Portrait of a Wildcat

Dean Vonderheide, Mayor of the City of Jasper. embodies the spirit of lifelong learning and community leadership. His journey has been marked by a willingness to embrace opportunity, an unwavering commitment to personal growth, and a deep sense of gratitude for the foundation provided by GJCS. 

Dean's path to becoming Mayor was not charted from the start. As a student at Jasper High School, he served on the Mayor's Youth Council and held various leadership roles. After graduation, he attended Indiana University on a full-ride football scholarship, intending to become a teacher and coach. Dean spent three years teaching and coaching before accepting a position as Sales Coordinator at Styline and Ferdinand Furniture (now OFS). From there, he steadily advanced, never shying away from new roles or challenges. 

Dean's career included a remarkable 31-year tenure at Kimball International, where he held positions such as Computer Integrated Manufacturing Leader, Plant Manager, General Manager, and ultimately Chief Human Resource Officer. Upon retirement, Dean set out to give back: he went on a mission trip to Guatemala, started a business, and ran for local office. 

Civic engagement has always been important to Dean. He served as President of the Jasper Public Library Board, helped to bring the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center to life, and served as President of Indiana University's "I-Association." Within Trinity United Church of Christ, he held various leadership posts, including two terms as Council President. 

Dean credits his success to the teachers, coaches and administrators at GJCS, who pushed him to be his best and supported his aspirations. "With hard work and dedication, you can be successful," he reflects. "I am forever grateful for their support."

Advice for Current GJCS Students: "You don't know what you are capable of until you try. When opportunity presents itself, don't be afraid of the unknown; you may learn something valuable that will stick with you throughout life. Always put others before yourself-it will pay back in the future. Build a reliable network, never burn bridges, and remember: personal development is your responsibility. You will become what you're willing to invest your time in."

It's Great to be a Wildcat because of the educational opportunities and personal development experiences provided. 

"I am proud of GJCS because of the experience provided to me, my daughters, and now my grandchildren. A strong educational program makes a difference in one's life. The future of my family looks promising thanks to GJCS."

Andy Seger, Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President of Sales at Wabash Valley, exemplifies dedication, adaptability, and a deep love for his hometown. Andy graduated from Jasper High School in 1996. He also attended Fifth Street and Jasper Middle School. His path has taken him from Indiana to major financial centers and back home to lead his family business.

After graduating from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in 2000, Andy launched his career in finance, working for Goldman Sachs in New York and Chicago, and then for a decade at Frontenac Company, a private equity firm in Chicago. In 2011, he returned to Dubois County to join Wabash Valley, an egg products company owned and managed by the Seger family, where he now serves as CFO and Senior VP of Sales.

Andy attributes much of his success to the foundation laid by GJCS. He recalls being shaped by excellent teachers, influential coaches, rigorous academics, supportive friends, and a culture of achievement. “Fifth Street, Jasper Middle School, and Jasper High School completely prepared me for college and my work experiences. I am biased, but I believe GJCS is the best school system in Indiana and would not trade my experience for anywhere else.”

Advice for current GJCS students:

1. There are no secrets or shortcuts; you have to be willing to work hard to achieve your goals.
2. Take advantage of opportunities to get outside your comfort zone after graduation. Volunteer, take on leadership positions, travel, and consider living and working in different areas.
3. Most importantly, surround yourself with really good people who can teach good judgment and values, how to treat people, and make life fun and interesting.

It’s great to be a Wildcat because anyone who knows me knows how much I love the city of Jasper. I take great pride in our community, schools, businesses, people, and all that Jasper has to offer.

Tommy Craven graduated from Jasper High School in 2011. He also attended Fifth Street, Tenth Street and Jasper Middle School. Tommy embodies creativity, leadership, and fearlessness and his educational journey was marked by exploration and innovation.

