CHS teachers and staff honor 28 students and two current staff members at the 2026 event
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – 2026 marked the 4th year for the Chester High School student recognition program rightfully titled, “The Distinguished YellowJacket Program”. The program was launched in the spring of 2023 and has been a huge hit ever since.
Current Chester High School Principal, Jeremy Blechle, was just finishing his first year as Principal at CHS in the 2022-2023 school year. He had served as Assistant Principal and teacher at CHS for several years prior to the 2021-2022 school year when he accepted an administrative position at Columbia High School.
While at Columbia High School as Assistant Principal, Blechle learned about a very similar program titled, “The Soaring Eagle Program”. That program was very successful in recognizing and honoring students who had made a difference or impact on teachers and/or staff at the school.
In the 2022-2023 school year, Blechle was offered the Principal position at Chester High School. It was his inaugural year for Blechle as Principal, and he wanted to begin the “Distinguished YellowJacket Program” at CHS to honor and recognize special students.
At CHS students can be nominated by any teacher or staff member in the school. This year, a student teacher even made a nomination after being significantly impressed by a particular student.
Students can be nominated by any CHS staff member. To be nominated, a student had to have made a positive impact on that staff member and/or his or her classroom. All students, freshmen through senior, are eligible for nomination. Nominations must be totally anonymous and kept secret until the presentation to that student at the “Distinguished YellowJacket” ceremony.
The staff member making the nomination must submit a one-page nomination letter, detailing WHY the receiving student was being nominated. Nominations must be e-mailed directly to Principal Blechle. Mr. Blechle keeps all nominations confidential until the unveiling the night of the ceremony.
Students and parents of the nominated students are notified of the nominations, but are not notified of who made the nomination. Both students and parents are invited to attend the annual “Distinguished YellowJacket Ceremony”.
The night of the ceremony is typically held in April of the current school year. During the ceremony, the nominating staff member reads his or her nomination letter from the ceremonial podium at which time the receiving student being honored is introduced.
Each nominee receives a “Distinguished YellowJacket” Medal and a Ceremonial Booklet. The nominating staff member also receives a medal. Official pictures of the pair are then taken to conclude the individual presentations.
The inaugural ceremony held in 2023 had a total of 28 nominations. That number fluctuates from year-to-year, depending on the participation level of CHS staff. ALL staff are strongly encouraged to make a nomination. Only one nomination per staff member is accepted. The program at CHS has been well received by both teachers and staff for all four years of the program’s existence, 2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026.
The 2026 ceremony took place Monday April 13 at 6:30p.m. Joining Principal Blechle in coordinating and implementing the ceremony was Dwight Lochhead, Technology Coordinator, Adrianne Kern, Family and Consumer Science Teacher, Paula Ray, English Teacher, and Crystal Tindall & Allison Heuer, Administrative Assistants. Robin Barton, Assistant Principal and Kimberly Briggs, District # 139 Superintendent of Schools, were also present to offer support.
Seated to the right of the podium were the 28 staff members who made the nominations and presentations of the Distinguished YellowJackets. To the left of the podium were seated the 28 CHS students who had been nominated and recognized as 2026 Distinguished YellowJackets.
Mr. Blechle brought the ceremony to order at precisely 6:30 p.m. by giving a spirited warm welcome to all in attendance. He thanked those who contributed to the success of the 2026 event and praised the efforts of the students who had earned a nomination as a 2026 Distinguished YellowJacket.
Following a detailed historical perspective of the Distinguished YellowJacket Program and how it got started, Mr. Blechle recognized the 28 CHS staff members whom would be making the presentations. Thus began the event.
Presenters came to the podium in a pre-planned order. Once at the microphone, each presenter read the 1-page nomination letter that was submitted to Mr. Blechle. Each presenter had the option of either announcing the nominee prior to the reading of the letter or after the nomination letter had been read. The balance of choices of the presenters was about equal.
In either case, the honored nominee was at the podium at the end of the reading and was presented with his or her medal and a commemorative ceremonial booklet. Much applause and attention was awarded each recipient as he or her and the CHS staff member made their way to the official photograph area.
