OUR MISSION

Who We Are

The parents, alumni, and staff behind HHSF.

Hillsdale named a “School of Opportunity”

The National Education Policy Center out of the University of Colorado has named Hillsdale a “School of Opportunity”, the first in California to earn the gold level and one of 8 schools to be so recognized across the country this year. The Washington Post, September 2016.

The Hillsdale High School Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises funds to sustain Small Learning Communities at Hillsdale. The organization consists of an Executive Director and thirteen active board members, plus ad-hoc committees. The HHSF Board of Directors consists of parents, former parents, faculty, staff and alumni. See how you can get involved.

Meet the Board


Jeff Gilbert

Lead Principal

Priscilla Nues

President

Matt Tague

Vice President

Elite Yuen

Secretary

Natalia Ortega

Treasurer

Don Leydig

Chair of Alumni Committee

Ryan Almstead

Board Member

Naomi Atkins

Board Member

Mercy Dominquez

Board Member

Janna Omeara

Board Member

Nereyda Salinas

Board Member

Grace Whipkey

Board Member

Rhonda Wilmurt

Finance & Operations

Meet the Executive Director


Who We Are: Teen in a Knights jersey and an older woman smile on a sports field.

Amy Michael joined the Foundation in May 2025 and became Executive Director in October 2025. She is a proud Hillsdale parent, and she and her husband, Bryan, have two Knights – Charlie (Class of 2023) and Judy (Class of 2027).

She has loved volunteering for her children’s schools over the years and most recently joined the Hillsdale Foundation Board in 2025. As Executive Director, she is committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission to support Small Learning Communities where its unique and special House system helps every student feel known, connected, and challenged. She looks forward to partnering with Hillsdale families, staff, and alumni to sustain and grow that impact for every student.

Foundation History


Founded in April 2007, the Hillsdale High School Foundation serves as the school’s primary fundraising entity. The HHSF kicked off its fundraising efforts with an event honoring Homer Zugelder and Rich Mazzoncini, two respected and admired Hillsdale coaches. In 2009, district budget cuts endangered Small Learning Communities. HHSF now focuses its fundraising campaigns to insure that SLCs continue to thrive for Hillsdale students.

Quick Facts

Did you know?

  • California ranks 36th in the nation in per-pupil spending.
  • HHSF has given $3.5M+ to HHS, helping to fill a severe federal & state funding gap.
  • Small class sizes foster teacher-student support which leads to increased rigor and academic success.
  • HHSF donors are inspired by their students’ sense of belonging, strong relationships with their teachers and the guidance they receive beyond the standard academic core.

$3.5M+

Given by HHSF to Hillsdale High School to date.

Contact Us

execdirector@hillsdalehsfoundation.org

alumni@hillsdalehsfoundation.org

7 41st Ave. Suite 232
San Mateo, CA 94403
(650) 558-2618

Join us in supporting this great school

Every gift, in any amount, keeps Small Learning Communities strong for the next Hillsdale student.