Today, Tommy serves as Motion Lead for HBO Max, where he oversees the creative process for ideation and delivery of motion graphics and video assets for HBO Max titles. His role combines his passion for TV and video with the chance to build new skills as he works toward a future as a Senior Creative Director and TV writer. The position offers proximity to industry leaders and creatives, fueling his ongoing professional ambitions.

Tommy credits GJCS for fostering his creativity and leadership at every stage—from the CATS program and Invention Convention at JMS to Business Professionals of America at JHS. These experiences allowed him to explore beyond traditional STEM classes, gaining real-life skills in art, business, and entertainment. Committed and diverse faculty members served as mentors, guiding him to opportunities that built his resume and expanded his network beyond the classroom.

Advice for Current GJCS Students: “Let your curiosity thrive over your fears. Don’t be afraid to jump into different clubs, sports, classes, or activities to diversify your resume and discover your passions. Well-rounded skill sets and perspectives will help you thrive in any environment. Explore as many facets of yourself as possible so you leave your primary education journey feeling fulfilled.”

It's great to be a Wildcat because a Wildcat is fearless both in winning and in failure. A Wildcat can fight, thrive and conquer against all odds, but can also build a supportive community, embrace differences, and self-reflect on how to be better when we fail to ensure strength spreads to others and leads us on a path of greatness together.

Bernie Vogler, Jasper High School Class of 1960, is a lifelong learner and dedicated worker whose journey reflects the values of hard work, discipline, and community spirit. Still actively engaged, Bernie drives buses for the school corporation and delivers cars and trucks across the country for Jasper Engines. He looks back on his life and career with gratitude, describing it simply: "I had a wonderful life." 

Bernie credits GJCS for providing the education, basic training, and social skills that set him up for success. The lessons he learned at Jasper, especially the importance of discipline, teamwork, and never being outworked, have stayed with him throughout his life. "You may not be as talented or even as intelligent, but no one is going to outwork me. I learned that from my teachers at JHS and from my dad, Edwin Vogler." 

Advice for Current GJCS Students: "It's pretty much the same now as then: outwork the competition, learn discipline, be a team player, and enjoy your high school career. It can be the best time of your life." 

Bernie also emphasizes humility and respect: "At JHS, we should never take the position that we are somehow better than others. Always respect the competition, but outwork them. We live in a wonderful community built by our forefathers and mothers, respect that and keep it going." 

Andrea Rillo graduated from Jasper High School in 2017. She also attended Jasper Middle School. Andrea is currently living her dream in New York City as the assistant to bestselling author Adriana Trigiani and producer of "You Are What You Read" podcast. Andrea loves her job, especially since she has the opportunity to work for her favorite author, a position she's held for six years. 

Andrea credits her time at GJCS, especially her Radio/TV classes, for laying a strong foundation in audio and video production. These skills prepared her for journalism school at Mizzou and continue to serve her well as a podcast producer. Her English classes at JHS also set her up for success, as she often edits Adriana's novels as part of her job. 

Advice for Current GJCS Students: "Create your own opportunities! I have my current job because I wrote a fan letter to my favorite author. You can have your dream job if you get creative and put yourself out there." 

"It's great to be a Wildcat because the values from a Jasper education stay with you for a lifetime."

Kurt Lechner graduated from Jasper High School in 1986. He also attended Tenth Street and Jasper Middle School. Kurt has built a rewarding career rooted in dedication and service. For nearly three decades, he has worked at Matrix Integration, where he currently serves as Procurement/Warehouse Coordinator—a position he has enjoyed for the past nine years. Over his 29 years with the company, he has taken on various roles, including field technician and dispatcher, gaining experience in installation, maintenance, and team management.

Beyond his professional career, Kurt has supported the JHS Athletic Department for 40 school years, assisting at sporting events, selling tickets, and driving the team bus for sports teams and other extracurricular activities. His commitment to Jasper’s student athletes and extracurricular programs is a testament to his enduring Wildcat spirit.

Kurt credits GJCS for equipping him with essential job market skills—communication, problem-solving, collaboration, and time management. The school system also provided opportunities to explore career paths, learn job-readiness skills, and gain hands-on experience through work-based learning initiatives.

