Prior to her coming to Aurora in 1902, Nancy L. Hill held teaching and administrative positions in Yorkville. She taught at Oak Street School (Mary A. Todd School) in Aurora for seven years and then served as principal for 19 years. Hill was highly regarded and was once considered for the superintendency. Two weeks before her death, she was named to be the principal of the new J.H. Freeman School. She was described as a fine teacher and "a wonderful character builder." At the time of her death, a school board member described Smith as "absolutely unselfish and just and generous toward all, -- seeking always for the good and overlooking the faults…" The Illinois Avenue School was named for Nancy L. Hill on June 11, 1928. |
