Today's BJSHS Senior Shout Outs go to two hard-working Blackford Bruins! Rowan Hollin recently graduated from Ivy Tech with her Indiana College Core Certificate.
She is joined by fellow Bruin, Mason Kitterman, who also graduated with his Indiana College Core Certificate.
We are proud of these outstanding students, as well as our partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, which made this possible for our students!
Way to go, Bruins!
#BruinProud #IvyTech
She is joined by fellow Bruin, Mason Kitterman, who also graduated with his Indiana College Core Certificate.
We are proud of these outstanding students, as well as our partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, which made this possible for our students!
Way to go, Bruins!
#BruinProud #IvyTech
Today's BJSHS Senior Shout Outs go to two more hard-working Blackford Bruins! Lewis Dudelston recently graduated from Ivy Tech with his Indiana College Core Certificate, as well as an Associate of General Studies and and Associate of Science in Liberal Arts. He is joined by fellow Bruin, Loralie Hile, who also graduated with her Indiana College Core Certificate and a CCMA.
We are proud of these outstanding students, as well as our partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, which made this possible for our students!
Way to go, Bruins!
#BruinProud #IvyTech
We're picking up speed as we head to the finish line, Bruins! Check out the upcoming events.
Don't forget the BJSHS Community Health Fair this Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Multiple health services and interactive educational stations will be available throughout the day. If your student needs to update vaccinations, an Immunization Clinic will be available. (A permission slip must be signed first. Call your student's school for more info.)
Be sure to check out all the activities available.
Be sure to check out all the activities available.
How about a round of applause for the 2026 BCS Teacher of the Year at Blackford Jr.-Sr. High School- Mrs. Linda Wallace!
Mrs. Wallace teaches Special Needs at BJSHS and has been a part of BCS since 1995.
During yesterday's staff meeting at BJSHS, Principal Jason Ridge surprised Mrs. Wallace with the honor saying, "Linda isn't just an educator; she is the heartbeat of a program. She works with our most unique students, meeting them exactly where they are with a level of patience, kindness, and compassion that most of us strive for on our best days, but Linda cares every single day.
"Whether she's in the classroom or on the sidelines coaching Unified Sports, Linda sees the potential in every student. She reminds us daily that inclusion isn't just a buzzword; it's a way of life. She doesn't just teach life skills, she models a well-lived life."
During the presentation, Mrs. Wallace's husband, Tim, (a former BCS teacher) joined the spontaneous standing ovation given to her by her colleagues.
Congratulations, Mrs. Wallace! We are #BruinProud of you!
#TeacherOfThe Year
Mrs. Wallace teaches Special Needs at BJSHS and has been a part of BCS since 1995.
During yesterday's staff meeting at BJSHS, Principal Jason Ridge surprised Mrs. Wallace with the honor saying, "Linda isn't just an educator; she is the heartbeat of a program. She works with our most unique students, meeting them exactly where they are with a level of patience, kindness, and compassion that most of us strive for on our best days, but Linda cares every single day.
"Whether she's in the classroom or on the sidelines coaching Unified Sports, Linda sees the potential in every student. She reminds us daily that inclusion isn't just a buzzword; it's a way of life. She doesn't just teach life skills, she models a well-lived life."
During the presentation, Mrs. Wallace's husband, Tim, (a former BCS teacher) joined the spontaneous standing ovation given to her by her colleagues.
Congratulations, Mrs. Wallace! We are #BruinProud of you!
#TeacherOfThe Year
As Teacher Appreciation Week continues at Blackford County Schools, we would like to introduce you to the 2026 BCS Teacher of the Year from Blackford Intermediate School- Mrs. Rachael Shadiow!
Mrs. Shadiow teaches 3rd grade at the BIS. She's been a part of Blackford County Schools since 2018, when she started as a 1st grade teacher at Montpelier Elementary.