Advice for Current GJCS Students: “No matter your path—workforce, college, or military—choose a career you genuinely enjoy. When you love what you do, it won’t feel like work. Tough days happen, but loving your career makes it much easier to get up and go each morning.”

Greg Eckerle graduated from Jasper High School in 1970. He also attended Tenth Street Elementary School. Greg now serves as the President of the GJCS Board of Trustees. Greg finds fulfillment in being part of a team dedicated to preparing students for successful lives. His professional journey included 36 years at Kimball International, primarily as Employee Communication Director, followed by 8 years as Communications Director for the Sisters of St. Benedict. He has also contributed as a correspondent and columnist for the Evansville Courier. 

Greg credits GJCS teachers and coaches for encouraging him to stretch beyond his perceived limits. Their motivation, especially through opportunities and challenges to improve his writing, helped shape his career. Experiences on school newspapers and extra writing in English classes were particularly valuable in developing his communication skills. 

Advice for Current GJCS Students: “Take advantage of the many opportunities GJCS offers to prepare for a rewarding career. Academically, never give up and don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re an athlete, don’t give up on your varsity dreams too soon-many regret it later. Thank the teachers and coaches who inspired you before it’s too late. Strive to be a giver in life, not a taker-give back to your community and to those who helped you. Consider Jasper as a place to live and raise a family; it’s a wonderful environment.” 

Morgan Elmes graduated from Jasper High School in 2012. She also attended Jasper Middle School. Morgan currently works as a Marketing and Communications Support Specialist at German American Bank. Within her role, she helps share the stories and initiatives that show how German American Bank supports individuals, families and businesses in achieving their financial goals. Morgan also highlights the way German American Bank invests in the communities they serve because they believe when a community thrives, its people prosper. She also manages the donation, sponsorship and volunteer portal, supports digital and traditional marketing efforts and contributes to content that reflects German American’s commitment to those they serve. Through close collaboration with the team, Morgan helps ensure their brand shows up consistently and meaningfully across all channels. 

Morgan credits GJCS for laying a strong foundation for her career. Challenging, college-level courses prepared her academically, and supportive teachers and resources that guided her along the way. Her involvement in sports taught her the value of teamwork and building relationships, which are skills she relies on daily during her professional life. 

Fun Fact: During high school, Morgan ran cross country with an exchange student named Anna. Their friendship has remained strong over the years, as Anna has returned to visit many times. Morgan recently went and visited Anna on her honeymoon - a testament to the lasting connections made at JHS! 

Advice for Current GJCS Students: “Try everything at least once. Whether is a class, club, or volunteering, you never know what might spark your interest or open a new path. High school is the perfect time to explore your passions and build great connections.”

Ryan Kluemper graduated from Jasper High School in 2000. He also attended Tenth Street and Jasper Middle School. He has built a fulfilling career in healthcare as an optometrist and co-owner at Eyeworks in Vincennes. Ryan loves his profession and values the team he works with every day.

He credits GJCS for providing a quality education and opportunities like HOSA, which helped prepare him for a rewarding healthcare career.

Advice for Current GJCS Students: “Always strive to do your best at everything you do and work hard to achieve your dreams.”

"It's great to be a Wildcat because the academic and athletic programs are top notch and provide so much opportunity for personal and professional growth."

Trisha Pfau has dedicated her career to shaping young minds as a 5th Grade Teacher at Jasper Elementary School. Trisha’s journey began at Fifth Street and Jasper Middle School before graduating from Jasper High School in 1983. The foundation she received at GJCS was built on the support and dedication of wonderful teachers who genuinely cared about her growth, equipping her with the skills needed for life and her future career.

Trisha’s decision to return to GJCS as a staff member was driven by her deep love for the Jasper community. Having grown up here, she felt a strong desire to give back and make a positive impact on the children of Jasper, just as her teachers once did for her.

