History teacher Chris Lindley graduated as the salutatorian of the Paoli High School class of 1986. After graduating, Lindley went to Indiana University to obtain his bachelor’s degree. He graduated from IU with honors and was a 4.0 student twice. Lindley then transferred to Indiana University Southeast for his master’s degree. He majored in B.S. and M.S. Secondary Social Studies Education: U.S History, Government, Geography and Sociology.

Lindley has many accomplishments in other parts of his life as well. Lindley has been nominated by the DAR for Indiana History Teacher of the Year and has been head of the Social Studies Department. Lindley served as part of the building steering committee for several years while they were working toward accreditation in the early 2000s. He successfully coached the academic team for more than 20 years and had three teams advance to State, one of those teams getting a bronze during the 2014 competition in English. Lindley has played a big role in the drama productions since 2009. He has played roles in some of the plays if they needed a role filled during his time helping the drama production. He was an anchor for many television election coverage shows in 2003, 2004 and 2006 with former PHS English teacher Cynthia Webb’s television class and was a part of her telethons.

“We also created a series of documentaries called ‘The Challenge of Democracy.’ As part of that project, we went to Washington, D.C., where we met with Lee Hamilton and with Senator Lugar’s staff. I interviewed Governor Mitch Daniels when he came to Paoli after his election win. I’ve helped create and emcee two School Board forums for our school district as well as the ‘Hoosier Genius’ show to celebrate Indiana’s bicentennial in 2016,” said Lindley.

Lindley’s advanced history class has produced an annual “Night at the Museum” for over 15 years and in the past three years have received awards and judges. Lindley is married to Michelle Lindley and has three children, Patrick, Dylan and Ashley Lindley. He also has three grandchildren, Dawson, Hunter and Jace.

“I love gardening and raising poultry, reading, learning history, and have a special interest in our local area’s history. I have been involved in 4-H both as a youth and now as an adult volunteer. I also judge horse shows and do equestrian workshops for 4-Hers,” said Lindley.

Lindley has served as on the 4-H Poultry Committee for the last 17 years and has been a chairman for the last eight years.  

“We were successful in growing the project to the point of needing more space and advocated for the move to the bigger building. After Billy Drury’s death, my wife and I were successful in getting the building named in his honor,” said Lindley.

From his time as a both a teacher and a student at PHS, Lindley has had the experience to be able to give important advice to students of today.

“In this life, many circumstances are beyond your control, but you can control how you respond to them. Look for the opportunities, and do not let the inevitable failures and heartaches prevent you from pushing forward to be the best person you can be, keeping the focus that people matter more than money or fame. Remember that no one arrives anywhere on their own, so surround yourself with quality people who will tell you the truth and love you and challenge you and find ways to give back for all the blessings that have been given to you,” said Lindley.

Lindley is pictured with his wife, Michelle.

Story by Faith Wilder