Riverside’s Jordan Teeple Leads List of Hamilton Southeastern Schools Teachers of the Year

Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools has recognized 25 educators as its 2025-26 Teachers of the Year, honoring those selected by their schools and district programs for excellence in the classroom and their impact on students.

Leading this year’s group is Riverside Junior High School math teacher Jordan Teeple, who was recently named the district-wide Teacher of the Year during a special assembly at Riverside. Teeple, a seventh-grade math teacher, was selected from among the building-level winners and will now represent HSE Schools in the Indiana Teacher of the Year competition. He also received a $1,000 award from the Hamilton Southeastern Education Foundation.

The annual recognition program honors one educator from each of HSE’s 22 schools and three district programs. The honorees were chosen by their school communities from among more than 1,200 educators across the district.

“These teachers represent the very best of what happens in our classrooms every day,” HSE Superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley said. “They build relationships, challenge students to think deeply and create learning environments where students feel supported, capable and ready to grow. Being selected by your school community is a tremendous honor, and I am proud to celebrate each of this year’s recipients.”

District and building administrators surprised many of the winners at their schools before announcing the district-level honors.

Three educators were selected as finalists for district Teacher of the Year honors:

  • Casey Ochieng, English Language Learner (ENL) teacher at Brooks School Elementary, elementary finalist
  • Jordan Teeple, seventh-grade math teacher at Riverside Junior High School, intermediate/junior high finalist and district Teacher of the Year
  • Lindsay Mahan, social studies teacher at Hamilton Southeastern High School, high school finalist

The complete list of 2025-26 HSE Teachers of the Year includes:

  • Brooks School Elementary — Casey Ochieng (ENL)
  • Cumberland Road Elementary — Elizabeth James (3rd Grade)
  • Deer Creek Elementary — Kelly Hogan (2nd Grade)
  • Fall Creek Elementary — Chloe Diedam (FOCUS)
  • Fishers Elementary — Lisa Harvey (3rd Grade)
  • Geist Elementary — Kelli Caughman (Kindergarten)
  • Harrison Parkway Elementary — Brandy Wilkinson (2nd Grade)
  • Hoosier Road Elementary — Karissa Mayol (P.E.)
  • Lantern Road Elementary — Jennifer Skinner (2nd Grade)
  • New Britton Elementary — Audrey Gundersen (4th Grade)
  • Sand Creek Elementary — Chelsea Elmore (Kindergarten)
  • Southeastern Elementary — Kelly Wolf (3rd Grade)
  • Thorpe Creek Elementary — Liza Borgert (Kindergarten)
  • Fall Creek Intermediate — Ashley McConnell (5th Grade)
  • Riverside Intermediate — Becky Holman (FIATS)
  • Sand Creek Intermediate — Jodi Whalen (5th Grade)
  • Hamilton Intermediate Junior High — Jill Mockler (5th Grade)
  • Fishers Junior High — Michelle Huston (Language Arts)
  • Fall Creek Junior High — Brittany Potts (8th Grade Social Studies)
  • Hamilton Southeastern Junior High — Adam Brown (Science)
  • Riverside Junior High — Jordan Teeple (Math)
  • Hamilton Southeastern High School — Lindsay Mahan (Social Studies)
  • Fishers High School — Alisa Vaughn (Math)
  • ENL Program — Taylor Meador
  • Preschool Program — Megan McGee
  • FOCUS Program — Andrea Marine

School officials said video spotlights featuring this year’s finalists will be available to highlight their work and the difference they make for students across the district.

The recognition comes as HSE Schools prepares to close the 2025-26 school year, celebrating educators whose work has helped shape student success throughout the district.

Fishers to Celebrate Completion of State Road 37 Project with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

The City of Fishers will mark the completion of one of its largest transportation projects with a ribbon-cutting ceremony next week for the final interchange along the State Road 37 corridor.

City officials will host the event on Tuesday, May 26, at 10:30 a.m. to celebrate the opening of the new 141st Street interchange, the final major component of the State Road 37 Improvement Project within Fishers.

The ceremony will be held at Ed Martin Toyota, 9230 E. 141st Street. Following remarks from local and state officials, participants will take part in a ribbon-cutting parade through the newly completed interchange.

