Jeni Yarger was nominated by an anonymous colleague.
Craig Groeschel said, "We don't need a title to lead. We just need to care. People would rather follow a leader with a heart than a leader with a title." Lincoln Elementary is blessed to have Mrs. Yarger as a principal who truly leads with a heart.
Lincoln Elementary is a PreK-5 building mainly comprised of students who come from economically disadvantaged situations. The number of English learners continues to grow. Lincoln also houses the district's elementary behavior skills program.
"Despite the day-to-day challenges faced in schools, Mrs. Yarger shows care and compassion to both the students and the staff of Lincoln Elementary," said her colleague. "Mrs. Yarger greets each individual with a smile on her face and often a hug. She is always willing to pitch in and lead by example."
You may find Mrs. Yarger in the cafeteria helping prepare lunch, covering recess duty, or subbing in a classroom. She steps up and fills in wherever help is needed. You will often hear her say, "What can I do?" Seldom will you find Mrs. Yarger in her office. She desires to be in the building connecting with students and staff.
Mrs. Yarger is in her second year as principal. Since taking this role, there has been a noticeable change in staff morale, and the community has also begun to notice the positive changes taking place. Great things are starting to happen at Lincoln Elementary.
"Mrs. Yarger's signature line on her e-mail has this quote from Theodore Roosevelt: 'People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care,'" said her colleague. "I am so thankful our students and staff get to work with a leader who demonstrates this and leads by that example. Mrs. Yarger is changing lives, one student and staff member at a time."
Mrs. Yarger is the definition of what a great leader looks like. She is exactly what Lincoln needed. Someone who truly and genuinely cares about her students and staff! She radiates kindness and compassion and we honestly couldn’t ask for someone better! I remember when I first heard she was becoming our principle; I emailed her so fast to congratulate her and to tell her that she’s exactly what our school needed.
Ive been thru tough times...suddenly and unexpectedly becoming single parent to a wonderful and intelligent child. Had no clue at first how we would move forward. Mrs. Yarger is so easy to talk to, and will always do her best to help and/or advise. She has all our respect. Very kind person..
Having a child with special needs is not always easy. Elementary school was especially challenging. However, music class with Mrs. Yarger was always a positive time for him. She loved on him well and built a lasting relationship with him. All these years later he loves when he gets to see Mrs. Yarger?. Fast forward several years and now I get the privilege of having Jeni not only as my boss but also someone who has become a dear friend. Everyday she comes and gives 110% to the students, staff, and families of Lincoln Elementary. Jeni has walked with me through some very difficult days and I have been blessed to see first hand how she leads by example in how to care for others. For our family she has truly been a "life changer". She is incredibly deserving of this nomination and I'm so glad I get to do life with her each day.
Mrs. Yarger is the best principal my kids have ever had! You can tell she genuinely cares about every student as she has shown it with my children. Anytime there is an issue she is there to solve it! My kids absolutely love her!
Jeni always has a contagious smile on her face which is very welcoming. Jeni helps wherever she can either school, community or church. She does a great job leading a wonderful school. Jeni is very encouraging and supporting her students along with her staff.
Anyone who has ever come in contact with Mrs. Yarger knows how fitting the title “life changer” is for her. Her infectious joy and optimism, her continual and genuine encouragement bring about positive change in every life she encounters. As her pastor it’s suppose to be my job to care for and encourage her, and yet I find so often Mrs. Yarger is the one doing the encouraging. She is the type of leader who absolutely embodies servant minded leadership and pours herself out for her family, her school, her community and beyond. Lives are changed, lives are improved when Jeni Yarger comes in contact with them!
I have been in Lincoln Elementary a few times to support my great nephews and great niece in their activities. Mrs. Yarger is always so friendly and welcoming. She interacts with everyone sharing smiles, hugs and a positive attitude.
I am so thankful she is the principal where my great nephews and great niece attend school. Not only has she been a life changer in their lives, but her attitude and work ethic influences her staff and the community changing the lives of all she comes in contact with.
We are truly blessed at HCCSC to have Mrs. Yarger as the Principal at Lincoln Elementary! I am amazed how she places the needs of her students and staff at the forefront of her thoughts and plans each and every day. She truly cares making a difference of the building she leads and the impact she has on the lives of each and every person she comes in contact with each day is incomprehensible. She will be remembered by these individuals for years and decades to come.
John Trout
Mrs. Yarger is truly the definition of a leader. She goes above and beyond each day. Mrs. Yarger does an incredible job of listening to any concerns of the staff and keep us excited about improving our school. She works long hours and works very hard to make such a difference to ensure the learning and growth of both our students and staff. She always steps up and fills in wherever/whenever she is needed. I always hear her saying, "What can I do to help? Where am I needed?" She truly makes Lincoln a wonderful place to work. She's always greeting staff and students with smiles and hugs. We are forever grateful for everything she does for Lincoln. I am truly grateful to have a fearless leader like Mrs. Yarger.
I cannot imagine working for a more caring leader. Mrs. Yarger is always willing to help and puts in countless hours because she cares for all that she has been asked to lead. She loves supporting her staff and students and is always willing to help those around her. She truly cares for each individual that walks into the doors at Lincoln Elementary and loves being able to support them any way she can. She is the last person to want to get credit for her time and effort and just wants to see those succeed around her. She is truly deserving of this award and a prime example of a life changer. The hours she spends every day makes a huge difference in the lives of every person connected with Lincoln Elementary!
I completely feel like Mrs. Yarger is a life changer! I currently have 3 children within this school system and to say they all 3 love her is an understatement! I have joined in on LCF here at the school and every time I have entered the building and see her I am always greeted with a smile and a thank you for being here! I have constantly seen her jump in wherever she is needed ranging from helping in the cafeteria, at recess, in classrooms, and helping LCF put on after school family events! The positive reinforcement she has brought with her to the school I feel has brought the kids confidence levels up by leaps and bounds! Her positive attitude and appreciation has encouraged me to continue to dedicate time and energy into supporting this school! Thank you Mrs. Yarger for everything that you do!
I truly appreciate her leadership, smile and care for others! She is a joy!
Jeni and I used to teach together in another district. I was so excited when she became our assistant principal and now principal. Her smile, positive attitude, and servant leadership are definitely making a positive impact on students and staff. We are blessed to have her at Lincoln!
I just started teaching at Lincoln and Jeni has been a delight. The whole feeling at Lincoln is so upbeat and optimistic. Her favorite phrase is "What can I do to help?" Lincoln Eagles are soaring high under her incredible leadership!
Mrs. Yarger exemplifies the positive attributes of a professional educator and is truly a "lifechanger" in the lives of her students and her staff. Mrs.Yarger demonstrates day in and day out how much she cares about "her kids" and the work that her and the staff do to educate the whole child. Mrs. Yarger has the "whatever it takes attitude" and will spend hours after school working to prepare for the next day to ensure that her students and staff have what they need to be successful. Mrs. Yargers' servant leadership is evident. Mrs. Yarger's positive attitude is contagious to those around her and has been instrumental in changing the climate and culture in her building. Mrs. Yarger is making a difference in the lives of her students and we are excited about what the future holds for Lincoln Elementary School with Jeni leading the way.
Mrs. Yarger is a wonderful example of leadership in the education world. She works hard to support all staff as well as all students and families. She always steps up and does whatever needs to be done to get through the day at Lincoln Elementary. It is an honor to work with her each day and see the impact she has on everyone she comes in contact with. I am truly blessed to call her a colleague and friend.