BIS Principal Jim Fox had this to say about Mrs. Shadiow and her selection, "I’m happy to recognize Rachael Shadiow as our 2025–26 Teacher of the Year. She is an exceptional educator who consistently goes above and beyond for our students and school. Mrs. Shadiow demonstrates dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to student success. Through engaging instruction, meaningful relationships, and her positive influence throughout the building, she truly represents the very best of what it means to be a Bruin.
Following the announcement that she had been selected Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Shadiow's class burst into applause and happy cheering as Superintendent Chad Yencer and Assistant Superintendent Lesley Moulton presented her with gifts.
Congratulations, Mrs. Shadiow! We are #BruinProud of you!
Mrs. Shadiow teaches 3rd grade at the BIS. She's been a part of Blackford County Schools since 2018, when she started as a 1st grade teacher at Montpelier Elementary.
BIS Principal Jim Fox had this to say about Mrs. Shadiow and her selection, "I’m happy to recognize Rachael Shadiow as our 2025–26 Teacher of the Year. She is an exceptional educator who consistently goes above and beyond for our students and school. Mrs. Shadiow demonstrates dedication, passion, and a deep commitment to student success. Through engaging instruction, meaningful relationships, and her positive influence throughout the building, she truly represents the very best of what it means to be a Bruin.
Following the announcement that she had been selected Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Shadiow's class burst into applause and happy cheering as Superintendent Chad Yencer and Assistant Superintendent Lesley Moulton presented her with gifts.
Congratulations, Mrs. Shadiow! We are #BruinProud of you!
Today's Senior Shout goes out to two hard-working Blackford Bruins! Madison Henderson recently graduated from Ivy Tech with her Indiana College Core Certificate. She is joined by fellow Bruin, Azariah Keyes, who also graduated with her Indiana College Core Certificate.
We are proud of these hard-working students, as well as our partnership with Ivy Tech Community College! Way to go, Bruins!
#BruinProud #IvyTech
We are proud of these hard-working students, as well as our partnership with Ivy Tech Community College! Way to go, Bruins!
#BruinProud #IvyTech
Here's a great way to catch up on credits or receive some extra assistance in a particular subject- BJSHS Summer School. Be sure to read the attachment thoroughly. BJSHS SUMMER SCHOOL WILL TAKE PLACE AT BIS.
(Look for information about elementary Summer School to come.)
(Look for information about elementary Summer School to come.)
Blackford County Schools is proud to announce the 2025-2026 Blackford Primary School Teacher of the Year- Mrs. Julia Tucker. She was honored yesterday with a plaque, flowers and a reception with her colleagues and family on hand at the school.
Mrs. Tucker currently serves as the Interventionist at BPS, where she helps students make friends with books and stretch their reading abilities.
"Julia has a special way of relating to her students, said Principal Craig Campbell. "No matter what the subject is or the context of a conversation, she always finds a way to personally relate with her audience."
He added that she has one very specific way of making sure her students are in the correct mindset to learn. They need to be prepared to catch what she is throwing at them. "Get your mitt up!" is a phrase everyone that has learned under her knows very well. Her persistence, hard work and experience means countless students have benefitted from Mrs. Tucker's teaching and are better readers for it.
We congratulate Mrs. Tucker on this honor!
#BruinProud #BPSTeacherOfTheYear
Mrs. Tucker currently serves as the Interventionist at BPS, where she helps students make friends with books and stretch their reading abilities.
"Julia has a special way of relating to her students, said Principal Craig Campbell. "No matter what the subject is or the context of a conversation, she always finds a way to personally relate with her audience."
He added that she has one very specific way of making sure her students are in the correct mindset to learn. They need to be prepared to catch what she is throwing at them. "Get your mitt up!" is a phrase everyone that has learned under her knows very well. Her persistence, hard work and experience means countless students have benefitted from Mrs. Tucker's teaching and are better readers for it.
We congratulate Mrs. Tucker on this honor!
#BruinProud #BPSTeacherOfTheYear
More scenes from the 2026 Jennerjahn Most Influential Educator Awards held last night. BJSHS Top Ten Seniors were asked to select the person who have most impacted their educational life. The recipient and their student were honored with an awards dinner. During the event, students were asked to explain why the person was so influential and present him/her with a token of appreciation.
