Honoring 25 distinguished “Noble Millers”

Exclusive, one-time honor part of Noblesville Schools 150th anniversary celebration

Noblesville Schools announced Monday that 25 distinguished community members are being honored as Noble Millers in celebration of the Noblesville Schools 150th anniversary. The exclusive award is unique to the anniversary celebration, having never been given before and with no plans for the district to do so again.

Selections were made by a committee of district leaders from public nominations that were gathered over several months and are not intended to represent all 150 years of Noblesville Schools. Honorees were chosen based on their exceptional service, support, accomplishments or contributions to the district.

“This is such an esteemed group of remarkable individuals and we are so appreciative of their generosity, commitment and dedication to Noblesville Schools,” said Dr. Beth Niedermeyer, superintendent. “At the end of the day, a school district is only as strong as the people who have built it, loved it and nurtured it along the way. We’re honored to recognize these Noble Millers for the meaningful part they’ve played in support of education and the success of Noblesville students past and present.”

Noble Millers will be recognized as guests of honor at the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation’s Miller-Palooza 150th anniversary celebration on Feb. 21. The event will be held at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville and will feature live music from The Doo!, casino games, food, drinks and an auction, with proceeds going to support Noblesville Schools students and teachers. The public can purchase tickets to attend at noblesvilleschools.org/foundation. Noble Miller nominees who were not selected will be recognized with a certificate of achievement in appreciation of their support for Noblesville Schools.

Noblesville Schools’ yearlong anniversary celebration is presented exclusively by Church, Church, Hittle + Antrim. For more information on the anniversary and upcoming events, visit noblesvilleschools.org/150.

