Bellefontaine City Schools is proud to announce its Thursday Tribe Member of the Week.

James Howell is this week’s recipient.

Title: Bellefontaine High School Physical Education Teacher

Years of experience: 22 years

Why you love being a Chieftain: There are so many reasons I love being a Chieftain. It starts with the sense of care and welcome I felt when I started as a new teacher in the district from veterans like Janice Miller, Cindy Daring, and Nurse Nancy Harmon, and it continues today with the leadership I’ve received from great administrators like Pat Martz, Cliff Core, and Jason Brown. Amazing staff aside, the REAL reason being a Chieftain is so amazing is the kids. I’ve had the privilege of teaching thousands of students through the years from kindergarten and all the way to seniors in high school. Each student is unique and talented in their own way.

Classroom motto or quote to live by: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” - Henry Ford

What you love doing outside of school: I love supporting Chieftain Athletics and cheering on the Detroit Lions with my wife DJ and sons Lincoln and Truman. Aside from that, I enjoy gardening, playing tennis, and disc golfing with the Hi-Point Hyzers disc golf community.