Passionate.

Persistent.Dedicated.Advocate.These are just a few of the words used to describe Jeanne Miller, director of the Lehigh Carbon Community College Carbon and Schuylkill SHINE 21st Century Afterschool Program.During the Lights On celebration on Thursday evening, a number of friends honored Miller for her dedication to the SHINE program over the past decade. Miller, who has led the growing program since its inception in 2004, is stepping down from her post as the woman behind SHINE on Jan. 9 as she retires from LCCC.Friends speak out"Jeanne has worked very hard for this program," said Dr. Ann Bieber, president of LCCC. "When you mention SHINE, everyone also mentions Jeanne Yoho Miller. We're very fortunate to have her on staff.""Jeanne has educated me, inspired me, and given Dave (Argall) and I a little homework," said state Sen. John Yudichak before presenting Miller with a Senate citation. "Thank you so much for what you've done over the last 10 years and what you continue to do.""Jeanne is the heart of SHINE," said Dr. Barbara Conway, former superintendent of Jim Thorpe Area School District. "She worked tirelessly not only to expand the program but also to envision and create opportunities for children from kindergarten through college."Conway said Miller is a "hard worker," "doer" and "good friend.""It's her dedication to and the love for children that has been the cornerstone of this program," she said.Commissioner Wayne Nothstein, who has co-chaired the Carbon County Child and Family Collaborative with Miller for the past several years, thanked her for her partnership.He and Commissioner Thomas J. Gerhard then presented a resolution on behalf of the county commissioners."It's been truly a privilege to work with you for the last four years," her daughter, Rachel Strucko, said. "I could not imagine not learning from somebody more passionate and more giving than you."Even the late state Sen. James Rhoades, who was there in spirit and through a past interview about the SHINE program, spoke about Miller's character."I want to thank you for your commitment," he said, "because that spells what SHINE is. Your strong commitment has made a program that really does 'shine.'"Evalynn Kuehner, who worked with Miller through SHINE and the Right From The Start program, said, "It has been my good fortune to work with Jeanne over the past eight years. Jeanne has a way of encouraging individuals to push their perceived boundaries and accomplish things they never thought they could do."Her passion is a fire that ignites everyone around her."Marie Becker, who worked with Jeanne since 2003; Mindy Graver of Penn State Extension; and LCCC colleagues Donna Valent and Cheryl Fisher also echoed Kuehner's thoughts.They all spoke about her passion to the children of the community and how she always looks to find new opportunities to better their education.Addressing her peersFollowing the program, Miller, in true Miller fashion, took the spotlight off herself and focused it back on the SHINE program."SHINE is a mosaic, telling a story how schools and communities come together to make a difference," she said, adding that she uses mosaic to describe the program she has overseen because like mosaics, which are created using different shapes, colors and textures, the SHINE program is created using different people to accomplish different goals.She thanked her father, Dr. Robert Yoho, who pushed her to take a different path in her life."He believed in the power of positivity," she said.She thanked the area legislators, educators, school officials, county commissioners, area organizations and parents who helped make the SHINE program a success."Thank you for allowing me to walk with you on this journey to create this beautiful mosaic," Miller said. "Let us all continue to work together to keep the lights shining."Miller said her plans following retirement include spending more time with her family; but added that she will always continue to advocate for SHINE.Shining brightlyMiller has always had a passion for children.She graduated from Clarion University with a bachelor's degree in early childhood education, followed by a master's degree in early childhood education.She has been employed by Lehigh Carbon Community College as the Carbon and Schuylkill County educational services director since August 1999.Over the past decade, she has served as a national afterschool ambassador through the Afterschool Alliance, the co-chair of the Carbon County Child and Family Collaborative Board, is a member of the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network.She has also continually challenged elementary and middle school students to do better in school by learning through the SHINE program and career academies; prepared high school and college students for future employment through SHINE internships; and has helped educators and families build tight-knit relationships through home visits and other afterschool activities.She and her husband, Peter, have two children, Rachel Strucko, who serves at the Carbon County SHINE Career Academy coordinator; and John, who is the top assistant coach of the women's basketball program at Richmond University.