Kokomo Schools honors retiring Dr. Jones
Also, recognition for Mikesell, appointment for Susong at board meeting
This article is brought to you by Silver Birch Living of Kokomo. An independent life with a supportive hand. A different kind of affordable assisted living community. Silver Birch of Kokomo offers a full spectrum of personalized services to help older adults maintain their independence in a supportive, caring environment. For more information, visit Silver Birch of Kokomo online.
Kokomo Center School Corp.'s retiring physician, Dr. Ratcliffe Jones, was honored with a resolution from the school board of trustees on Dec. 11 for his service to the Kokomo community and in particular for his time as the school system's corporate doctor.
Jones, who has been officially KCSC's physician since 2015 started his 37-year medical career with a degree from Nigeria's University of Ibidan, and completed his residency at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis. In 2000, Jones moved to Kokomo and practiced pediatric medicine at Community Howard Hospital before working for KCSC.
"When they asked me to come to Kokomo, I said it was a ‘no brainer,’” said Jones. “But I could not have done this all without my wife (Sylvia), which is why she is here tonight with me.”
The Board of Trustees also honored Kokomo Career Center faculty member Brian Mikesell, instructor over KACC's welding program, for his recognition as the 2023 Indiana Association for Career and Technical Education ACTE Teacher of the Year at the annual Indiana Statewide CTE Professional Development Conference.
Kokomo Career Center Director Jonathan Schuck stated that when Mikesell came to KACC in 2007 he found he had eight total students on the roster for that first year in welding class. The KACC welding program now has 140 students.
"Brian had some immediate goals he wanted to attain, and that was to make the biggest and the best welding program for the kids in the community,” said Schuck. “He has succeeded immensely."
At the same meeting the board approved the appointment of Michael Susong as the new principal of Maple Crest STEM Middle School effective Jan. 1, 2024. Susong joined KCSC as a guidance counselor in 2009, and at present is the Assistant Principal of Alternative Programs for KHS. He played a pivotal role in launching Kokomo's Virtual Academy, Kokomo Center's online virtual high school program.
Susong has also coached the KHS girls softball team and is a four-time softball NCC Coach of the Year.
In a press release after the board meeting KCSC stated that, "Mr. Susong's appointment as Principal will further strengthen the commitment to excellence and innovation at Maple Crest STEM Middle School."