I am excited to share an update on Beechwood Schools and to celebrate the Excellence in Action that has occurred since July. This year has already been marked by professionalism, positivity, and a ton of progress all grounded in The Beechwood Way.
Since July, Beechwood has continued to earn recognition at the local, regional, and state levels. From the highest ratings (blue) of academic performance on the Kentucky State Assessments and extracurricular success to leadership and community engagement, our students and staff consistently represent Beechwood in the pursuit of excellence. These accolades are not accidental; they are the result of intentional systems like our 3 Year Strategic Plan (Excellence in Action), high expectations, and a culture that values growth and belonging.
Just as importantly, we are seeing daily examples of success that don’t always make headlines. Across our schools, students are pushing themselves academically, artistically, and athletically. I am also excited to report on the continued development of a culture of collaboration and presentation across grade levels and disciplines. Staff members continue to go above and beyond to support the whole child, and our families and alumni remain actively engaged in school life. These everyday moments are what truly makes Beechwood special.
At the core of everything we do is The Beechwood Wayour shared commitment to relationships, high standards, continuous improvement, and doing what is best for students. This philosophy is not just aspirational; it is operational. The Beechwood Way directly drives our five pillars of the strategic plan, ensuring that our vision translates into meaningful action.
To support this work, Innovation Teams - comprised of teachers, staff, administrators, and community voices - are actively engaged in strengthening each pillar. These teams are identifying challenges and opportunities, piloting new ideas and instructional strategies, refining systems to better serve students and families, and ensuring our work remains future-focused while honoring what makes Beechwood special. This structure allows us to be both reflective and responsive as we continue to grow. We can't wait to share our work in the spring!
Beechwood’s greatest asset has always been its people. This year, we have celebrated students who lead as models of the Beechwood Way in our student of the month, councils, Tiger Ambassadors and much more; staff members recognized for innovation, professionalism, and a positive mindset; and programs and teams that exemplify collaboration and excellence. Whether in the classrooms, on the stage, athletic fields, the court, or throughout the community, Beechwood students and staff continue to model what it means to learn and lead.
Strong community schools are built on strong partnerships, and community voice is a major driver of improvement. I invite you to join us for our next Superintendent Advisory Town Hall on April 30th at 6:00 p.m. in the Teacher Learning Center. This forum provides an opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, share feedback, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of Beechwood Schools as it relates to Excellence in Action. I also invite you to share in a new podcast dedicated to shining a light on everything that makes Beechwood and Fort Mitchell special. On the "Tiger Nation" podcast, we’ll explore Beechwood, Fort Mitchell, and NKY history, stories, and spirit of our community while connecting with the people who make it great - from alumni and students to teachers, staff, and community members. "Tiger Nation" can be found on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Go Tigers!
Beechwood Schools continues to provide the best. We are proud of where we are, and even more excited about where we are going. Thank you for your continued trust, support, and belief in Beechwood.
Together, we will continue to live The Beechwood Way and ensure that every student is known, challenged, and prepared for what comes next.
Sincerely,
Justin Kaiser '98 Superintendent Beechwood Independent Schools
SUPERINTENDENT award
This year our superintendent Justin Kaiser '98 established a new award - the Superintendent Award. Each month a staff member nominated by a colleague will be selected for exhibiting professionalism, positivity, or a progressive mindset. Pictured are the first three Tigers honored with this award: Jay Hubbard from the maintenance department, Jennifer Dawson, a kindergarten teacher and Logan Scisco, a high school social studies teacher.
Two of Beechwood’s teachers were honored with special regional awards this fall.
Kendall Niemeyer, kindergarten teacher, received an award from Northern Kentucky University for being the Outstanding School Counseling Graduate Student.
Jennifer Gasser, 6th grade Seminar teacher, received an award at the Tri-State STEM Conference as the Outstanding STEM Educator.
GATES night STAFF awards FLETCHER visit
Beechwood hosted its first annual GATES (Gifted and Talented Educational Services) night for district families in November. Our elementary students participated in Harry Potter STEM challenges led by the Tiger Ambassadors. High School Counselors, WKU and IN5 hosted parent sessions where our families could learn about opportunities for students in and outside of Beechwood. It was a great night of learning for all!
Beechwood’s Gifted and Talented program is led by Gifted and Talented Coordinator Ashley Ritchie and Gifted and Talented Support Teacher Jessica Enzweiler ‘06.
Kentucky Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher visited Beechwood. He spent the day with our students and staff observing students leading with purpose, staff committed to excellence and innovation shining through the EDGE program.
