Coach Brad Harper’s Penn Boys Wrestling team won its seventh consecutive Sectional championship on Saturday, Feb. 3.

Nine Kingsmen captured individual Sectional championships.

Seniors Kory Cavanaugh (113) and Jarod Swank (170) became only the eighth and ninth three-time Sectional champions in Penn history.

No. 4-ranked Cavanaugh stuck Brendon Mark of Mishawaka in 1:21 in the championship round.

Swank, ranked No. 6, won a colossal battle against No. 5 Tavonte Malone of South Bend Adams, posting a 6-2 decision.

Junior Tanner DeMien rolled through the 120 competition with three pins to win the championship. Ranked No. 10 in Indiana, DeMien also became a three-time Sectional champion. He won his first two Sectional crowns at NorthWood.

Evan White (106), Jeffrey Harper (126), Haden Hensley (145), Dustin Hochstedler (195) and Will Vakalahi (220) also walked off the mat as Sectional champions.

Penn’s Sectional champions, runners-up Trace Manspeaker (138), Rockne Hurley (160) and Max Chaffee (182), along with third-place Noah Brown (152) and fourth place Hezzy DeVault (220) advance to the Regional championships on Saturday at Rochester (9 a.m. start).

Penn is the only school in the Rochester Regional to advance all 14 wrestlers.

The Kingsmen will be taking aim at a seventh consecutive Regional championship.

NCAA Signing Day features nine student-athletes from Penn High School

PARKER ADKINS

Indiana Wesleyan University

As a 6-foot-0, 200-pound force at linebacker, Parker Adkins helped continue a proud tradition for the Penn High School football program. Now, he will help start a football program at Indiana Wesleyan.

“I wanted to be a part of the first team at IWU, and start a new tradition with a good group of guys,” Adkins said. “IWU allows me to play football while getting a Christian education, at the collegiate level. Another thing that attracted me was the brand new facilities they are putting in for football and a new stadium.”

In 2016, Adkins had five tackles for loss, 3 interceptions, and 35 tackles for the Kingsmen.

A two-year starter for Penn’s ‘Wild Bunch’ defense, Adkins helped lead the Kingsmen to a State runner-up finish in 2015 and a Semi-state appearance in 2016.

“Penn Football has matured me greatly and taught me how to act on and off the field,” Adkins said. “Penn football as made me mentally stronger and physically more capable.

NATE BOONE

Dartmouth College

Nate Boone, defensive end for the Kingsmen, has decided to carry on his football career at Dartmouth College. Dartmouth is a private Ivy League school located in Hanover, New Hampshire. Boone was second QB sacks with 7 this season for Penn, adding 8 tackles for loss, and 7 QB pressures. He had 30 tackles and a caused fumble.

Boone was an impact player for the Kingsmen.

“I am excited for the opportunities that Dartmouth provides academically and athletically.” Boone said, “I am also looking forward to a chance to play against my old QB, Cam Bohn.” (ex-Penn quarterback Camden Bohn currently plays football at Harvard University)

Boone stands at 6-foot-3 and weighs 220 pounds. As he is one of the largest and strongest players on the team, he still manage to get a 4.7-second 40-yard dash time. Dartmouth will take advantage of Boone’s size at speed on the defensive line.

“Work ethic, drive, great leader by example, on and off the field,” Penn head coach Cory Yeoman said in describing Boone.

Yeoman believes Boone will thrive at Dartmouth, because he is “intrinsically motivated.” “I am real excited to see what Nate does career-wise, but more excited to see what he does after he graduates from Dartmouth, and see what kind of man he will be. I know he is going to be a great dad. He will do great things in this world.”

JARED HANCOCK

St. Joseph’s College

A three-year starter, Hancock kicked three field goals and 47 extra points his senior season.

Hancock chose St Joe because, "The football team has had success the past few seasons and I can't wait to be part of it."

Hancock said that Penn football has helped him be ready for the next level.

"The coaches pushed me to become a better player on the field and in the weight room,” Hancock said."  

The special teams weapon for the Kingsmen is pursuing a life-long dream.

"Playing college football has been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” Hancock said. “Now that I have the opportunity to have a fresh start and new teammates is great feeling."

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MATT KOMINKIEWICZ

University of St. Francis

A 5-foot-8, 165-pound wide receiver, Kominkiewicz led Penn with 36 receptions for 545 yards and nine touchdowns in 2016. He also scored four touchdowns on punt returns and one touchdown on a kickoff return.

