Penn High School Director of Choirs Andrew Nemeth has been named a quarterfinalist for the 2027 Grammy Museum Music Educator Award.

The Music Educator Award was established to recognize current educators (kindergarten through college and public and private schools) who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools. A joint partnership and presentation of the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum. 

Nemeth, who is also the Fine Arts and Communications Academy Leader at Penn and directs Gold Standard and Viva Voce, completed his B.M. degree in Music Education from Butler University (2010). He studied voice with Steven Rickards and Mary Anne Scott, and studied conducting with Henry Leck, Eric Stark, and Tim Brimmer. He earned his M.M. degree in Music Education from Boston University in 2016 where he studied conducting with Ann Howard Jones.

Each year, one recipient of the Grammy Museum Music Educator Award is selected from 10 finalists and recognized for their remarkable impact on students’ lives. The 13th annual honoree will be flown to Los Angeles to attend the 69th Annual GRAMMY Awards and a range of GRAMMY Week events. The nine additional finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all 10 finalists will receive matching grants. Fifteen semi-finalists will receive a $500 honorarium with matching school grants.

A total of 203 music teachers from 179 cities, and 37 states have been announced as quarterfinalists for the Music Educator Award presented by the Recording Academy and GRAMMY Museum. In total, over 2,100 initial nominations were submitted. In addition to the quarterfinalists, 187 legacy applicants from 2026 will also be eligible to win the award this year.

Penn High School will hold its 2026 Commencement Ceremony at Notre Dame’s Purcell Pavilion on Monday, June 8, at 7 p.m. (click here for details). The event will celebrate the graduation of more than 900 members of the Class of 2026.

On Monday, May 11, 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 2026 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. 

Click here to see pictures from Senior Recognition Night and the full Canto Photo Gallery for the Class of 2026.

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. Click here to jump to that list below.

Click here to see the list of local and private scholarship winners.

This year there are 20 Valedictorians and 2 Salutatorians. 

VALEDICTORIANS:

Fiona Bao, Sreeja Bhattacharjee, Mehreen Buchh, Gavin Doster, Sultaan Khan, Angie Liu, Trenton Mager, Ishita Masetty, Joseph McQueary, Kelsey Meyer, Leo Ni, Joshua Oh, Roman Ramos, Marie Roach, Henry Smoker, Grant Spadafore, Amina Spahic, Jocelyn Teeple, Zoya Turk, and Brooqlin Vargas

SALUTATORIANS:

Diya Lahane and Aidan Lee

As of May 11, the members of the Class of 2026 have earned more than $16 million in total scholarships! Over the summer, graduates will continue to be notified of scholarships, so we expect this number will continue to grow. 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.

Many students were recognized for winning private scholarships during the Senior Recognition program. 

The 2026 graduating class is the seventh class to receive recognition through the Latin Honors System:

• A total of 68 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 114 students will graduate Magna Cum Laude, with high praise, by earning a 4.0 and 4.24 GPA
• A total of 102 students will graduate Cum Laude, with praise, with a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99

A total of 329 students in the Class of 2026 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.

A total of 479 students in the Class of 2026 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.

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 163 students are graduating with Technical Honors.

Fifteen students are designated as National Merit Finalists, based on their high PSAT scores. These students advanced to Finalist standing in the Merit Scholarship competition of 2026 by demonstrating, through distinguished performance, a high potential for future academic accomplishment. They are now eligible for one of the 8,000 scholarships soon to be awarded. 

Among the graduating Class of 2026 there are an impressive 132 members of Early College Academy–the ninth cohort of ECA.

• 116 will graduate Penn with an Associates Degree from Ivy Tech
• 12 have earned Indiana College Core credits 

Award winners include:

• Schmucker Award: Allison Tessier
• Kingsman of the Year: Arashjit Singh
• Principal’s Academic Excellence Awards: Joshua Buckler, Danielle Esguerra, Elizabeth Huchko, Elizabeth Marion, Ryan Pickard, Allison Tessier, Arashjit Singh, and Victoria Sanchez  
• Principal’s Leadership Awards: Kelly Kubinski and Vazgen Manukyan  

