Do you like to dance? Do you want to learn how to spin a flag? Do you like to perform?

All levels are welcome to come to the Penn Cadet Winter Guard Auditions at Walt Disney Elementary School (enter in back). There will be two audition dates of Monday, Nov.20 and Wednesday, November 22. Audition times for both dates are 6-8 p.m.

Girls and boys, grades 4-6, will be accepted. 

Rehearsals will be every Monday and Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. Competitions will begin Saturday, January 27.

Come be a part of this incredible performing arts group!

Click here to download and print the flyer.
 

Make sure to come out and celebrate your back-to-back State Champions Girls Soccer and #1 Team in the nation Wed., Nov. 1, 7:00 p.m. Enter Door C at for the celebration in the CPA.

Penn won 2-0 against Guerin Catholic in the 3A Title Championship game on Saturday, Oct. 28. 

Among the game highlights senior Kristina Lynch had two assists: the first to Molly McLaughlin for the first goal and the second to Maya Lacognato for the second.

Lynch–the Florida State commit, All-American and Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year—has another honor to add to her high school career … she was named IHSAA Mental Attitude Award Winner for Class 3-A Girls Soccer after the Championship win.

Penn High School’s Kristina Lynch added to an All-American legacy when she was named the Indiana High School Athletic Association Mental Attitude Award winner following the Class 3-A State Championship Game at Butler University on Friday, Oct. 27.

Penn beat Guerin Catholic, 2-0, to repeat as State Champions.

Lynch, a Florida State University women’s soccer recruit, led Penn to three consecutive State Championship Games. Penn was state runner-up in 2015, won State Championships in 2016 and 2017.

A midfielder, Lynch owns the Penn career record with 130 goals and has a record 68 career assists. She has 44 goals and 18 assists this season.

Named a First-Team All-American by USA Today, Lynch has been invited to play in the All-American Game in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 2. 

Lynch is the 26th IHSAA Mental Attitude Award winner in Penn history.

“Kristina is a remarkable student athlete who is genuinely dedicated to making her teammates better,” Penn High School Principal Sean Galiher said. “She always shows commitment to her team and treats others with respect and dignity.  She is the model teammate who represents her family and school with pride.”

Lynch is Penn's eighth IHSAA Mental Attitude Award Winner since 2015.

"Kristina Lynch is the epitome of Penn's commitment to education-based athletics and our commitment to the concept of a student-athlete," Penn Athletic Director Aaron Leniski said. "She pursues excellence in the classroom and on the soccer field. We are proud of the way she has represented Penn, and in the outstanding legacy that she has carved out. She is an outstanding role model for our younger players."

PENN IHSAA MENTAL ATTITUDE AWARD WINNERS 

1983, Football (4-A), Mark Plencner             
 
1989, Football (5-A), Eric Kline       
 
1992, Girls Cross Country, Jill Nace            
 
1995, Football (5-A), Matt Geesman             
 
1996, Football (5-A), Scott Becker 
 
1998, Baseball (4-A), Blake Gaugler
 
1997, Football (5-A), Brad Monhaut              
 
1999, Boys Soccer, Matthew Abbott           
 
2000, Football (5-A), Justin Smith  
 
2003, Girls Tennis, Lauren Woodward
 
2003, Girls Golf, Casey North
 
2003, Football (5-A), Wade Iams
 
2004, Girls Cross Country, Laura Carr
 
2005, Boys Tennis, Chris Jordan
 
2011, Girls Basketball (4-A), Ashley Lutz
 
2011, Girls Golf, Deanna Song
 
2011, Volleyball (4-A), Kaitlyn Hickey
 
2011, Football (5-A), Patrick Adkins
 
2015, Wrestling, Chase Osborn
 
2015, Baseball (4-A), Tim Lira
 
2015, Soccer (2-A), Kamra Solomon
 
2016, Football (6-A), Camden Bohn
 
2016, Softball (4-A), Alyssa Griman
 
2016, Soccer (2-A), Alexis Marks
 
2017, Baseball (4-A), Trevor Waite

2017, Soccer (3-A) Kristina Lynch

An hour after the bright red lights of the Butler University scoreboard counted down to the second consecutive State Championship by the Penn High School Girls Soccer team, the stadium lights were turned off and darkness cascaded across the field.

There will be no dimming the accomplishments of the Penn Girls Soccer Team, which carved out one of the nation’s top legacies in the sport.