LEARNING forward CONFERENCE
Justin Kaiser ‘98, Alan Yanke, Zach Ashley, Selena Ballou and Betsy Stoeckle attended the Learning Forward Conference. They were able to bring back great ideas to share with staff from their learning. Mr. Kaiser presented the EDGE program to attendees as well. The EDGE Program was one of 200 proposals selected out of 800 submitted.
VETERANS day
Veterans Day is always a special day at Beechwood and this year was no different. Senior Abby Smith, a member of the Young Marines, was the emcee for the event which featured Amy McGrath, a former fighter pilot and Beechwood parent, Joe Montgomery from Patriot’s Landing, and the Beechwood Band. Students participated in their annual parade which has veterans and their families driving through Beechwood with the students cheering them on.
DISTRICT awards TIGER nation PODCAST
Beechwood has received several awards this year. First is the prestigious Niche Award which rated Beechwood as the number one school district in Kentucky. Our district also earned a blue rating (the highest rating) on the state’s accountability system at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Finally, the preschool program received a 5-star rating from the Kentucky Department of Education Office of Special Education and Early Learning.
Tiger Nation is a new podcast created by Justin Kaiser '98 to feature Beechwood Schools, Fort Mitchell and NKY. The podcast features history, stories and the spirit of our community while connecting with students, staff and community members. Our Broadcasting students are using the new Media Lab to produce the podcasts.
Scan to Listen
new staff
Beechwood welcomed new staff members this year.
Lainey Sullivan ‘17 is teaching 1st grade. She previously taught 5th and 6th grade special education. Besides teaching, she is the assistant coach/director of basketball operations for the varsity Lady Tigers basketball team. Her family is well ingrained at Beechwood - mother Amy is on the athletic boosters, brother Jack graduated last year and younger sister Lola is currently a junior. Her life has revolved around Beechwood since the first grade. She had the privilege of having Mr. Kaiser as her assistant principal and now superintendent. Teaching at Beechwood has been her goal - there’s nothing like the Beechwood community.
Next is Kristin Hetzel, a 7-12 counselor who came to us from Noblesville High School. At her previous school, she coached soccer for 11 years and plans to help with middle school track this spring. Personally, she enjoys soccer, running, cooking, golf, reading and cheering for the Packers, Brewers, and Purdue - her alma mater.
Nikole Mahoney is currently teaching Algebra 1 and AP Calculus. She previously taught all levels of math for 14 years. She is married with four children - two of which are now Tigers. She is a big sports fan and loves following UofL sports. She loves the small school environment at Beechwood because you can really get to know your students and everyone has been very welcoming.
Nicole Sparks came to us from Conner High School. At Beechwood, she is teaching 7th grade science and integrated science. Nicole has become involved with the Beechwood Athletic Boosters. She is married to her best friend, Ryan Sparks. They share two amazing children, Henry and Lucy, and a big goofy dog, Dabo. Although she’s a lifelong resident of Fort Mitchell, she did not attend Beechwood. She knew when she had children that one day she wanted them to be a part of this amazing community.
Allie Stacy is teaching Spanish 1, 2 and 3 this year. She is in her 14th year of teaching and most previously taught in Kenton County. She is the sponsor for the Hispanic Honor Society. She and her husband Nick have three sons and live in Hebron. She likes health and fitness and being active as well as outdoorsy activities. She can be found at her children’s sports. Allie loves the opportunity of getting to know her students because she’ll have them year after year.
Ross Hart ‘02 is no stranger to Beechwood. He graduated as a 13-year student and has been our boys basketball coach for the past few years. Previously, he taught health and PE in Covington and Kenton for a total of 18 years. He and his wife
Susan have 3 sons and enjoy sporting events, concerts, fishing, his golden retrievers and family. He hopes to uplift and empower students the same way Mr. Jim, Mr. Yeagle, Mrs. Kohlhepp and so many others did while he was at Beechwood.
Greetings!
As I write my letter for this issue of Legacy magazine, I am reminded of what an incredible place Beechwood is and how much I enjoy my role here. Our students are amazing in all aspects of education - academics, fine arts, athletics - they excel in all areas. Of course, this wouldn’t happen without great teachers and community support. We have 3 National Merit Semifinalists and seniors committing to excellent universities for both academics and athletics.
