On Aug. 24, the Hillsborough Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) program held its 33rd annual graduation ceremony at the USF Marshall Student Center. The event celebrated 35 children and their parents who completed the program, which provides free home-based early education for children ages two to five. HIPPY home visitors work closely with parents and offer a curriculum, educational materials, and support to enhance children’s literacy, social, and emotional development.
A HIPPY graduate attends the ceremony.
The ceremony was filled with heartfelt moments, particularly during the parent presentations. While overcome with emotion, parents praised HIPPY and with deep gratitude, thanked their home visitors for the tools and support they received during their time in the program.
Brenda Brinson, the program director of Hillsborough HIPPY, explained how the partnership and bond forms between the home visitor and parents and how their combined effort is vital to the success of the children.
“Imagine committing one hour each week for 30 weeks over four years to allow a stranger into your home and around your family," said Brinson. "The home visitor becomes a teacher, motivator, cheerleader, confidant, and supporter. The relationship between the home visitor and parent is key to the success of the HIPPY intervention.”
The event also featured performances by HIPPY past and present graduates and recognized two outstanding parents with awards.
Charlotte Blackburn was recognized with the Purple Excellence Award.
Charlotte Blackburn received the 2024 Purple Excellence Award. The award honors the life and legacy of the late HIPPY State Director Mary Lindsey, PhD. The Purple Excellence Award is symbolic of Lindsey in two ways: her favorite color was purple, and it is given to a parent who showcases her same love of education, children, family, and community.
Isabelia Harter received the 2024 Dr. Karen Berkman ASD Excellence Award. The award, named in recognition of Karen Berkman, PhD, retired executive director of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) at USF, was instrumental in forming a collaboration between CARD and HIPPY to better support families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder while enrolled in the HIPPY program.
The celebration concluded with a special musical performance by the HIPPY home visitors followed by a reception for attendees.
Since 1995, the Hillsborough HIPPY program, funded by the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County, has supported thousands of local families and continues to prepare children for educational success. Learn more about HIPPY and its success on the program's website.