Dani McClain is a reporter and author whose work has been featured in Time, Slate and Ebony.com, and she will serve as the Cincinnati Library Foundation’s Writer-in-Residence for 2020. But before Dani McClain became an award-winning journalist, she was a Brave. McClain grew up in Camp Dennison and, after graduating from Indian Hill High School, attended Columbia University for both her undergraduate and graduate work, earning a Master of Science from its prestigious School of Journalism.
Serving as the Library’s literary ambassador to the community, McClain will host a monthly podcast, write blog posts, hold office hours, and lead writing workshops … but even with a packed schedule, McClain made time for a quick Q&A with us to talk about her days as a student at Indian Hill, and offer some advice to current students.
Indian Hill School District (IHSD): Tell us about your experience as a student at Indian Hill – how did it help to prepare you for your current profession?
Dani McClain (DM): I attended Indian Hill for kindergarten through 12th grades. My most vivid memories are of high school extracurriculars. I was a writer and editor for Chieftain when it was under the leadership of English teacher Bob West. I studied Latin with Sherwin Little and edited statewide and national publications for the Junior Classical League. I was in the marching band when it was led by Steve Strider, who brought in a lot of jazz and funk and had us playing Chick Corea, Tower of Power and Duke Ellington. I played soccer, ran track and generally kept busy. The activities allowed me to build skills and learn and also just have fun with my classmates and friends. I got a solid education and had opportunities for exploration inside and outside the classroom. My creativity and curiosity were encouraged.
IHSD: What would be your advice to our current students?
DM: If you haven't already, find your people. Find the people with whom you can be yourself and do the things you're actually interested in doing. Create a place for yourself in the school community and find a way to feel at home. At the same time, be sure to get off campus, get outside the neighborhood and explore the larger city. Engage in that broader community now. Don't wait until after you graduate or until you have community service hours to fill.
IHSD: What is your hope for this new chapter as a Writer-in-Residence?
DM: I'm looking forward to connecting with the city's writers and readers. I'll be hosting writing workshops at various branches and facilitating conversations about the power of the written word. It's very meaningful to receive this support here in my hometown.
IHSD: Is there anything else you would like to add?
DM: I write a bit about my experience as a student at Indian Hill in the '80s and '90s and about growing up in Camp Dennison in my book, We Live for the We. It's available for checkout at the library, if folks want to have a read. And please bring your story ideas, burning questions and enthusiasm for reading and writing to Writer-In-Residence events in 2020!
McClain is scheduling events at the Library soon. Information about her appearances can be found posted on CincinnatiLibrary.org/writerinresidence. Read McClain’s WIR blog posts on Blog.CincinnatiLibrary.org.
Photo caption: Award-winning journalist and Indian Hill High School graduate Dani McClain named 2020 Cincinnati Library Writer-in-Residence