As Hill students returned home from summer, about half the community was happily surprised by a program the 5th form SGA representatives, Hilton Johnson ’25  and Maggie Qi ’25, had begun last year. Over the course of just a few months, the majority of the menstrual product dispensers were replaced in the women’s restrooms on campus, providing female-identifying students with free access to these much-needed necessities. 

The idea for this new program was born when one of Johnson’s friends reached out to him with a concern.  

“A female studen came up to me about a gripe that she had with the school and that was the inability to access feminine products because of the coin machines,” Johnson said. 

 He brought this concern to Qi, and they agreed that something should be done about the widespread disapproval for sanitary products dispensers. 

However, some obstacles had to be cleared before this program could be put into motion. The 5th form representatives brought their proposal to the Student Government Association, and the plan was swiftly put into motion. After submitting their proposal on behalf of the SGA to Jennifer Weissbach, former Director of Residential Life, they received nothing but support.  

Korinne Blackwell, Facilities Operations Manager, perfectly summed up the argument that the team submitted.  

“As with soap and toilet paper, feminine hygiene products are an essential item, not a luxury item for half of our community,” Blackwell said. 

After extensive research on the state of each women’s bathroom dispenser in the school was completed by Qi, the journey of the evolution of Johnson and Qi’s proposal was smooth until it reached the issue of finances.  

“The major issue was that we had budget because we were replacing machines from the walls and putting a free one in,” Qi said. “It was not cost-effective.” 

However, due to the school’s desire to make this a free resource to all those who need it, Hill decided that this project would be funded by the school.  

“Going forward this will be considered part of the operational cost for housekeeping,” Blackwell stated, showing that her support throughout this process has been reflected by Hill. 

Qi and Johnson followed up on their project during the summer, discovering that the replacements were made while the students were away. Female-identifying students can now find provisions in the Center For The Arts and the Shirley Quadrivium Center and the Athey Academic Center.  

These facilities join the Ryan Library, which already had a free, well-stocked menstrual product program in place.  

Hill first accepted female students in 1998. 25 years later, female-identifying students find their own acceptance through programs such as these.  

“Even greater than the products themselves, I think this shows the school’s willingness to partner with students who want to make a change in all areas at Hill, and I find that to be the real message behind this,” Mallory Rohrbaugh ’25 shared. 

Students of every gender feel the effects of Qi and Johnson’s proposal, as it is more than the products alone. Benjamin Sullivan ’24 voiced his support for this project. “I think it is a great change to the school to make female students more accommodated and comfortable in the school environment.” 

Qi and Johnson are proud of their addition to their home and so grateful for those who supported them in cultivating their idea. It only took one text message to step closer to a comfortable campus for all of Hill’s students. “I really want to thank Blackwell in particular for helping us becaus she was the reason that made this project so smooth,” Qi concluded.