East Holmes Schools tabs Bickel, Yoder for year-end staff honors

As the school year ended, East Holmes Schools celebrated its staff by honoring its staff members who have reached milestones of 10, 20 and 30 years, as well as naming the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year and Classified Staff Member of the Year.

Receiving the awards were Hiland math teacher Jonni Bickel and Darlene Yoder, secretary at Chestnut Ridge.

According to Hiland High and Middle School Principal Tyler Renner, Bickel exhibits everything the district loves to see in its teachers, from leadership in the district and at the high school to caring deeply about the students.

“Jonni is the type of teacher who does a great job balancing students’ wants and needs,” Renner said. “She teaches some challenging classes but still takes the time to make sure every kid feels valued and appreciated. That’s the best trait I can think of because she truly cares about how the students do, not just in math, but in anything they are involved with. She’s so encouraging and positive and a true leader in our building.”

Bickel teaches Math 4, AP Calculus and geometry, a schedule that keeps her quite busy.

Bickel has been at Hiland for more than two decades and continues to exemplify why teachers can make such an impact in the lives of students, as well as co-workers.

Renner said Bickel’s daily dedication and care make his job as principal much easier.

He said Bickel is someone he can confide in to discuss ideas. He said he knows he will receive honest feedback.

“She’s a leader in our building, whether she realizes it or not,” Renner said.

Renner paid Bickel the highest possible compliment by saying, “If my kids came here, I’d definitely want them in her class."

Ask any principal and they will tell you that even though they are in charge, the secretaries are who make a school run smoothly.

Chestnut Ridge Principal J.T. Luneborg agrees with that statement.

Luneborg praised Yoder for her attention to detail, organization and her spirit each day, putting smiles on the faces of every student.

“She makes my job much easier,” Luneborg said. “She excels at what she does. As the first person most visitors meet when they enter the school, she is exceptionally warm and welcoming. Most importantly, she makes everyone’s experience here better every day.”

Having to serve as principal at two schools, Luneborg said when he leaves Chestnut Ridge, he can leave with confidence, knowing Yoder will make sound decisions in his place, calling her indispensable.

He said with her experience and ability to be so much more than a secretary, she plays a role that goes beyond the desk.

“She and all of the other classified staff are just as important to what the kids experience at school,” Luneborg said. “We think about teachers teaching in the classroom, (but) those classified staff connect with kids every day, and they have expectations for our kids as well. Darlene plays that role so well.”

Luneborg said Yoder puts her artistic skills on display for all the specials and brightens the school in many ways.

“This honor is long overdue,” Luneborg said. “She’s such a big part of everything we do and value here at Chestnut Ridge, and this is a deserving honor for her. I’m fortunate to be able to work with her every day.”

Both educators said while there are many deserving staff members who deserve these honors, the district chose two perfect examples of what caring, committed staff members should be.