From the desk of Ginger Bell, Director of Family and Alumni Relations:

Austin Bell, 2010

Austin Bell, ’10, arrived at Brook Hill in time for seventh grade. When he first started, there were only the two main buildings (Ornelas and Lauderdale) and the soccer field, gym, and baseball field. Austin says it is hard to believe how much everything has changed since then. He has such pride in his alma mater. “It has been 5 years since I graduated from Brook Hill and every time I go by to visit it amazes me how much it continues to grow!”

Who were his primary mentors at Brook Hill?  “Stephen Dement and Stan Ward. I was lucky enough to be on the Cannon Guard for four years, and also took History and Government with Mr. Dement. I learned a lot from the classes he taught and also learned from the example that he set for everyone around him. He was very supporting of people and would encourage you to do your best at whatever the task. Dr. Ward was my advisor and taught many classes that I took while at Brook Hill. He was constantly available any time that someone wanted advice or just wanted to talk. His kindness towards others was something that you could observe on any given day. Both of these men set great examples as teachers and mentors during my time at Brook Hill and still to this day.”

The advice Austin has for current students relates to college preparation.  Recognize that Brook Hill will help you develop strong study skills and obtain knowledge necessary to be successful in college and even after!  He says one of the advantages of attending Brook Hill was being able to head off to college with multiple college hours already on his transcript.  Take those dual credit and AP courses.  It gives you a head start on college academics for sure. And as for bolstering your faith to help you face so many of those college challenges, Brook Hill is a great place to grow and establish a “strong core of beliefs”.  The environment is designed to do just that.  “From the chapels on Wednesday to the Bible classes, you are constantly learning and growing in faith.”

Austin currently works at the Bullard branch of Texas National Bank as a lender and Assistant Vice President. After Brook Hill, Austin graduated from the University of Texas at Tyler in 2013 and immediately began working in the banking industry. He is now pursuing his MBA and should graduate next May.  Stop by and say congratulations to Austin the next time you are in Bullard.