Jones, Weaver honored at year-end EH Schools celebration
The East Holmes Local Schools Teacher of the Year went to Hiland High School English teacher Carrie Jones, right, and the Classified Staff of the Year was presented to Walnut Creek Elementary kitchen manager Iva Weaver.
A school district is only as good as the people who make up the staff, and honoring those staff members who go above and beyond to improve the lives of students is something worth honoring.
At the end of the school year, East Holmes Schools and the board celebrated staff members at its annual staff recognition program for the 2024-25 school year. Staff members were recognized for years of service, retirements and Staff Member of the Year honors.
The East Holmes Local Schools Teacher of the Year went to Hiland High School English teacher Carrie Jones, and the Classified Staff of the Year was bestowed upon Walnut Creek Elementary kitchen manager Iva Weaver.
According to Tyler Renner, HHS principal, Jones is everything a district could want in a teacher.
“Carrie is awesome. There’s no better way to put it,” Renner said. “She’s willing to hold kids to a higher standard but at the same time support them and make sure they are able to reach their goals and abilities.”
Renner said Jones takes on many responsibilities in the classroom, having recently gone back to earn her certification to teach college level classes, classes that include CCP English and AP English in addition to English for seniors.
“She does a great job of preparing our kids for their next step in life, whether that is going on to college or entering the workforce. I think they are better people because they have her as their teacher,” Renner said.
In addition to her multiple roles in the classroom, Jones also coaches both the tennis team and the E-Sports team.
“She’s just as involved outside the classroom as she is inside of it,” Renner said. “She is incredibly supportive of these young people, and she’s everything you could ever want in a teacher.”
Renner said it’s teachers like Jones who improve the school district.
Weaver has been a longtime East Holmes staffer, and as the Walnut Creek Elementary kitchen manager, her main goal is to make sure every child finds a healthy meal.
However, as it is in most cases, her role expands far beyond that.
Principal Darrell Haven said Weaver brings so much more to the table than just meals.
“Iva is the model of consistency,” Haven said. “She never gets ruffled, she loves the kids and she has made an incredible impact on all of the kids,” Haven said.
Haven said Weaver came to Walnut Creek from Hiland High School and had her reservations, which he said quickly dissipated once she experienced the joy of the younger students.
He also said one of the perks of earning this honor is a free comp day, something he said he hoped would entice her to stay.
“Yeah, that comp day, I was really hoping that would persuade Iva to stay for another year,” Haven said. “She didn’t go for it.”
Haven said these types of honors in the district are designed to honor individuals who go above and beyond their duties and make a major impact on students and staff alike, something he said Weaver did every single day.
“She’ll be missed,” Haven said. “This is simply our district telling her and the others who have received these awards, ‘job well done.’ Iva and many of our staff like bus drivers, custodians and others who hold positions outside the classroom truly are making a big impact on our students.”
For Jones email tyler.renner@eastholmes.org or call 330-447-4184, and for Iva Weaver email Darrell Haven at darrell.haven@eastholmes.org or call 330-464-4463.