The Chillicothe School District, in partnership with the Chillicothe Education Foundation, proudly recognized the 2025 Teacher of the Year and Beacon Award winners—Carla Kelly (CHS) and Mike Harrington (District)—along with this year’s nominees Monday morning during a planned Professional Development Day kickoff at the Gary Dickinson Performing Arts Center. Also recognized were several staff members for their years of service to the District.
2025 Teacher of the Year Nominees:
Amy Dixon – CES
Brandi Ellis – CES
Adrienne Allen – CMS
Carla Kelly – CHS
Kayla Leatherman – GRTS
Each of these educators has shown an outstanding commitment to student success—building strong relationships, creating positive learning environments, and inspiring students every day.
2025 Beacon Award Nominees:
Amy Peery –CES
Jessica O’Berry – CES
Sue Hopper – CMS
Debbie Shafer – CHS
Lisa Bevelle – GRTS
Mike Harrington – District
Watch the videos:
Click here to view our video highlighting the 2025 Teacher of the Year nominees.
Our video recognizing the 2025 Beacon Award nominees can be found at this link.
Winners of the Teacher of the Year and Beacon Award will be honored on Wednesday, February 4, during an Education Foundation Reception at the Chillicothe Country Club.
The morning also included recognition of staff members receiving years-of-service pins, honoring their dedication and lasting contributions to the Chillicothe School District and our community.
Years of Service Pin Recipients
5 Years
Shelby Heckman
Kayla Leatherman
Zebadiah Yoko
Bekah Anderson
Kerrigann Calvert
Natosha Comstock
James Cookinham
Marissa Cowan
Cassie Cranmer
Amy Dixon
Hannah Ewbank
Jessica Sherrow
Kellen Overstreet
Konner Sewell
Mia Silkwood
Korby Ford
Tammy Schick
Jules McCoy
10 Years
Traci Norris
Robin Morales
Fara Minnick
Quincy Vinson
Rochelle Koehly
Julienne Graupman
Hollie Burnside
Randall Plattner
Amy Adams
Danielle Costner
15 Years
Mike Jones
Anthony Hinnen
Dan Nagel
Lance Martin
Denise Loyd
Laura Schuler
20 Years
Katherine Deboer
Natalie Leamer
Hillary Beemer
Diana Holcer
Kari Keller
Penny Kennebeck
Keri Rodenberg
Janice Shaffer
Anita Tatum
25 Years
Mike Lewis
Tara O’Dell
30 Years
Kristi Clampitt
Shelley Hayen
Shanda Wagers
Michael Harrington
Jeannette Johnson
35 Years
Pam Swift