Everyone is well settled in the new building - the Middle Building. Walking around the building during classes is so much fun - watching our Tigers busily at work in the new spaces. And the fine arts have enjoyed their concerts in the amazing new auditorium. If you haven’t visited the Middle Building and would like to have a peek, please contact me and I’ll make arrangements for you.
The fall is always busy with many sports activities - boys and girls soccer, boys and girls golf, volleyball, cross country, and football. Both soccer teams had successes in their season with wins in the All “A” tournaments and playing in regionals. Both boys and girls had golfers go to the state level with one golfer being their first Beechwood golfer to participate in the second weekend. (This is a new format for state golf tournament.) Volleyball had a banner year - participating in many tournaments along with regular season games and always shining. The best, however, was the Tigers first ever All “A” State Championship. Football had a great season, as always, but fell one point short in the state semifinals. Both boys and girls cross country teams had great seasons with the boys placing 3rd in the state meet and the girls finishing 5th. Senior Lily Parke went back-to-back in state championships.
The Marching Tigers continued their excellence in competitions - winning their level in each one - and they also captured their 12th KMEA State Championship. The talented Tigers also had seven members named to the All-State Band.
Events on the horizon include the annual Red and White Gala which will be held on Friday, April 10th at Drees Pavilion, the Alumni Golf Outing at Devou Park Golf Course on Saturday, May 30th and the second annual Pig Roast on Friday, August 21st. These events are open to Beechwood alumni, families and friends. Don’t miss out.
During 2026 Homecoming we will be honoring members of the Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame - outstanding alumni, outstanding young alumni and Tiger awards. Please nominate someone whom you think is deserving. And if your class is planning a reunion, please let me know. Homecoming will be the weekend of October 16. Also, if you’re interested in being involved in the Beechwood Alumni Association, please let me know.
Yours,
Carol Stenken Beirne ‘63 Director of Alumni Relations
and Development
If you aren’t getting emails or know someone who isn’t getting Legacy, be sure to email me (carol.beirne@beechwood.kyschools.us) with the information needed.
TIGER tidbits
Jim Beers ‘53 passed away October 28, 2025. Guy Mescher ‘67 passed away this fall on October 19th. He was a member of the Mescher family who had many Beechwood graduates. Congratulations to Jude Hehman ‘93 and Greg Pohlgeers ‘95 who have been selected to serve as Kenton County Sheriff and Mayor of Fort Mitchell.
Brad Hood Jr. ‘07 and Kaylee Flynn, a Beechwood teacher, were married in October 2025.
Maggie Rettig ‘05 and Bill Brash were married August 9th, 2025.
Chase Maus ‘13 competed in the Food Network Holiday Baking Championship finishing the competition as a finalist. Sara Adams ‘14 and Jack Talley '15, along with their two sons, welcomed daughter Georgia in August.
Jackson Mahorney ‘15 married Alexandra Deaton in June 2025.
Maria Schilling ‘17 married Grant Murray on October 25, 2025.
Holly Murphy ‘17 married Jared Pulsfort in August 2025.
Hannah Ebert ‘17 married Jake Diana in October 2025.
Ryan Henry ‘18 married Riley Best in September 2025.
Ava Layton ‘22 was a member of the University of Cincinnati’s Homecoming Court.
Beechwood welcomes Allison Kellerman Finan ’08 as school nurse beginning February 5th. She is very excited to return to the place that has been such a formative part of her life. Allison and her husband Ross ’07 have three children who will be Tigers –
Leo, Olivia and Molly.
REUNIONS
Several Tiger classes celebrated significant reunions during homecoming weekend. The Class of 1975 celebrated 50 years.
The annual Red and White Gala drew a great crowd of fun lovers! The gala raises funds which the Beechwood Alumni Association uses to give senior scholarships and sponsor various events for the PTSA, Athletic Boosters, and Band Boosters among others. The 2026 Red and White Gala will be held on Friday, April 10th. Information will be coming later.
GOLF outing
The annual Alumni golf outing was held in May at the Devou Park Golf Course. From about 100 Tiger alumni and friends, the Linder foursome with Tim Linder, Jensen Linder ‘20, Talon Linder ‘24 and Cole Wethington ‘24 were the champions.
JOHN BERGER award
John Berger ‘87 was inducted into the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame this fall.
WE ARE BEECHWOOD
athletic hall of fame
Beechwood was proud to induct six new outstanding TIGERS into the Athletic Hall of Fame. The inductees included:
Matt Mercer ‘00 played baseball, football and basketball for the Tigers. He was the leading scorer and rebounder on the basketball team, he knocked Dixie out of the tournament in baseball but football is where he made his mark. He was both an offensive and defensive lineman - named top 22 player, USA Today Honorable Mention AllAmerican and Kentucky Post Defensive Player of the Year. He went on to be a four-year letter winner at the University of Cincinnati.
