By DIANE SCHLINDWEIN
Managing Editor

NEWTON — Sometimes excellent work really is rewarded. As a fine example of that truth, within the last 18 months, St. Thomas School principal Jill Bierman has received not one, but two awards for her dedication to her beloved St. Thomas School and its students, faculty, and families. In May of 2024 she received a Hometown Hero Award, and then in October of 2025 she received the WTHI-TV Make a Difference Award. Both times the recognition came as a complete surprise, she said. 

The Make a Difference Award shines a spotlight on those who inspire others through kindness, dedication, and service. Those qualities are demonstrated by Bierman every day, nominators said. The award was presented to highlight her compassion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to her students and the St. Thomas community, which has touched many lives. 

Bierman was a teacher before she became a principal but became discouraged with the atmosphere at the school where she was teaching. She calls it a low point in her career. “Then (in 2014) God opened up the principal position at St. Thomas. It’s been a blessing every day since,” Bierman said. 

Her school has an enrollment of 195 students in grades K-8, with all of them moving on to Newton High School. “Our students are blessed to have the best teachers, aides, cooks, secretary, and custodian anywhere,” she said. 

“We work very hard to maintain very high behavior and academic standards, which produce amazing people.  Our students go to high school and beyond, ready to do the right thing, work hard, and serve others. Many have told us that they can tell which kids are from St. Thomas. That makes a difference in the clubs, sports, classrooms, and hallways at Newton High School. It also starts them on a path to serving others and their community, which is the key to the  success of all small towns.” 

The comments provided by her faculty show that Bierman is supported in everything she is trying to accomplish at St. Thomas. Second-grade teacher Kim Zuber, said Bierman “demonstrates compassion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to every student’s success.” 

Teacher’s aide Joyce Splechter said Bierman embodies commitment. “She’s the first one here and the last one to leave, willingly pouring countless hours to into our success,” she said.

School secretary Lori Smith works closely with Bierman, so she knows her well. “It’s obviously easy for us here at St. Thomas School to see how amazing Jill is,” she said. “I think what truly sets her apart, though, is the fact that her dedication and love for her church, school, students, and staff doesn’t just stop within these school walls. That same love and dedication pour out into our community and that is why she was nominated for the award.” 

Kindergarten teacher Kelsey Millsap says Bierman’s genuine care, daily encouragement, and steady support make the school an exceptional place to learn and work. “She is a beautiful example of Christ’s love in action, and we are so grateful for her leadership,” she said. 

Besides obviously feeling the support of her staff and the parents at the school, Bierman says she is also grateful for the encouragement of her husband of 27 years, Ben, and their children Eliza (who is married to Blake), Lily, Gus, and Lucy. “My parents, Garry and Dara Diel, are some of the best people I’ve ever known, and I admire them very much,” she said. She adds that her sister, Amanda Zumbahlen, is her best friend and biggest supporter. 

She says both she and her husband come from close families, and she owes a debt of gratitude to her in-laws, too. “I credit my father- and mother-in-law, Bill and the late Joan Bierman, for my conversion to the Catholic faith,” she said. “They raised all their kids together in the Church and went through a lot in their marriage, but faith was one thing that they always kept in the forefront. I really respected that and want that for my family as well.” 

Bierman says she loves working with and leading people who have similar beliefs and ideals. “Those who work with me believe in having high expectations for students and helping them reach those every day,” she said. “When they do not, we give them consequences and help them to start again. We believe that God called us to our jobs and working together to create disciples every day, showing them how to be kind, generous, joyful, and patient while God works through us all.” 

Bierman is not a principal who focuses on test scores. “I’m one who wants to see hard workers who are emotionally strong, which gives them what they need to stay true to our faith while navigating this crazy world,” she said. 

In short, Bierman wants only the best for her school and the people associated with it. “Am a I difference maker? Am I a hometown hero?” Bierman asks. “Maybe — with the help of a lot of people and the lives they live after leaving St. Thomas. I am humbled that so many think so, that my teachers loved working with me, and that St. Thomas is an awesome place to send your kids!” 

Second-graders sing praises for their principal

A few of the younger students at St. Thomas had these wonderful things to say about Mrs. Bierman:

“She is always willing to help us, and does good things for us.”
— Marleigh

“I love her prayers in the morning. It is a great way to start the day.”
— Claire

“I love all the things she does for our community and our school.”
— Lizzy

“She is super encouraging and helps us be the best version of us we can be.”
— Andrew

“She is so generous, always helping others, so kind. She helps us when we are having a bad day and is always smiling at us.”
— Grant