Bernadette John, a 2017 graduate of Darby High School, said she owes where she is today to Hilliard City Schools.
After earning a bachelor’s in music performance and a bachelor’s in business administration from Bowling Green State University, she attended Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee. She graduated in May of 2023 with her master’s in clarinet performance.
Starting in September, she is studying contemporary clarinet performance in Dublin, Ireland, as a Fulbright scholarship recipient. In partnership with more than 140 countries worldwide, the Fulbright Program offers unparalleled opportunities in all academic disciplines to passionate and accomplished graduating college seniors, graduate students, and young professionals from all backgrounds. John said the process wasn’t an easy one. Only around one in five Fulbright applicants are accepted. When she returns from her 10-month stint in Ireland, she hopes to attend The Ohio State University for her doctorate of musical arts, then teach and play music.
“Without Hilliard Schools, I don’t think I would have chosen music as a career path,” she said. “I still remember my very first day of band and Mr. John Montgomery teaching me my very first notes on the clarinet.”
Others who influenced her and encouraged her passion for music while at Hilliard include Nicole Brocke, Joe Burke, Jeremy Kozman, Nick James, Kristin Hodgson, Michael Martin, and Hannah Sterman-Wilson.
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