"It's great to be a Wildcat because we represent a strong community and take pride in our schools and our sports."

Andy Noblitt graduated from Jasper High School in 1992. He also attended Jasper Elementary School and Fifth Street. Andy is a Chemistry Teacher and coaches both baseball and basketball at Jasper High School. He credits demanding classes and high expectations for preparing him for success in college and beyond. The organization and grit he developed at JHS made his college courses more knowledgable and set the stage for his career in education. 

Returning to JHS as a staff member was a natural choice for Andy. He values the respectful and courteous students, as well as the supportive and caring parents, which together create a positive work environment where both teachers and students can thrive. 

"It's great to be a Wildcat because we work together to make education meaningful and productive." 

Adeline Gaither graduated from Jasper High School in 2018. She also attended Jasper Middle School. Adeline is now an 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher. Her journey into education was inspired by the supportive environment and dedicated educators she encountered as a student—many of whom are now her colleagues. Through leadership and collaboration in school activities, Adeline developed the confidence and communication skills she uses daily in her classroom. GJCS also instilled in her the values of community and support, which continue to guide her work.

Adeline chose to return to GJCS as a staff member because she experienced firsthand how transformative education can be. Now, she is committed to paying that forward for a new generation of Wildcats.

"GJCS helped shape my teaching journey by providing a supportive learning environment where I saw the power of caring and dedicated educators - many of whom I work with today! The opportunities for leadership and collaboration in school activities gave me the confidence and communication skills I use every day as a teacher. GJCS instilled in me the importance of community and valuing/supporting one another, which helps guide my work today."

It’s great to be a Wildcat because GJCS culture is unmatched!

Sarah Johnson graduated from Jasper High School in 2007. She also attended school at Fifth Street, Tenth Street, and Jasper Middle School. Sarah returned to GJCS as a 2nd grade teacher at Ireland Elementary School. GJCS prepared Sarah for her career by always expecting her best, with teachers who held high standards from elementary through high school. 

Sarah chose to return to GJCS because it feels like home, and she values the unique experience of teaching alongside her former teachers. 

"It's great to be a Wildcat because there are so many connections with other Jasper Wildcats near and far!"

Kasey Young graduated from Jasper High School in 2010. She also attended Fifth Street, Tenth Street and Jasper Middle School. Kasey returned to GJCS as an 8th grade ELA Teacher at Jasper Middle School. She has been teaching there for 11 years. 

Kasey’s senior year was the pilot year for cadet teaching, which is now Education Professions. She says this was a great opportunity to get her feet wet in education, as there is so much that is not understood as a student. Having the opportunity to see education from the outside was eye-opening and inspiring. 

She chose to return to GJCS because of hometown comfort and a desire to make GJCS even better. Kasey wanted to be able to help nurture and inspire young people in a community she loves. 

“It’s great to be a Wildcat because GJCS always strives to be better than we were the day before. We work hard to grow and learn from everything around us.”

Ashlynn Hoffman graduated from Jasper High School in 2011. She also attended Jasper Middle School. Ashlynn returned to GJCS as the Director of the Little Wildcats Program. She notes that GJCS helped prepare her for her career by giving her a strong academic foundation with supportive teachers that encouraged her to reach her potential. Ashlynn was given opportunities to explore her interests through extracurricular activities and hands-on learning experiences that helped her develop skills like teamwork, communication and problem solving. Most importantly, the emphasis on community and building relationships prepared her not only academically, but also personally to succeed in her career. 

She chose to return to GJCS because of the community and the opportunities available for her own children. 

“It’s great to be a Wildcat because we are part of a tradition of excellence and pride that connects students, families, and the whole community.”

Dean Jerger graduated from Jasper High School in 1995. He also attended Tenth Street and Jasper Middle School. Dean returned to GJCS and now teaches Physics and Strength and Conditioning at Jasper High School. He is also a coach. 

Dean notes that GJCS helped prepare him for his future because the teachers had high expectations for their students and fostered a positive work ethic. He chose to return to GJCS because of the support that the community gives both in the classroom and our extracurricular activities.

