Penn News Network (PNN) junior CJ Vantine had a very special school visitor this morning.

Mr. Zach Lowe from C-SPAN came to Penn to recognize CJ for winning Honorable Mention in C-SPAN’s 2025 National StudentCam Competition, a student video documentary competition.

This year’s theme was “Your Message to the President: What issue is most important to you or your community?” Students were asked to craft a 5-6 minute documentary on the topic of their choice. Nearly 3,500 students across the country entered the contest this year, and CJ was one of the 150 winners!

CJ’s story focused on “Reforming Section 230: Modifying the Moderation.” Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA) is a federal law that protects internet platforms, such as social media sites, from legal liability for content posted by their users.

CJ’s parents, Penn-Harris-Madison School Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, and Board of School Trustees President Chris Riley were on hand to applaud CJ’s honor along with her classmates and PNN teacher Mrs. Ally Starkweather. Local TV station, ABC 57, was also on hand and interviewed CJ about her accomplishment.

As part of CJ’s Honorable Mention award, she also won $250, which she generously plans on donating back to Penn High School to purchase equipment for PNN. Mr. Lowe also read a recognition letter from Indiana U.S. Senator Todd Young commending CJ on her honor.

Three other PNN students also submitted documentaries for consideration in C-SPAN’s StudentCam competition. They were recognized for making it to the second round of judging:

• Marie Roach and Kelly Kubinski, “Dear Madam President” (topic: female empowerment)
• Mikan Gensic, “Price of Being Alive” (topic: universal healthcare)

All videos were submitted to C-SPAN for consideration in January 2025. Click here for the description of StudentCam Competition Rules.

To read more about recent awards that PNN students are winning, click here. 

If future Kingsmen are interested in PNN and possibly taking the courses when they get to Penn High School, parents can sign up their student up to participate in the 2025 PNN Media Summer Camp. Click here for more info and to register their student.

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The baseball field at Penn High School’s Jordan Automotive Baseball Stadium was officially dedicated and renamed on Saturday, April 26 as Greg Dikos Field after Hall of Famer Kingsmen and current coach. 

The field renaming was a $10,000 gift from retiring School Superintendent Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker to the P-H-M Education Foundation Naming Rights Campaign. This makes the fifth donation Dr. and Mrs. Thacker have made as part of the Naming Rights Campaign, recognizing the contributions P-H-M employees have made to the community. Click here for more details.

The ceremony took place in the outfield between the doubleheader between the Kingsmen and Lake Central with the 12-2 Kingsmen win on the scoreboard as the backdrop. Click to see the full photo gallery below.

On hand with Coach Dikos and his wife Sally were their three children, extended family and friends, current and former Kingsmen players and coaches, Penn Hall of Famer Football Coach Chris Geesman, P-H-M School Board Members, P-H-M Education Foundation Board Members, Penn High School Principal Dr. Sean Galiher, P-H-M Administrators Dr. Heather Short and Dr. Tom Kelley, and of course Dr. and Mrs. Thacker.

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Penn has won six State Championships during Dikos’ tenure as head coach – 1994, 1998, 2001, 2015, 2022. 2023.

Coach Dikos has also led Penn to seven Semi-State Championships, 13 Regional Champion-

ships, 21 Sectional Championships and 22 Northern Indiana Conference Championships.

A graduate of Swartz Creek High School (Mich.) and Ball State University, Coach Dikos was selected by the Atlanta Braves as a third baseman in the 1979 Major League Baseball Draft in the 31st round.

Coach Dikos was inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011.

As a reminder, the last day of school for students is Thursday, June 5, 2025. This is one day earlier than previously scheduled. 

Due to the absence of local, state, or national elections on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, all P-H-M schools were in session and no longer had a Recess Day on this date. P-H-M Teachers Association worked collaboratively with the District Administration to make these calendar changes.

Indiana law requires schools to be in session for 180 days each year. If necessary, P-H-M can utilize up to three weather-related eLearning days, as permitted under Indiana law (HB-1093). If additional makeup days are needed, they will be added to the end of the school year, following the new last student day, Thursday, June 5, 2025. 

The updated 2024-2025 school year calendar is posted on the P-H-M website, click here to view the updated calendar.

Freshman AP History teacher William “Cub” Irons got quite the April Fool’s surprise this morning, except it was no joke!

With the help of Penn High School’s Administrative Team, P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker dropped by Mr. Irons’ class to let him know that his class had the highest AP History passing percentage at Penn, scoring a 3 or higher on AP History of the World exam.