Coach Jeff Hart’s Penn Kingsmen defeated Guerin Catholic, 2-0, on Friday, Oct. 27, to earn the Class 3-A high school girls soccer state crown in Indiana.

The 2017 State Championship match will rank as a clash of titans in Indiana High School Athletic Association history. Penn entered the Championship game ranked No. 1 in the Nation by the prestigious soccer publication, topdrawersoccer.com. Guerin Catholic entered the title match ranked No. 1 in the Nation by MaxPreps.

Penn finished the season 23-0-1 and boasts a 45-0-2 record over the past two seasons.

Penn and Guerin Catholic waged a fierce battle. The Kingsmen turned back two Guerin Catholic attacks thanks to a stunning diving save by Mackenzie Wood in the 21st minute, and then a leaping save by Wood in the 52nd minute.

Kingsmen lightning struck in the 54th minute when Molly McLaughlin rocketed a screamer from 25 yards away to give Penn a 1-0 record. Kristina Lynch assisted on the goal.

Maya Lacognato delivered the dagger in the 61st minute. Lynch drove baseline and dished to Lacognato when the Guerin Catholic goalie and defensive raced to cover Lynch.

“Winning state for a second consecutive season was such an incredible feeling,” said Lynch, a USA Today First-Team All-American who is a Florida State recruit. “It was very meaningful to us, because it shows that all our hard work has paid off. This is an incredibly talented and fun group of girls and the memories we have made throughout the years will last forever.

“It is fun to think that years from now we will all be able to come together and share these special memories. Winning state was the highlight of my high school career! To win the title in my last high school game was a dream come true.”

Penn entered the season as a huge target as the defending State Champions and the No. 1 ranked team in the nation in the topdrawersoccer.com pre-season poll.

“Although this team had an immense target on our back throughout the season, we dealt with the pressure incredibly, and by having that demand of being No. 1 it, forced us to work even harder and become even better,” Notre Dame recruit Brooke VanDyck said.

Lynch agreed that the Kingsmen embraced the challenge of being a target, and stepped up their game.

“Having a prominent target throughout the season was definitely a challenge, but in the end it helped us win,” Lynch said. “Every team that we played gave it everything they had, which forced us to do the same. It definitely showed our mental strength as well as our overwhelming desire to experience the championship feeling again.”

Penn pounded Guerin Catholic for 19 shots, while the Golden Eagles only managed eight shots against Penn’s defense.

“I think our ability to move the ball, switch the point of attack and control the pace of the game made us successful at the right moments,” said McLaughlin, a Xavier recruit. “We knew going in what their weaknesses were and we were able to use our knowledge of the game and our strengths to capitalize on our chances.”

Lynch said that Penn’s work ethic and drive were difference-makers.

“Each person who stepped on the field worked extremely hard and did everything they could to help the team win,” Lynch said. “There was so much energy and determination that each of us brought to the field which made us very dangerous as a team. We were poised, patient, and took advantage of our opportunities. It's a real testament to our coaches and how they prepared us as well as the type of players we have on this team.”

For Lynch, talent and team chemistry were major factors that put Penn above every other high school girls soccer team in the nation.

“We all work extremely well together and our talents complement one another,” Lynch said. “We play for more than just ourselves – we play for each other, which is very rare especially in girls high school soccer.

“We have great talent for sure, and the best coaching staff in the state. We all have a love for one another and a sincere desire to win as a team. The chemistry on this team was the biggest difference. It is what kept us going all year and what pulled us through the shootout against Noblesville and the State Championship. I'm so honored and proud to be a part of such a special team!”

The popular annual family event is scheduled for Saturday, December 2 and is open to the entire community, not just P-H-M families. However, please note this event is for Kindergarten – 3rd grade students only and children must be accompanied by at least one adult. All tickets are $7.00.

Show times this year are scheduled for 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Space is limited to 100 tickets/participants per time slot.

This year, ticket sales will be ONLINE ONLY at phm.revtrak.net and will go on sale Wednesday, November 1 at 8:00 a.m. Tickets will NOT be sold at the ESC on Nov. 1 or at the door on Dec. 2. Tickets sell out fast, so please make arrangements to setup your account at phm.revtrak.net prior to Nov. 1. Once tickets are sold out for a time slot, online sales for that time slot will end.

You will be able to pay online using eCheck, Discover, VISA or MasterCard credit or debit cards and a 3.49% transaction fee will be added to your total purchase amount. Tickets will be mailed to the address provided during the online registration prior to December 2nd. No refunds or tickets will be available at the door.

