Penn High School Principal Sean Galiher announced that 21 students have been named Valedictorians for the Class of 2024. Four students were named Salutatorians.

Valedictorians Mia Aboukhaled, Shayan Asafuddaula, Joel Bell, Owen Black, Henry Gillin, Lillian Gregory, Caroline Johnson, Suzana Josenhans, Bohdan Kolomiiets, Erini Mattheos, Aadil Qasim, Bella Schaetzle, Connor Schmitt, Jaden Shim, Ella Smoker, David Son, Jayden Wang, Lillian Weiss, Audrey Wise, Michelle Yuan and Felix Zhang, and Salutatorians Anika Amin, Maria Goffinet, Rhea Rakhra and Landon Sears will lead the Class of 2024 at Penn’s Commencement Ceremony, 7 p.m., Monday, June 3, at the University of Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center.

VALEDICTORIANS

Mia Aboukhaled

Parents: Dany Aboukhaled and Wakim Aboukhaled

Elementary School: Northpoint

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Study Biology at Indiana University.

Career Plans: Medicine

Activities/Honors: Four seasons on the Penn Girls Lacrosse Team, Key Club, Freshmen Mentor, Medical Club, Kingsmen Tutor.

Shayan Asafuddaula

Parents:  Kousumi Tania and Shayan Asafuddaula

Elementary School: Northpoint

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Purdue University

Career Plans: Engineering

Activities/Honors: Debate, Robotics, DECA, Academic Super Bowl, NHS, Model U.N.

Joel Bell

Parents: Angela Bell and Jason Bell 

Elementary School: Northpoint and Tomoka Elementary

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Indiana University majoring in Finance

Career Plans: Finance (Private Equity or Investment Banking)

Activities/Honors: Founder and President of the Chess Club, co-Founder and Executive of the Math Club, Public Relations Officer of DECA, Executive of the Kingsmen Court, IASP Indiana Rising Star, National Merit Commended Scholar, Indiana University Kelley School of Business Scholar, Kingsmen Tutor

Owen Black

Parents: Danielle Black and Karl Black

Elementary School: Cleveland

Middle School: Schmucker

College Plans: Indiana University, pre-Medicine Bio Major

Career Plans: Anesthesiologist

Activities/Honors: Varsity Track (Pole Vault), U.S. Presidential Scholar Nominee, National Merit Finalist.

Henry Gillin

Parents: Amy Gillin and Peter Gillin

Elementary School: Horizon

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Purdue University to study Engineering

Career Plans: Plans to start own technology company with a basis in robotics and artificial intelligence. 

Activities/Honors: Captain of the Penn Varsity Lacrosse Team (lettered three years), member of the Penn Varsity Hockey Team (lettered two years), member of the Penn Robotics Team, the Black Knights

Member of the National Honor Society 

Lillian Gregory

Parents: Laura Gregory and Chad Gregory

Elementary School: Prairie Vista

Middle School: Schmucker

College Plans: Purdue University, Chemical Engineering

Career Plans: Chemical Engineer

Activities/Honors: Symphonic Orchestra cellist, Science Academic Super Bowl captain, German Club council member, Tri-M Music Honor Society vice-president, Mathcounts coach at Schmucker Middle School, Kingsmen Tutoring Internship leader, National Honor Society member, Key Club member, German American Partnership Program (GAPP) member, National Merit Finalist, Rising Star of Indiana 

Caroline Johnson

Parents: Abigail Johnson and Eric Johnson

Elementary School: Horizon

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Purdue University, Mathematics

Career Plans: Actuary

Activities/Honors: Key Club, National Honor Society, Target employee, DECA, Penn PACA, National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction .

Suzana Josenhans

Parents: Barbara Josenhans and Thomas Josenhans.

Elementary School: Sharon Elementary (K-3), Chandler Elementary (4-5).

Middle School: Castle North Middle School.

College Plans: Study Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Notre Dame.

Career Plans: Chemical or Biomolecular Engineer and research developing new technology. 

Activities/Honors: Co-Founder of Fischoff Chamber Music Association’s “Music For,” President of French Club, Secretary of Science National Honor Society, and member of National Honor Society, Key Club, and the South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra, U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate, AP Scholar with Distinction

Bohdan Kolomiiets

Parents: Iryna Yefimchuk Kolomiiets and Andrii Yefimchuk Kolomiiets

Elementary School: Erudytynya School (1st grade, Ukraine) School Number 3 (2nd grade, Ukraine), Sophia School (3rd grade, Ukraine), Hillside School and then International School of Luxembourg (4th grade),  Walt Disney Elementary (USA, 5th grade) 

Middle School: Schmucker (6th grade), Discovery (7th and 8th grades)

College Plans: Undecided.

