Each month, Chillicothe School District recognizes staff members who go above and beyond—those who make our buildings stronger, our days smoother, and our students’ experiences better in countless ways. This month, we’re proud to celebrate two incredible team members who have truly earned the title “The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread”: Sara Eller at Chillicothe Elementary School (CES) and Sophie Chambers at Chillicothe Middle School (CMS).
Sara Eller (CES): The Heartbeat of the Building
If you’ve been to CES during arrival or dismissal, there’s a good chance you’ve seen Sara Eller right where she needs to be—greeting families with a warm smile, no matter the weather. From freezing mornings to sweltering afternoons, Sara’s positive presence sets the tone for the day and reminds everyone that CES is more than a school—it’s a community.
Behind the scenes, Sara somehow makes a building of 850 people feel organized, connected, and supported. Her communication skills, calm leadership, and “always one step ahead” mindset keep things running smoothly. Whether she’s offering a helpful “Hey, you might consider…” suggestion to prevent a problem before it starts, creating eye-catching digital signs, or even volunteering for a classroom demo on flower care, Sara brings a level of dedication that simply can’t be taught.
Sara isn’t “just” a secretary—she’s the kind of teammate you’d want beside you if you were building a school from the ground up. With her deep knowledge, can-do attitude, encouragement, and those signature warm hugs, she helps make CES the welcoming place it is. Sara truly is the heartbeat of CES, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything she does.
Sophie Chambers (CMS): Excellence, Advocacy, and Student-Focused Leadership
At CMS, Sophie Chambers consistently exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and heart. Known for exceeding expectations, Sophie brings energy, organization, and vision to everything she touches—especially in her role as Professional Development Committee (PDC) Chair, where she actively advocates for staff recognition and meaningful professional growth opportunities.
Sophie’s impact extends well beyond the staff she supports. Her forward-thinking approach has helped drive important work to reinstate travel experiences for middle school students, while also strengthening real-world partnerships that connect classroom learning with our broader community.
One of Sophie’s most significant accomplishments has been her work to expand the gifted program to the high school level—an initiative that has become an invaluable resource for students at CHS. Through mentorship and steady guidance, Sophie helps students navigate graduation requirements, attendance goals, and future planning with confidence. Her leadership is strategic, but it’s always grounded in what matters most: student success.
Sophie empowers both students and colleagues to grow, reach higher, and believe in what’s possible—and our district is better because of her.
Thank You, Sara and Sophie!
Congratulations to Sara Eller and Sophie Chambers, our February “Best Thing Since Sliced Bread” honorees. Your dedication, leadership, and care reflect the very best of Chillicothe School District and help us live out our mission every single day.
Thank you for building a brighter future for our children and our community.