• Principal’s Citizenship and Service Awards: Sreeja Bhattacharjee, Ashley Chew, Connor Geoghegan, Jacob Kyle, Noah Rossow, Mira Yaradi, Aaron Penrose, and Hayley Kruger
  National Merit Finalists: Sreeja Bhattacharjee, Mehreen Buchh, Balthasar Cammett, Madeline Dunn, Connor Geoghegan, Zachary Girton, Quinn Hayden, Wasif Javed, Sultaan Khan, Trenton Mager, Ishita Masetty, Leo Ni, Joshua Oh, Roman Ramos, and Grant Spadafore  
• National Merit Semi-Finalists: Sreeja Bhattacharjee, Mehreen Buchh, Balthasar Cammett, Madeline Dunn, Connor Geoghegan, Zachary Girton, Quinn Hayden, Wasif Javed, Sultaan Khan, Trenton Mager, Ishita Masetty, Leo Ni, Joshua Oh, Roman Ramos , and Grant Spadafore
• National Merit Commended Scholars: Joshua Buckler, Ashley Chew, Hayley Kruger, Angie Liu, Elizabeth Marion, Joseph McQueary, Ryan Pickard, Madison Raper, Nathan Rowe, Sturgis Seiss, Robin Sullivan, Allison Tessier, David Wheet, and William Wu
• U.S. Presidential Scholars Candidates: Sreeja Bhattacharjee, Wasif Javed, Sultaan Khan, and Ishita Masetty  

• State Academic All-Star: Ishita Masetty 

• Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Thacker Scholarship: Benjamin Galiher  

• Larry Beehler Scholarship: Caitlyn Gaynor 
• Media Arts: Eliza Wright
• Sculpture: Colleen Ruppert 
• Drawing: Ashton Hanover  
• Thespian: Percy Ramirez 
• Dance: Corde Simmons
• English: Ryleigh Browning  
• Painting: Adriana Aquila  
• Ceramics: Connor Pendergrass  
• The Pennant: Gabriel Penzenik  
• Speech: Roman Gargis  
• Debate: Victoria Sanchez  
• Broadcast Journalism: Marie Roach 
• Choir: Joe Vaccaro 
• Orchestra: Arty Ryzhkov  
• Band: Robin Sullivan 
• Spectrum: Danielle Esguerra  
• Yearbook: Ariana Higgins  
• Graphic Arts: Morgan Kukla  
• Ambassador Award: Corey Walter 
• Career Excellence: Skyler Green  
• Academic Advancement: Kaitlyn Schroeder  
• Peer Leader: River Sandoval  
• Engineering: Travis Sears
• Science: Grant Bennett 
• Mathematics: Josh Oh 
• Technology: Ethan Ardila 
• Agriculture: Eli Joswic 
• Social Sciences: Toby Prince  
• Economics: Sreeja Bhattacharjee  
• Government: Grant Bennett  
• Health & Wellness: Mila Obradovic 
• Penn Strength (Male): Dalton Zultanski 
• Penn Strength (Female): Alayna Riggins
• Accounting and Finance: Kamryn Fizer  
• Marketing: Macy Little  
• General Business: Noah Hoppers  
• Computer Science: Grant Spadafore  
• Professional Work-Based Award: Avianna Santiesteban  
• MBA Leadership: Reese Clark  
• American Sign Language: Natalie McColley
• Chinese Award: Angie Liu  
• French: Moriah Price  
• German: Rebecca Wolter 
• Japanese: Evan Swihart 
• Spanish: Allison Tessier  
• Early College Academy Growth Award: Carlito Young  
• Early College Academy Leadership Award: Aaron Penrose  
• Early College Academy Perseverance Award: Deivi Ricci Bastidas  
• Early College Overall Achievement Award: Arashjit Singh

Penn-Harris-Madison Schools is proud to recognize outstanding educators whose instruction leads to meaningful academic growth for students.

The P-H-M Teacher Impact Award celebrates the impact of strong instruction and student dedication. The award is presented each semester to teachers whose students demonstrate the greatest academic growth, highlighting excellence in teaching and learning across the district.

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short and Penn High School Principal Rachel Fry surprised two Penn teachers today in their classrooms to recognize their students’ significant growth:

• Martin Ufkin’s English 11 students demonstrated exceptional academic growth from the PSAT/NMSQT in October to the SAT in March. An impressive 61% of his students showed measurable growth between the two assessments, the highest percentage among English 11 classes across the district.