If you have any questions, please contact the P-H-M Community Education office at (574) 258-9568 or email Jenny Forkner.

The annual Superintendent’s Luncheon held today (Tuesday, October 17, 2017) was a celebration of the District’s commitment to excellence and an expression of gratitude to those who support the District through the P-H-M Education Foundation and Corporations for Education.

The Luncheon showcases the various value add educational, extracurricular and co-curricular programs the Education Foundation supports throughout the school year, everything from Penn Robotics to “Running is Elementary,” an elementary health and finesses awareness programs.

Click here to see more photos in the the photo gallery below.

Executive Director Mari Linn Wise highlighted and thanked the Foundation’s generous donors and partners that helped raise the dollar amounts for the programming listed below …
 

• $58,502 – innovative grants, Visual Arts Academy, and Silver Mile grants
• $51,474 – Corporations for Education grants
• $700,000 – naming rights in pledges

PHMEF’s funding comes from special events such as its premier Silver Mile Health & Fitness Fair, Donna & Dr. Jerry Thacker 5K Run/Walk for Education, the State of Indiana from the purchase of Read On Education License plates, Thank a Teacher, Entrance to Excellence bricks, and individual donations.

As an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3), the Foundation develops alternative sources of income to support educational programs that fall outside of the District’s funding sources. PHMEF also works to strengthen the partnership between our schools and the community. PHMEF awards innovative teaching grants, scholarships to students, staff development and other corporation-wide initiatives.

Luncheon special guests and keynote speakers former Bethel Basketball Coach Mike Lightfoot and his wife Jacci praised P-H-M teachers, coaches and administrators for their “ministry” of educating children. The Lightfoots applauded P-H-M business and community partners for their ongoing support noting that the pursuit of happiness should center around families and community, not around individuals.

P-H-M’s 2017 Teacher of the Year Anne Tschetter (an orchestra teacher at Penn High School) was recognized at today’s luncheon. She received a $1,000 PHMEF grant with her honor last spring. Speaking today, Mrs. Tschetter thanked the Foundation for the much needed funds that she used to buy new instruments for her classroom. Horizon Wellness Teacher Cindy Bitalis thanked the audience for their support of “Running is Elementary” noting that the true value of the vent is the student participants learning perseverance. PHMEF grants make it possible for 4th, 5th and 6th graders to participate at no cost.

In his 12th year as Superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison Schools, Dr. Thacker gave his State of the Corporation Address highlighting P-H-M’s Triangle of Success, connecting students, teachers and parents.

He noted with nine Four Star Schools, P-H-M is in the Top 3 of Indiana public school districts. Dr. Thacker praised the teachers and staff in the District’s 15 schools that teach nearly 11,200 students. The IDOE P-H-M has consistently named P-H-M an “A” Rated School District for seven straight years, and he expects the same ranking this year. With the release of the 2017 Spring ISTEP+ results, 10 P-H-M schools earned an ‘A’ grade. Dr. Thacker also noted these points of excellence:

• P-H-M ranks in the state’s top 4% of public school districts
• P-H-M ranks 12th out of all 292 public school districts in Indiana (based on both Math and ELA pass results of grades 3-8)
• For grade 10, P-H-M ranks 9th out of all 292 public school corporations—the Michiana area’s only public school district to make the top 20!
• Northpoint is the #1 public elementary school in the state
• Discovery is Indiana’s #3 public middle school

P-H-M has four schools (Northpoint, Prairie Vista and Horizon Elementary Schools, along with Discovery Middle School) ranked among the state’s top 50 of all 1,437 public schools.
P-H-M ranks 4th among public school corporations with large high schools (student population more than 500).

The Education Foundation’s mission is to assist and support Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation in providing a premier education to the District’s students and families.

The presenting sponsor of this year’s Luncheon was TCU, the Gold Sponsor was Beacon Health System. PHMEF is also grateful to the following Patron Sponsors:

• LL Low Associates, Inc.
• Samuel & Erin McGrath
• Sen. Ryan Mishler

Table Sponsors included: Dr. Jerry Thacker, Gates Automotive, IUSB School of Education, Ivy Tech Development, Kruggel Lawton CPAs, Lake City Bank, May Oberfell Lorber, Meilstrup Family, Moore Family, Murphy & Witchie Families, P-H-M Administrators, P-H-M Board of Trustees, P-H-M Teachers Assoc., Penn High School, Saint Joseph Health System, Schwartz Family, South Bend Education Foundation, South Bend Regional Chamber, Tuesley Hall Konopa, the University of Notre Dame and the Wade Family.