“I've been around Saint Francis since I was 11 years old watching my brother (Brandon) play,” Kominkiewicz said. “I realized the football team was like a family. The football team has had a lot of success in NAIA, they won the 2016 NAIA National Championship.

Kominkiewicz started on Penn’s baseball team last season for coach Greg Dikos, and was on the 2015 state championship baseball squad.

“I'm ready for the challenge,” Kominkiewicz said. “I know the obligations of being a two-sport athlete, and I need to focus on my academics a little bit more and work harder in the weight room. Penn has definitely prepared me to compete at the collegiate level.

“Coach Cory (Yeoman) and Coach Dikos both have had their share of competing at the collegiate level, and they run practices like a college program would, pushing athletes to give their all, which will contribute to their readiness for the next level,” Kominkiewicz said. “I'm excited for the challenge ahead of me, it's going to be a fun experience!”

CONNOR SCHNEIDER

Northern Illinois University

Penn defensive end Connor Schneider (6-foot-4, 210 pounds) has officially committed to Northern Illinois University to play football. Schneider was first-team all-Northern Indiana Conference and help Penn earn three conference titles, three Final Four appearances and one state championship game appearance in his career.

“I chose Northern Illinois because it was a great fit for me academically and for football,” Schneider said. “It's a great opportunity it has always been a dream of mine to play Division I football.”

Schneider rocked opposing quarterbacks for seven sacks in 2016, and had 11 tackles for losses.

“Northern Illinois has been a very successful program recently” Schneider said. “They have won many MAC Championships and went to the Orange Bowl recently, along with many other bowl games.”

Schneider said that playing football at Penn is a great stepping stone to the competition he will face in the Mid-American Conference.

“Penn Football has given me the opportunity to play against many great teams and players, which will help me in college,” Schneider said.

KRISTIN HOLT

Grace College

Holt earned first-team all-Northern Indiana Conference honors, and helped lead the Kingsmen to a state finals appearance.

“I chose Grace because I felt it was the best all around fit for me academically, athletically and spiritually,” Holt said.

“Penn has prepared me to play collegiate golf by giving me an opportunity to compete in all of the tournaments which allowed me to improve my game to where I was able to be recruited to play at the next level,” Holt said.

SAVANNAH DAY

Trine University

Day will continue her academic and athletic careers at Trine University.

Day has been a member of the Penn Girls Soccer program for four seasons, and was a senior leader on this past season’s state championship team.

“I visited the campus last summer and fell in love with the atmosphere at Trine,” Day said about choosing Trine. “The head coach and his coaching staff were the main deciding factors.”

Day, who carved out a reputation as a lockdown, aggressive defender, also spoke about how much the Penn program helped mold her into a college caliber soccer player.

“The competitiveness in the Penn program makes every player better, and is one of the reasons Penn Girls Soccer consistently plays at the state level,” Day said.

ALEXIS HERNANDEZ

Bethel College

Hernandez, who played in the Penn Girls Soccer Program for three seasons, will wear the Blue and White colors of the Bethel Pilots next season.

“It's an honor to get to play at the collegiate level,” Hernandez said. “It's something I've always wanted to achieve as a soccer player.

“I decided on Bethel because I knew I would get a great intentional education in a smaller school. I also wanted to attend a school that would help build my faith. Bethel College is a school that meet all of those areas for me.”

Penn coach Jeff Hart said that Hernandez will be able to make a significant contribution to the Bethel program.

“Alexis has a very deep understanding of the game,” Penn Girls Soccer coach Jeff Hart said. “She has great vision on the field, and understands what plays need to be made from the midfielder position.”

LILLIE LEDBETTER

Sauk Valley Community College

Ledbetter, an outfielder, played in 15 games for the Kingsmen softball that reached the state championship game last season.

“I chose Sauk Valley because as soon as I stepped on campus, I knew that this was where I wanted to spend my next two years,” Ledbetter said. “The coaching staff is absolutely amazing and Sauk has a great nursing program.”

Ledbetter will play in the same conference – the Arrowhead Athletic Conference – as her sister Emma, who plays for Kankakee Community College.

“I'm actually really excited for it!” Ledbetter said of playing against her sister. “I can't wait to see what the outcome of the game will be!”

Ledbetter said that Penn’s academics and the softball program have been essential in her development.

“I would've never been able to reach my goal without the help of Penn Softball, to teach me how to work hard and stay disciplined and organized,” Ledbetter said. “While at Penn, I maintained an overall 3.8 GPA and was on the high honor roll all four years.”

Penn softball coach Beth Zachary said that Ledbetter will contribute greatly to the Sauk Valley program.

