Culver’s Bus Driver of the Month
We’re happy to introduce PHM bus driver Diane O’Konski, as the Culver’s Bus Driver of the Month for April 2024!
Diane drives for Penn High School and has been with PHM since April of 2014. She is a strong driver and a great team player, going out of her way to help cover routes when the department is in a pinch.
Diane has completed 155 hours of extra curricular trips this school year and has only missed two days of work. Her willingness to get the work done and build strong relationships with students exemplifies the standards the Transportation Department strives to uphold.
The surprise took place at Penn High School on April 24, 2024 as he waited for her students to board for afternoon pick-up.
Penn Hosts Annual Culture Festival
On Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, P-H-M Secondary ENL presented its annual “Penn Culture Festival.”
It was a vibrant celebration of diversity that brought together students from various cultural backgrounds to share and celebrate their heritage through an array of displays, performances, and interactive activities.
From culinary delights to captivating fashion and dancing, the festival showcased the richness and diversity of cultures represented within the school community. Students proudly presented traditional dishes from their respective cultures, offering visitors a taste of global flavors. Additionally, colorful and intricate attire adorned the fashion displays, highlighting the unique styles and traditions of different cultures.
Beyond the culinary and fashion showcases, the festival featured engaging presentations and exhibits that provided insights into various cultural practices, languages, and customs. Attendees had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant tapestry of global cultures, fostering understanding and appreciation among the school community.
The Penn Culture Festival served as a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment where all students feel valued and respected. Such events not only celebrate cultural heritage but also promote cross-cultural understanding and unity within the school community.
See photos from Yearbook Photographer Tileya Brewer below 📸
Penn Teacher Earns Ivy Tech’s President’s Award for Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction
Penn High School Teacher Danielle Black, an Early College Academy Leader & Dual Credit Speech teacher, has received the 3rd Annual President’s Award for Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction from Ivy Tech!
As defined by the IDOE, Dual Credit is defined by: courses in which high school students have the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. Dual Credit classes are an exceptional way for students to advance their academic achievement and save money by completing college classes while still in high school.
About the award:
“President’s Award recipients representing all nineteen Ivy Tech campuses are nominees for the 2024 Statewide Award for Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction, presented annually to honor Ivy Tech’s most outstanding dual credit instructor statewide … The President’s Award recognition is one of the most important awards for Ivy Tech, allowing us to recognize and honor our most treasured asset–the College’s outstanding faculty.”
Mrs. Black is one of 19 recipients, each representing all 19 Ivy Tech campuses. This makes her a nominee for the 2024 Statewide Award for Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction, presented annually to honor Ivy Tech’s most outstanding dual credit instructor statewide.
The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony in June.
About Mrs. Black:
“As the Early College Academy Leader, Danielle oversees 24 teachers from multiple content areas and levels of experience. She works closely with the (best) Ivy Tech College Connections Coach to ensure the individual goals of each of our students are met. Mrs. Black collaborates with the Leadership Team consistently, serving as a bridge between teachers and administration. She collaborates with other teacher leaders to develop and implement professional development to staff on a variety of topics, ranging from formative assessment and feedback to impactful questioning strategies. I get the pleasure of watching her act out what she teaches as she is thoughtful and intentional in curricular and non-curricular decision-making.” – Penn Associate Principal, Rachel Fry
“An Interview To Remember” Penn Student Interviews Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963
In the book “Penn High School Remembered”, which was published by the South Bend Tribune, there is a photo and a story recounting the time that Penn student Dini Cox interviewed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963.
“An Interview To Remember
Lloydine “Dini” Cox. a 1965 Penn High graduate, got the interview of a lifetime when she went to the Town Tower Motel in South Bend to talk to Dr. Martin Luther King on October 18, 1963.
Dini was a reporter for Penn Points, the school newspaper. Bill Gould, a photographer for the school paper, captured this great photo.
The two of them also finagled an interview with John Johnson, the editor of Ebony Magazine, that same year. Dini pretended to be a reporter for The South Bend Tribune and was then allowed to talk to Dr. King. After telling Dr. King that Penn High School had only one black student, he encouraged our community to integrate our schools with a “new” method called desegregation – something we had never heard of at the time.
But within l0-15 years later, the South Bend Community School Corporation began their busing program to bring diversity to all the schools. That was one
of Dr. King’s major points to achieving racial balance for the next generation.
