In January of 2026, Devin Hamilton, ECSC Graduate of 2023, was interviewed for the Alumni Spotlight.
Devin Hamilton, a 2023 Edinburgh Community School graduate, is currently a Junior at Ball State University. He is pursuing a degree in Visual Arts/Animation with a Concentration in Production
Devin has been extremely successful at Ball State and credits Edinburgh Schools for much of his success.
Devin is the Johnson County Ambassador for Ball State – the only student selected from Johnson County – his goal as ambassador is to advocate for people to stay in Indiana, especially Johnson County, after graduation.
*Devin is a “Brand Ambassador” for the college and participates in all social media posts,
*He has been on the Dean’s list every semester,
*He is a Qualifier for the “Top 100 Students” this year at Ball State out of over 20,000 students,
*Devin is a TA (Teacher’s Assistant) for the “Intro to Fine Arts”,
*He is a “College Orientation Leader” for prospective students. Fun Note: He was Lincoln Rockey’s college orientation leader last year (Mr. Rockey’s son)
*He is on the Student Success Advisory Board, and;
*He is an “Academic Peer Mentor” for the College of Fine Arts.
How did your experience at Edinburgh Community Schools help prepare you for college and the future?
“There were 55 students in my graduation class. Every administrator, teacher, and staff member knew all of us by name. I learned to make which helped me create relationships with teachers and students at Ball State. I learned that small schools help you make friends with all students from every walk of life and that diversity in relationships spilled over to my experience at Ball State.”
Devin’s mother wondered if her intelligent child would be better off at a larger school but found quickly that every administrator and teacher took an active interest in Devin, knew him, encouraged him, and took an active part in his education. She spoke of times that Mr. Rockey and his East Side teachers would reach out to check on him and encourage him even after graduation. She valued the access she as a parent had to the principals and staff and their conversations to find solutions to questions and concerns.
Who were your favorite teachers and why?
“I learned what a good teacher really was from Mr. Bechtel. Mr. Bechtel inspired me to want to learn in his class! Mrs. Taylor was an amazing teacher also. She welcomed and cheered us for our different opinions we shared in her class and helped us express them coherently.”
Devin’s favorite school memory was an end of year party in Spanish. To make the day fun, someone wore an inflated cow costume which added to the celebration of a successful year. Another memory was Mr. Jordan’s weight class and the day that that Devin squatted 315 pounds for his personal record. He was ready to try again until surprised him and Mr. Jordan told him he had accomplished his goal.
Devin’s future. Many careers in Devin’s field can be remote and Devin hopes to return to Edinburgh and work nearby or remotely. He has been contacted by a large manufacturing company in Columbus to make animation shorts for the company. He hopes this internship will lead to more opportunities.
In conclusion, Devin’s advice for ECSC students is to work hard, be diligent in your assignments and build relationships with your teachers and fellow students.