Career Plans: Earn a JD/MBA degree and then pursue a career either in corporate/business law, investment banking, finance or Ukrainian/Polish politics

Activities/Honors: Debate Team executive (district champion, State runner up and LaPorte Tournament Champion-all in P.F. debate with Noah Schafer), Speech Team executive, Grissom Middle School Debate assistant coach,  Model U.N. executive, 180 days around the World Club member, South Bend Youth Advisory Council member, PACA officer, DECA, Freshman Mentor, Tennis (Penn High School Invitational No. 2 doubles champion with Zichu Wang), Soccer Referee,

-American Citizenship Award 5th grade.

Erini Mattheos 

Parents: Nektaria Mattheos and Panagiotis Mattheos

Elementary School: Prairie Vista

Middle School: Schmucker

College Plans: University of Notre Dame, Biology

Career Plans: Dentist

Activities/Honors: President of Dream Commission Society, Executive of Around The World in 180 days, National Honor Society, Key Club, JV Tennis, Kingsmen Tutor, Freshman Mentor, DECA

Aadil Qasim

Parents: Saadia Qasim and Qasim Asghar

Elementary School: Northpoint

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Study Neuroscience at Indiana University.

Career Plans: Physician.

Activities/Honors: Blood Drive Chair of NHS

Executive Board Member of MSA

Kingsmen Tutor

DECA Competitor

Bella Schaetzle

Parents: Lina Schaetzle and Dan Schaetzle

Elementary School: Walt Disney and Mary Frank

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Purdue University, Chemical Engineering.

Career Plans: Earn a Masters in Chemical Engineering and then Law School to study patent law.

Activities/Honors: Key Club President, Speech and Debate team captain, National Honors Society member,  Mishawaka Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council member, Discovery Middle School debate coach, and Kingsmen Tutor. Interned at Notre Dame in the mass spectrometry and proteomics lab, $2170 grant from the P-H-M education foundation for the Penn Grown Project (run by Key Club), Lilly endowment community scholar, National Speech and Debate Degree of Distinction. 

Connor Schmitt

Parents: Kathryn Park and John Schmitt 

Elementary School: Northpoint

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Attend Indiana University as a Wells Scholar majoring in Human Biology on a Pre-Med track with a minor in Philosophy.

Career Plans: Orthopedic surgeon.

Activities/Honors: Co-Founder and Co-President of Penn’s Association for Children with Autism, Boys Tennis Team Captain, National Honor Society Vice President, Science National Honor Society Executive, Kingsmen Court Representative, Discovery MATHCOUNTS Assistant Coach, Stock Market Club, DECA, National Merit Scholarship Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction.

Jaden Shim

Parents: Jaehee Shim and Scott Shim

Elementary School: Northpoint

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Will attend either the University of Virginia, the University of Notre Dame or Indiana University to study business and statistics

Career Plans: Unknown

Activities/Honors: Boys Tennis (Senior Captain), Penn Korean Club Co-President/Founder, National Honor Society Internal Vice President, Discovery Middle School MathCounts Assistant Coach, Kingsmen Tutor Leader, Member of DECA/Key Club/PACA (Penn’s Association for Children with Autism), National Merit Commended Scholar, two-time Northern Indiana Conference All-Conference Second Team (Boys Tennis, 2022, 2023)

Ella Smoker

Parents: Jen Smoker and Phil Smoker

Elementary School: Meadow’s Edge

Middle School: Grissom

College Plans: University of Notre Dame to study finance and business management

Career Plans: Business, likely venture capitalism or consulting

Activities/Honors: Short Hair Because We Care Club – founded the club in 2018 at Grissom Middle School and continued the club a Penn, current founder and president, hosted a yearly hair donation event at which a local salon came and cut/prepped hair for donation to Children With Hair Loss, covered by local news and media coverage, DECA two-year club president, four-year member, qualified for the International competition three years in a row by placing top three in state every year, Granger Student Ministries – weekend service middle school group leader and band member, as well as summer camp counselor, Kingsmen Against Cancer four-year member, secretary for two years, Freshmen Mentor three years, National Honor Society for both years eligible (Junior, Senior), Penn-Harris-Madison Education Foundation Intern (Sophomore, Junior), Key Club four years, National Society of High School Scholars  both years eligible (Junior, Senior)

David Son

Parents: Yun Kim and Yang Son

Elementary School: Northpoint

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: UCLA to study Business Economics

Career Plans: Business and Economics

Activities/Honors: Captain of Penn Swim and Dive, Freshmen Mentor Executive, Kingsmen Tutor Leader, Kingsmen Court Executive, Co-President of Penn’s Association for Children with Autism, National Honor Society President.

