Retiring teachers June Yazel, left, and Jenny Higgins, right, were honored at the Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting on Monday, May 20, at Akron Elementary School. In the center is TVSC Board President Adam Heckaman.

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By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

AKRON — Retiring Tippecanoe Valley School Corp. educators June Yazel and Jenny Higgins have been recognized for their years of service.

That occurred at the TVSC Board’s regular meeting at Akron Elementary School on Monday, May 20.

TVSC Superintendent Blaine Conley read information Yazel and Higgins had provided.

Yazel, a Tippecanoe Valley High School U.S. history teacher, is leaving to work at Culver Academies. Her previous 33 years of teaching were all with TVSC.

Conley read that Yazel said that “seeing students get excited about learning has always been the most rewarding aspect.”

“Every class I taught, I tried to incorporate hands-on learning and critical thinking skills and making the content relatable and relevant,” Conley read from Yazel’s information.

Her plans after leaving Valley include spending more time with family.

Higgins, has served as Akron’s speech language pathologist, with 26 of her 34 years in education with TVSC.

“It’s always been great to see a student begin to correctly articulate sounds they have been working so hard to conquer. One of the most rewarding experiences is witnessing the moment a nonverbal child begins to use a communication device to express his wants and needs,” read Conley from what Higgins wrote.

She “is going to miss the interaction with the children the most,” read Conley from Higgins’ words.

Higgins plans to spend more time with family, do mission work and travel after retiring.

In other business, the board:

• Heard the annual update on Akron from Principal Scott Sterk. The school’s student council, art banner contest winners, math and spell bowl teams and Project Lead the Way program to teach kids about science-related knowledge were showcased.
• Bid farewell to graduating senior Benton Nellans, who’s served as the board’s TVHS senior student representative.
• Recognized TVHS student Gunnar Crispen for placing fourth place in public speaking in the national Jobs for America’s Graduates competition.

The board’s next regular meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, June 17, at Mentone Elementary School.