Kevin Smith – Chairman of the Board
Borden High School, Class of 1989
Occupation: Executive Account Manager, Siemens Industry
Hobbies: Golf, Camping, ATV Riding
Kevin is married to Carrie (25 years) and has three children Makenzie (Class of 2017), Hayden (Class of 2020) and Delaney (Class of 2023). I first attended Borden as a 7th grader after graduating from St. John’s Elementary School. My path was to attend my 7th and 8th grade year and then follow on to a local Private Catholic School. After spending two years at Borden, my parents were not pulling me away from our great school. I was a band geek when our band was known as THE Pride of Borden, as at that time sports were single classed. Borden was known for our ability to compete in marching band performances, and we were the best of the best.
During my time as a Brave, I can recall on many occasions where teachers inspired me to pursue different avenues that eventually led me to my profession today. And as a parent, I see the #BordenINspires all the time. Mrs. Pierce inspired my then 7-year-old daughter to start Makenzie’s Coat Closet that ran for over 10 years as a local nonprofit. Coaches have inspired all my children, be it basketball, golf, running or just good solid advice. I believe in our school, and I believe that we are the best kept secret in Southern Indiana. We are truly “A Community School Providing a Private Educational Experience”.
Nick Ray –Vice Chair
Borden High School, Class of 1992
Occupation: Regional CIO, Indiana University
Hobbies: High School Basketball, watching his kids’ sports, serving his community
I grew up as a Borden Brave #onceabravealwaysabrave born and raised in this community. I married my high school sweetheart, Misty Brown Ray, who is in her twenty-first year as a third-grade teacher at Borden Elementary School. We have three beautiful children. My oldest, Hannah, is finishing up her degree at IU Southeast, also primary education. McKenna and JT attend Borden Junior/Senior High.
Kelly (Hurst) Jones – Treasurer
Borden High School, Class of 1989
Occupation: Registered Nurse, Clinical Documentation Integrity
Hobbies: Reading, Crafting, ATV Riding, Boating, Camping, Traveling
I lived in Borden from the age of 3 and attended Borden schools for my K-12 education. I attended Purdue University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Nursing with a minor in Psychology. I had no idea what it would be like to go from attending a school with 38 people in my class, to attending a university with over 38,000 students! The small class sizes at Borden helped me to learn in an environment that allowed me to develop the study and note taking skills I would use to be successful at the university level. I was also in the marching band color guard for 4 years during my time at Borden.
When I married my husband, Rob Jones of Scottsburg, he was completely on board with moving to Borden and raising children there. He had attended a large school and without hesitation, he was able to see the special qualities that Borden has to offer. In the smaller school environment, it is possible for students to take part in sports and activities, perhaps having opportunities that they may not have at a larger school. Our children, Carson (12th grade) and Addison (10th grade), have attended Borden since Kindergarten as well. My husband has been involved coaching golf at Borden for several years.
We love our community and the small-town welcoming atmosphere. In a small school, you get to know nearly everyone, and it has more of a “family feel.” I have continued many friendships to this day, that I cultivated during my time in Borden schools. I now look forward to participating on the board of the Borden Braves Foundation as a newly elected member. I am passionate about the success of our community, its school and every student educated at Borden.
Jenny Pierce – Secretary
Occupation: 3rd Grade Teacher, Borden Elementary
Hobbies: Mom, Attending Selby & Jackson’s Athletic Events & Shopping
I am married to Michael Pierce and have two children: Selby Anne and Jackson Wade. I was born and raised in beautiful Starlight, Indiana. I joined Borden Jr High as a 7th grader after attending St. Johns Elementary School. I loved every minute being a student at Borden, I was born to be a BRAVE. I was able to participate in volleyball, cheer, track, student council, and much more. It was here that I learned the importance of community involvement.
I enjoyed the small class sizes, the one-on-one teacher influence, and the opportunities that were given to me as a student at BHS. These are just a few of the reasons why I wanted to work and raise my own children in this community. #onceabravealwaysabrave
Bobbi Mitchell – Board Member
Borden High School, Class of 1985
Occupation: Branch Manager, New Washington State Bank
I began attending Borden Elementary School in the fourth grade. My dad was a graduate of Borden High School in 1966. After graduating in 1985 from Borden High School I moved out of state and spent most of my adult life in the Middle Tennessee area.
In 2013, I moved back to Indiana to be closer to my family. In May of 2016, I happily accepted a job offer from The New Washington State Bank and became the banking center manager of the Borden branch. I have truly enjoyed reconnecting to the community where I was raised, and I look forward to being the Easter Bunny for the children each year. I truly believe the school is the heartbeat of the Borden community. We all need to support the school in whatever capacity we can. When I returned to the Borden area after being away for so many years I realized “Once a Brave always a Brave” is much more than a slogan. It really is true that the relationships we made at school all those years ago remain with us throughout our lives.
My husband, Allen and I have a blended family of five children and enjoy trips to the beach and attending Elevation Church.
Mitch Jackson – Board Member
Borden High School, Class of 1980
Occupation: Retired teacher at JCPS, Agent with AFLAC
Hobbies: Playing with grandchildren, golf & attending BHS sporting events.