Jayden Wang

Parents: Lin Wang and Zheng Wang

Elementary School: Northpoint

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: University of Notre Dame, pre-med, Chemistry major

Career Plans: Emergency Medicine Physician

Activities/Honors: Science National Honor Society Co-founder and President, Fischoff Chamber Music Academy Community Engagement Intern, Cancer Research Intern at Notre Dame, South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra, Penn High School Symphonic Orchestra, Key Club, National Honor Society, PACA, Piano, Lilly Endowment Scholar, U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate, National Merit Finalist, Regional Academic All Star, National Chemistry Olympiad National Qualifier, AP Scholar with Distinction, Hoosier Piano Competition 1st in State

Lillian Weiss

Parents: Andrea Weiss and Jonathan Weiss

Elementary School: Prairie Vista

Middle School: Schmucker

College Plans: Purdue University, Biology

Career Plans: Pathologist or Geneticist

Activities/Honors: Penn Competition Dance Team member (captain for 11th and 12th grade), IHSDTA State Champion in duet (11th and 12th grade), National Merit Commended Scholar, AP Scholar with Honor, National Honor Society member, Key Club member, Kingsmen Tutor, Freshmen Mentor, Kingsmen Against Cancer member, PACA and Handwritten Hearts member.

Audrey Wise

Parents: Jane Wise and Douglas Wise

Elementary School: Horizon

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Pharmaceutical Sciences at Purdue University

Career Plans: Pharmacy industry

Activities/Honors: Penn Marching Kingsmen, Tri-M Music Honor Society, Symphonic Winds, Advanced Jazz Ensemble, Kaleidoscope Jazz Combo, Symphonic Orchestra, Whirlpool Foundation Scholarship winner, DECA ICDC qualifier, South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra

Michelle Yuan

Parents: Miao Zhong and John Yuan

Elementary School: Horizon

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Cornell University Nolan School of Hotel Administration.

Career Plans: Hotel manager.

Activities/Honors: Airbnb Superhost, Penn Korean Club Co-president and Founder, Penn Chinese Club Co-president, Penn Key Club, Penn National Honor Society, TEAMS, Grace Chinese Christian Conference Group Leader, Penn Kingsmen Tutor, Penn Kingsmen Tutor Internship and Private Tutoring, Symphonic Orchestra Violinist, Piano Pianist and Accompanist, Figure skating – Private and Public Coach and Figure skater.

Felix Zhang

Parents: Shanqin Chen and Yongtao Zhang

Elementary School: Northpoint.

Middle School: Discovery.

College Plans: Undecided.

Career Plans: Undecided.

Activities/Honors: Concertmaster of the All-State Orchestra, Penn Symphonic Orchestra, South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra. Top 3 placements at International Piano Competitions. Founding Violinist of Music For Community String Quintet, Interns for Fischoff Chamber Music Academy, AP Calculus AB Perfect Score. National Merit Scholarship Winner. Presidential Scholar Candidate. Discovery MathCounts Head Coach. Mathnasium Instructor. Co-founder and executive of Penn Math Club. Secretary of Penn’s National Honor Society Chapter. Spell Bowl Individual and Team State Champions. Math Academic Super Bowl. DECA. 3x AIME qualifier. MathCON  National Finals 2nd place. Indiana Math League State Champion.

SALUTATORIANS

Anika Amin

Parents: Ekta Amin and Nikesh Amin

Elementary School: Northpoint

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Indiana University

Career Plans: Major in Neuroscience

Activities/Honors: President of Penn Medical Club, Member of National Honor Society, Member of Key Club, Three-year member of Freshmen Mentoring, Two-year member of Science National Honor Society, Member of PACA, Member of Ronald McDonald House Charity Club

MARIA GOFFINET

Parents: Karen Goffinet and Kent Goffinet

Elementary School: Christ the King Catholic School

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Purdue University

Activities/Honors: 4H, 4H Jr. Leaders, DECA, PACA, English Academic Super Bowl, Social Studies Academic Super Bowl, Gilder-Lehrman Student Advisory Council, DECA – fourth-place Integrated Marketing Campaign, third-place Franchise Business Plan, fourth-place International Business Plan English Academic Super Bowl State Champion Social Studies Academic Super Bowl State Runner-Up Interdisciplinary Academic Super Bowl State Finalist AP Scholar with Distinction National Merit Commended Scholar NCWIT Aspirations in Computing Award Indiana Affiliate Winner Billy Michal Student Leadership Award

RHEA RAKHRA

Parents: Sue Rakhra and Bob Rakhra

Elementary School: Northpoint

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Major in biomedical or chemical engineering; medical school. 

Activities/Honors: 2-time State Winner International Qualifier for DECA, Team Captain Northern Indiana Volleyball Association (NIVA three years), President of Kingsman Against Cancer and Co-Founder of Science National Honor Society, Freshman Mentor, Penn Volleyball, Written Event Officer Executive for DECA. 

