of the Kristin Townsend Warren Grant on what would have been Kristin’s birthday.
Kristin Townsend Warren, a beloved teacher who was a friend to everyone she met, dedicated 25 years to Hillsdale Community Schools. Over the years, she taught health, physical education, science, and was an educator at the Horizon Alternative High School at the time of her passing. Kristin’s legacy of fostering connections lives on through this annual grant.
This year’s award honors a project that epitomizes community spirit and collaboration: the wrap of the School Resource Officer (SRO) vehicle in Hillsdale Community School’s Hornet blue and yellow. In partnership with Hillsdale City Police, the introduction of Officer Kyle Kirsten, the School Resource Officer has greatly enhanced the sense of safety and collaboration within the school district. The SRO fulfills vital roles as a law enforcement officer, informal counselor/mentor, and an educator.
The project was brought to life through a contest organized by Officer Kirsten and HHS Art Teacher Sarah Walworth. The winning designs, created by Abby Amburgey and Landon Leach, will be printed and applied by a local sign company. The new vehicle wrap, showcasing the school colors, has garnered praise from students and parents alike, serving as a symbol of school pride and community unity.
Hillsdale High School Principal Josh Perrin, remarked, “I have witnessed Officer Kirsten’s dedication to building a stronger community through various initiatives. From doing push-ups with the cheerleaders when the football team scores a touchdown to reading in my son’s second grade classroom, his positive influence extends well beyond our school, fostering a more supportive environment for everyone.
The wrap of the SRO police car serves as another means to spread the positivity he has brought to our district, extending its reach beyond the Hillsdale High School campus. We are truly fortunate to live in such a small, supportive, and safe community. This grant and project are yet another step toward strengthening our community and making a positive impact.”
This initiative perfectly reflects Kristin’s spirit of care and commitment to her students, colleagues, and community. HCCF is grateful for the ongoing support of Kristin’s family, which makes these projects possible in her memory.
For more information about Hillsdale County Community Foundation and its ongoing initiatives, please visit www.abouthccf.org. The Hillsdale County Community Foundation was established in 1991 with their slogan, “For good. For ever.” As a community grant-making foundation, it provides seed money to organizations and institutions that have identified problems and have designed constructive action programs aimed at solutions. The majority of the Foundation’s grant making is focused on the areas of youth, leadership, philanthropy and volunteerism.
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