Class of 2025 Graduates Reflect on Transformative Experience, Thanks to Walt Disney 4th gr. Teacher

Posted on June 10, 2025

Here’s a heartwarming story of #PHMExcellence that’s come full circle … Eight years ago, 4th grade Walt Disney Elementary teacher Jodi Cramer-Berry nicknamed her students “Team Cramer,” modeling them after the Chicago Cubs. When the Cubs defied all the odds winning the 2017 World Series, Mrs. Cramer-Berry told her students that they too could do anything, from passing ISTEP, doing well in school, going to college one day, and even going to a Cubs game. Many of the students had never been out of the area, much less to a MLB game. Some of the students were immigrants and spoke very little English. When this story made it all the way to the Ricketts Family, the owners of the Cubs, “Team Cramer’s” dream became a reality.

Now as members Class of 2025, Mrs. Cramer-Berry had to reconnect with them all before they graduated from Penn High School on Monday, June 9th. So back in May, we arranged a surprise reunion. “Team Cramer” Class of 2025 included a Valedictorian, an Indiana University Evans Scholarship winner, Early College, Cum Laude, Academic Honors, High Honors, and Technical Honors graduates. And last night their biggest supporter was there to cheer them on as they walked across the stage.
 
Click to watch the video highlighting #PHMExcellence at its best, showing what a difference that teachers make in their students lives’ and the impact that love, support, and believing in your students can make … 

Last Modified June 24, 2025