LANDON SEARS

Parents: Dr. Jennifer Sears and Andrew Sears

Elementary School: Horizon

Middle School: Discovery

College Plans: Bethel University

Career Plans: Practice medicine as a Pediatrician

Activities/Honors: Earned Associates Degree in General Studies from Ivy Tech Community College through Penn’s Early College Program, Fundraising Officer for Penn’s Association for Children with Autism (PACA), National Honor Society, plays travel volleyball for Team Pineapple in Angola, Indiana.

For the first time, several of our French 4 and Spanish 4 students participated in the National Language Examination and Contests to showcase their skills. Of the 67 Penn students who took these exams, 16 students received national recognition for their scores.

• Sarah Mead received a Silver medal.
• Dylan Wolf received a Bronze Medal.
• Malcolm Wallace received an Honorable Mention Certificate.

Every year before Commencement our graduating seniors get to take a trip down memory by returning to their P-H-M elementary schools. It’s a special day for our students because they’re cheered on by younger students, they get to reconnect with their former elementary principals and elementary teachers, and maybe see younger siblings, neighbors, or family friends. They may even get to play some of their favorite old recess games!

 Here’s a short recap video pf the excitement!

Below are just a sampling of the 11 Senior Parades we were able to capture in photos.

Northpoint Elementary School (Thursday, May 30)

[Show slideshow]

Moran Elementary School (Thursday, May 30)

Click to see more photos on Moran’s website.

Walt Disney Elementary School (Thursday, May 30)

[Show slideshow]

Elm Road Elementary School (Friday, May 31)

Click to see more on Elm Road’s website.

Bittersweet Elementary School (Friday, May 31)

Click to see more on Bittersweet’s website.

Elsie Rogers Elementary School (Friday, May 31)

Click to see more on Elsie Rogers’ website.

Commencement is Monday, June 3 at at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. The ceremony begins promptly at 7:00 p.m. Doors open at 5:30 for attendees.

For those wishing to watch the livestream, click here. 

Students are to enter Gate 10. Doors open at 4:30. Seniors arriving after 5:00 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. Click here for more student related information.

Please refer to the map below for parking locations.

Clear bags are preferred, but not required. Notre Dame reserves the right to search purses/bags. Backpacks, totes, and duffel bags are not allowed. Please see ND’s list of prohibited items include (or click here):

• Alcohol
• Animals (Service Dogs are permitted)
• Artificial noisemakers (including whistles)
• Cameras with lenses longer than six (6) inches
• Cans or glass bottles (including aerosols)
• Drones or Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
• Fireworks or explosives
• Food or beverage (except unopened plastic water bottles). Food is allowed as a medical necessity with proof.
• GoPro or selfie sticks
• Halloween-style masks
• Laser or pen pointers
• Signs, banners, and balloons
• Stadium chairs or seat backs (unless medical reason with documentation)
• Strollers
• Throwing of any object at any time (including footballs)
• Water vessels of any kind, including water bottles
• Use of tobacco products and e-cigarettes
• Use or possession of marijuana, and other illegal drugs
• Weapons/Firearms. WEAPONS OF ANY KIND ARE PROHIBITED ON CAMPUS
• Any other items deemed dangerous or inappropriate 

It’s also highly recommended that families make prior arrangements as to where to meet their seniors after the graduation ceremonies have ended. Please do not interrupt the procession as the graduates exit the Joyce Center. The graduates will be released to meet with family and friends after re-entering the field house.

We wish everyone a wonderful Commencement evening!

U.S. History classes at Penn High brought the music, speeches and historical times of the 1960’s to life with Pennstock.

A Photo Gallery is posted below:

[Show slideshow]

1 2 3 ►

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.

[Show slideshow]

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.

[Show slideshow]

1 2 3 ►

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!

[Show slideshow]

Penn High School celebrated the graduation of students enrolled in the Exceptional Education Academy with its Class of 2024 Commencement Ceremony.

A Photo Gallery is posted below.

[Show slideshow]

1 2 ►

Penn High School will hold its 2024 Commencement Ceremony at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion on Monday, June 3, at 7 p.m. The event will celebrate the graduation of 854 members of the Class of 2024.

On Wednesday, May 15, the Penn Faculty, P-H-M Administrators and members of the Board of School Trustees gathered with graduating seniors and their families to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2024 at the annual Senior Recognition Night. The event recognizes the academic success that members of the Senior Class have achieved recognizing them for awards, honors and scholarships that they’ve earned for graduation.

Awards conferred at Senior Recognition included academic excellence, leadership, service to school and community, citizenship, attendance, athletic accomplishments and a whole host of other accomplishments. The majority of these awards are recognized in this web story.

A Photo Gallery is posted below.

Many students were recognized for winning private scholarships during the program. So far the Class of 2024 graduates have earned approximately nearly $16 million in scholarships! This number will continue to grow as notifications for private scholarships continue to come in over the summer months. We encourage students to notify the Penn Counseling Office of all your scholarships, even after you’ve graduated; it helps us measure the success of our graduates.