The next honoree was Pat Muth ‘06. Pat played both football and baseball. He quarterbacked the 2004 state championship football team and personally accounted for all of Beechwood’s points - 2 threw for 2 touchdowns, ran for a touchdown and kicked a 24-yard field goal. In baseball, he played shortstop for 5 years on a team that won Beechwood’s first All “A” championship as well as being on the only Tiger baseball team to make it to the state championship game.
Shane Coltharp '10 was rewarded for his amazing high school swimming career. Upon graduation, he held records in the 200 yard individual medley and shared records for the 200 free relay and 400 free relay. He also won state championships in the above events. In 2010, Shane was named KHSAA State Outstanding Male Swimmer of the Year. He went on to LSU to swim specializing in freestyle, backstroke and individual medley events. He was also recognized for his academics as a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.
Brianna McCarthy ‘11 excelled by winning 11 varsity letters in 4 sports. Her best two were basketball and track and field. She scored over 1000 points and grabbed over 1000 rebounds in basketball and was named NKAC Division III Player of the Year. In track and field, she captured five state titles - 3 in discus, 1 indoor and 1 outdoor shot put. She set a state record in discus in 2011 and was recognized as the Outstanding Field Athlete of the 2011 Kentucky State Meet. She continued her track career at Murray State University.
Cameron Vocke '12 was an outstanding football player and track and field athlete. When he graduated he was the all-time leader in touchdowns with 85 and also rushed for 4470 yards. He was honored with first team all NKY and honorable mention all state. In track and field, he was a member of the 4x400 indoor state champion team, 4x100 regional champs and
recognized as first or second team all-state in triple jump, high jump and long jump. He held records in all three when he graduated but still holds the school record for high jump. He went on to play football at Georgetown and Heidelberg.
The final honoree was Justin Youtsey '12 who was a distinguished diver. He won regional championships and was state runner up from 2007-2010. Justin won the Kentucky state championship in 2010, 2011, and 2012. In 2012, he also set a school record which still stands. He participated in the Olympic diving trials in 2012 and finished as a finalist in the top 8. Justin continued his diving career at Auburn, where he is in the top 5 all time scorers on 3-meter diving. At Auburn, he won the Cliff Hare Award presented to a senior student athlete for academic and athletic success as well as leadership, integrity, and courage.
culture of collaboration
Based on stakeholder feedback from our strategic plan, students, staff, and families expressed a desire for more opportunities for older and younger students to work together. This year, we have seen a culture of collaboration like never before. Students and staff are collaborating across grade levels, content areas, and schools. Beechwood Elementary, Beechwood High School, and Guardian Angel have partnered on numerous EDGE challenges this year! Beechwood Informatics students created games for second graders to play and provide feedback on, while Beechwood Media Design students learned about Guardian Angel students’ interests and created personalized lights in our IDEA Lab 2.0. Another highlight was students coming in on their day off to collaborate and lead professional learning for teachers—truly amazing! These are just a few examples of the many ways our Tigers collaborate to benefit all students!
BASEBALL caps
Amanda Klare’s ‘03 seminar class worked with Ted Karras of the Cincinnati Bengals charity to create a hat to be sold. The proceeds of this hat will help one of four charities that Mr. Karras supports. Because of his outstanding community service, Mr. Karras is the Bengals’ nominee for the NFL Man of the Year.
AARP contest
Many 5th graders participated in the AARP Grandparent of the Year contest. The winner was Jovie Fait who wrote about her grandfather. She wrote “He is such a kind, helping soul with big goals to improve the world.” Jovie’s essay now moves to the county competition with the possibility of winning $500.
PRINCIPAL’S advisory COUNCIL
Each year, representatives from the elementary school are chosen to participate in the Principal’s Advisory Council. They meet monthly with Zach Ashley to talk about things related to the elementary school.
CHEER cubs
Beechwood’s Cheer Cubs have created a great interest among our younger Tigers. They cheered at a football game and have appeared at other events.
BEECHWOOD/GUARDIAN ANGEL collaboration
Ashley Chaiken’s 4th grade class has collaborated with students at Guardian Angel. They became pen pals and the 4th graders made decorated boxes and the Guardian Angel students made Christmas ornaments to share with each other.
elementary library
DICKENS village
The Dickens Village which lived in the “old” library has made a grand reappearance. Amanda Raybuck '00, the elementary librarian, has created part of the village in the new elementary library.
