Welcome to the Summer Issue of FlyTogether

Dear Jasper County Community,

It’s pretty special when graduates of NCHS discover that their greatest opportunities lie not in distant places, but in the community and region that shaped them. This summer issue celebrates nine such alumni—though we’d celebrate many more, if only we had a larger page count—whose stories prove that success blooms brightest when planted in familiar soil.

You'll meet Kara Weber, whose family has called Jasper County home for generations, reminding us that "we chose to live here—because this is the place that helps raise our kids." When crisis struck, Newton's response revealed true community strength with support that amazed even hospital staff.

Don Geltz transformed his love of tinkering into D & M Welding, built on a philosophy of "learn all you can, work with your hands, and be kind." Deputy Adam Bridges asks himself daily, "Can I change a life in a way I'll never even see?" Dr. Adam Wolf built a thriving optometry practice understanding that "small towns reward loyalty with loyalty."

Jamie Goss transformed a spare room into The Palm Effect, a regional wellness destination, while volunteering with our school's costume department. Laura Klingler's three decades growing Shear Madness show what happens when clients become family—bringing meals during her treatment because "that's what you do here."

Ken Snyder's journey from nursing home administrator to Dairy Queen franchisee proves community support carries you through tough seasons. The Griffith siblings discovered their father "didn't just build a business—he planted something with roots deep enough to hold us up." Doug Weddell built a transportation empire from a gas station job, proving "you don't have to leave Newton to build a life that matters."

These stories share common threads: mentors who believed, communities that supported dreams, and understanding that true success includes lifting others. They remind us that Jasper County Schools cultivates citizens who recognize that some places are worth a lifetime of investment. This is our hometown and we celebrate it with gratitude for all our alumni, wherever they may be and however they’re making us proud.

As you read these stories, I hope you'll see a community where dreams flourish and success is measured not just in personal achievement, but in the impact we have on others.

With Eagle pride,

Joe Sornberger
Superintendent of Schools