District News
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![Jasper High School’s Phil Kendall Named IIAAA District 6 High School Athletic Director of the Year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762449376/gjcsk12inus/rt4hwww34pm1kzrtng30/PKAward.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1762449376/gjcsk12inus/rt4hwww34pm1kzrtng30/PKAward.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1762449376/gjcsk12inus/rt4hwww34pm1kzrtng30/PKAward.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762449376/gjcsk12inus/rt4hwww34pm1kzrtng30/PKAward.png","width":1080}])
- Jasper High School
Gillian Blessinger
GJCS is proud to announce that Jasper High School Athletic Director, Phil Kendall, has been named the Indiana Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (IIAAA) District 6 High School Athletic Director of the Year. Since stepping into the role of Athletic Director in 2021, Phil has demonstrated dedication and leadership, earning the respect of peers across District 6, which encompasses 13 counties in Southern Indiana, including Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vigo and Warrick.
Phil was nominated by two fellow athletic directors who praised his attention to detail, commitment to helping others, and leadership in hosting numerous IHSAA tournaments at Jasper. This recognition is a testament not only to Phil, but also to the spirit and collaboration that defines Jasper Athletics.
Winners from all six IIAAA districts will be honored at the statewide banquet in March, where the overall Indiana High School Athletic Director of the Year will be announced.
Phil is the first to credit his team for this achievement, emphasizing that such recognition is only possible thanks to the dedication of the entire Jasper High School Athletic Department, including Cameron Harris and Theresa Stenftenagel, all JHS coaches, event staff, ticket holders, and all supporters within he Jasper community.
Congratulations, Phil, and thank you to everyone who makes Jasper Athletics exceptional!
For more information, visit https://www.iiaaa.org/.
![GJCS Schools Recognized in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Schools Rankings]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761674738/gjcsk12inus/fiwq4tnuwg35sygk7pch/Elem.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1761674738/gjcsk12inus/fiwq4tnuwg35sygk7pch/Elem.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1761674738/gjcsk12inus/fiwq4tnuwg35sygk7pch/Elem.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761674738/gjcsk12inus/fiwq4tnuwg35sygk7pch/Elem.jpg","width":1036}])
- Ireland Elementary School
- Jasper Elementary School
- Jasper High School
- Jasper Middle School
Gillian Blessinger
Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools (GJCS) is proud to announce that all of our schools have been recognized in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best School rankings.
- Ireland Elementary School earned a Best Elementary Schools badge, ranking 22nd among Indiana elementary schools.
- Jasper Elementary School received a Best Elementary Schools badge, ranking 180th statewide.
- Jasper Middle School was awarded a Best Middle School badge, ranking 79th among Indiana middle schools.
- Jasper High School earned a ranking of 55 th out of 437 high schools in Indiana, as announced in August.
These distinctions are awarded to schools placing in the top 40% of schools in the state, reflecting the commitment and excellence of our students, staff, and community.
For more information on the rankings, visit:
![Jasper High School Recognized by U.S. Best High Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755625715/gjcsk12inus/obcnhonct63byrz929ri/BestHighSchools.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755625715/gjcsk12inus/obcnhonct63byrz929ri/BestHighSchools.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1755625715/gjcsk12inus/obcnhonct63byrz929ri/BestHighSchools.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755625715/gjcsk12inus/obcnhonct63byrz929ri/BestHighSchools.jpg","width":1036}])
Gillian Blessinger
The U.S. News & World Report published their 2025 Best High Schools rankings. Jasper High School achieved recognition.
Jasper High School received an overall score of 83.12/100. JHS was ranked 3,022 out of 17,901 high schools nationally and 55 out of 437 high schools in the state of Indiana. Schools are ranked on their performance on state-required tests, graduation, and preparation for college and careers.
These rankings would not be possible without the outstanding work and dedication from the GJCS students and staff.
To view Jasper High School’s profile, visit https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/indiana/districts/greater-jasper-consolidated-schools/jasper-high-school-7236.