#BruinProud
#BruinProud
Blackford County Schools would like to thank Mrs. Ruth Jennerjahn and her family for hosting the 2026 Jennerjahn Most Influential Educator Awards. For those of you who might not be aware, Ruth and her late husband, Brian, began the Most Influential Educator Awards 22 years ago to honor educators who have made a significant impact on the lives of the BJSHS Top Ten Seniors. During previous events, Brian Jennerjahn often shared that the awards were born after he'd wished there had been a way to let his Most Influential Educator, Miss Schmitt, know how much she meant to him and the impact she'd had on his life..
At the same time, the Jennerjahns were looking for a way to honor students who might not be at the top of the class, but worked hard throughout the school year and deserved recognition. That was the beginning of the Most Improved Student Awards, which recognizes a hard-working student in grades 2-8 in BCS with a special banquet and gift.
We thank Ruth Jennerjahn, and the entire Jennerjahn family, for their continued support of Blackford County Schools and these important student and teacher programs.
At the same time, the Jennerjahns were looking for a way to honor students who might not be at the top of the class, but worked hard throughout the school year and deserved recognition. That was the beginning of the Most Improved Student Awards, which recognizes a hard-working student in grades 2-8 in BCS with a special banquet and gift.
We thank Ruth Jennerjahn, and the entire Jennerjahn family, for their continued support of Blackford County Schools and these important student and teacher programs.
As Teacher Appreciation kicks off the week, the celebration officially began during last night's 2026 Jennerjahn Most Influential Educator Awards. For those who might not be familiar with the annual event, the top 10 BJSHS seniors select an educator who has been the most impactful in their lives.
During the 22 years the awards program has been in place over 200 BJSHS students have selected their Most Influential Educator.
The 2025-2026 Most Influential Educators and the students who selected them include: MSG Rick Kauffman and Kalli Mealy, Mr. Jack Norton and Lewis Dudelston, Mr. Jeff Cline and Nickolas Kuehnhold, Mr. Richard Uggen and Samuel Barry, Mr. Tom Simison and Brayden Bennett-Walter, Mr. Austin Cochrane and Abigail Slentz, Mrs. Christy Lytle and Azariah Keyes, Ms. Bethany Nusbaumer and Zoey Abbott, Mr. Garrett Krieg and Mason Kitterman, and Mrs. Jennifer Gallatin and Zayne Rodarmel.
Mrs. Ruth Jennerjahn and her family hosted the event and prepared the meal. She shared how much the event meant to her family and said she had asked her adult children who their most influential educators had been during their time in school.
Students shared why their educator was so important during a brief speech and presented him/her with a token of appreciation. The gifts ranged from a hand-crafted walking stick to a cd of the teacher's greatest math hits. There were heart-felt tears during the event, as well as a lot of laughter.
We congratulate all of our Educators, as well as the Top Ten Seniors who selected them. We are #BruinProud!
#JennerjahnAwards #TeacherAppreciation #BruinProud
During the 22 years the awards program has been in place over 200 BJSHS students have selected their Most Influential Educator.
The 2025-2026 Most Influential Educators and the students who selected them include: MSG Rick Kauffman and Kalli Mealy, Mr. Jack Norton and Lewis Dudelston, Mr. Jeff Cline and Nickolas Kuehnhold, Mr. Richard Uggen and Samuel Barry, Mr. Tom Simison and Brayden Bennett-Walter, Mr. Austin Cochrane and Abigail Slentz, Mrs. Christy Lytle and Azariah Keyes, Ms. Bethany Nusbaumer and Zoey Abbott, Mr. Garrett Krieg and Mason Kitterman, and Mrs. Jennifer Gallatin and Zayne Rodarmel.
Mrs. Ruth Jennerjahn and her family hosted the event and prepared the meal. She shared how much the event meant to her family and said she had asked her adult children who their most influential educators had been during their time in school.