Chris Beaver

1. Chris Beaver is an NHS graduate, a Miller Ambassador, president of the Miller Backers athletic boosters and a district sponsorship partner through Beaver Materials Field. An active donor with the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation and president of the 100 Men Club, Beaver’s family has been supporting Noblesville through giving back for five generations. As a student, athlete, parent, coach, business leader and philanthropist Beaver has been a significant and longtime contributor to Noblesville Schools.
2. A beacon of cheer for students, staff, parents and visitors, NHS receptionist Christina Burch and her big smile exceed expectations daily. She secures the school entrance safely and firmly, while greeting visitors and callers with warmth, humor, inspirational decor and candy. She lets students know they are cared for and that it’s OK if they forgot something. Often raved about on social media for her friendly service, she patiently welcomes, listens and informs, embodying the best of Noblesville Schools’ customer service spirit.
3. Dick Dellinger joined NHS in 1959 as a government teacher and spent almost 40 years inspiring thousands, including fellow Noble Millers Kathy Kreag Williams (who attributes her involvement with government to Dellinger) and Bruce Hitchcock (who learned from, and was mentored by, Dellinger). Educator, senior class sponsor, “Voice of the Millers,” and longtime state legislator representing Noblesville, Dellinger was an ultimate contributor during his tenure and a proud reflection of Noblesville Schools.
4. John Ditslear has significantly contributed to Noblesville Schools before and during his tenure as mayor. He oversaw tremendous expansion of the district and the hiring of influential school leaders during multiple terms on the school board. As mayor, Ditslear partnered with the district on workforce development, school resource officers, Parks programming and a plan to bring Ivy Tech to Noblesville. He also created a Mayor’s Youth Council, visited classrooms and supported education funding.
5. As president of the Noblesville Chamber of Commerce, Bob DuBois has been a powerful supporter of Noblesville Schools and the important role the district plays in the economic success of the community. An early adopter of the NHS internship program, DuBois regularly promotes the importance of business/school partnerships, public education and school funding. He has also worked with the district to build a more inclusive environment for all residents through his leadership with the Noblesville Diversity Coalition.
6. Bruce Games has exhibited Miller pride as an NHS graduate and member of the NHS maintenance custodial team for over 30 years. Currently NHS facilities manager, Games oversees much of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps classes, teams, clubs and activities running smoothly for thousands of students and visitors every year. He also serves through volunteer activity at various athletic events, always looking to ensure that his building and the Millers are regarded in the best possible light.
7. Noble Crossing principal Pat Haney is beloved not only by students and families, but among his staff and colleagues, who seek him out for advice, development and mentorship. Haney has served Noblesville Schools for over 20 years with an ongoing commitment to fostering strong relationships and building lifelong learning for himself and others. On a typical day, you can find him addressing the many challenges of running a school, while still greeting each of his hundreds of students by name with a warm smile and calm demeanor.
8. Considered by some to be a living legend, Hinkle Creek teacher LuAnn Harger has been a highly respected educator in Noblesville for almost 40 years. A role model not only to her students, but also her peers, Harger was named a 2019 Noblesville Schools Teacher of the Year. She has been instrumental in raising thousands of dollars for cancer research and is known for her strong relationships and caring heart, leaving a positive impact on every student that has ever entered her classroom.
9. Bruce Hitchcock taught at Noblesville Schools for over 40 years. As a social studies teacher and the creator of the NHS Washington DC study program, Hitchcock used personal contacts with national political leaders to provide students with exceptional access to unique learning opportunities. Renowned for his high standards, deft management of class discussions, and ability to motivate students through challenging questions, Hitchcock continues in retirement to be actively engaged with Noblesville Schools.
10. Larry Jacobi taught math at NHS for 30 years before serving as an influential member of the school board and Education Foundation. He oversaw the construction of Noble Crossing and what is now Noblesville West Middle School, and has been an avid follower of Miller athletics and arts for over 50 years. Jacobi is still actively involved in supporting district events, academics and fundraising. He is frequently approached by people sharing that he was their favorite teacher and impressively remembers the names of almost all his former students.
11. Noblesville Police Department’s Matt Johnston has been a fixture at NHS for the past 18 years, serving as the district’s first permanent and certified school resource officer. In addition to his duties to keep students and staff safe, Johnston actively mentors students, whether he’s eating lunch with them or coaching football and Unified Sports. He regularly dedicates much of his own personal time and energy to Noblesville students, leaving a lasting legacy of safety, healthy choices and integrity.
12. An NHS English teacher for more than 20 years, Bill Kenley is widely respected as an inspirational educator, coach, author, champion of the arts, and active Noblesville resident. Kenley is a longtime NHS Cross Country and Track coach and is known for supporting students in any way needed, even raising funds to help with funeral costs for a student’s father dying of cancer. An NHS graduate, Kenley is also co-founder of the Polk Street Review, an annual book featuring art about Noblesville, and has served on the Keep Noblesville Beautiful board.
