Kevin Honbarger has been working at Carmel Christian for 18 years. He worked numerous different jobs at Carmel before landing in the spot he is in now. He made a difference in each position he had. From 3rd grade to high school, Honbarger has shown his love and kindness to students every day. His genuine spirit and his humility have made a difference in his fellow teachers and the students he teaches, and it is a blessing to have him in the CCS community.

Honbarger grew up in Salisbury, North Carolina. He was born and raised in this area, and he fondly reminisces about his time there. He explains, “My family had land in Salisbury, and it was great. I played ball with my friends. Life was slow, but there were so many good people and good friends that I had.” After his childhood in Salisbury, Honbarger attended college at Pfeiffer University in Misenheimer, North Carolina. He had the opportunity to play baseball there, which was a major benefit at the time for him. Along with playing a sport, he majored in accounting because that is what he believed he wanted to pursue in the future. When Honbarger thinks back to this period of his life, he explains that it wasn’t the best for him. He had stopped going to church and didn’t attend his youth group, and it was just a dark period of his life.

After Honbarger graduated from college, he took an accounting job at a CPA firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. This job led him to meet his wife, Susan. She applied for a job at his firm, and he was a part of her interview process. Honbarger took her to lunch, and they became quick friends. This led to them dating and eventually to spending the rest of their lives together. After college, Honbarger also found his way back into church and a youth group. This reconnection with the Lord led him to leave his accounting job and go to seminary school at Duke University, which was a much better experience for him. He focused on his studies and the Lord, and he finally got a wonderful college experience. After completing seminary school, Honbarger began working in several Methodist churches. He worked at Concord, Statesville and Troutman for about 10 years.

Honbarger decided to settle down in Charlotte due to his wife’s health, and this is ultimately what led him to begin his career at Carmel. He started as a sub, working whenever he had the opportunity. After subbing for a year, he was offered the only job Carmel had available: an assistant teacher in 3rd grade. Honbarger worked in that position for a year and then became Dr. Kelly’s assistant for about 3 years. During that period, he also taught middle school Bible. He slowly transferred to high school Bible as CCS grew and has now been teaching in the high school for over 10 years.

Throughout his time at Carmel, Honbarger states, “The best thing about Carmel is the family feel. As we’ve gotten bigger, it’s harder to see it, but we take such good care of one another, and we watch out for each other.”

The most important aspect of Honbarger’s life is his family. He has two daughters: Sarah and Emily. His daughters each have their own children as well. Honbarger focuses the majority of his time on providing for his family. His selfless character is reflected in the way he provides for his family. He explains, “Everything I do is for my family. I drive the bus at Carmel for baseball, volleyball, soccer, and pretty much every sport that is in season. I also run the clock for volleyball and basketball. These are all my jobs, so I can know that I’ve done a good job taking care of my family.”

 Joel McMillion, Honbarger’s co-worker and fellow Bible teacher, states that: “Kevin Honbarger has been a consistent, calming, and confident presence in the high school halls during my time teaching at Carmel. He is a faithful friend, a co-laborer in ministry to our students, and an encouraging brother-in-Christ. I have appreciated his views on Scripture and its application to life and have had many fruitful conversations with him about spiritual things. We don’t get to talk or fellowship as much as we used to, but when we do, it is always a great time.”

The Carmel community recognizes Honbarger’s love and selflessness. One of his former students states, “Mr. Honbarger is such a hard worker because he works many jobs just to take care of his family. He also spreads love to those around him.” CCS is incredibly thankful and blessed that Honbarger’s path led him to Carmel, and his kindness does not go unnoticed.