NEWSCAST
Ms. Raybuck and 6th grade students have created a weekly newscast for Beechwood. It is produced by the students in the new Media Lab. They decide on stories, write the script, interview students and staff, and produce the newscast. Pictured are three of the 6th grade girls in front of the green screen.
MASCOT
Our elementary librarian brought her friend Ricki Lake to be the mascot for the elementary library. Ricki has made many friends and can be seen sporting various fashions from her extensive wardrobe.
TIGER SPIRIT
Zach Ashley is sporting his Tiger spirit sweatsuit.
Beechwood is proud to announce that three members of the Class of 2026 have been named National Merit SemiFinalists: Simon Cullison, Everett Pohlgeers, and Julian Sandberg.
GIRLS basketball TEAM
Coach Brockett and the members of the girls basketball team took time out of their busy schedules to volunteer at the Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky-Covington.
The data is in and the results are the best Beechwood has seen!
TIGER game DAY
When the Tigers took on the Pioneers from Simon Kenton, four seniors created the Tiger version of Game Day. The panel consisted of Brant Stiles, Quentin Knasel, Owen McCormick and Brooks Becker.
MATH competition
Tigers had impressive results at the 33rd Annual John O’Bryan Mathematics Competition. Both varsity and jv teams finished 2nd place overall and 1st place in the Five-Person team event. Students also placed in individual tests and Two-Person Speed Competition.
SENIOR DINNER dance
The first Senior Dinner Dance was held in November at the Drees Pavilion in Devou Park. This event was for seniors only - no dates allowed - and was very well-attended. At the dinner dance, the Senior Superlatives were recognized - both those voted on by the seniors and new categories voted on by the faculty and staff.
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT product pitch CONTEST
Michelle Stamper and her Business and Marketing Essentials class competed in the Junior Achievement Product Pitch Contest. They were tasked with using the interactive design process to think of a new product idea. They presented their ideas to various community leaders and received valuable feedback. At the competition, there were 21 teams participating and the Beechwood team won the Best Presentation Award.
B4B
The annual B4B game provided all the competitiveness and fun as in years past. The game pits the seniors versus the faculty/staff in a spirited basketball game before a packed, screaming gym. The staff won this year’s game and the organizers were able to give BT Rise a check for $1000. BT Rise is a nonprofit focused on financial empowerment, education and advocacy for women and underserved communities.
ROARABILITIES
A student-run school spirit store had its ribbon cutting this fall. This store is a chance for students to learn job skills and share their talents with their school community.
homecoming
Homecoming 2025 was a huge success with great weather. The Wednesday parade showcased students, activities and teams with Dawn Norris serving as the Grand Marshall. Maize Booth and Bennett Tieke served as the crown bearers for the festivities. The court was presented at halftime of the football game and Nola Hablutzel and Brody Aylor were crowned queen and king.
state champions
The Marching Tigers continued their winning ways this fall - first place in their class at all competitions and winning the grand finale at the KMEA State Championships. This was the Marching Tigers 12th state band championship.
MUSIC EDUCATOR award
Savannah Starks and Brittany Everage were both recognized as outstanding music educators for KMEA District 6. Savannah serves as the Associate Director of the middle school and high school bands. Under her leadership, the Middle School Band has earned the Exemplary Award two out of three years. She received the KMEA District 6 Middle School Teacher of the Year. Brittany Everage is the Beechwood Elementary music teacher. She keeps her students engaged and has developed an afterschool Beechwood Drumming Tigers program with Taylor Walton. Brittany received the KMEA District 6 Elementary Teacher of the Year Award.
ALL-STATE band
The band also had several musicians recognized for the title of All-State Band.
youth volleyball
4TH GRADE
There were three 4th grade volleyball teams who competed during the season. For the IHM Championship they combined into one team and won the championship.
5TH GRADE
There were three 5th grade volleyball teams. The team coached by Coach Stamm and Coach Fait won the regular season.
The team coached by Coach Kaiser and Coach Robertson came in third place at the Spooky Spikes Tournament.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The 6th, 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams had great success during the season even though members of these teams were utilized by the high school teams regularly.
