From an Oak Hills student to now an Oak Hills teacher, Mrs. Dignan-Cummins or more commonly known as DC is a beloved teacher by many students. Giving each student she encounters a warm welcome and taking the time to get to know each personality she encounters, DC is surely one every student should take the time to get to know.
So where exactly does the nickname DC come from? Mrs. Dignan-Cummins introduces herself as DC to her students and the name stems from her last name’s initials. One could argue this short and simple nickname makes her seem more welcoming and approachable rather than a formal authority figure.
DC is adored by many students for the effort she puts into making her students feel loved and cared for. One of DC’s 3D AP Studio Art and Design students commented “DC is such a nice and understanding teacher who will help you with whatever you need. She’s funny, entertaining, and helpful. She’s truly a wonderful teacher,” (Leo Ruthven, class of 2026). Another student from the same class said, “DC is really nice. She’s super understanding when someone is having a rough day and makes you feel welcome, and actually cares about your grades and work. She never judges you based on how you express your way through art,” (Abby Schultes, class of 2026). The self expression allowed in her studio space is truly appreciated by many students.
An important part of teaching is getting to know your students. This year, DC taught a variety of classes including Honors Enamels Glass and Mosaic, Honors Fiber Arts, Sculpture, Ceramics 1, and 3D AP Studio Art and Design. For each class, DC gives an assignment to better understand the different personalities she is teaching. She asks students to decorate a google slide with information about themselves. The open endedness of the assignment allows students to share details of their life with their teacher and classmates in a judgement free environment. This simple act goes a long way especially for students who may be coy in new environments. When asked about her favorite class to teach, she responded, “Oh my gosh I hate that question… I would have to say I love seeing what students in 3D AP come up with but on the flip side, ceramics is fun seeing the growth it brings in a variety of students. Artists, athletes, academics.” DC takes pride in seeing the progress of her students whether they are a skilled AP level student or a student who is new to the craft.
The community DC builds is in partnership with her experience as a student. DC was an Oak Hills High School student and graduated in 1997 then went on to Bowling Green State University where she graduated with a degree in computer graphics and a minor in the art of metals in 2001. She chose this path to continue her art education and despite being told her whole life she’d be a teacher, she was hesitant. Finally she decided teaching art was her calling and she went on to pursue a masters in educational leadership and graduated from University of Cincinnati in 2008. After graduation she worked at Pleasant Ridge Middle School for 1 year before coming back to Oak Hills where she has been teaching for twenty years.
For students considering a similar path as her, DC says students should have a purpose with their art making and have the intention of making something meaningful to put out in the world. She also mentions that you should be aware of how consuming art can be. DC claims, “The pursuit of art is always a pursue, there isn’t an end so be prepared for that marathon of art that is your life.” While art can be soothing and relaxing, it can also be time consuming and draining so it’s important to keep multiple perspectives in mind. The advice DC has to offer is from first hand experience so it should be taken seriously, especially by her students.
DC has dedicated herself to Oak Hills and her students. Her commitment is shown through both her love for her students but also how she prepares them for the potential future of art making. When it comes to students, DC is truly one of the most respected, caring and thoughtful teachers here at Oak Hills High School.