“It’s great to be a Wildcat because it allows me to be a part of something much bigger than myself and help the next generation do the same.”

Nikki Roberts graduated from Jasper High School in 1990. She also attended Tenth Street Elementary School and Jasper Middle School. Nikki now teaches fourth grade at Ireland Elementary School. Influential teachers, starting with her mom, shaped Nikki’s life and inspired her to pursue a career in education. Their examples of hard work, compassion, grit, and selflessness are qualities she strives to bring to her own classroom every day. 

Returning to teach at GJCS was a natural choice for Nikki. She values the deviation of Jasper’s educators, the supportive community, and the strong tradition of pride and high expectations that she experienced firsthand as a student. Nikki is proud to contribute to the legacy of excellence that shaped her and now sees that tradition continue, as her oldest daughter, Isabella, is also pursuing an education degree. 

“It’s great to be a Wildcat because our traditions run deep, our pride is strong, and our commitment to excellence sets us apart!"

Allie Seremesheim will graduate from Jasper High School in 2028. Before JHS, she attended Ireland Elementary and Jasper Middle School. She is making the most of her time at GJCS. One of the highlights for Allie has been the ability to choose her own classes, including taking Algebra 1 and Biology in 8th grade for high school credit. She’s currently on the Biomedical Sciences graduation pathway and plans to attend college in Indiana, aiming for a future career in medical science. 

Allie credits GJCS for providing a wide range of pathways and the flexibility to tailor her education to her interests and goals. The support from teachers and staff has been key in helping her prepare for the future. 

“It’s great to be a Wildcat because there are lots of great teachers and staff that want to see you succeed.”

Reagan Weisheit will graduate from Jasper High School in 2026. Before JHS, she attended Fifth Street Elementary, Tenth Street Elementary and Jasper Middle School. Her biggest highlight has been making memories with friends and meeting many awesome new people along the way. Reagan is currently on the Biomedical Sciences graduation pathway and feels that the rigorous courses offered at GJCS have prepared her well for a future in the medical field. She plans to attend Purdue University. 

"It's great to be a Wildcat because of the pride and spirit!"

Luke Dahmer will graduate from Jasper High School in 2026. Before JHS, he attended Jasper Middle School. His highlight of attending school at GJCS so far has been being part of the vocational program. Luke is on track to graduate with a technical honors diploma. After graduation, he plans to attend the US Union Local 136 for welding. 

Luke credits GJCS with helping set him up for his future career through introductory classes in the trades, giving him valuable experience and insight. 

“It’s great to be a Wildcat because I was given the opportunity to see further into my interests.”

Adaysha Smiley will graduate from Jasper High School in 2026. Before JHS, she attended Fifth Street Elementary, Tenth Street Elementary and Jasper Middle School. Her biggest highlight has been being able to explore many different opportunities that will all benefit her in her future. Adaysha is currently on the Teaching graduation pathway and feels that GJCS offers so many different classes and programs that have given her the opportunity to see and explore different options for her future. She has been able to find what she wants to do for the rest of her life and has had classes to prepare her for anything. Following graduation, she plans to attend a four year college, play tennis, and double major in early childhood education and special education. 

“It’s great to be a Wildcat because we put 110% into anything and everything we do, and we are given so many opportunities and chances to become the best version of ourselves!”

Madison Mauck will graduate from Jasper High School in 2027. Before JHS, she attended Ireland Elementary and Jasper Middle School. Her biggest highlight is the positive environment the schools create for all students whether that is in the classroom or during extracurricular activities. Madison is currently on the Medical Pathway and is on the academic honors diploma track. She feels GJCS has set her up for her future by offering a variety of courses with teachers that care and providing a space to grow friendships. Following graduation, she plans on attending college and then continuing her education at either vet school or medical school to become a CRNA. “It’s great to be a Wildcat because it represents teamwork, friendship, and determination.”