• Algebra II teacher Megan Buckler’s students also showed exceptional growth over that same period. An impressive 79% demonstrated measurable growth, the highest percentage among Algebra II classes across the district.

Thank you to the P-H-M Education Foundation for providing the beautiful engraved awards that the teachers keep in their classrooms as a reminder of what they and their students accomplished.

Click to see the Martin Ufkin photo gallery in Canto.

Click to see the Megan Buckler photo gallery in Canto.

This afternoon P-H-M and Penn High School Administration along with the P-H-M Education Foundation officially unveiled the updated entryway for Schafer Gear Works Robotics Lab at Penn High School. The lab is where Penn’s Robotics classes are held and Teams 135 (Black Knights) and 328 (Golden Rocks) work out of. Manufacturing and welding classes are also held in this area.

In alignment with PHMEF’s long-term sustainability model, the donation will be directed to the PHMEF Endowment, ensuring support for innovative projects in P-H-M schools for years to come. A portion of the funds will also be allocated specifically to support Penn Robotics, strengthening competitive robotics opportunities and hands-on STEM learning for students.

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Class of 2027 seniors at Penn High School will soon have the chance to win a personalized parking spot they can paint for the 2026-27 school year. 

With support from the P-H-M Education Foundation, 26 parking spots located along the tree line in Penn’s main parking lot will be available for selected seniors to design and paint this summer. Students selected for the program will provide their own painting supplies. 

Six spots have already been reserved for students with persistent attendee status through a drawing held in May. Those students have been notified. The remaining 20 spots will be awarded through the chance to win process.

Any incoming senior with a valid driver’s license is eligible to participate. Entries will be sold for $5 each during lunches on May 19, 20, and 21, with no limit on the number of entries students may purchase.

Students who win will still be responsible for the Penn Parking Fee of $40.

Proceeds from the initiative will support the P-H-M Education Foundation and help fund programs that directly benefit P-H-M schools.

Click here to read more about the new program.

Penn’s Symphonic Winds and Symphonic Orchestra both qualified for State Finals, which will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Indianapolis area high schools.

• The Symphonic Orchestra performs at 10:30 a.m. at Pike High School.
• Symphonic Winds performs at 6:55 p.m. at Lawrence Central High School.

Penn’s choir competed in regional competition and earned the exclusive “Gold Rating with Distinction”.

The State Finals appearances highlight an outstanding school year for Penn Music.

Between the wildly successful Spring Musical, performances in Philadelphia and Tennessee, December’s Mark Wood symphonic experience, many seniors earning Music Scholarship money for next year, and our Finalist appearances in Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, and Orchestra, this is a banner year for Penn Music with a lot to celebrate.

Penn Music Thanks all who have contributed to foster strong music programs in our community.

#PHMExcellence

Penn High School honored Class of 2026 Seniors who have committed to becoming health care professionals through their studies in Penn’s Project League the Way Biomedical Science program with a White Coat Ceremony.

A few photos from the ceremony are posted below. A complete Photo Gallery is available to download at phmexcellence.com/PhotosClassof2026.

Penn-Harris-Madison Supt. Dr. Heather Short, Penn Principal Rachel Fry and P-H-M Education Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom joined PLTW instructor Kelsey Weaver at the White Coat Ceremony. 

This White Coat Ceremony is sponsored by the PHM Education Foundation, with the coats and stethoscopes being purchased by PHMEF donors/sponsors Michiana Gastroenterology.

Students had their names embroidered on their white coats for college labs. They were also gifted high-quality stethoscopes that should last through college and beyond.

Family members and Penn underclassmen PLTW Biomed Science students were in attendance for the ceremony that was held at the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems) – Tania Bengtsson Center for Performing Arts. 

Students enrolled in Penn’s PLTW classes have the opportunity to explore more than 80 different medical careers throughout the program. Courses offer a wide variety of medical conditions, from disease, disorders, to patient care. Penn’s program is designed to foster collaboration with their peers. The goal is to offer students the opportunity to gain introductory skills needed to pursue a career as a  medical professional.