The State Road 37 Improvement Project has been a major infrastructure undertaking for the city and the state, with construction beginning in 2018. The project was designed to improve safety, traffic flow, mobility and connectivity along the Fishers portion of the busy corridor.

Over the past several years, the project has transformed portions of State Road 37 by replacing traditional signalized intersections with grade-separated interchanges, allowing traffic to move more efficiently while reducing congestion and the potential for serious crashes.

The completion of the 141st Street interchange marks the final phase of the Fishers segment of the project and represents the culmination of nearly eight years of planning and construction.

Expected to attend the event are officials from the State of Indiana, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), Hamilton County, the City of Fishers, project partners, business leaders and community stakeholders.

State Road 37 serves as a major north-south transportation route through Fishers and Hamilton County. City leaders have long viewed the corridor improvements as a key investment to support continued residential and commercial growth while improving travel times for motorists.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is open to invited guests and project stakeholders, with the parade through the interchange immediately following the formal ceremony.

Fishers Touch-A-Truck Rescheduled for June 8 at Nickel Plate District Amphitheater

 

Fishers families will have another chance to climb aboard and explore some of the city’s biggest vehicles as the annual Touch-A-Truck event has been rescheduled for Monday, June 8.

The free event will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater, 6 Municipal Drive, after originally being postponed because of weather concerns.

Hosted by Fishers Parks, Touch-A-Truck gives children and families an opportunity to get an up-close look at a wide variety of city vehicles and equipment. Featured displays will include tractors, snowplows, police vehicles, fire trucks and other specialized equipment used by city departments.

The event will also feature live demonstrations from several city agencies, including the Fishers Department of Public Works, Fishers Health Department, Fishers Fire Department and Fishers Police Department. Police K-9 demonstrations are also planned.

In addition to vehicle displays, children can participate in activities organized by Fishers Parks, including racing and craft activities. Young visitors will also have the opportunity to design their own miniature car and test it on a special Touch-A-Truck track.

Food and beverage vendors will be on site throughout the event.

Traffic and Parking Changes

Several temporary road and parking restrictions will be in effect on June 8.

Beginning at 3 p.m., the south side of the Municipal Drive circle, including the Central Green area, will be closed to traffic. Visitors entering from 116th Street will be directed south of Central Green. Access to Municipal Drive will remain available via North Street and Fishers Center Drive.

The following parking areas will be closed throughout the day:

  • City Services Building north parking lot, 3 Municipal Drive
  • Station 91 north and south parking lots, 2 Municipal Drive
  • Dog Park parking lot

Free parking will be available in public garages throughout the Nickel Plate District, including the Flats at Switch Garage, Police Station Garage, Nickel Plate Station Garage, Spark Garage and First Internet Bank Garage.

Accessible parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis in the south City Services Building parking lot at 3 Municipal Drive for vehicles displaying a valid accessibility placard, plate or tag. Additional accessible parking will be available in the Fishers Police Department parking garage at 4 Municipal Drive.

The event is open to the public, and no registration is required.

Fridays With Larry – May 22, 2026

Memorial Day, public education, and a few reasons to feel good about living in Fishers are all featured in this week’s edition of Fridays with Larry.

The podcast begins with a look at the history and meaning of Memorial Day, a holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who gave their lives while serving in the United States military. I reflect on the origins of the observance and why its purpose remains important today.

My guest this week is Justin Hirnisey, executive director of the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation. As another school year comes to a close, Hirnisey discusses the foundation’s efforts to support students, teachers and educational opportunities throughout the Hamilton Southeastern School District. He also talks about some of the programs and initiatives funded through community support.

I also highlight two recent developments that reinforce why Fishers continues to be regarded as one of the best places to live in Indiana and the nation.

The podcast concludes with a lighter story from Great Britain, where a woman earned recognition by assembling IKEA furniture faster than anyone else in a unique competition.

Fridays With Larry is sponsored by Citizens State Bank.

You can listen to this week’s edition of Fridays with Larry using this video or this link for audio, or use the links below.

