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HIGHLAND PARK — At Highland Park High School, the motto “Enter
to learn, go forth to serve” is more than a slogan etched on a wall—it’s
a way of life. Rooted in a tradition of excellence now spanning more
than a century, Highland Park requires its students to complete a
minimum of 50 hours of community service, alongside rigorous
academic standards, to graduate.
While these expectations might seem daunting to students (and
parents) at first, a growing number of students are embracing service
not as a requirement, but as a guiding principle to shape their futures.
For many, this commitment has extended well beyond this quiet
enclave in the heart of Dallas.
In recent weeks, 15 Highland Park High School graduates have either
accepted calls, are currently serving, or have recently returned from
full-time missionary assignments for The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. These young men and women volunteer—at their
own expense—to engage in a wide range of service and teaching
opportunities wherever they are assigned. Many are required to learn
another language before departing, a challenge they willingly embrace.
Their efforts span from teaching English and offering hands-on help in local communities to assisting refugees and
supporting clean water initiatives—all while sharing a message of hope through both word and action. From
Taiwan, Japan, and Singapore to Brazil, Mexico, Germany, and Canada—and in cities across the United States—this
group of young ambassadors is devoting up to two years of their lives to improve the lives of others. Many credit
the foundation built in the blue-and-gold halls of Highland Park as instrumental in preparing them for this deeply
meaningful challenge.
Putting Faith and Service First
Will Hinze, a recent graduate of the Class of 2025, was a standout on the Scots tennis team and a key contributor to
the Scots’ state championship win as a freshman. Though he had opportunities to play collegiate tennis, Hinze
chose to put his athletic career on hold to pursue a higher calling—accepting a mission assignment to the newly
created Montana Missoula Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“As a competitor, I thrive being out of my comfort zone,” Hinze said. “When I got my letter, I was ready. I knew
wherever I was called would be exactly where I needed to be. I’ve had powerful experiences that led me to believe
in God, and I want others to have that too.”
Hinze credits his coaches, teachers, and fellow students at Highland Park, as well as the examples within his family,
including his sister Savannah who is currently serving in the Canada Toronto Mission, for helping to build the
confidence it takes to reach beyond his comfort zone to help others.
Elijah Son, a 2024 graduate and All-State pianist, is another alum who says his time at the school helped shape his
desire to serve. He has been called to the Japan Kobe Mission, where Christians represent just 1.5% of the
population. Despite being a religious minority, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the second-largest
Christian denomination in the country.
“I feel so fortunate to be able to serve the people of Japan” Son said. “The first thing we want people to know is that
God loves them— that He knows us by name and wants to help us through our trials. It’s a message of hope for all
people, everywhere.”
Maren Hamilton, Class of 2022, is part of a steadily increasing number of young women answering the call to
missionary service. She recently returned from an 18-month mission in Frankfurt, Germany—a life-changing
experience, she says. “Serving others and focusing on God every day for 18 months strengthened my devotion to
the gospel,” Hamilton said. “I’ve made many lasting friendships and seen how lives improve when people accept
Jesus Christ as their Savior.” Hamilton also credits the Highland Park community for instilling the value of service
from an early age and for providing strong examples of faith and commitment throughout her upbringing.
Parents Witness Personal Growth
The decision to serve impacts families as well. Dallas Tanner’s son Krew, from the Class of 2024, competed on the
Scots gymnastic team and is now serving in the Orlando, Florida Mandarin-speaking mission. Tanner describes the
experience as a “parent payday.” He says, “Watching Krew grow through serving others has been incredibly
rewarding. He’s more Christ-centered, and it shows in his demeanor and what he teaches our family in our weekly
letters and Zoom calls.”
Mark Nance, Class of 2024, is a former Distance Captain of the Scots Track and Field team and is currently serving
in the Brazil Ribeirão Preto mission. His mother Julie also acknowledges seeing increased personal growth in her
son as he dedicates himself to giving back. She says, “Mark went from being focused on himself to focusing on
others. That shift in perspective has made him genuinely happier.”
Flynn Hatch, Class of 2023, was a Highland Park Student Ambassador, multi-sport varsity athlete and a member of
the acapella singing group Park Version. He is now using those leadership skills in the Mexico City mission. His
parents, Troy and Anne both say Flynn’s experiences of helping those in need have been “transformative.” Anne
says, “One of the greatest gifts has been watching him develop a greater capacity to serve others—not just as part
of an assignment, but as a way of life. He listens more closely to the needs of others, acts more purposefully, and
leads with humility.”
A Global Movement with Lasting Impact
The experiences of these Highland Park graduates are part of a much broader movement. Today they join more
than 78,000 young volunteers teaching and offering aid in 191 countries and territories worldwide.* Their impact
is significant, not only for those they help, but for the growth they experience. Studies show that mission service
fosters leadership, resilience, academic focus, and a lasting sense of purpose.
Highland Park High School’s Mission Statement encourages students to “go forth to serve the community and
world as responsible citizens.” In a time when achievement often overshadows character, these young people
distinguish themselves—not just by where they’re going, but by who they’re becoming.
Though their journeys take them across continents, their roots are deeply local. They begin in Highland Park—in a
school that balances high expectations with higher purpose, and in a community that prizes both excellence and
empathy. The legacy of service left by these and other Scots graduates reflects a mission fulfilled. Their
commitment is not a break from their upbringing—it’s a continuation of the values nurtured in classrooms, on
athletic fields, and throughout a close-knit community of family and neighbors who are dedicated to giving back.
About the Author
Val Holley is a former award-winning reporter and has been a resident of the Highland Park community for more
than a decade. During her 20-year career as a broadcast journalist, she won multiple Emmy Awards for her work.
Holley later formed her own Public Relations firm, consulting multiple Fortune 100 companies.
- 2024 Statistical Report of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.