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What started as a typical first block this morning in Señora Kelley Watts’ Spanish IV class quickly turned into a surprise party when Spanish teacher Kelley Watts unexpectedly learned that she was being named Penn-Harris-Madison’s 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

With some behind-the-scenes planning by Principal Rachel Fry and Associate Principal Jeanie Mitchell, Watts was called away from her classroom for what she thought was a photo opp with students in Penn’s Main Arena–on the other side of the building away from her classroom. While Watts was being kept busy, P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lavon Dean-Null, other P-H-M administrators, and local TV station news crews snuck into Watts’ classroom to get everything in place for the big surprise. Click to see a photo gallery below. Click here to see the full gallery on Canto.

When Watts returned, she was met with applause, cameras, and the big news that she was P-H-M’s  Secondary Teacher of the Year.

Click below to watch the video of the surprise for Señora Watts.

Throughout her career, Watts has demonstrated a deep commitment to student learning, leadership, and building meaningful connections both inside and outside the classroom. She brings 30 years of teaching experience, including 22 years at Penn High School. In addition to her classroom role, Watts has led student initiatives, including serving as the Kingsmen Against Cancer sponsor for more than eight years. 

She serves as an instructional coach and is an active leader in the P-H-M Teachers Association, where she advocates for both students and staff. As a mentor to fellow educators, she is an example of continuous growth and collaboration. She also serves alongside her husband, Mark, as co-head coach of the Boys Volleyball team, now in its second season. Click here to read a recent article in the South Bend Tribune, featuring the Watts’, about the growth and rise in popularity of boys volleyball as a new IHSAA sanctioned sport.

Teaching and coaching colleague Eric Bowers nominated Watts for the honor. Bowers understands firsthand what it takes to excel in both the classroom and in athletics. Bowers, an AP History teacher and Penn’s Boys and Girls Tennis coach was named P-H-M’s 2023 Secondary Teacher of the Year.

“Kelley has a unique ability to connect with students not only in the classroom, but through opportunities like Spanish Club [which she led in previous years] and now through coaching as well,” Bowers said. “She reaches a wide range of students and creates meaningful relationships that extend beyond the school day.”

Known for her engaging and supportive teaching style, Watts creates learning environments where students feel confident to take risks and grow. One example is her Spanish II “Yelp Review” writing unit, where students progress from foundational language skills to composing six-paragraph essays entirely in Spanish.

“My favorite level of Spanish to teach is Level 2. When they enter my class, they have made the choice to continue learning Spanish, which already reflects a level of commitment,” Watts reflected. “Level 2 of any language is often the most challenging, and I enjoy pushing students to reach levels of learning and understanding that they initially believe are beyond their capabilities.”

Watts has created educational opportunities for her Penn Spanish students to engage in authentic conversations, build global connections, and apply their language skills in real-world settings. Through a month-long cultural exchange experience, she brought Ecuadorian students studying in the United States to Penn to spend several weeks alongside her students, immersing the international students in English instruction and American culture, while also giving her students the opportunity to learn directly from native Spanish speakers and experience authentic cultural exchange.

Principal Rachel Fry said Watts exemplifies the very best of Penn High School.

“Kelley Watts represents what it means to be an exceptional educator,” Fry said. “She builds strong relationships with students, challenges them to achieve at high levels, and creates meaningful learning experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. Her leadership and commitment to excellence make a lasting impact on our entire school community.”

Watts’ love for language has permeated down to benefit P-H-M’s elementary and middle school students as well. Watts was involved in the creation of P-H-M’s Summer Visual Arts Academy, a week-long summer enrichment program that integrates music, art, and culture. One of the first years the VAA included Spanish language instruction, for which Watts helped develop the curriculum. She’s also been involved with the district’s summer week-long Language Academy camps for elementary and middle school students, with a different language featured each year.

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short has seen the impact Watts has on students over the years.

“Kelley’s impact is felt across our entire district,” Dr. Short said. “She is deeply committed to helping students at every level develop a love of language and culture, and she creates meaningful learning experiences that inspire curiosity and connection in all of our learners.” 

Every Spring P-H-M honors a Secondary Teacher of the Year, Elementary Teacher of the Year and a Certified Employee of the Year. All three honorees are officially recognized at P-H-M’s annual Employee Recognition & Retiree Dinner, which will be held this year on Wednesday, May 20th. The two Teachers of the Year will then go on to compete for Indiana’s Teacher of the Year, which will be announced Fall 2026 by the Indiana Department of Education. The PHM Education Foundation awards each Teacher of the Year a $1,000 grant and gift card to the Employee of the Year.