Fishers to Honor Fallen Service Members with Memorial Day Ceremony at Nickel Plate District AMP

The City of Fishers and the Fishers Armed Services Commission will host the community’s annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 25, at 10 a.m. at the Nickel Plate District AMP.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place at the AMP, located at 6 Municipal Drive in downtown Fishers. Residents unable to attend in person may watch a live stream on the city’s official YouTube channel.

This year’s featured speaker is Dr. Alex Kor, a local podiatrist, educator and advocate for Holocaust education. Kor is the son of Holocaust survivors Michael “Mickey” Kor and Eva Mozes Kor, whose stories of survival and resilience have become widely known throughout Indiana and beyond.

Kor’s remarks will focus on his father’s military service and his family’s gratitude to the Allied forces that helped liberate Nazi Germany during World War II. After being rescued by American servicemen, Mickey Kor later served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. He often expressed pride in serving as a corporal in the same Army that had liberated him just six years earlier.

In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Kor serves on the board of directors of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum. He also helped establish the “Eva Kor: From Auschwitz to Indiana” exhibit at the Indiana Historical Society and co-authored the book A Blessing, Not a Burden, which chronicles the lives of his parents and their enduring legacy.

The ceremony will also feature musical performances by the Fishers Community Chorus and the White River Brass Troupe.

Following the ceremony, Gold Star Families, veterans and community members will be invited to place carnations at the Gold Star Families Memorial Monument and the Liberty Plaza fountain at Central Green in honor of loved ones who served and sacrificed for the nation.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will move indoors to the Theater at the Fishers Municipal Center, located at 1 Municipal Drive.

The annual observance provides the community an opportunity to remember and honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in military service to the country.

Riverside’s Jordan Teeple Named HSE Schools Teacher of the Year

(L-R) Dr. Matt Kegley, Rob Huesing, Jordan’s parents, Jordan, Justin Hirnisey

Being named Teacher of the Year in Indiana’s fourth-largest school district is a significant honor, and on Thursday morning, Hamilton Southeastern Schools officials gathered at Riverside Junior High School to recognize this year’s recipient.

Jordan Teeple, a mathematics teacher at Riverside Junior High, was named the 2025-26 Hamilton Southeastern Schools Teacher of the Year during a surprise ceremony attended by students, family members, administrators and district leaders.

Teeple has taught in HSE Schools for the past 10 years, but his impact extends well beyond the classroom. In addition to teaching math, he serves on Riverside’s School Improvement Plan leadership team, co-sponsors the school’s Student Council, coordinates the annual Camp Tecumseh program and supports a variety of student involvement activities.

HSE Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Kegley joined school and district officials for the announcement. Kegley revealed that Teeple had first been selected as the district’s Junior High Teacher of the Year before being chosen as the overall Teacher of the Year for Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

The announcement drew an enthusiastic response from students gathered in the school’s auxiliary gymnasium, who greeted the news with loud applause and cheers.

Teeple’s parents were also present to witness the surprise recognition.

As part of the honor, Teeple received a $1,000 award from the HSE Schools Foundation, presented by Executive Director Justin Hirnisey. Riverside Junior High Principal Rob Huesing joined district administrators and school staff in celebrating the achievement.

The annual Teacher of the Year award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership within their schools and a commitment to making a positive impact on students and the broader school community.

HSE Students Head Into Summer as 2025-26 School Year Comes to a Close

The final school bell of the 2025-26 academic year will ring Friday, May 22, for students in Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) Schools, marking the end of another busy year across the district.

Students throughout Fishers will begin summer break after completing classes on May 22. Teachers will remain on duty through May 26 to wrap up end-of-year responsibilities and prepare for the next school year.

The conclusion of the school year comes after a period of significant change and challenges for Indiana’s fourth-largest school district. During the past year, HSE Schools experienced a superintendent transition, budget reductions, staffing changes, and ongoing discussions about future funding needs.

Former Superintendent Patrick Mapes resigned in March, and longtime district educator Dr. Matt Kegley was first named interim superintendent before being selected permanently for the position by the school board in April.

District leaders also spent much of the spring addressing budget concerns. HSE officials cited rising costs, slightly lower student count and changes in state funding formulas as factors contributing to financial pressures. As part of cost-saving measures, the district issued reduction-in-force notices to 18 teachers, although several of those educators were later offered positions due to attrition and staffing adjustments.