After graduation from PHS, Dini attended Defiance (Ohio) College, where she planned to study journalism, to ultimately become a foreign correspondent. She was told at that time by many professors, that women were not going to be hired to cover war zones, no matter how qualified they were. She then changed her major to Speech & Hearing Therapy and attended Purdue Campus in Fort Wayne, and also IUSB.
Dini returned to the South Bend area in 1978, after having a plant and garden business in Muncie, Ind. She married Thomas Miller from South ,Bend and is now enjoying a bit of an early retirement, with time to enjoy all the important things in life, like her three daughters and three grandchildren. Dini’s eldest daughter, Jessica Miller (Barnhart), was also a writer for the Penn Points newspaper (which changed its name to The Pennant), from 1989-1991.”
“Penn High School Remembered” recounds the history of Penn High School from 1958-2008 in honor of the school’s 50th anniversary.
Al Rhodes Kingsmen Court Unveiling
On Friday, December 1, 2023, the Basketball Court inside Penn High Schools Main Arena was officially renamed “Al Rhodes Kingsmen Court” in honor of long time Basketball Coach and Hall of Famer Al Rhodes.
As part of the P-H-M Education Foundation’s Naming Rights Campaign, P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker and his wife, Donna Thacker, generously donated $10,000 to have the court to pay homage to former Penn basketball player, turned teacher and coach!
It was a special night for Coach Rhodes, his family, friends and all of the Kingsmen community.
Watch the video below to relive the evening.
Penn ASL Students Inspire Bittersweet First Graders with Sign Language
American Sign Language (ASL) students from Penn High School embarked on a special mission to Bittersweet Elementary School today. Their goal? To spread the magic of sign language and raise awareness within the community for the hearing impaired.
Bittersweet students learned the alphabet as well as basic words including colors.
The visit was not just about learning sign language; it was also about fostering understanding and empathy for the hearing-impaired members of their community. Community outreach is part of the ASL 3 curriculum.
But the story doesn’t end there. On September 15th, 2023, well over 100 students from both Penn High School and Elkhart High School came together in a powerful display of unity. Using the beauty of sign language, the signed the national anthem at the Elkhart vs Penn football game.
The community outreach of Penn’s ASL program showcases the power of education, empathy, and unity in fostering a more inclusive and compassionate community.
Penn High School’s College and Career Fair: Shaping Futures
On Thursday, October 12th, 2023, approximately 1,600 junior and seniors attended the annual College and Career Fair offering students invaluable insights into various post-graduation pathways. Organized by the P-H-M Education Foundation, the College and Career Fair was a resounding success for the second year in a row!
With an aim to empower students with knowledge and guidance as they navigate their options after high school, the fair featured 60 tables with area post secondary options as well as informative breakout sessions. The breakout sessions were led by seven speakers who shared their expertise on distinct paths to success.
Throughout the Fair, students had the chance to interact with representatives from various colleges, universities, technical schools, and military branches. This hands-on experience allowed them to gather information, ask questions, and begin building connections that will be instrumental in their future endeavors.
The College and Career Fair was not just an event; it was a stepping stone towards a brighter future for Penn High School’s juniors and seniors. It instilled in them the confidence to explore their passions, dream big, and take the first steps towards achieving their goals.
With the support of the P-H-M Education Foundation and the guidance provided at the fair, the students of Penn High School are poised to embark on exciting journeys, knowing that their futures are full of promise and opportunity.
Varsity Football vs Mishawaka Game Day Information
On Friday, August 25th, 2023 at 7:00 p.m., the “Backyard Brawl” rivalry between Mishawaka and Penn High School will be renewed at Everwise Freed Field at Penn High School.
Click here for everything you need to know before heading to the big game!
2023 Community Tailgate:
- Before the game starts, everyone is invited to the Community Tailgate!
- Time: 5-6:30 p.m.
- Cost $6
- Includes Hot Dog, Brat or Burger, Chips, Cookie & Drink
Ticket Information:
- Presale tickets are $6
- Presale tickets can be purchased online here
- Tickets at the gate are $7
- Tickets may be purchased in the Athletic Office until noon on Friday, August 25th
- Pre K and younger are FREE
- Children in grades 8 and younger MUST be accompanied by an adult
- No Reentry!
Show your support by purchasing a limited edition shirt for the game. Orders can be placed at: gottogettees@gmail.com for $15 each (and picked up at Penn the next day) or shirts can be purchased at the Penn Bookstore.
This is the first meeting since 2019, watch the video below to see some photos from 2017, 2018 and 2019!