Indian Hill High School student Hannah Joseph earned the 2026 AI Next Generation Award at Cincy AI Week. Joseph said the recognition made her the first teenager honored with a Cincinnati AI Leadership Award.

The Indian Hill Board of Education congratulated Joseph at its Tuesday, Sept. 15, meeting, the district announced on X. The award, part of the Cincinnati AI Leadership Awards, recognized Joseph as an emerging leader in artificial intelligence.

Joseph attended the conference through Indian Hill Experienceships, a program that connects students with professional learning opportunities and operates within the Indian Hill Entrepreneurs' Center. The district said in an August profile that the district's partnership with Cincinnati AI Catalyst made her participation possible.

At the event, Joseph pitched her nonprofit, Seniors Go Digital, to attendees. She said she refused to stay quiet despite being the youngest of hundreds of professionals in the room.

"I introduced myself to everyone, asked tons of questions, stayed after to meet speakers, and pitched my nonprofit, Seniors Go Digital," Joseph said in the district's August profile. "That initiative ultimately made me the first teenager ever considered for, and honored with, a Cincinnati AI Leadership Award."

Joseph also said the experience changed how she thinks about age and opportunity.

"It showed me that being the youngest person in the room does not limit the impact you can make when you are willing to step forward," she said.

Indian Hill High School Principal Andy Gruber said in the same profile that Joseph represents what the school hopes for every student. He said the Experienceships program and the Cincinnati AI Catalyst partnership let students move beyond learning about the future and begin helping shape it. Gruber called Joseph's recognition a reflection of her initiative, leadership and willingness to make an impact.

Indian Hill High School enrolls 660 students in grades 9 through 12.

The next Indian Hill Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Indian Hill Board Office Community Room, 6855 Drake Road.