Accolades Roll in for NE Dubois

At Tuesday’s school board meeting, recognition of NE Dubois schools, its teachers, and students were at the heart of the evening. 

In the Jeep Spotlight, Principal Andy Chinn told the board about some tremendous Jeep milestones. He congratulated Northeast Dubois Jr./Sr. High School for official recognition as an Endorsed Early College High School. The Regional Opportunity Initiative, ROI, selected VUJ as the location for their annual Student-Run Business Forum and asked NE Dubois to co-host the event. Jeeps gave a 45-minute presentation, then led breakout sessions for the other 12 schools in attendance. 

At the State welding contest, Gavin Wagner took home a first place win, and Owen Eichmiller placed third. Keenen Bieker placed first in the State Skills USA Competition for Precision Machining, and Andrew Bieker secured a third place win. The Northeast Dubois Athletic Department was also one of four schools selected to receive the Southwestern Indiana Officials Association award.  

Superintendent Dr. Tara Rasche offered congratulations to Julie Neukam as the county-wide winner of the Candace Dodson Award. The award “honors educators…who challenge the status quo, drive innovation, and work to ensure success for all. This award is for a true change agent, a thought leader who is passionate about continuous improvement and making a lasting impact.” 

The board also marked the retirement of Northeast Dubois Elementary School Principal Courtney Hopf, thanking her for many years of dedication and service and noting that she will be missed. Mrs. Hopf said, “Thank you for all of your support. I’ve truly enjoyed working here... It’s bittersweet, because I love it here. I’m a Jeep through and through. This is my home and I truly do love it. I’m excited to see where this new chapter working and expanding my faith leads, but I’ll still be here… and helping out any way I can.” 

This week, there will be no school on Good Friday. The last day of school is on May 23, with High School Graduation at 4 pm on May 24. 

For more information on these and other updates, visit www.nedubois.k12.in.us 

 - By Drew Hasselbring