"Lillie has consistently been a quiet and focused leader for us,” Zachary said. “She works hard and sets a great example for younger players in our program. We are looking for Lillie to do big things for us this Spring. Lillie's college team is lucky to have her; we are so proud of her!"

Penn High School’s Talent will be on display on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. in the Center for Performing Arts. The cost is $5 a person.

According to Talent Show organizer Michael Coffee, the Talent Show is intended to be an opportunity for our entire Penn High School community to exhibit their talents. There are very talented students and staff members beyond the confines of those who participate in Fine Arts classes, and the vision was to allow the talent show to represent every corner of Penn High School.

“It is a wonderful event because of the acts that we do get to see,” Mr. Coffee said. “Every show often includes at least two acts that are dark horse, out of nowhere surprises. Who knew that girl had those pipes, or who knew that those guys were so funny? That's what's truly valuable about the experience and opportunity.”

Coffee hopes to expand the Talent Show into different areas. Singing is one of the most popular entries, but the door is open for different acts.

“As one of the Thespians whom I asked to perform her monologue said, "I didn't think that's what the Talent Show was all about."

“We need to avoid letting our assumptions of what a Talent Show is supposed to include inform what the talent show looks like,” Mr. Coffee said. “If someone wanted to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich over a tarp like we'd see on Food Network, I think that could make for an interesting segment.”

The current Talent Show line-up:

• Joey Krachenfels (9th grader) is performing a piano piece titled, "Battle at the Summit."
• Nathan Van Meter (10th grader) is performing an original song titled, "Why?", and possibly a cover of "Say Something."
• Amber Matve (10) returns this year with a cover of "Impossible."
• Marrs Walter (10) performs "Burn" from the musical Hamilton.
• Sydney Cole sings, and Katie Lo accompanies (both Sophomores) on a song that has not yet been solidified.
• Will Vakalahi (12) and Moa Alovili (11) perform "Wade in Your Water."
• Grant Brenner (12) returns with a medley of "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" and "True Love Will Find You in the End."
• Darius Sohrab (12) also returns with an original of "November's Fury."

Penn High School’s Debate Team turned in its strongest showing at the District Tournament on Jan. 20-21 in Plymouth, qualifying eight students for the Nationals in June in Birmingham, Ala.

Zoe Gatzimos, Will Riley, Nicholas Casetti and Renee Yaseen qualified for Nationals in Policy Debate.

Annie Zakrzewski and Bryce Yoder earned a trip to Nationals in Public Forum Debate.

Hannah Smith qualified for Nationals in in Lincoln – Douglas Debate, and Colin Lucero-Dixon qualified in Congressional Debate.

Next up for the Kingsmen Debaters is the state finals on Jan. 27-28 in Kokomo.

“Our students look forward to this month particularly, because it has two of our most important competitions, district and state,” Dutton said. “They peaked at the right time. They’ve made steady progress and then dominated at the District. Our kids knocked out some kids who thought they were going to nationals.”

Penn High School students won 49 awards at the 2017 Scholastic Art Awards event.  In all P-H-M students from Schmucker, Grissom and Penn High School won a total of 58 awards in the 2017 competition.

All work listed below will be on display at the Century Center in the South Bend Museum of Art from February 3^rd though Saturday March 11^th, 2017.

The reception for the exhibition, “Meet Me in the Gallery,” is Feb. 3, from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. at the South Bend Museum of Art. Entry for this event is $5 for everyone other than award winners and their art teachers.

The Award Ceremony for the award winners and their families is Sunday, Feb. 5, in the Bendix Theater in the Century Center. The ceremony for 7th and 8th grades is at 1:30, and 9th-12th grades is at 2:30 followed by a reception in the Warner Gallery. We hope you can join us in celebrating the exceptional talent of the young artists in our school corporation and our region.

Please note the exhibit at the SBMA will be on display for a week longer than usual, therefore the Scholastic Winning pieces from our corporation will not be on display until the final show of the year in the Penn Kingsmen Art Gallery which will be April 24 – May 9.

Penn High School Scholastic Award Winners 2016-2017

By CARTER DeJONG

Student Reporter

Georgia O’Keeffe was a very progressive artist during the 1900s, and her influence is touching students at Penn High School in the 2000s.

O’Keeffe’s art was unlike any other of the time period, and it is relevant in today’s era. Penn High School art instructor Mrs. Becky Hope had her art classes participated in a project using elements of Georgia O’Keeffe’s art style, and blended with political expression, which O’Keeffe often did through her art. The students were asked to draw or paint a skull and use the background of the painting to express their feelings about the election.