The school board also approved changes to the teacher evaluation system and continued discussions about enrollment trends, redistricting, and the possibility of seeking additional financial support from voters in the future.

Despite those challenges, district officials pointed to a number of accomplishments during the school year. HSE students continued to post strong academic results, while career and technical education opportunities expanded through partnerships such as the new Precision Machining program developed with SMC Corporation of America.

The district also reported record IREAD-3 performance and maintained a graduation rate near 98 percent.

As students begin their summer vacation, preparations are already underway for the 2026-27 school year. Registration activities, facility projects, staffing assignments, and curriculum planning will continue throughout the summer months.

The first day of school for HSE students in the 2026-27 academic year is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5.

For now, however, students, teachers and families can enjoy a well-earned summer break after another eventful year in Hamilton Southeastern Schools.

White’s Ace Hardware Hosting “Grill for Heroes” Event to Benefit Veterans and First Responders

White’s Ace Hardware in Fishers will kick off Memorial Day weekend with a community barbecue event honoring veterans and first responders while raising money for military and first responder families.

The “Grill for Heroes” event will be held Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fishers White’s Ace Hardware location, 11881 Lakeside Drive. Veterans and first responders attending the event will receive complimentary meals.

The themed barbecue fundraiser will support two organizations — Folds of Honor Indiana and The Smoking Pastor Project.

Event organizers say a $5 donation will help “honor heroes and feed families.” Each donation also includes a raffle entry and a 20 percent off coupon for White’s Ace Hardware.

Raffle prizes include a Weber 30-inch Slate Griddle, Yeti products and White’s Ace Hardware gift cards.

According to organizers, Folds of Honor Indiana provides educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen or disabled military personnel and first responders. Since 2007, the national Folds of Honor organization has awarded nearly 73,000 scholarships totaling more than $340 million across the United States.

Al Huda Islamic Center Condemns San Diego Mosque Attack, Reviewing Security Measures

Leaders of the Alhuda Islamic Center of Indiana in Fishers have issued a public statement condemning the recent deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego and announced they are reviewing security procedures locally in response to the tragedy.

In a statement released Tuesday, Alhuda leaders said they were “deeply saddened and heartbroken” by the attack and strongly condemned “all forms of hatred, extremism, and intolerance.”

“Our hearts and prayers are with the victims, those injured, their families, and the entire San Diego community during this painful time,” the statement said. “An attack on any house of worship is an attack on our shared humanity and the values of peace, safety, and dignity that all communities deserve.”

The Fishers-based mosque and community center also said the tragedy serves as “a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, unity, and taking the necessary means to protect our communities.”

The statement said leadership of the Alhuda Islamic Center of Indiana and Eman School are “actively reviewing and strengthening security measures” for both the mosque and school facilities. Officials said meetings and discussions are underway to assess community needs and determine “the best path forward.”

The attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego has drawn national attention and condemnation from religious and civic leaders across the country.

Alhuda, located in Fishers, is widely regarded as the largest Islamic congregation in Indiana and one of the state’s largest mosque facilities. The current mosque and community center opened in 2021 and serves worshippers from throughout Central Indiana.

The statement concluded with prayers for protection and unity.

“May Allah protect our communities, our children, and all places of worship, and grant us wisdom, unity, strength, and steadfastness in the face of these challenges around the world,” the statement said.

Only Two Candidates File So Far for HSE School Board Races

Only two candidates have officially filed so far for the Hamilton Southeastern School Board as the 2026 filing period gets underway.

In District 1, Faiza Maqsood has filed to run with no political party designation.

In District 3, David Turk has filed as a Republican candidate.

As of now, no candidates have filed in Districts 2 or 4.

The filing deadline for school board candidates is noon on June 18, leaving nearly a month remaining for additional candidates to enter the race.

Under our HSE district-based system, candidates run only within their individual districts, and voters cast ballots only for candidates representing the district in which they reside.

This election cycle also marks the first time Indiana school board candidates may identify a political party affiliation on the ballot if they choose to do so. Candidates also have the option of running without a party designation.

You can review the HSE School Board district map at this link.