In classrooms across the district, our experienced teachers are working hard to help their students learn, retain and grow their knowledge base.

The Spring 2025 P-H-M Teacher Impact Awards are given to educators who had the most significant individual student growth with DIBELS, IREAD, ILEARN, and AP testing. Dr. Thacker awarded four other teachers with Impact Awards on April 1st. Click here more details.

Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation for covering the cost for the beautiful crystal awards which teachers can proudly display in their classrooms.

A new chapter in Penn High School’s rich sports history will begin in the Fall of 2025, as the Penn-Harris-Madison Board of School Trustees voted to approve the formation of a Girls Flag Football Program. 

The P-H-M School Board vote on Monday, March 24, gives a green light to join the Girls Flag Football initiative in Indiana. The Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) announced on Monday that 55 schools have committed to Girls Flag Football Teams for the 2025 season, an increase from 27 teams in 2024.

“We are thrilled to add girls flag football as a fall sport at Penn,” Athletic Director Jeff Hart said. “With the strong support of the IHSAA and the Indianapolis Colts, the interest around the state has been strong and we look forward to building a program that competes at a high level.  We will begin the process soon of hiring a head coach and meeting with interested students. We can’t wait to get started!”

The IHSAA is one of 19 state associations currently piloting the Girls Flag Football in conjunction with the NFL and the Indianapolis Colts. The NFL and the Colts are providing grants to Penn High School totaling $6,500 to support the 2025 and 2026 seasons. In addition, they will provide 25 black jerseys with “Vegas gold” lettering.

Plans are for Penn to play a seven-game regular-season schedule followed by the state tournament. The Northern Indiana Conference is projecting six teams for the 2025 season – Penn, Elkhart, South Bend Adams, South Bend Riley, South Bend St. Joseph and South Bend Washington.

Girls Flag Football will be played in a 7-vs.-7 format, with games lasting 60 minutes.

Plans are for Penn to field a Varsity team in 2025, with a Junior Varsity team to be added later. Tryouts/practice for the Penn Flag Football Team are scheduled to start on Monday, August 4.

Previously, Penn offered a Girls Flag Football tournament once a year around Homecoming, called “Powder Puff.” Four teams, made up of student-athletes from each class year, playing each other. The annual tournament has been very popular, and will remain part of Penn’s Homecoming week traditions.

Girls Flag Football at Penn will provide a new competitive outlet that fosters teamwork, leadership, and increased participation in education-based athletics. As the sport gains traction nationwide, this program will offer female students access to emerging scholarship opportunities and potential career pathways in sports. Additionally, it will strengthen the Penn Athletic community, build school spirit, and further enhance Penn’s reputation as a leader in Indiana high school sports.

After nearly two decades leading the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation, Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker has announced his retirement, effective in July 2025. In a heartfelt letter sent this morning to P-H-M teachers, staff, students, and families  Dr. Thacker shared his decision to step down after a remarkable 53-year career in education (click here to read the letter).

“Dr. Thacker’s vision of excellence helped shape P-H-M into one of the top-performing school districts in Indiana,” commented Chris Riley, President of the P-H-M Board of School Trustees. “We are grateful not only for his years of leadership, but for his tireless commitment and dedication to our entire community. There is no greater supporter of Penn-Harris-Madison than Dr. Jerry Thacker!”

Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, P-H-M has achieved extraordinary milestones, including raising the graduation rate from 79% to 98%, ranking in the top 4% of the state academically, and helping students earn more than $200 million in scholarships. He also prioritized school safety, leading P-H-M to be ranked sixth in the nation for school safety initiatives.

In concert with the Board of School Trustees, P-H-M has a stellar record of financial stewardship. P-H-M overcame a $3 million deficit, built a strong and sustainable financial model, and maintained one of the lowest tax rates in the region—all while ensuring our students and staff had the resources they needed to thrive.

Reflecting on his tenure, Dr. Thacker shared “As superintendent, one of the greatest joys of my career has been attending school events and witnessing our students shine—whether excelling in academics, performing in fine arts, or competing in athletics. Our students’ talent and dedication are extraordinary.”

Dr. Thacker’s educational career began in the classroom as a 6th grade teacher at Madison Elementary School, where he taught for five-and-a-half years, before moving to Mary Frank Elementary to teach 5th and 6th grades for eight years, where he also became a Team Leader. He even did his student teaching at P-H-M, at Moran Elementary. His passion for learning and leadership soon led him to administrative roles across Indiana and beyond.

