Each year, we profile the winner of the Hillside Chair’s Award, an honor earned by an employee whose above-and-beyond dedication and impact exemplify the principles of Hillside’s mission of service.
Like a lot of young people, Keyonne Teagle had dreams of a successful career as a professional athlete—but unlike many kids, he also had the skills, drive and early college successes to suggest those dreams were attainable.
“I had a touch of the glory of basketball and got to enjoy it,” he recalls. “My goal was to make a living at it, and I was doing well … but I got injured three times. It wasn’t my thing, I guess.”
His last injury forced Teagle to seek another calling, and he found it in helping others. In 2002 the Queens, NY, native relocated to Rochester, and since 2004 he’s been an enthusiastic member of the Hillside team—including working for the past 13 years as a Youth Advocate for Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection (HWSC).
Teagle’s consistent dedication has instilled him in a sense of purpose, and helped him make a difference in countless young lives. “It builds me up, coming to work and seeing the kids, helping them rectify the problems that they face and giving advice they can carry into the community,” he says. “And when they tell me ‘Thank you. I needed to hear that,’ that helps me along the way.”
Among the many dividends of his long Hillside history has been seeing the longer-term results of his commitment to vulnerable youth. Teagle recalls a student who graduated high school with a full scholarship to study law, and another who eventually became an accountant. The latter alumnus later returned to share life lessons with Teagle’s current students at Greece Athena High School. “They’re doing big things in life. Those are the success stories. I’m so proud of them.”
Teagle gives credit for his longevity to his peers and the current and past supervisors who have provided support and guidance. “I always want to elevate my skillset—every day, I try to do better and be better, and never sell myself short. These young men and women need that from us.
“But you’d be surprised what the kids can teach you, too,” he adds. “These students are phenomenal. I’m so privileged to be a part of their lives. And I owe it to Hillside.”
Keyonne Teagle is pictured above with Jill Knittel, Past Chair, Hillside Board of Governors; and Maria Cristalli, Hillside President & CEO.
Click here to listen to Maria Cristalli and Keyonne Teagle in a recent “Conversations with the CEO” podcast.
Community support keeps #HillsideStrong! Please make a donation today.