The entire list of 28 “Distinguished YellowJacket” students and his or her nominating staff member follows:
Name of “Distinguished YellowJacket” Student-Name of Nominating CHS Staff Member
Peyton Parker-Mrs. Mueller
Robbie Myers-Ms. Bartley
Leslie Asbury-Mr. Bainter
Aubrey Colvis-Mrs. Bert
Jessica Stumpe-Mrs. Cartwright
Elizabeth Wilson-Mrs. Clendenin
Riley Lochhead-Mrs. Brown
Hannah Hoskin-Mr. Conley
Larry Sorto-Mrs. Diercks-Boyd
Iraisa Ordonez-Mr. Dinc
Natalie Guetersloh-Mrs. Durbin
Jack Kennedy-Mr. Grissom
Caleb Richmond-Mrs. Hankins
Amelia Crawford-Ms. Hodge
Gabriel Coffman-Mrs. Kern
Trevor Keeton-Mrs. Krieg
Alden Davitz-Mr. Blechle
Liam Holland-Mr. Lochhead
Trayton Peters-Mr. Ruehling
Aaliyah Berkbuegler-Mrs. Ray
Karim Landeros-Mr. Strauss
Aleah Eggemeyer-Sra. Zeiger
Danny Worley-Ms. Vahling
Julia Reeves-Mrs. Miesner
Avery Hasemeyer-Mrs. Barton
Camryn Wolff -Mr. Tullis
Erin Liefer-Mr. Colonel
Hannah Crow-Mr. Wiegand
The entire process took from 6:30 p.m. until approximately 7:45 p.m. Mr. Blechle had warned everyone during his introduction that the entire process might take quite a while. However, Blechle promised everyone that the time would be well spent listening to warm, loving stories how each student had made the teaching environment of each staff nominee much better with the presence of the student in his or her classroom.
Some of the comments made by the CHS Staff Members regarding their nominees are as follow.
“She is kind and hard-working. She is approachable, and has grown both as a student and as a person”. “It is my deepest honor to present this award to a fellow warrior who has proven that even when your heart needs mending, it remains unstoppable”. (Both the student and teacher have bonded due to their common fight with cancer).
“This student has taught me to look at each situation in my life from a different perspective and never take things too seriously”. “She always had a smile and showed kindness to everyone”. “You embody the essence of what it means to be a YellowJacket, dedicated, hardworking, humble, and respectable to everyone around you!” “From the very beginning you have demonstrated dedication, curiosity, and a genuine commitment to learning.”
“She has a kindness that is genuine and intentional”. “Her hard work and dedication to this school is unlike most others”. “What impresses me the most is not just his academic growth, it’s his character!” “I am proud to nominate my student for her work ethic, positivity, and the respect she shows to everyone around her.” “She comes into class so positive and smiling”. “I wanted to select a student who was respectful, kind, and a great student, not only to teachers, but also to fellow classmates”.
“This year has really brought out his best. He has done a 140-degree turnaround. He has changed from being a boy to a mature young man.” “I have overheard other kids say that this person is a true friend, a comforting listener, and teachers say how this student makes them feel like someone is actually listening to what we say!” “He consistently shows up with a positive attitude and a strong work ethic”. “He works hard, stays focused, and moves forward without excuses or the need for recognition.”
“He has the kind of smile that lights up a room. A smile that says-without ever speaking a word- ‘Life just isn’t good…life is great!” “What I have always appreciated most is not just the help he offers to others, but the spirit in which he offers it! He has a genuine desire to contribute to share the load of others. He demonstrates sincere care and concern for his friends, consistently showing up for others with a positive attitude and steady presence!”
“I saw this student display true leadership. He exemplified trying hard in class and out of the classroom and actually listening to other’s advice-a skill I feel is sadly found too few times these days.” “Your enjoyment of the small things matches my own. That alone brightened my mood every day, as well as the vibe of our whole class”.
“The growth I have seen in this young man in all phases this year- from emotional maturity to a leadership role- is what solidified him as my choice as a Distinguished YellowJacket! He is pushing himself, his teammates, and classmates every chance he can get”. “I chose this student for various reasons. She is always prepared for class and ready to answer the daily question and discuss it; being prepared to take her quiz or test by writing helpful hints on a post-it-note. She does outstanding work and never complains.”
“He is not only a great athlete, but also a dedicated student and hardworking individual. I want you to know how much you matter. The way you treat people, the way you show up, and the care you give others does not go unnoticed!” “This newcomer is a scholar, but her ‘stats’ only tell a fraction of her story. She has a laugh that is infectious and a personality that fills the room. Her dimples accompany a smile the never seems to fade. Behind that radiant energy is a warrior. She has faced a battle in her young life and came out victorious. In the whirlwind of being a junior and a new student, she always asks about me and even my own children”.
“I have had the privileged of knowing her for the past 12 years during which I have witnessed her grow into an exceptional woman of character, determination, and grace. She approaches every endeavor with a quiet confidence, constantly striving for excellence while maintaining a genuine sense of humility and respect for others”. “She is the kind of person to smile at the teacher on the first day of school. She always tries the hardest, never backs down from a challenge, and helps fellow students whenever she can”.
“I knew she had great potential. As she progressed through junior high, I watched from the sidelines as her talent started to blossom. She has always been a quiet leader. She has always gone above and beyond to make herself a better musician. She has sacrificed other opportunities in order to stay committed to my department. Her compassion towards others is on full display when she works passionately on our “Just for Jackets” food pantry”. “I am always trying to find a Distinguished YellowJacket who is willing to go the extra mile. My student is a great student, athlete, awesome friend, and outstanding asset to Chester High School. No challenge is too big and no task is too much. She is always calm, quiet, hardworking, and willing to drown out the noise”.