Kara Harvey is one of the students that took part in the project. “I had mixed feelings, but was mostly upset with the outcome”  Kara said when asked about her feeling of the election. Her project used emojis to express her feelings.

Students were also asked to complete a small writing prompt to compliment their art. Most responses described mixed feelings of the election. Some students responded with optimism, while others brought up how the election has separated the country.  

Penn High’s Kingsmen turned in a dominating fourth-quarter effort, outscoring Northridge 28-15, to earn a tough 57-47 victory on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

Penn has won four of its last five games. In those four wins, Penn has rallied from deficits of 8 (New Prairie), 11 (Glenn), 17 (No. 12 Valparaiso) and 7 (Northridge) points.

Brian Doslak led Penn with 15 points – hitting 3 three-pointers and finishing off the Raiders with 6-of-6 free-throw shooting down the stretch.

Noah Applegate triggered an 11-0 Kingsmen run and finished with 10 points, nine in the second half. Applegate, a 6-foot-5 sophomore, also had seven rebounds and six assists.

Matt McCown scored 10 points, Connor Schneider scored nine points, and Drew Lutz scored eight points for the Kingsmen.

PENN 57 – Drew Lutz 8, Drew Schneider 0, Brian Doslak 15, Beau Ludwick 3, Noah Applegate 10, Noah Krathwohl 2, Matt McCown 10, Connor Schneider 9, Riley Smith 0.

Northridge 47 – Connor Utley 7, Braden Tadeo 0, Justin Wine 0, Jackson Erekson 2, Nick Yoder 11, Luke Morrison 21, Kyle Carson 2, Micah Yoder 2, Zack Welker 2.

PENN             8          7          14        28 – 57

Northridge     12        8          12        15 – 47

Three-pointers: PENN 6 (Doslak 3, Lutz 2, Ludwick 1), Northridge 3 (Morrison).

Penn High School and principal Steve Hope honored 613 Academic Award winners with Academic Letters and Chevrons.

Hope presented awards prior to the Penn Boys Basketball game on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

“Academic success is what we are all about at Penn High School,” Hope said. “We had 613 students receive academic awards for their scholarly pursuits. Learning how to learn is the greatest skill we impart upon our students and these skills will serve our students well, no matter what their future brings.

“The academic awards are a culmination of the diligence and hard work of our students, the support of our parents and the professionalism and determination of the Penn staff,” Hope said. “We are proud of all of our academic award recipients.” 

An academic letter is awarded to all students with a cumulative GPA of better than 3.50 after their fourth and sixth semesters. The letter, with a lamp of knowledge, is white with black and gold trim.

Qualifying students who received letters after the fourth semester receive a chevron after the sixth semester. The chevrons will match the academic letter in color and design.

The Teachers Credit Union ‘Dash for Cash’ is scheduled to take place at Penn High School during the Kingsmen girls’ basketball game against South Bend St. Joseph on Thursday, January 19, at 7:30 p.m.

‘Dash for Cash’ tickets will be handed out by TCU staffers before the game as fans enter the main arena. During halftime, a ticket number will be called and one lucky person will get a chance to win free cash.

In ‘Dash for Cash,’ $500 dollars in different denominations is placed on the gym floor. The contestant will have 30 seconds to collect as much cash as possible.

Teachers Credit Union has been organizing ‘Dash for Cash’ for many years to support its relationship with local schools. Past winners have collected hundreds of dollars from the gym floor. This event is always exciting for all the fans and people of all ages are encouraged to participate.

By LANCE TRIBBETT

Pennant Reporter

The Penn Wrestling Team took care of business at the Northern Indiana Conference tournament on Saturday, Jan. 14, as the Kingsmen swept by the competition by more than 100 team points.

Penn finished first in the 13-team field with 301 ½ points. Mishawaka finished second with 198 points.

Penn won the NIC crown for the sixth consecutive time.

Every Kingsmen wrestler placed in the tournament.

Capturing championships for the Kingsmen were Evan Light(106), Kory Cavanaugh (113), Tanner DeMein (120), Trace Manspeaker (138), Haden Hensley (145) and Jarod Swank (170).

Taking second-place honors were Jeffery Harper (126), Preston Risner (132), Rockne Hurley (160), and Max Chaffee (182).

Winning third-place bouts were Noah Brown (152), Dustin Hochstedler (195) and Lance Tribbett (220). Hezzy Devault (285) finished 5th.

The Kingsmen look to keep their winning ways going as they battle for sectional honors on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Mishawaka.