The 2024 graduating class is the fourth class to receive recognition through the Latin Honors System:

• A total of 39 students will graduate Summa Cum Laude, with the highest praise, by earning an Academic Honors diploma with a GPA greater than 4.25.
• A total of 117 students will graduate Magna Cum Laude, with high praise, by earning an Academic Honors diploma with a GPA greater than 4.0. 
• A total of 113 students will graduate Cum Laude,with praise, with a GPA greater than 3.75.

A total of 442 students in the Class of 2024 are graduating with an Academic Honors diploma! To be eligible for an Academic Honors Diploma, students must accumulate a minimum of 47 credits in a prescribed curriculum and have a grade point average of 3.0.

A total of 325 students in the Class of 2024 are graduating with High Honors! These students have maintained a 3.5 grade point average or above for the first seven semesters of high school study.

The Core 40 with Technical Honors diploma is awarded to students who complete professional internships and or college courses in a technical area. A total of 72 students are graduating with Technical Honors.

The Class of 2024 is the seventh cohort of the Early College Academy. A total of 119 students are graduating from Early College. An impressive 97 are graduating with an Associate’s Degree through the Early College Academy!

Principal’s Excellence Award

The Penn High School Principal’s Academic Excellence Award was presented to eight seniors based upon academic excellence and overall achievement: Caleb Burns, Thomas Galiher, Amrit Kaur, Ashtyn Martens, Clarissa Schmitt, Aayan Siddiqi, Muhammad Sualeh and Chelsea Zou.

Principal’s Leadership Award

The Principal’s Leadership Award is presented annually to students who contribute their talent, time, energy, and motivation to the leadership of Penn’s student body. Ashley Mead and Noah Schafer were honored for helping to make a difference in the culture of Penn on behalf of their classmates.

Principal’s Citizenship and Service Award

The Principal’s Citizenship and Service Award was presented to eight Penn High School students who have selflessly donated many hours to make sure that Penn High School is well represented in whatever service project they are involved in. The winners of the 2024 Principal’s Citizenship and Service Award were Zoe Bishop, Lana Ealdama, Elizabeth Eshowsky, Joshua Jankowski, Selma Imamovic, Sarah Mead, Cameron Poznanski and Camden Stout.

The Class of 2024 boasts 21 valedictorians.

This year’s valedictorians include: Mia Aboukhaled, Shayan Asafuddaula, Joel Bell, Owen Black, Henry Gillin, Lillian Gregory, Caroline Johnson, Suzana Josenhans, Bohdan Kolomiiets, Erini Mattheos, Aadil Qasim, Bella Schaetzle, Connor Schmitt, Jaden Shim, Ella Smoker, David Son, Jayden Wang, Lillian Weiss, Audrey Wise, Michelle Yuan and Felix Zhang.

This year, Penn has four salutatorians: Anika Amin, Maria Goffinet, Rhea Rakhra, Landon Sears.

The U.S. Presidential Scholars program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.  Each year, from nearly 3.6 million graduating high school seniors, over 5,200 students are identified as candidates in this program.  620 semi-finalists are identified nationwide and advance to the final round.  Of the semi-finalists, up to 161 students are named as Presidential Scholars, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.  Scholars have all demonstrated leadership, scholarship, and contribution to school and community. Penn has four students who are considered candidates for this program: Owen Black, Suzana Josenhans, Jayden Wang, Felix Zhang.

National Merit Finalists

This year 14 Penn High School students designated as National Merit Semi-finalists based upon their high PSAT scores have ALSO been named National Merit Finalists. These students advanced to Finalist standing in the Merit Scholarship competitionby demonstrating, through distinguished performance, high potential for future academic accomplishment. They are in the top 1% of all students in the country and eligible for one of the 8,000 scholarships to be awarded this spring. Penn’s 2024 National Merit Finalists are: Owen Black, Lillian Gregory, Lily Meyer, Olivia Nijim, Noah Schafer, Connor Schmitt, Jayden Wang, Feliz Zhang.

The following National Merit Finalists also received a scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation: Owen Black, Lillian Gregory, Noah Schafer, Connor Schmitt, Felix Zhang.

Nine students received recognition from the College Board and were awarded National Merit Commended Scholar of Semi-Finalist status: Shayan Asafuddalua, Joel Bell, Jacob Ciliberti, Henry Gillin, Maria Goffinet, Caroline Johnson, Joseph Kline, Greta Lannon, Sera McClain, Aiden Page, Jaden Shim, Aidan Shoemaker, Evelyn Shrout, Lillian Weiss and Michelle Yuan.

