Our greatest asset has always been its people – the individuals who breathe life and legacy into every hallway and classroom. We are thrilled to continue a series dedicated to celebrating the iconic figures within each building—the names and faces that serve as the heartbeat of their schools. We asked, “Who embodies the spirit of our education, and whose dedication and contributions should be given the spotlight it deserves?” Ultimately, we went looking for the answer to one simple sentiment: “When I think of ____, I think of ___________.”
Inspiring, Dedicated, and One-of-a-Kind. Those are just a few of the many attributes that describe Mrs. Jo Ellen Honey. Ms. Jo Ellen began her teaching career with the Lincoln County Department of Education in 1977 as a kindergarten teacher at Elora Elementary School. In 1979, she married and moved across the county to begin the next chapter of her teaching career at Boonshill Elementary School, teaching a split 1st and 2nd grade class. Two grades. Two curriculums. One classroom, and one teacher. Ms. Jo Ellen continued to teach at Boonshill for the next thirteen years, until the school was closed in 1992 to combine with Petersburg Elementary into a brand new school building nearby. She taught kindergarten from 1992 through 2020 until she moved classrooms and began teaching 4th and 5th grade Social Studies and Science. This is where you will find her today.
Former Principal, and friend, Dr. Janine Wilson states, “Jo Ellen stands out as one who is dedicated to her profession, school, students and community. She tirelessly gives her time, not only to the children in her classroom, but to anyone and everyone who needs assistance. As her principal, I could count on her to volunteer to do those extra things that make a school run smoothly. Teachers like Jo Ellen deserve our respect, appreciation and admiration.” That sentiment continues from the community as well.
Former student and FCA leader Bruce Gifford writes, “Mrs. Jo Ellen made me feel safe, but most of all, she made me feel loved and at home! I will forever be grateful for Mrs. Jo Ellen! She is a true gift from God!”
Parents alike recognize her magic: “You gave this set of parents something priceless: a warm, safe, and secure place for our son to go, enjoy and to simply be. Every day, you met him with a smile and loving arms, and-more importantly-unwavering kindness and care. I want you to know that YOU made a difference. Not only in our son's life, but in the life of our entire family. The impact of your dedication and compassion has endured far beyond the classroom. Our hearts are full of gratitude for you and for all you did. Thank you-for seeing him, for believing in him, and for loving him so much!
Those moments were not only in her classroom but in the care of her family as well. Her daughters express that some of their favorite memories with their mother were formed at Unity during summers, weekends, and those EARLY mornings and LATE evenings. They were expected to work hard, often following a specific list of tasks to be accomplished, but they also made sure to play just as hard. From hide-and-seek in the gym area to board games in the cafeteria and Barbies in the nurse's office, as they grew up, the balance shifted from playing to serving. They spent their time assisting with cleaning, decorating, and preparing her classroom—even earning a few hot glue gun scars along the way. At times, they extended this help to other teachers, and as they got older, they occasionally babysat or entertained younger children while their mothers worked. Their presence at the school was constant: they were there most summer days starting in mid-July, arrived early each morning, and often stayed well after the final buzzer of a football or basketball game. Whether they were running concession stands, washing football uniforms, or choreographing cheerleader routines, they did whatever was needed. While some might see this as a daunting amount of work, it provided them with a unique opportunity to explore various skill sets, understand the profound impact of volunteering, and develop strong problem-solving skills. Ultimately, they found a sense of fun in the chaotic world of planning and organizing school events. Even now, with children of their own, they are still occasionally "volun-told" to help with classroom preparations, harvest festival food prep, concession stand duties, or other tasks when things get somewhat out of hand.
She has witnessed students take their first steps.
She helped birthed the first summer school and after-school care programs at Unity
She has provided countless meals for others.
She has taught colleagues and supervisors.
She has taught through good times, bad times, hard times, and easy times.
But throughout the years, she has followed the dream she had since she was a child - educating children.