13. An NHS graduate and one of the longest serving school board members in Noblesville Schools history, Julia Kozicki is known not only for her numerous influential contributions to the district, but also her detailed understanding of finances and policies. Kozicki was a successful fundraiser, (notably leading multiple referenda campaigns and serving on the Education Foundation board), oversaw major district construction projects, and left lasting impacts on dozens of school groups and committees she actively supported.
14. Hinkle Creek Elementary principal Jack Lawrence has been cherished for nearly 20 years for his hard work, dedication, and passion for Noblesville Schools students and the community at large. Often the first person that a student, parent, teacher or colleague looks to for support, he is known for his expertise, kindness and steady leadership. When not at school, Lawrence can frequently be found at events throughout Noblesville, either coaching, cheering on his own children, or supporting current and former students.
15. NHS graduate and distinguished Central Indiana community leader Bryan Mills maintains his strong Noblesville roots as an attentive and generous supporter of Noblesville Schools, Noblesville Youth Baseball, the Boys and Girls Club of Noblesville and United Way of Central Indiana. A Sunday school teacher and former coach, in addition to his role as CEO of Community Health, Mills was instrumental in developing a new partnership to provide enhanced mental health services to students and staff at Noblesville Schools.
16. A Noblesville Schools institution for more than 40 years, rumor has it that NHS’s assistant athletic director Tony Oilar bleeds black and gold. A middle school history teacher, coach and athletic director before coaching and managing athletics at the high school level, Oilar is respected for his strong relationships with students, coaches, teachers, and community members, his deep knowledge of Millers history, and his strong work ethic. His passion for athletics has helped lead thousands of Millers to victory.
17. Monica Peck has been a lifelong advocate for Noblesville Schools as a student, athlete, parent, business partner, Miller Ambassador and school board member. Whether making tough decisions to benefit the district, supporting fundraising initiatives, or building workforce development opportunities, Peck’s Miller pride is always evident. Involved in many local youth and community organizations, she shows up with a Millers winning attitude and sportsmanship in all she does.
18. Annetta Petty has been an integral part of Noblesville Schools for more than 30 years, serving as an English teacher, NHS principal, and currently as the Executive Director of Learning. Highly respected for her intellect, calm demeanor, thoughtful analysis and historical knowledge, Petty has served as a mentor to many current and former teachers and administrators. A trusted confidant to many who seek her wise counsel, and a quiet, behind-the-scenes leader, Petty has had a tremendous impact for decades on teaching and learning throughout Noblesville Schools.
19. Greg Richards has been a performing arts leader in the Noblesville community for more than 30 years. Accomplished as an NHS English teacher, he is most well-known for directing decades of theater productions both through NHS and Shakespeare in the Park. Richards has expanded NHS theater course offerings, served as NHS performing arts chair and speech team sponsor, and continues to manage the NHS auditorium.
20. For over 30 years, NHS social studies teacher Butch Robbins has cultivated impressive relationships with students past and present. “B-Rob” embodies Millers school spirit, attending nearly every extracurricular high school event in support of students. Former director of the Riley Dance Marathon and leader of the famous student cheer section roller coaster, Robbins is a strong educator with a huge heart. Almost everyone knows him, loves him and can’t wait to say “hi” to him.
21. Noblesville West Middle School teacher and coach Jason Seaman is known for his love of science and football, and his passion for serving students. He acted above and beyond the call of duty when he heroically saved countless lives during a 2018 school shooting thanks to his quick thinking, calm demeanor and remarkable bravery. Admired as an educator, colleague and outstanding citizen, Seaman is a role model not only for his students, but for the Noblesville community overall.
22. Rick Towle has been at the heart of middle school education in Noblesville for 35 years. Currently a science teacher at NEMS, Towle is known for creating an outdoor education center, leading students to the rainforest, coaching, directing drama productions, serving as an assistant athletic director, managing AV, catering meals, running food drives and much more. His wealth of knowledge and unwavering support of students and staff have made him a fundamental resource that many others count on.
23. Hinkle Creek kindergarten teacher Kristina Trusty took her devotion to students beyond the classroom when she started the not-for-profit “Fueled for School” to provide weekend meals for students experiencing food insecurity. A Noblesville Schools educator for 18 years and a busy mom, Trusty has passionately built the program from the ground up, expanding to all elementary schools in Noblesville with goals to continue to grow in meeting the needs of all students struggling with hunger.
24. Perhaps one of the most well-known Millers fans, NHS graduate Kathy Kreag Williams can frequently be seen at events demonstrating her black & gold pride. Noblesville’s representative in the Indiana House for 26 years, Kreag Williams is a dedicated supporter of our schools, participating in various activities related to government and serving as a Miller Ambassador. She is active in the NHS Alumni Association and never hesitates to offer her love and support for Noblesville Schools.
25. Loren Williams is the longest serving superintendent in Noblesville Schools history, holding the position from 1970-1992 after having been a principal in the district prior to that. He facilitated academic growth, oversaw the construction of Hinkle Creek, Hazel Dell and other projects, and expanded extracurricular offerings. Williams was a founder of the Noblesville Schools Education Foundation and respected as a school leader throughout the state. His contributions have been substantial, positive and long-lasting.