Hamilton Heights celebrates service, retirements & excellence

Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation

Hamilton Heights School Corporation gathered for its annual Year End Breakfast, a tradition that brings together staff from across the district to celebrate service milestones, honor retirees, and recognize this year’s outstanding educators and support staff. The event reflects the heart of the Heights community: gratitude, connection, and a shared commitment to students.

A remarkable group of educators and staff whose dedication has shaped generations of Huskies were recognized for their extraordinary legacy of service, leadership, and love for students as they ready for a new chapter.

High School retires include Laura Towle, English/French Teacher (38 Years of Service); Rob Towle, Spanish/Math Teacher (38 Years of Service); Wendi Russell, English Teacher (23 Years of Service); and Kevin Sheets, Construction Trades Teacher (4 Years of Service).

Middle School retirees include Kelly Stroup, 5th Grade Teacher (38 Years of Service) and Kellie Combs, 6th Grade Teacher (7 Years of Service).

(TOP LEFT) 2026 Building Level Teachers of the Year: Sarah Julian, HHES (3rd Grade), Kellie Combs, HHMS (ELA 6/ELA 6 Honors); and Wendi Russell, HHHS (English Teacher). (TOP RIGHT) Sarah Julian was named the 2026 District Teacher of the Year and will represent Hamilton Heights at the Indiana Teacher of the Year competition in Indianapolis this fall. (ABOVE LEFT) Charolette Horning was nominated for the IDOE 2026 School Food Service Employee of the Year. (ABOVE RIGHT) Building Level Support Staff of the Year: Charity Powell, HHMS Instructional Assistant, Wendy Sauerteig, HHES Secretary, and District Support Staff Member of the Year, Austin Bragg, HHSC Transportation Mechanic. Not pictured: Adam Hughes, HHHS Instructional Assistant. (Photos provided by Hamilton Heights School Corporation )

Transportation & Support retirees include Charlotte Wilson, Bus Driver (13 Years of Service) and Cynthia Mead, Café Worker (8 Years of Service).

These individuals leave behind a legacy of care, excellence, and impact that will continue to shape Hamilton Heights for years to come.

In addition, staff celebrating milestone years of service were honored. Their steady commitment strengthens every corner of the district and directly enriches the lives of the students. This list reflects the incredible range of people who shape students’ daily experiences at Heights.

Hamilton Heights proudly recognized its 2026 Building Level Teachers of the Year: Sarah Julian, HHES (3rd Grade), Kellie Combs, HHMS (ELA 6/ELA 6 Honors); and Wendi Russell, HHHS (English Teacher). These educators were selected by their peers for the way they elevate learning, inspire students, and embody the mission and values of Hamilton Heights. Of these three outstanding finalists, Sarah Julian was named the 2026 District Teacher of the Year and will represent Hamilton Heights at the Indiana Teacher of the Year competition in Indianapolis this fall.

The district also honored its Building Level Support Staff of the Year: Wendy Sauerteig, HHES Secretary; Charity Powell, HHMS Instructional Assistant; and Adam Hughes, HHHS Instructional Assistant. The District Support Staff Member of the Year is Austin Bragg, HHSC Transportation Mechanic, recognized for his exceptional service, reliability, and impact across the district.

Hamilton Heights is proud to share that Charolette Horning has been nominated for the IDOE 2026 School Food Service Employee of the Year, a testament to her dedication and the care she brings to students each day.

The Year End Breakfast is a reflection of the people who make Hamilton Heights an extraordinary place to learn and grow. From retirees who shaped decades of students’ lives to staff members reaching new milestones and educators recognized for excellence, the event honored the collective strength of the Husky community.