Penn Athletics earns NIAAA Exemplary Level Status

The Penn High School Athletic Department has been identified as a 2025 recipient of the NIAAA (National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association) Quality Program Recognition at the Exemplary Level, a distinction earned by fewer than 10 percent of Indiana’s 425-plus athletic departments.

This honor recognizes excellence in the implementation and administration of education-based athletics, including leadership training of its coaches and student-athletes.

The effort for Penn to qualify for the Exemplary Level was led by Assistant Athletic Director Marie Doan, who successfully completed the NIAAA’s rigorous assessment process. She will accept the award on behalf of Penn High School at the 2025 NIAAA National Conference.

This recognition also reflects the outstanding teamwork and high standards consistently demonstrated by Penn’s athletic department staff, under the direction of Athletic Director Jeff Hart. 

“In addition to Marie’s leadership on this project, Bridget (Williams), Jennifer (Dunderman) and Heather (Nania) continue to work every day to ensure our department operates with excellence, integrity, and a clear focus on positive student growth,” Hart said. “The NIAAA recognition highlights both the strength of our current practices and our commitment to continuous improvement, a reflection of the strong support we receive from both our school and district leadership.”