Dr. Thacker’s extensive career in educational leadership includes:

• Eastlawn Elementary School, Twin Lakes School Corporation (Monticello, IN)
  • Principal (1985-1987)
• Woodlawn Elementary School, Twin Lakes School Corporation (Monticello, IN)
  • Principal and Director of Curriculum (1987-1989)
• Saginaw Intermediate School District (Saginaw, Michigan) 
  • Director of Curriculum, Professional Development, and School Improvement (1989-1990)
• Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (Indianapolis, IN)
  • Director of Elementary Education (1990-1996) – Led significant academic improvements, increasing the district’s 4-Star Schools from one to eight within five years
  • Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources (1996-1998)
• Logansport Community School Corporation (Logansport, IN) 
  • Superintendent (1998-2006)
• Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation 
  • Superintendent (2006-2025)

He earned his Elementary Education degree from Bethel College, his Master’s from Indiana University South Bend, and his Ed.D. in Educational Administration, Counseling, and Psychology from Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Michigan).

Dr. Thacker’s commitment to education has been driven by a lifelong dedication to student success. The Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents (IAPSS) named him Outstanding Educator of the Year in 2013 and again in 2017. 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.

Donna and Jerry Thacker will spend the winter months in Florida. Dr. Thacker plans on remaining active in the field of education working as a consultant. He and Mrs. Thacker have been longtime contributors to and supporters of the P-H-M Education Foundation.  During his tenure, the Thackers have donated $232,500, including contributions to PHMEF’s Naming Rights Campaign:

• Chris Geesman Kingsmen Athletic Center (formerly the Kingsmen Athletic Center), $25,000 
• Al Rhodes Kingsmen Court, $10,000 donated in October 2023 
• Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium (formerly the  P-H-M DVT & Planetarium), $10,000 donated in January 2024
• Yeoman Family Plaza, $10,000 donated in March 2024 
• Greg Dikos Field, $10,000 donated in August 2024 

It was announced in January that Penn High School’s new fieldhouse will be named the Dr. Jerry and Donna Thacker Fieldhouse. Click here for more information.

Reflecting on his time at P-H-M, Dr. Thacker expressed deep gratitude for the support of teachers, staff, students, parents, and the broader P-H-M community. His leadership has left an enduring impact on the district, and his legacy will continue through the students, educators, and families he has influenced.

“I will carry with me the countless memories of our shared successes and the friendships that have made this journey so meaningful,” Dr. Thacker said. “The future of P-H-M is bright because of each of you, and I have no doubt that our teachers, staff, and administrators will continue to inspire, empower, and lead with excellence. Our families will continue to raise amazing children. And our students are aptly prepared to make a difference in this world at every level.”

Details about P-H-M’s Board of School Trustees’ search for the district’s next superintendent will be announced in the coming weeks.

Friday, August 23rd was the Home Opener for Kingsmen football. It was a perfect night for the dedication of the Yeoman Family Plaza at Everwise Freed Field. See the full photo gallery below.

Penn-Harris-Madison Superintendent Dr. and Mrs. Thacker donated $10,000 to the P-H-M Education Foundation Naming Rights Campaign to rename the plaza after former Penn High School Head Football Coach Cory Yeoman and his family.

The Yeoman Family bleeds black and gold. Coach Cory’s father Wally Yeoman was an assistant coach with legendary Chris Geesman. Coach Cory and brothers Trent and Todd all played for Penn. Male members of the Yeoman family and those who married into the family have either played for or coached for the Long Black Line at some point. The wives of Cory, Trent, Todd, their children and grandchildren were all present for the dedication along with Dr. and Mrs. Thacker and P-H-M Education Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom.

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Cory earned all-state honors at defensive tackle. In 1979, he led a Kingsmen defense that only allowed 33 yards rushing a game. That Kingsmen team finished 11-1, winning an NIC Championship before losing to Hobart in the second round of the playoffs. Cory graduated from Penn in 1980. 

Cory played for Miami (Ohio) University. He was a roommate and teammate of the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl winning head coach, John Harbaugh. He joined the Kingsmen coaching staff after graduation from Miami, and has been on the Kingsmen sidelines for 40 seasons.

In his first season after replacing legendary Coach Geesman, Cory guided Penn to the 2003 State Championship Game. Yeoman also led Penn to Semi-state titles in 2017, 2015 and 2011. In addition to winning four Semi-state Championships, the Kingsmen have won nine regional crowns under Yeoman’s leadership, 13 sectional titles and 17 Northern Indiana Conference championships. 

