Penn High School extends its best wishes to our students and their families for a safe Summer as the 2025-2026 draws to a close.

Thank you for all of your contributions to the excellence of Penn High School.

A photo gallery of students leaving on the final school day of the 2025-2026 school year is posted below.

[Show slideshow]

Please note on the day of commencement, Monday, June 8th, the doors for students to enter Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center will be open at 4:30 p.m. Seniors are to enter at Gate 3 and report to the field house at the Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center by 4:45 p.m. Seniors arriving after 5 p.m. will not be in alphabetical order and may be required to be seated at the end of the line or may even be excluded from commencement.

Parents and students can find other pertentent information related to Commencement on the 2026 Commencement Information web page.

Juniors in U.S. History classes recently stepped back in time as part of the annual “PennStock” learning activity.

The event gives students an opportunity to explore the music, culture, fashion, and major historical moments of the 1960s. 

PennStock has become a yearly tradition in U.S. History classes, helping students connect with an important era in American history through hands-on learning experiences.

Click Here for a photo gallery of PennStock 2026

Penn High School’s talented vocal musicians, under the direction of Andrew Nemeth, will take the stage for the Viva Voce Jazz Cafe on Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m. in the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems) – Tania Bengtsson Center for Performing Arts. The evening promises a unique concert experience featuring jazz-style performances in a relaxed cafe atmosphere.

TICKETS

A Photo Gallery of rehearsal is posted below.

Viva Voce, which translates from Italian as “live voice,” is one of Penn’s premiere vocal ensembles. The group is known for its advanced musicianship and polished harmonies. The Jazz Cafe format gives audience members the opportunity to enjoy the music in a more intimate setting.

Penn’s performing arts programs continue to be among the school’s signature strengths, regularly showcasing student talent through concerts, musicals, and special performances throughout the year.

[Show slideshow]

Penn High School celebrated students taking the next step toward their futures today with two Signing Day events recognizing members of the Class of 2026 pursuing careers in education and the skilled trades.

Click to see the full photo gallery in the Class of 2026 Photo Poral: https://phmexcellence.com/PhotosClassof2026

This morning, Penn hosted its third annual Teacher Signing Day, a tradition that began with the Class of 2024. Thirteen graduating seniors were recognized for their commitment to majoring in education in college and pursuing careers as future teachers.

The future teachers are guaranteed a job interview with P-H-M upon completion of their education degree and teacher licensure.

The students invited a current P-H-M teacher who played a meaningful role in encouraging their interest in the profession.

And then this afternoon, two more seniors pursuing careers in the skilled trades were recognized in the second Signing Day event.

Patrick Henning signed his commitment to begin an apprenticeship with Local 172 Plumbers and Pipefitters, while Brayden Ruth was recognized for enrolling in the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology’s 10-month welding program.

Local 172 Plumbers and Pipefitters is a valued community partner and a supporter of PHM Education Foundation.

The afternoon event highlighted additional career pathways available to Penn students as they prepare for life after graduation.

Together, the Signing Day celebrations reflected the many pathways Penn students can pursue after graduation.

Below is a sampling of the pictures taken at today’s events. Click to see the full galleries in the Class of 2026 Photo Poral: https://phmexcellence.com/PhotosClassof2026

Penn High School AP Literature Teacher Michael Coffee was surprised in his classroom this afternoon (Tuesday, May 26) with the Jeneane Arter Excellence in Teaching Award, recognizing his lasting impact on students and their educational experiences.

Known for his passion for literature and his commitment to students, Mr. Coffee’s classroom goes beyond the basics of course requirements. Students say his lessons challenge them to think differently, often centered around the idea of “direct your destiny,” a message that resonates far beyond the classroom.

Students nominate their teachers for the Arter award by submitting short essays about how their favorite teacher is impacting their lives.

“The fact that he cares about the subject matter, is that he cares about his students. He wants to see them succeed, and he wants to see them grow,” one student wrote. “After every email, every question, and every conversation one has with Mr. Coffee, you walk away feeling reassured and understood, sure, but you also feel mentally driven. He doesn’t just give you the answer, but he gives you stellar toolbox at finding it.” 

Students consistently describe Mr. Coffee as thoughtful, patient, and deeply invested in their success. Whether through detailed feedback, engaging discussions, or simply making time to help, they say he creates an environment where growth and confidence take hold.

Despite balancing the demands of teaching, grading, and supporting his own family, Coffee brings the same level of energy and dedication to his classroom every day. Students say that commitment is what sets him apart.

Another student who nominated Mr. Coffee shared “There are fun teachers, understanding teachers, and teachers who teach the subject in a manner that gives you a great understanding. Most teachers are at least one. Some have two of these qualities. But rarely does a teacher truly exhibit all three qualities. From the first email I ever received from Mr. Coffee I knew he had all three.”

P-H-M parents and P-H-M Education Foundation supporters Jason and Darla Lippert established the Jeneane Arter Excellence in Teaching Award is named after current Northpoint Elementary 2nd grade teacher Jeneane Arter. Any teacher is eligible for the award. Recipients receive $2,000, a gift from the Lippert Family.

Past Honorees include:

• 2025: Emily Williams, Meadow’s Edge Elementary School
• 2024: Brianne Roy, Schmucker Middle School
• 2023: Lisa Graves, Grissom Middle School
• 2022: Derrick Fairbotham, Penn High School
• 2021: Alexandra Banks, Mary Frank Elementary School
• 2019: Robi Davidson, Walt Disney Elementary School
• 2018:  Diane Bowersox, Penn High School 
• 2017: Jeneane Arter, Northpoint Elementary School

[Show slideshow]

1 2 ... 5 ►

Penn High School students enjoyed a “Royal Evening of Bloom’ at the 2026 Prom on Saturday, May 16, at the Century Center in South Bend.

Marie Roach was named Prom Queen, and Tobias Prince was named Prom King.

Grace Kazmierzak sang the Senior Serenade for the Prom King and Queen.  

The Bluewater Kings Band will perform live with a 9-piece band, and there was also a D.J. providing entertainment.

A Photo Gallery is posted below.

[Show slideshow]

1 2 ... 6 ►

Penn High School Dance students will showcase their talents at the 2026 Dance Classic on Thursday, May 21, and Friday, May 22.

Tickets

Performances are scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. each night at the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems) – Tania Bengtsson Center for Performing Arts at Penn High School.

[Show slideshow]

1 2 ►