A new school year is beginning at Hillcrest Academy and a new activities director will be overseeing the program. Leanne Bender has been hired for the position of activities director and school counselor. Bender, a Highland and University of Iowa alum, says that she was drawn to the job because of her ties to athletics with her father being an athletic director and having a husband who coaches. Along with athletics, the position also oversees the drama and music departments. She is most looking forward to working with the students and helping them and the programs be the best that they can be.