Young Leaders

by Grace Kennedy Photography by Jamie Cowles

Leading by Example

Hough senior Hannah Vernile celebrates diversity and inclusion

During her freshman orientation at Hough High, Hannah Vernile learned about a club that raises awareness for people with special needs. That’s when she knew she had found a way—her way—to make a difference.

Even as a child, Vernile wanted to be friends with the kids in the special needs class, but didn’t have opportunities to spend time with them. The Hough Unified Club was a chance to make friends with them and help them feel accepted.

The club hosts events including Special Olympics track and field, and runs school wide inclusivity campaigns. She joined as a freshman, was promoted to leadership the following year, and was voted Secretary her junior and senior years.

“[Students with different abilities] make me appreciate the small things we take for granted,” says Vernile. “If I’m having a stressful day, they remind me to step back and look at the big picture.”

Through Unified Club she learned about a camp that ended up changing her life. HUGS (Helping Understand God through Sharing), a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of NC, meets each summer at Haw River State Park. Campers with special needs are paired with “Helper Campers” for a week of fun and friendship.

“HUGS is the highlight of every year because I have truly never experienced a place as welcoming, joyful, accepting and loving,” says Vernile, who has been a Helper Camper for a young man with autism and a teen with cerebral palsy.

She found another way to serve her community the summer after her junior year. Amid a national reckoning with racial inequities, Vernile asked her principal, Dr. Laura Rosenbach, what they could do to instill inclusivity at Hough.

That question led to Huskies Against Hate, a movement among students, teachers, parents and citizens to ensure a welcoming environment for all Hough students. In October 2020 Vernile and three fellow members were invited to serve on the Student Task Force for a faculty and staff training program to enhance racial equity at Hough. The initiative is led by Global Minds United, a Davidsonbased nonprofit that partners with the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Vernile’s work with Huskies Against Hate also led to an invitation to represent Hough on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Youth Council, an advisory board that consults with city, county, and school district leaders.

“I have been beyond impressed with Hannah’s maturity when discussing tough topics with peers and adults,” says Dr. Rosenbach. “Her commitment to making our school and community a better place has had a positive impact that cannot be understated.” Vernile credits her father, Brian, for her work ethic and her mother, Jennifer, for her compassion for others. They live in Huntersville, and her brother Dylan has a few more years left at Hough.

She is currently choosing between a handful of college acceptances but is leaning toward UNC Chapel Hill. She’s considering a career in law, but whatever she pursues, she knows it has to involve helping others. It’s just what she does.