Yeoman retired at the end of the 2023-2024 school year after 40 years with P-H-M.

Dr. Thacker has been superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation since 2006 and has supported the Education Foundation wholeheartedly. Over the course of 18 years, Dr. and Mrs. Thacker have donated $232,500 to the P-H-M Education Foundation. Most of this money has either been unrestricted donations or used as matching funds for fundraising initiatives.

Dr. and Mrs. Thacker have made five donations since 2021 totaling $65,000 as part of the Naming Rights Campaign, recognizing the contributions P-H-M employees have made to the community:

1. Chris Geesman Kingsmen Athletic Center (formerly the Kingsmen Athletic Center), $25,000 donated in December 2021 ($5,000 per year over five years, for an overall period of 12 years)
2. Al Rhodes Kingsmen Court, $10,000 donated in October 2023 (one lump sum)
3. Arthur M. Klinger Planetarium (formerly the  P-H-M DVT & Planetarium), $10,000 donated in January 2024
4. Yeoman Family Plaza, $10,000 donated in March 2024 
5. Greg Dikos Field, $10,000 donated in August 2024 

Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker started handing out the third and final round of district Impact Awards on Wednesday, May 22. The awards were given to teachers who had the most significant individual student growth with DIBLES, ILEARN, and SAT assessments for Spring 2024.

Dr. Thacker, along with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Director of Professional Development and Student Learning, visited four schools to surprise five teachers letting them know that they were the latest winners, and Penn High School had two winners:

• Candice Beelaert had the highest student growth in English on the SAT.

• Rebecca Horvath had the highest student growth in Math on the SAT.

Congrats to Mrs. Beelaert and Mrs. Horvath and their students!

As this school year comes to a close we want to thank all our teachers and students for their commitment to academic excellence this school year. The hard work really paid off!

Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation for covering the cost of the awards for purchasing the beautiful crystal awards given to the teacher award recipients.

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It’s widely known that there’s a national teacher shortage. In Indiana, it’s been reported that there are around 2,000 teacher vacancies across the state.

Encouraging high school students with an interest in children and education to become teachers is one way we can help widen the teacher shortage gap.

Under Penn High School’s Family and Consumer Sciences program, students who are interested in pursuing a career in education can take several courses, such as Early Childhood Education and Cadet Teaching.

Click here to see Penn’s full Program of Studies.

On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, a special event was held for 13 Penn students who plan to become teachers. Patterned after College Signing Day what student-athletes do to declare their intentions on playing for a particular school, the Penn students donned their college of choice t-shirt and signed their intentions to major in Education with proud parents in the audience. We also asked the students to invite their favorite P-H-M teachers.

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1. Brooklin Kline: Indiana University South Bend, Elementary Education
   Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Kylee Wetzel, Penn High School
2. Sarah Gentry: Purdue University, Elementary Education
   Favorite Teachers: Mrs. Sherri Potts, Mrs. Cassie Scarsella, Mr. Jason Pikuza, Bittersweet Elementary; Mr. Steven Sanders, Penn High School
3. Gretchen Moore: Indiana University Bloomington, Secondary Special Education
   Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Bonnie Manningham, Penn High School
4. Kaitlyn Vargo: Indiana University South Bend, Elementary Education
   Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Rachael Meyers, Penn High School
5. Molly Knight: Ball State University, Elementary Education
   Favorite Teacher: Mr. John Hedrick, Discovery Middle School
6. Brianna Magnuson: Holy Cross College, Elementary Education
   Favorite Teacher Mrs. Rachael Meyers, Penn High School
7. Emma Szymanski: University of Kentucky, Elementary Education
   Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Anna King, Mary Frank Elementary
8. Payton Johnson: Indiana University South Bend, Elementary Education
   Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Rachael Meyers, Penn High School
9. Samantha Fecteau: Ball State University, Elementary Education
   Favorite Teacher: Miss Anne Napoli, Penn High School
10. Caitlynn Fischer, IUSB, Elementary Education
    Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Stephanie Betzer, Moran Elementary
11. Ellie Stabnick, University of Tampa, Elementary Education
    Favorite Teacher: Mrs. Ally Starkweather, Penn High School
12. Xavier Browning, Purdue University, Secondary Education
    Favorite Teacher: Mr. Kyle Marsh, Penn High School
13. Brandon Mueller, Indiana State, Secondary Education
    Favorite Teacher: Mr. Jeremy Starkweather, Penn High School

Good luck to these students and we hope to see these faces again when they come back to Penn-Harris-Madison to teach!

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