Alumni Profile: Daniel Hoady, Calaveras Hills High School Class of 2020

Now the owner of local restaurant Dough Burger, 24-year-old entrepreneur Daniel Hoady credits his time at Calaveras Hills High School (CHHS) with setting him on the path to success through financial literacy coursework and a welcoming, supportive community environment.

“Calaveras Hills helped me work on people skills and talking in large groups,” said Hoady, who regularly returns to his alma mater to speak with current Mustangs. “Cal Hills was like a second family to me. They taught me real life skills besides math and science and history. They taught me about credit and things that I will use in real life.”

Hoady fondly remembers his interactions with CHHS staff members who inspired him to pursue excellence. The Mustang team embodies the MUSD Strategic Commitments—especially SC#4 (focusing services and support systems to ensure all learners are fully engaged while achieving social, emotional, and academic gains) and SC#5 (developing creative, learner-focused strategies to ensure healthy learning and working environments).

“Mrs. Augustine, Mr. Payne, Mr. Stice, Mrs. Jordan, and Mrs. Mendoza all inspired me. They always treated me very well,” Hoady shared. “My best memories were spending time with teachers and staff that actually care about your success and treat you like a human.”

In addition to financial education, Hoady developed critical problem-solving skills in robotics class. Offering words of wisdom to younger generations, he emphasized: “Nothing in life is easy; everyone starts somewhere.”