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Pella High School English Teacher and Speech Director Suzi Jones was honored by the Iowa High School Speech Association as Iowa Theatre Teacher of the Year. The 16-year veteran leader of the department was surprised with the award by IHSSA Executive Director Stacy Hansen following a brief fire drill hosted by Marion County Emergency Management and Pella Police at the school.

Principal Josh Manning states, “Suzi pours endless hours into theater education in Pella Schools, in the community, and in her involvement with organizations across the state. She provides opportunities for our students to perform in speech, the fall play, state and national Thespian festivals, the spring show, Poetry Out Loud, and other performance opportunities in the community. Many do not realize the impact she has locally and across the state on other schools’ programs and directors. This time and effort is spent on top of her being an outstanding English teacher at Pella High, and we are so grateful to her for the role she plays as a director, advocate, and educator.”

On top of her responsibilities at Pella High School, Jones serves with various state organizations and has taught the youth drama camp held through Union Street Players. Hear more from Jones about the honor on today’s Let’s Talk Pella.