![Ed Yarbrough Tennis Facility Receives 2025 USTA Outstanding Facility Award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1748357151/gjcsk12inus/nqdmdoeogcjttbfmbjv4/Tennis1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1748357151/gjcsk12inus/nqdmdoeogcjttbfmbjv4/Tennis1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1748357151/gjcsk12inus/nqdmdoeogcjttbfmbjv4/Tennis1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1748357151/gjcsk12inus/nqdmdoeogcjttbfmbjv4/Tennis1.jpg","width":960}])
- Jasper High School
- Jasper Middle School
Gillian Blessinger
The Ed Yarbrough Tennis Facility has been honored with the 2025 United States Tennis Association (USTA) Outstanding Facility Award, recognizing it as one of the nation’s premier tennis venues. The USTA Outstanding Facility Awards program highlights facilities that exemplify excellence in construction, renovation, and ongoing maintenance, as well as a demonstrated commitment to the growth and development of tennis in their communities.
Established in 1981, the USTA Outstanding Facility Awards celebrate tennis venues that set standard for quality and service, fostering a positive tennis experience for players and spectators alike. The Ed Yarbrough Tennis Facility joins a select group of facilities nationwide to receive this prestigious recognition.
As part of the award, the USTA will present an indoor award plaque and outdoor sign for display at the facility. Additionally, two representatives from the Ed Yarbrough Tennis Facility will be invited to attend the official awards ceremony held during the US Open in August.
“This honor and award represent all the contributions that our school and our tennis family has put into this complex to make it one of the best in the United States,” said Jasper High School Tennis Coach, Scott Yarbrough. “The support from our school, our community and our Jasper Tennis Family makes our complex one of the best.”
Congratulations to the Jasper Tennis Program on this incredible honor!
To view a video of the facility, click here to see a video created by Alayna Markovich.
- Jasper Tennis
- Tennis
- USTA
![GJCS School Board Honored by the Indiana School Boards Association]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1713268449/gjcsk12inus/pab51gmbgspr802y2u7f/EGAAwardsLogo.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1713268449/gjcsk12inus/pab51gmbgspr802y2u7f/EGAAwardsLogo.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1713268449/gjcsk12inus/pab51gmbgspr802y2u7f/EGAAwardsLogo.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1713268449/gjcsk12inus/pab51gmbgspr802y2u7f/EGAAwardsLogo.jpg","width":1200}])
- Ireland Elementary School
- Jasper Elementary School
- Jasper High School
- Jasper Middle School
Gillian Blessinger
The Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2024 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to student success and professional learning.
The Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation School Board is one of only 124 school boards in the State of Indiana to earn an award through the EGA program this year.
The EGAs are conferred annually across four levels of distinction based on the points earned by school board members for attending ISBA seminars, workshops, conferences, and other learning events, as well as the completion of certain additional criteria, such as a retreat with an outside facilitator and goal setting to elevate student achievement outcomes.
“On behalf of ISBA, I would like to commend this dedicated group of school boards and school board members,” said ISBA Executive Director Terry Spradlin. “School boards perform a vital public service for their communities, and board members who actively participate in professional learning are better equipped to govern effectively and meet the needs of students.”
Award recipients were formally recognized at ISBA’s Spring Regional Meetings during the month of May.
“I am incredibly proud to work alongside a school board whose commitment to students, families, and our community is second to none,” said Dr. Tracy Lorey, GJCS Superintendent. “This Exemplary Governance Award reflects their integrity, vision, and dedication to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. Their leadership sets the standard for excellence in public education, and I am honored to serve with them.”
In addition to the board-level accolades, 239 school board members earned individual EGA awards.
ISBA provides a full range of professional learning opportunities at dozens of events throughout the year to inform and educate school board members about best practices, legislative issues, policy development, school law, and more.
For a complete list of individual and board award recipients for the 2024 award year, please visit https://www.isba-ind.org/ega.html.
- GJCS
- ISBA
- School Board