I was blessed to grow up in our beautiful scenic valley, attending Borden Schools from kindergarten through graduation. The small school experience I had set me on course for the rest of my life. Borden Schools truly provides a “private school experience at a public-school price.” One of my favorite hobbies is going to Braves basketball games with my dad and brother. Some of my closest friends yet today are my “old” Borden school chums. #onceabravealwaysabrave
I graduated from Indiana University afterward embarking on a thirty-year career as a teacher. Many of those years were as Spanish immersion teacher giving instruction in Spanish for over 50% of the students’ day. This is testimonial of a Borden School education as my three years of Spanish at BHS equipped me for this career that also included two years of missionary/teaching work in Mexico.
I retired from JCPS in January 2018 and am now an agent representing AFLAC. My wife of 33 years, Suzanne, continues to work as consultant to writing teachers. Our two daughters, Adrian (30) and Andrea Danielle (28), attended private school, a large school, and a government school in Mexico.
My desire was always to teach at Borden but being such a great school and community positions didn’t open up very often. Serving on the BBF board is a great opportunity to help serve the community and school that I love. We truly have a treasure here in Borden, and its value needs to be shared far and wide. #soworththedrive.
Erika (Frascella) Beam – Board Member
Borden High School, Class of 2012
Occupation: Dental Hygienist, Denzinger Family Dentistry
Hobbies: Boating, Reading, Shopping
In the early part of my childhood, my family moved quite a bit until we found Borden. My father was in the United States Coast Guard and got orders to go to Louisville, KY in 2004. My parents’ realtor found us a great home in the small town of Borden, IN. I attended Borden in 5thgrade and later graduated in 2012. My family and I fell in love with Borden, so much that my dad got orders to Miami, FL at the start of my freshman year and he went alone. My parents loved Borden and knew that this sacrifice would pay off in the end. #soworththedrive
I was a multisport athlete during my time at Borden and I can remember on many occasions’ people always willing to help my mom out and taking my siblings and I to/from practices. The greatest thing I loved about Borden was the attention I got with academics. Whenever I did not fully understand a subject, teachers were able to give me that attention. #BordenInspires Following high school, I attended IU South Bend to complete a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree in 2017. I married my high school sweetheart and Borden native, Brandon Beam. #onceabravealwaysabrave
Abigail Ball – Board Member
Occupation: Administrative at Webb & Lee Electric Service, Instructional Aid Borden Elementary
Hobbies: Mom, wife, serving others, camping, attending my kids’ events and coffee drinker
I am married to Wayne Ball, a 1995 graduate of Borden High School. We have two children together: Lucas William and Evan Wayne. We were married in 2007 when we became a blended family with Wayne’s older three children Ethan, Cole and Skylar. We are members of Carr Township Baptist Church.
Living in Southern Indiana my entire life I believe the Borden Community is the best. I come from a larger community and school corporation and so Wayne and I decided that sending Lucas and Evan to Borden Elementary would be the best choice for them with the smaller class size and smaller community.
After a couple of years of my boys attending Borden Elementary and experiencing great teachers that go above and beyond as well as staff members that are always willing to help, I decided to become an Instructional Aid. Getting to see the everyday ins and outs firsthand I more than ever appreciate what our school does for the students in this community every day.
I find great joy in serving others and give all the glory to God. I look forward to serving in the community for many years to come. Go Braves! #soworththedrive
Josh Banet – Board Member
Occupation: Detective – Clark County Sheriff’s Office
Hobbies: Jogging, Working Out, Hunting, Traveling
Josh is married to Clare (18 years) and has two children, Harrison and Will (Sophomore/Class of 2025). Josh and his family currently live in the Starlight area and are members of St. Mary of the Knobs Catholic Church. Josh, Clare and Harrison all attended other High Schools in the area. Will attended St. Mary of the Knobs (K-8) and came to Borden as a freshman.
Josh retired from the Indiana State Police after 25 years before taking his current position with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
When considering a High School for Will, I spoke with family and friends who had either attended Borden or who had kids enrolled. After learning more about the school and the community it was a no brainer. The smaller class sizes, the family atmosphere, and all around great and welcoming people made our decision easy. The High School teachers and staff have been wonderful, and I truly feel blessed that we found Borden. #soworththedrive
Victoria Yazel – Board Member
Borden High School, Class of 1999
Occupation: Registered Nurse – Manager of SAFE Services at UofL Health
Hobbies: Mom, Traveling with Family and Friends, Attending Sporting Events
I am a 1999 graduate of Borden High School. I am married to Eric Yazel (since 2009) and have two children, Blaine (7th grade) and Delaney (5th grade). I have lived in the Borden community most of my lift. After living in other communities for a short period of time we knew Borden was the school for our children. We love the small town feeling of Borden. I went to school with many of the teachers and principal at Borden, and I love knowing my kids are in a caring environment getting a top-notch education. I enjoy the small class sizes and personal attention each kid gets. If they are falling behind, it is quickly noticed, and a plan is made to get them back on track. Borden is a community where students can thrive and make a great future for themselves with the education they received. I will forever be a Brave! #onceabravealwaysabrave