Jayden Wang has been selected as a 2024 Regional Academic All-Star. Each Indiana high school can nominate one senior for this prestigious award. Jayden was selected and honored as one of 50 regional winners chosen by a selection committee from across the state. Awards are presented to the students and an influential educator of their choice. Jayden chose his A.P. Calculus teacher Denise White to be recognized with him.

Indiana University Wells Scholar

Connor Schmitt has been selected as a 2024 Indiana University Wells Scholar. This Scholarship is named in honor of Herman B. Wells, a former I.U. President who devoted his life to the University. The Wells Scholarship is awarded on the basis of high academic standings and test scores. It provides full tuition, academic fees, and a living expense stipend for four years of study at I.U. Bloomington. Wells Scholars may also choose to spend one year studying abroad, engaging in special leadership opportunities and/or fellowships with distinguished I.U. faculty, as well as participating in enriching summer internships.

Lilly Scholars

Bella Schaetzle and Jayden Wang were awarded the Community Foundation of Saint Joseph County Eli Lilly Endowment Scholarship based on their high academic merits and test scores. The prestigious Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, required books, and equipment for four years of undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree at any accredited Indiana public or private college or university. Since this award began in 1998, Penn has had 37 total Lilly Scholars which accounts for more than any other high school in the county! Bella plans to attend Purdue University, and Jayden plans to attend the University of Notre Dame.

Schmucker Award

Every year since 1967, Penn’s faculty vote to recognize an outstanding member of the graduating class based on service, character and leadership; the student must also, at the end of seventh semester, be in the top 10% of their graduating class. The senior selected is awarded the Paul H. Schmucker Award in memory of the distinguished member of Penn High School faculty from 1960-1967. This year’s recipient is Layla Berry.

Kingsman of the Year

Each year, the graduating class also nominates a classmate who best exemplifies the qualities of service to his/her school community, school spirit, respect for classmates and Penn High School for the Kingsman of the Year Award. A tradition since 1970, the recipient is recognized for his/her leadership and willingness to accept challenge and is a great honor and show of respect from the recipients’ fellow classmates. The Class of 2024 Kingsman of the Year Award winner is Sarah Mead.

PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS

Every year scholarships are also awarded for the Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Thacker Scholarship and the Larry Beehler Scholarship. Dr. Jerry Thacker is Superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation. He and his wife Mrs. Donna Thacker have handed out direct scholarships to Penn graduating seniors since 2014. Mr. Larry Beehler is a longtime member of P-H-M’s Board of School Trustees serving nearly 40 years! Students are in good standing and involved in extra-curricular activities. The awards for these scholarships are $1,000 each.

Beehler Scholarship

The 2024 recipient of the Larry Beehler Scholarship was Georgia Pogue. This scholarship is presented to a former Madison Elementary graduate. 

Dr. & Mrs. Thacker have been awarding their General Scholarship for nearly a decade. This year there were three recipients of the Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Thacker General Scholarship: Thomas Galiher, Jacob Balis and Aubrey Zachary. These students are excellent students possessing great character and serve as positive role models.  Seniors eligible for this award must be highly involved in extracurricular activities that benefit Penn High School and the community. Each student received $1,000 scholarship from Dr. and Mrs. Thacker!

Marine Corps Awards

Other private scholarships recognized during Senior Night:

