St. Thomas principal Jill Bierman receives local recognition for leadership
St. Thomas School principal Jill Bierman has been recognized for her leadership and commitment to her school community, receiving two awards over the past 18 months. In May 2024, Bierman was honored with a Hometown Hero Award, followed by the WTHI-TV Make a Difference Award in October 2025. Both recognitions came as a surprise to Bierman.
The Make a Difference Award highlights individuals who inspire others through kindness, dedication, and service. According to those who nominated her, these qualities are seen in Bierman’s daily work. The award acknowledged her compassion, leadership, and steady commitment to students and the St. Thomas community.
Before becoming principal at St. Thomas School in Newton in 2014, Bierman taught elsewhere but left due to dissatisfaction with the environment there. “Then (in 2014) God opened up the principal position at St. Thomas. It’s been a blessing every day since,” she said.
St. Thomas School enrolls 195 students from kindergarten through eighth grade, all of whom continue on to Newton High School after graduation. “Our students are blessed to have the best teachers, aides, cooks, secretary, and custodian anywhere,” Bierman 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.”
Faculty members describe Bierman as committed and supportive of both staff and students at St. Thomas School:
Second-grade teacher Kim Zuber said that Bierman “demonstrates compassion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to every student’s success.”
Teacher’s aide Joyce Splechter commented: “She’s the first one here and the last one to leave, willingly pouring countless hours into our success.”
School secretary Lori Smith noted: “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…is that her dedication and love for her church, school, students, and staff doesn’t just stop within these school walls…that is why she was nominated for the award.”
Kindergarten teacher Kelsey Millsap added: “She is a beautiful example of Christ’s love in action…we are so grateful for her leadership.”
Bierman expressed gratitude not only for support from colleagues but also from family members including her husband Ben of 27 years; children Eliza (married to Blake), Lily, Gus and Lucy; parents Garry and Dara Diel; sister Amanda Zumbahlen; as well as father- and mother-in-law Bill and Joan Bierman who influenced her conversion to Catholicism.
“I credit my father- and mother-in-law…for my conversion to the Catholic faith,” she said.
Bierman explained that she enjoys working with people who share similar beliefs about education: “Those who work with me believe in having high expectations for students…We believe that God called us to our jobs…showing them how to be kind…while God works through us all.”
On educational philosophy she stated: “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.”
In reflecting on being considered a difference maker or hometown hero by some: “Maybe — with the help of a lot of people…I am humbled that so many think so…and that St. Thomas is an awesome place to send your kids!”
Students also shared positive comments about their principal:
“She is always willing to help us…” — Marleigh
“I love her prayers in the morning…” — Claire
“I love all the things she does for our community…” — Lizzy
“She is super encouraging…” — Andrew
“She is so generous…always smiling at us.” — Grant
The Diocese of Springfield in Illinois supports schools like St. Thomas as part of its mission across 28 counties through educational initiatives promoting Catholic values (official website). Led by Bishop Thomas John Paprocki (official website), it oversees 129 parishes (official website) focused on fostering faith formation among youth.