Students shared why their educator was so important during a brief speech and presented him/her with a token of appreciation. The gifts ranged from a hand-crafted walking stick to a cd of the teacher's greatest math hits. There were heart-felt tears during the event, as well as a lot of laughter.
We congratulate all of our Educators, as well as the Top Ten Seniors who selected them. We are #BruinProud!
#JennerjahnAwards #TeacherAppreciation #BruinProud
Let's meet the 2026 7th and 8th Grade Jennerjahn Most Improved Students- Katheryn Anderson and Remington Mahon. The students were honored for their hard work and improvementby their teachers and principal. Pictured (from left) Mrs. Sherri McDonald, Katheryn Anderson, Principal Kelli Ruble, Remington Mahon, and Mrs. Laura Lee.
We are proud of all your hard work Katheryn and Remington. Keep it up!
#BruinProud
We are proud of all your hard work Katheryn and Remington. Keep it up!
#BruinProud
You know them, you love them.... and they are SUPERHEROES here at Blackford County Schools! Thank you to our all our food service staff for keeping our Bruins fed throughout the school year! Our food service staff ROCKS!
#BruinProud
#BruinProud
We'd like to introduce you to the 2026 2nd Grade Jennerjahn Most Improved Student Lucas Deane. Lucas is joined in the photo by his teacher Ms. Victoria Mattucci and BPS Principal Craig Campbell. Lucas was just one of the students honored for their hard work and improvement during the recent Jennerjahn Most Improved Student Awards. Keep up the good work, Lucas!
#BruinProud
#BruinProud
Blackford County Schools has an opening for an 8th grade Math Teacher, a JROTC Instructor and a Special Education Teacher at BJSHS. If interested, please click the link in the posting to apply. There is also an ECA opening for a Head Varsity Swim and Dive Coach. For more information about the position, reach out to BJSHS Athletic Director Garry May. Check out all the current jobs available:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rHbKJtAgQ5b0EXkdyUGGgMJtk-Rlhnk8W-RvmAlQ08M/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rHbKJtAgQ5b0EXkdyUGGgMJtk-Rlhnk8W-RvmAlQ08M/edit?usp=sharing
Let's give a shout-out to two accomplished BJSHS seniors today! Brayden Bennett-Walter recently graduated from Ivy Tech with his Indiana College Core Certificate. He is joined by fellow Bruin, Evelyn Gulley, who also graduated with her Indiana College Core Certificate.
We are proud of theses hard-working students, as well as our partnership with Ivy Tech Community College! Way to go, Bruins!
#BruinProud #IvyTech
We are proud of theses hard-working students, as well as our partnership with Ivy Tech Community College! Way to go, Bruins!
#BruinProud #IvyTech
Let's hear it for the 2026 Jennerjahn BIS Most Improved Students, their teachers and principals! They include: (front row l-r) Katherine Farmer, Jessica Dunica, 5th grader Olivia Adams, 4th grader Bentley Burns, 6th grader Natalie Carnes, 3rd grader Anastasia Boyd, Row 2- Principal Jim Fox, Assistant Principal Chas Gabriel, Katie Barnes, Beth Wall, Lyndesy Ahern and Carma Reidy
#BruinProud
#BruinProud
Woo-hoo! Let's hear it for these hard-working BJSHS seniors - Samuel Barry and Jessica Brinkerhoff who obtained their College Certificates and Associate Degrees through Ivy Tech!
These are just two of 13 seniors who made great strides towards their college careers while still attending BJSHS! We are #BruinProud! #IvyTechCommunityCollege
These are just two of 13 seniors who made great strides towards their college careers while still attending BJSHS! We are #BruinProud! #IvyTechCommunityCollege
BCS is seeking future Bruins! If you have a student who will turn 5 before August 1 and has not yet signed up for Kindergarten, please contact Blackford Primary School at 765.348.7584!
We can't wait to meet them!
We can't wait to meet them!
