It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mrs. Mona Vice, the Chairperson of the Nicholas County Board of Education, who passed away on May 8, 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy that will be forever remembered by the countless students, educators, and families whose lives she touched. Mrs. Vice served as the Chairperson for an impressive 28 years, dedicating her life to public education and her community with an unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of those around her. Her contributions to Nicholas County Schools were nothing short of transformative, and her passing marks the end of an era for the community she loved so dearly.
Mrs. Vice was a proud graduate of Nicholas County High School, and her deep roots in the community shaped her approach to education. She knew firsthand the challenges that students and educators faced in the district, and she spent her career advocating for the resources and support that would help them succeed. Her dedication to improving the quality of education in Nicholas County went beyond mere administrative duties; she was a passionate advocate for safer schools, better facilities, and programs that supported the academic, emotional, and social development of all students.
Throughout her three-decade-long career, Mrs. Vice worked tirelessly to ensure that every student in Nicholas County had access to the tools they needed to succeed. She was instrumental in securing funding for new school buildings, advocating for updated learning materials, and championing initiatives that promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion within the district. Her commitment to making education accessible to all was evident in the countless hours she spent working with faculty, staff, and community members to address the unique needs of every student. Her ability to bring people together and foster collaboration was one of her greatest strengths, and it earned her the respect and admiration of everyone who worked with her.
As Chairperson of the Board of Education, Mrs. Vice’s leadership extended far beyond the boardroom. She was a visible and active presence in the community, regularly attending school events, community meetings, and local celebrations. Her support for the district’s students was unwavering, whether it was cheering them on at athletic events, attending graduation ceremonies, or celebrating their academic achievements. Mrs. Vice had a special way of making each student feel valued and important, and she took great pride in seeing them succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Her role as a mentor to many was a key aspect of her leadership. Mrs. Vice was always willing to offer guidance, support, and advice to educators and students alike. She understood the importance of fostering strong relationships within the community, and she worked tirelessly to create an environment where teachers and students felt heard and respected. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders was evident in the many teachers, administrators, and students who credited her with inspiring them to pursue careers in education and community service. She was a constant source of encouragement and motivation, and her legacy will live on in the work of those she mentored.
In addition to her work on the Board of Education, Mrs. Vice’s contributions to the district also extended to the development of programs designed to improve the overall well-being of students. She was a strong advocate for mental health resources in schools, understanding that a student’s emotional health was just as important as their academic success. She pushed for initiatives that focused on the whole child, providing students with access to counseling, extracurricular activities, and mentorship programs that helped them grow into well-rounded individuals. Under her leadership, Nicholas County Schools became a place where students were not only prepared for academic success but were also given the tools to thrive in life.
As we mourn the loss of Mrs. Vice, we also celebrate the incredible impact she had on the community. Her contributions to Nicholas County Schools were immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to shape the future of education in the district for years to come. She leaves behind a community that is stronger, more inclusive, and better equipped to support its students because of her tireless work and dedication. Her influence will be felt in the halls of the schools she worked so hard to improve, and her spirit will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
Mrs. Vice’s passing leaves a deep hole in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her, and her family, friends, colleagues, and community members are all feeling the weight of this loss. Her family, in particular, has lost a loving mother, grandmother, and matriarch, and they are grieving the loss of someone who meant the world to them. As we offer our thoughts and condolences to Mrs. Vice’s family, we also take comfort in knowing that her legacy of service, love, and dedication will continue to live on. Her work was not just a career; it was a calling, and she gave everything she had to make her community a better place.
The community of Nicholas County will always remember Mrs. Mona Vice as a leader who cared deeply about the people she served. She was a visionary, a mentor, and a friend, and her presence in the community will be sorely missed. Her legacy will live on through the programs she championed, the students she inspired, and the educators she supported. As we celebrate her life, we also commit to carrying forward the values she instilled in us—compassion, dedication, and a relentless commitment to making the world a better place for future generations.
In this time of sorrow, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Vice’s family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. We also ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult period. As a community, we will continue to honor Mrs. Vice’s memory by working to uphold the values she held dear and by striving to make Nicholas County Schools a place where all students are given the opportunity to thrive.
Rest in peace, Mrs. Mona Vice. Your legacy of service, love, and dedication will never be forgotten.