The 6th grade team finished in 4th place in the league and the 7th and 8th grade teams finished in 2nd place.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
The 2025 Beechwood Middle School season was one that laid a foundation for the future of the Tiger program through unwavering sportsmanship, teamwork, and character building. The program consisted of three teams; an 8th grade team, a 6th & 7th grade combined team, and a JV (developmental team). Defined by the Beechwood program's mantra of Commitment. Sacrifice. Brotherhood. these young men were able to grow as a team, realize individual perseverance, and the development of fundamentals that will help grow them on and off the field. Fired up about these young men and what the future holds!
ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOL cross country
Elementary Cross Country had an outstanding season with incredible student participation! Runners loved the camaraderie of being part of a team while building confidence and developing their skills as future runners.
ALL "A" STATE champs
Beechwood’s volleyball team had an amazing season and the varsity team set records in everything - most wins with a 33-6 record, 4th in state (our highest ranking ever), won state All “A” Tournaments for first time, and made it to regional semifinals for the first time since 2017.
Outstanding players were recognized in various ways - they included Isabel Bakker, Maggie Dawson, Skyler Estep, Bel O’Brien, Macy Armstrong and Rachel Lewandowski. Coach Matt Long was KVAC Region 9 Coach of the Year.
JV volleyball had a very successful season and won the Cupcake Classic by defeating Highlands at Highlands.
The Freshman team finished runner-up in the Regional Freshman Tournament.
For Isabel Bakker’s great athletic accomplishments in volleyball and her outstanding achievements in academics, she was named Midway Eagles Student Athlete of the Year.
CROSS country
Cross country sent both boys and girls teams to the state meet. The boys finished in third place which is the highest Beechwood’s boys have finished. The girls team finished in fifth place.
Lily Parke won the State Cross Country Championship meet. That is back-to-back wins for Lily - adding to her list of state running championships.
football
Tiger football exemplifies hard work and heart - a brotherhood that is very strong. We fought hard and played hard this season but it ended just a little short. We finished the year with a 9-1 regular season record and lost in the semi-final round to Owensboro Catholic by one point.
There are many accolades for this team - many individuals who had fabulous seasons - but the heart of the team was the eleven seniors. They accomplished a lot during their years on the Tiger football team.
boys SOCCER
Boys soccer finished the year 10-8-1 and made it to the regional game versus Highlands. They were led by captains Wyet Rechtin, Eli Muck, Everett Pohlgeers and Nate Graman. Rylan Bell and Isaac Popham were both named All 9th Region third team.
boys & girls GOLF
Jace Hammons became the first Beechwood golfer to make it to the second week of the state championship since the format changed in 2023. Kayden Sautter and Ellie Stamm both qualified for the preliminary rounds of the state championship.
Ellie Stamm and Danielle Garner both represented the team at the state All “A” tournament. The seven seniors helped with the younger golfers to create a strong group.
girls SOCCER
Beechwood’s girls soccer team had a successful season highlighted by postseason success, strong leadership and multiple individual honors. They finished as 2025 District Runner-Up and won the 9th Region All “A” Girls Soccer Tournament which earned them a berth in the All “A” State Tournament. Various team members were honored individually including Macy Yelton, Ruby Fries, Caroline Nordman and Winter Wyant. And to cap off the year, Coach Eileen Dowd (in her first year, as Beechwood’s coach) was named 9th Region Small School Coach of the Year.
Board of Education Members
Jeanne Berger
Kyle Burns ‘03
Brad Hood ‘75
Amy Sleet ‘90, Chairperson
Laura Wooten, Vice Chairperson
Administration // Justin Kaiser '98 // Superintendent
Dr. Sarah Schobel // Assistant Superintendent
Lauren Steltenkamp // Director of Exceptional Services
Kristi Ward // Director of Finance
Tim Lillard // Director of Technology
Ryan Booth // Director of Athletics and Pupil Personnel
Stephanie Layton // Business and University Liaison
Ashley Ritchie // Gifted and Talented Coordinator
Alan Yanke // High School Principal
Jana Bromley '97 // High School Assistant Principal
Zach Ashley // Elementary School Principal
Alicia Wittmer // Elementary School Assistant Principal
Brad Bentley '02 // Guardian Angel Administrator
Carol Stenken Beirne ’63 // Director of Alumni Relations & Development, Editor
Photos provided by: Shaun Birindelli, Sarah Schobel, Dawn Norris, Beechwood staff and parents
Lead Writer: Deborah Kohl Kremer
Lead Publication Designer: Nikole Friend
Beechwood Independent Schools 54 Beechwood Road Fort Mitchell, KY 41017