Dr. Jerry Thacker, Superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, recently learned that the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) named him the IAPSS 2017 Outstanding Educator. 

The public announcement of Dr. Thacker’s recognition will be made at P-H-M Education Foundation’s annual Superintendent’s Luncheon to be held Tuesday, October 17.

This is the second time Dr. Thacker has received this prestigious honor from his IAPSS peers; the first time was in 2013. He was also named Indiana Superintendent of the Year in 2012 and received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 2014—Indiana’s highest award—from then Governor Mike Pence. He has also been recognized as Alumnus of the Year from both IUSB and Bethel College.

Dr. Jerry Thacker began his career in education in Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation as a 6th grade teacher at Madison Elementary School. Having filled a variety of leadership roles at districts across Indiana and Michigan, in July 2006 he returned to the P-H-M schools to serve as superintendent. Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, the Indiana Department of Education has consistently named P-H-M an “A” Rated School District. The School Corporation now ranks in the state’s top 4% of public school districts with nine Four Star Schools.

Penn High School Biology Teacher John Gensic was recognized in Indianapolis today among Indiana’s finalists for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching (PAEMST), the nation's highest honor math, science and computer science teachers. This is the second time Mr. Gensic has received this great honor; he was a state PAEMST finalist last year as well. 

Mr. Gensic, 2016 P-H-M Teacher of the Year and Top 10 Finalist for 2017 Indiana Teacher of the Year, is now in contention to win the national award.  His application will move on to the U.S. Department of Education for the next round of selection. 

National winners receive:

• A certificate signed by the President of the United States.
• A paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a series of recognition events and professional development opportunities.
• A $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation.

In addition to recognizing outstanding teaching in mathematics or science, the program provides teachers with an opportunity to build lasting partnerships with colleagues across the nation. Since 1983, more than 4,100 teachers have been recognized.

By Eric Wood

Pennant Student Reporter

For about as long as about anyone can remember, my grandparents — Ruth and Vern Thompson — have been a constant staple at Penn Kingsmen football and basketball games. They have been loyal attendees since my uncle (their son), Mike, began playing in the PHS Marching Band in 1967.

That’s 50 years of wearing Black and Gold and cheering on the Kingsmen!

“We figured that since we were coming to the (marching band) events anyways, we might as well watch the football games, too,” Ruth said.

Ruth and Vern were honored at the football game vs. Elkhart Central (Friday, Oct. 6) for 50 years of Kingsmen loyalty. P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Thacker was joined by U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, P-H-M Board Members Jamie Woods and Chris Riley, and Penn Principal Sean Galiher to honor Vern and Ruth midfield before kickoff. Click to watch the video below of the midfield recognition on Friday, October 6.

“It just never gets old,” Vern Thompson said. “It’s a great stress reliever after a long week. It’s always fun to go to the game, and fun to talk about the game afterwards.” 

Through both tumultuous and serene periods of their lives, my grandma and grandpa have remained devoted Kingsmen fans.  
 

My grandparents met at a square dance, whereas my grandpa describes, “It was love at first sight.”

Both grew up locally, Vern realizing his love of sports while playing basketball and running track at Madison, and Ruth playing drums in the marching band at Riley High School. She was the first female drummer in the Riley Marching Band.

The two happily married in 1950, just months before Vern would be shipped away to Fort Worth, Texas, to begin Army training. This past summer with U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski’s help, Vern was finally awarded five medals for his service in the U.S. Army and Army Reserve during the Korean War: Good Conduct Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with three bronze service stars, and United Nations Service Medal. Click to watch a story that aired on WSBT after he received his long-awaited medals.

It’s been an honor to learn about community support and commitment from my grandparents.

And take it from someone who knows, there is nobody more deserving of being honored by Dr. Thacker and the Penn Community than my grandparents.

With the release of the 2016-17 Accountability Grades, Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is proud to have nine schools received A's:
 

• Bittersweet Elementary School
• Elm Road Elementary School
• Horizon Elementary School
• Meadow’s Edge Elementary School
• Moran Elementary School
• Northpoint Elementary School
• Prairie Vista Elementary School
• Discovery Middle School
• Penn High School
   

Overall, 62 percent of Indiana schools received an A or B. For more information on and to view the 2016-17 School Accountability Grades, please click here to visit the IDOE website.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation has received an “A” grade from the Indiana Department of Education for the past seven years and expects to again be named an “A” Rated School District by the IDOE when that data is released.