• The United States Marine Corps awarded the following three awards to Penn graduates:
  • Lilly Meyer received the United States Marine Corps Semper Fidelis Award.This award is presented based upon exemplary musical efforts, academics and outstanding character. The Marine Corps Musical Organization was formed in 1793. The Marine Corp realizes that there would be no Marine Band without the efforts of dedicated young musicians.
  • Gage Goralski and Gabby Safeukui Noubissi were each recognized with a U.S. Marine Corps Distinguished Athlete Award.The Marines recognize that the foundation for good physical fitness is developed through high school athletics in addition to good training habits. High school student-athletes are well aware of teamwork and discipline, two important elements of the Marine Corps. This award represents students’ who have distinguished themselves in athletics.
  • Landon Sears won the United States Marine Scholastic Excellence Award, which recognizes a student for academic achievement and leadership. The student has shown the greatest determination in the pursuit of his/her studies and has inspired others to excel.
• Zion Brown was awarded the Navy ROTC Scholarship. The scholarship provides full tuition, stipends, summer training cruises to train exceptional students for the Navy’s future fleet.
• The Hazel Dell Neff Smelser Scholarship was awarded to Natalia McCool. The scholarship is for students planning on studying music, specifically piano, voice, violin, or other orchestra instrument. This scholarship is renewable each year of college and based on continued academic achievement and financial need.
• The Band Booster Scholarship requires a Minimum of 3 years enrollment in the band curriculum, letter of recommendation from a music director and in depth essay. Caleb Cameron and Anna Murphy were selected as the 2024 Band Booster Scholarship recipients.
• C. LaMar Holaway was a lifelong educator, who prided himself with the accomplishments of the young people he taught. Mr. Holaway started his career at Penn High School in 1964. His choirs that he directed thrilled audiences with their annual concerts and state competitions, along with national and international performances. Mr. Holaway was instrumental in the design of the Center for Performing Arts, in which the Penn High School choirs still perform. A group of those students came together, along with his son Brent, to create Friends of the Holaways, LLC, to honor the legacy of someone who left a deep impact on their lives. It was through this effort that this scholarship was born to carry on Mr. Holaway’s legacy. Tess Kavadas and Cailyn Freeman are the recipients of the C. LaMar Holaway Scholarship.
• David “Doc” Hittle taught in the Penn High School Science Department for 24 years and was an educator for 46 years. Dr. and Mrs. Hittle’s children are Penn graduates, and together their family sustains this generous annual gift as a memorial to “Doc’s” memory. This year’s recipient is Payton Holland.
• Kevin Hackett is this year’s Dale Whitehead  Scholarship winner, which honors the student who has participated in band, orchestra or choir for three years and will be pursuing a degree in either music education or performance. 
• Kristlynn Minor, Eden Hartford, R.J. Cromartie and Dean Henderson are Class of 2024 recipients of the Penn Booster Club Scholarship.This scholarship has been established by the Penn Booster Club to honor and recognize one female and one male PHS student who has participated in a Penn High School Athletic or Academic Club for at least two years prior to graduation. The selected recipients have volunteered and/or supported Penn Boosters in some capacity, supported the mission of the Penn Boosters, and exemplified the character and traits associated with the level of excellence that is expected from our students and student-athletes here at Penn.
• Nolan McCullough was named the recipient of the Chris Geesman Scholarship. This Scholarship is awarded to a Penn Football player who has provided invaluable service to the Penn Football program and possesses excellence leadership skills, work ethic and sportsmanship.
• Akashdeep Singh is the recipient of the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship:This award is given to a student for academic achievement and community service.
• Lillian Gregory is the recipient of the Patrick Glossenger Honorary Scholarship. The Niles Scream Park is a non-profit project that has been around since 1974.  Since records have been kept, the Scream Park has donated over 2.4 million dollars to more than 65 charities and non-profits.  Each person that volunteers at the Park donates their time to one of these charities/non-profits. Patrick Glossenger, one of their best volunteers, wanted to donate his money raised to a scholarship fund for two students at Penn High School, his alma mater.
• In partnership with the Indiana 4-H Foundation, the Indiana 4-H Youth Development Program annually awards scholarships to 4-H members to pursue post-secondary education. Scholarships are awarded to recognize youth participating in Indiana’s 4-H Youth Development Program on their achievements and life skill development resulting from their participation in a variety of 4-H experiences. Maria Goffinet has been awarded a 2024 Indiana 4-H Foundation Scholarship.
• The Indiana State School Bus Drivers Association annually awards scholarships to its member’s children or grandchildren. Teagan Oldfather is the 2024 Indiana State School Bus Driver Association Scholarship Recipient.
• Braelyn Freel is the winner of the Anderson Foundation Scholarship. The award winner of this scholarship is randomly selected from a pool of applicants that meets specific GPA criteria.
• Payton Holland is the recipient of this year’s Tony ‘Doc’ Portolese, Wally Yeoman, and Steve Ciszczon Scholarship.This award is presented to seniors who excel academically and who have dedicated themselves to service in athletic training.
• Lucas Polizzotto is the winner of the Chick Evans Scholarship for Caddies. The scholarship is in honor of legendary amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. The Western Golf Association awards full tuition and housing to deserving caddies.
• Nolan McCullough and Ethan Espinoza won the Edmondo DeAmicis Mutual Aid Society Scholarship, which is awarded to graduating seniors who have shown involvement in their school and the non-for-profit community. ​