The above comments were just a few of the reasons that the 28 newcomers to the 4-year list of Chester High School “Distinguished YellowJackets” were selected. Many in attendance at the 2026 ceremony commented that they “teared-up” several times throughout the event due to the numerous heartfelt tributes made to the newly honored students.
Following the introduction of the last student Distinguished YellowJackets, Principal Jeremy Blechle announced yet another twist to the evening. He introduced two teachers that were going to be recognized for Distinguished YellowJacket Award.
Chester High School Curriculum Director Shirley Stegmann came to the podium to recognize Steve Colonel for his 31 years of service and dedication to CHS. Mr. Colonel will be retiring at the end of the school year.
Another teacher that was nominated and recognized with a Distinguished YellowJacket Award was Cherie Diercks-Boyd. She will also be retiring at the end of the school year. Making the nomination and presenting the award was former CHS Agriculture teacher, Emily Millburg.
At the conclusion of the presentations all teachers and new Distinguished YellowJackets met for a group photo. Principal Blechle strongly encouraged both teachers and students to proudly wear their medals to school the next day.
Blechle said, “I would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone involved in the planning, setup, execution and overall presence at our 4th Distinguished YellowJacket event. The feedback from our community members was overwhelmingly positive.”
“Many shared that the ceremony was both meaningful and inspiring. Some even noted how moving the experience was. It was truly a wonderful evening and a reflection of the dedication and effort put forth by this team. Thank you all for your continued commitment!”
There were 28 students who received the award this school year.
CHS Teachers and staff pose for a photo with the 2026 Student Distinguished YellowJackets after the induction ceremony Monday April 13. There were 28 honorees that were nominated by 28 teachers or staff. It was the 4th Annual Distinguished YellowJacket event. Jim Beers Photo
Shown here 28 Chester High School students await the start of the 2026 Distinguished YellowJacket ceremony held Monday April 13 at CHS Colbert Gym. The students knew that they had been nominated for the award, however, they would not find out who nominated them or for what reasons until their teacher nominator introduced them and read the nomination letter from which they were selected. Jim Beers Photo
Chester High School teachers and staff members gather Monday April 13 at CHS to unveil the announcement of the 28 students they nominated for the 4th Annual Distinguished YellowJacket Awards. Each teacher or staff member was able to nominate one student for the award. Jim Beers Photo
Chester High School Principal Jeremy Blechle greets everyone to the 4th Annual Distinguished YellowJacket Ceremony Monday April 13. Blechle began this program his first year as CHS Principal in the 2022-2023 school year. 2026 marks the 4th year for the student recognition awards. Jim Beers Photo
Pictured are Distinguished CHS Teachers and their nominating individuals. (Left to right) are Cherie Diercks-Boyd, CHS teacher and her nominating individual, Emily Milburg, a former CHS Agriculture teacher, and Steve Colonel, CHS Band Director and his nominating individual, Shirley Stegmann, the CHS Curriculum Director. Both Diercks-Boyd and Colonel will be retiring at the end of this school year. Jim Beers Photo
Principal Jeremy Blechle nominated Alden Davitz as his 2026 Distinguished YellowJacket. Jim Beers Photo
Chester High School teacher Bryce Bainter and his nominee for Distinguished YellowJacket Leslie Asbury. Jim Beers Photo
CHS teacher Marsha Bartley and her nominee for Distinguished YellowJacket Robbie Myers. Jim Beers Photo
Jill Miesner, Chester High School Counselor and her nominee for Distinguished YellowJacket Julia Reeves. Jim Beers Photo
CHS Math teacher Erin Conley and his nominee for Distinguished YellowJacket Hannah Hoskin. Jim Beers Photo
CHS Social Science Teacher Jackie Clendenin and her nominee for 2026 Distinguished YellowJacket Elizabeth Wilson. Jim Beers Photo
CHS School Social Worker Cassie Vahling and her nominee for 2026 Distinguished YellowJacket Danny Worley. Jim Beers Photo
CHS teacher Rana Hodge and her nominee for 2026 Distinguished YellowJacket Amelia Crowford. Jim Beers Photo
CHS English Teacher Paula Ray and her nominee for 2026 Distinguished YellowJacket Aaliyah Berkbuegler. Jim Beers Photo
CHS Student Teacher Mr. Grissom and his 2026 nominee for 2026 Distinguished YellowJacket Jack Kennedy. Jim Beers Photo
CHS Band and Chorus Teacher Steve Colonel and his nominee for 2026 Distinguished YellowJacket Erin Liefer. Jim Beers Photo