There were plenty of laughs and even a few tears during last night's Jennerjahn Most Influential Educator Awards held at the Elks Lodge.
According to Superintendent Chad Yencer, this was the 19th year for the awards, initiated by Ruth Jennerjahn and her late husband Brian, that allow the BJSHS Top Ten Seniors to select and reward their Most Influential Educator. Yencer explained that during the program, the student would share why their particular selection was so special and honor them with a small gift.
The students' creativity really shined! Gifts included thoughtful items such as photos, stories, journals, and even a hand-decorated flower pot. Una Bowman presented a framed photographic history of the Jazz Band to Holden Berlin, complete with the name of the songs the group performed. Riata Rouch presented Blackford United Coach and teacher Linda Wallace with a bird house, noting that each room of the birdhouse contained a thoughtful comment from Mrs. Wallace's students.
The students' speeches were equally touching. For senior Savannah Skinner, Ashley Drees' Food and Consumer Sciences classroom provided a safe haven for a self-described introvert to flourish. Avalyn Williams shared that Melinda Huber played a role in helping her get through some personal trauma during her time in elementary school. Mrs. Huber, then Otwinowski, suggested Avalyn journal through her issues. Avalyn returned the kindness with a journal of her own for Mrs. Huber, which included entries as to why Mrs. Huber was so important to her.
There were interesting milestones during the evening. For BJSHS JROTC Instructor MSG Rick Kauffman, this marked the 9th time he had been selected for the honor.
In another interesting twist, three of the Top Ten Seniors had a parent who was selected as an Influential Educator (although the student did not necessarily select their parent.) They included: Una and Bethany Bowman, Riata and Yvette Rouch and Allison and Jennifer Jacobs.
Ruth Jennerjahn closed the evening by sharing a humorous article that honored teachers and the many positive effects they had on the author's children.
The students and their Most Influential Educator for 2023 include: Una Bowman and Holden Berlin, BJSHS Band Director; Savannah Skinner and Ashley Drees, BJSHS FACS teacher; Savannah Schlotter and Bethany Bowman, English teacher at BJSHS; Riata Rouch and Linda Wallace, Special Needs teacher at BJSHS; Nathaniel Limle and Sherri Barker, Spanish teacher at BJSHS; Jaleigh O'Connell and Yvette Rouch, BJSHS Health Sciences teacher; Ethan Hidy and JROTC Instructor MSG Rick Kauffman; Brianna Stroble and Shelbi Blankenbaker, BJSHS Ag teacher; Avalyn Williams and former BCS elementary teacher Melinda "Mrs. O" Huber; and last, but certainly not least, Allison Jacobs who selected her mother, BIS Social Worker Jennifer Jacobs.