• Sera McClain, Steve Emerick, Gunnar Smith, Mikel Cox, William Simmons, Shayan Asafuddaula, Ayush Patel, Thomas Galiher and Edward Graham are the award recipients of the Gene Haas Foundation Scholarship: The Gene Haas Scholarship recognizes the future of manufacturing in the U.S. depends directly upon the availability of skilled workers. Therefore they have committed to providing financial assistance for students interested in manufacturing- based careers. 
• Faith Haughee is the recipient of the “Starfish – You Make A Difference Scholarship.”The award is sponsored by former P-H-M Superintendent, Dr. Vickie Markavich, to honor a student who has shown great perseverance to achieve his or her goals. 
• Elaina Wright is the recipient of the Tri Kappa of South Bend – Epsilon Lambda Chapter Scholarship.The chapter awards a $1,000 scholarship (Epsilon Lambda Scholarship) to a female student from St. Joseph County. Applicants must be a high school senior or currently enrolled at a college or university in Indiana with the intent of pursuing a degree. The applicant must show continuous involvement in leadership positions and community service.
• Adrian McMillen received the Mishawaka Lions’ Club Scholarship. The Mishawaka Lions’ Club strives to support the academic endeavors of highly motivated students in the Mishawaka community.  This student must plan to attend the institution in the fall immediately following graduation from high school, have demonstrated an interest in community service through extracurricular activities and have received grants/scholarships totaling no more than 50% of the institution’s yearly tuition.
• Georgia Pogue, Caroline Bontrager, Jonathan Pletcher, Ian Hahn and Keyton Marker is this year’s recipient of the Madison Township Lions Club Scholarship.The Club award is presented to a graduating senior who exemplifies dedication to community service. 
• Caroline Bontrager and Georgia Pogue are this year’s recipients of the Madison School PTO Scholarship.The Madison Elementary PTO recognizes former graduates for being involved in their school and community. 
• Fiona Brodzinski is the class of 2024 recipient of the Mary Frank PTO Scholarship.The Mary Frank PTO Scholarship is given to graduating seniors who attended Mary Frank and are continuing their education. Recipients were chosen on bases of their community impact through extracurricular activities, summer employment and after school employment.
• Tara Dauby is the winner of the Mary Frank Staff Scholarship, based on being a Mary Frank alumni and his impact on his community through his involvement in community service, extracurricular activities and employment during summer and school months.
• Coley Brown, Kevin Hackett, Teagan Oldfather and Ella Smoker were presented with the Grissom Middle School PTO Scholarship.  These scholarships are for Grissom graduates who maintain strong academics, have outstanding character, extra-curricular involvement and a commitment to further their education. 
• Noah Schafer and Joel Bell received the Discovery Middle School PTO scholarship.These former Discovery students were selected for their commitment to academics and service to the community.
• Georgia Pogue was honored with the Howard & Ruth Hensler Scholarship: in which recipients must be residents of Madison Township, enroll in an accredited technical program or attend a two- or four-year college and exemplify commitment to academics and community involvement. 
• The Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship provides 200 high-achieving high school and college students who are interested in pursuing a career in education the opportunity to earn a renewable scholarship during up to four academic years of their undergraduate education. In exchange, students agree to teach for five years at an eligible Indiana college or university. Megan Flaherty, Lillian Szuba and Molly Knight earned a Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship.
• Penn’s NextGrad Scholarship is awarded to a student who is planning to obtain a certification from either a technical or skills trade program or attend a community college. Karrigan Daugherty is Penn’s first NextGrad Scholarship recipient.
• Fiona Kennedy, Kyra Hillsdon-Smith and Jayden Wang received the Penn Orchestra Booster Scholarship. This scholarship helps graduating seniors who will further their music education at a secondary institution.
• Ayush Patel received the Posse Scholarship Foundation Scholars Program Scholarship. The Posse Foundation is a nationally recognized college success and youth leadership development organization that sponsors full tuitions scholarships to colleges partnered with the foundation.
• Ethan Espinoza and Sera McClain received the Purdue Alumni Club of St. Joseph Valley Scholarship. The Purdue Club of St. Joseph Valley has been part of the community in St. Joseph County since 1988. During this time, the club has grown to be one of the largest scholarship-giving clubs in the world.
• Ashley Oh is the recipient of the Questbridge National College Match Scholarship. Match Scholarship recipients are high achieving students with outstanding academic ability, despite other challenges. Scholars are granted admission to one of QuestBridge’s college partners with a full four-year partnership.
• Allison Christensen and Eden Hartford were selected to receive the Schmucker Middle School PTO Scholarship. The Scholarship is awarded to Schmucker Middle School and plan to continue their education in college, technical school or apprenticeship.
• The High School Heroes Scholarship recipient is Joel Bell. The South Bend Medical Foundation High School Heroes Fund was created to support the educational aspirations of students who gave at least three units of blood during their high school career.
• The Bert and Angela Chrustowski Memorial Scholarship scholarship was established by Mary Ann Chrustowski in loving memory of her parents. It supports the educational aspirations of St.Joe County students with an excellent academic record in science and/or music who wish to pursue an undergraduate education in a science field at an accredited college or university. Fiona Kennedy was named the recipient of the Bert and Angela Chrustowski Scholarship.
• Claire Carmichael and Jumeng Oeung received the Perfect Attendance Award.

OTHER NOTABLE CLASS HIGHLIGHTS

Here are some other stats for the Class of 2024:

• 6 seniors enrolled in Penn’s Building and Trades Capstone course
• 7 seniors have completed the Cadet Teaching program and plan to go into teaching
• 23 senior student-athletes received athletic scholarships to continue their sport at the collegiate level
• 13 seniors are going into the Military

[Show slideshow]

1 2 ... 4 ►