Penn Theatre will be presenting “Shuddersome: Tales of Poe”, the week before taking it to State competition.

A Photo Gallery of the play is posted below.

It is a re-telling of four of Edgar Allan Poe’s thrilling and spooky stories.

Performances at Penn will be on Thursday, Jan. 15, and Friday, January 16, at 7 p.m. in the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems) – Tania Bengtsson Center for Performing Arts.

The show is approximately 45 minutes long. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults; they can be purchased at the door the night of or online ahead of time (https://events.hometownticketing.com/boxoffice/phmschools/L2VtYmVkL2FsbA%3D%3D).

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The P-H-M Education Foundation and Everwise Credit Union have renewed their naming rights agreement for Everwise Freed Field at Penn High School, extending a partnership that has supported educational innovation and community engagement for more than a decade.

Approved at the January 12, 2026, Board of School Trustees meeting, the new 10-year agreement reflects a continued commitment to advancing educational excellence and community engagement across the district. Everwise Credit Union first partnered with PHMEF in 2015, when the naming rights for Penn’s iconic football stadium were first established.

“Community partnerships like this one are essential to our mission,” said Jennifer Turnblom, Executive Director of the PHM Education Foundation. “Everwise Credit Union’s continued investment in Everwise Freed Field is about much more than a name. It represents a belief in our students, our schools, and the power of strong community relationships to support excellence in education across the P-H-M district.”

Everwise Freed Field continues to be a central gathering place for Penn students, families, and community members, hosting athletic events, celebrations, and school-wide traditions that bring people together. Through this renewed partnership, Everwise Credit Union helps ensure ongoing support for PHMEF programs, classroom grants, and district-wide initiatives that enhance learning opportunities for all students.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with the PHM Education Foundation and the P-H-M School Corporation,” said Randy Lemert, School and Business Relationship Representative for Everwise Credit Union. “This renewal reflects our belief in the importance of education and our commitment to investing in the communities we serve. Supporting Everwise Freed Field allows us to be part of experiences that matter to students and families, both on and off the field.”

Under the agreement, 80% of funds generated from naming rights go directly into the PHMEF Endowment, which funds classroom innovation, creative learning projects, and strategic partnerships districtwide. The remaining 20% supports professional development opportunities for P-H-M teachers, ensuring educators continue to grow and inspire excellence in their classrooms.

“This partnership demonstrates the power of investing in both students and educators,” said Dr. Heather Short, Superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation. “Supporting the PHM Education Foundation’s Endowment while also funding teacher professional development strengthens learning today and builds a strong foundation for the future.”

Freed Field was constructed in 1958 and was named for former Penn Twp. Trustee Vernon Freed. Starting with the 2015 season, community partner Everwise obtained naming rights to Penn’s home football field. This naming rights renewal marks one of 36 active naming rights partnerships that PHMEF maintains with local businesses and organizations, each helping to advance the foundation’s mission of enriching educational opportunities for P-H-M students.

Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation (P-H-M) is proud to announce that Penn High School’s graduation rate once again exceeds the state average, reaffirming the school’s commitment to preparing students who are college, career and life ready.

The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) recently released statewide graduation data showing Indiana’s Class of 2025 achieved a record-high 91.83% graduation rate, the highest in state history and a 1.6-point increase from the previous year.

Penn High School far surpassed this record, achieving an impressive 97.3% graduation rate.

Penn’s Class of 2025 Shines

The Class of 2025 embodies Penn’s tradition of excellence and perseverance. Nearly half of Penn graduates earned Academic High Honors, while the class collectively earned more than $22 million in scholarships.

Other standout accomplishments include:

• 429 students earned an Academic Honors Diploma

• 261 students earned High Honors

• 87 students earned a Technical Honors Diploma

• 98 students graduated with an Associate’s Degree from Ivy Tech Community College

• 6 students were named National Merit Scholarship Finalists

Academic Achievement Across the Board

Penn students also continue to excel in advanced coursework. During the 2024-25 school year, 83% of Penn students scored a 3 or higher on Advanced Placement (AP) exams, demonstrating strong college readiness and academic rigor.

Indiana high school students are now required to take the SAT for graduation. According to IDOE’s latest data, Penn High School moved up 12 spots statewide in SAT pass percentage, rising from #27 to #15 among public high schools.

P-H-M also outperformed the state average by 20 percentage points on the Spring 2025 ILEARN assessment, placing the district in the top 4% of public school corporations across Indiana.

In 2024, Penn High School Robotics Coach Kyle Marsh and students came up with an idea on how to help students with ADHD, on the Autism Spectrum, or who just need help concentrating at school. Their idea was to use 3D printers to create and produce fidget tools for students. The key to making these tools more accessible and quickly available to the elementary students who needed them was to put a 3D printer at all 11 of P-H-M’s elementary schools.

Fortunately, P-H-M teachers and staff members can apply for classroom grants  through the P-H-M Education Foundation to pay for innovative ideas like this. Marsh was awarded a $5,000 grant to bring his idea to fruition. Penn High School students also benefit on this project because Marsh’s Robotics students not only install the 3D printers at the elementary schools, but they also help Marsh manage the project.

This inspiring story was recently featured on WSBT “Operation Education” highlighting the program in action at Elsie Rogers Elementary School where Marsh’s son Cooper attends third grade. Elsie Rogers was highlighted as of P-H-M’s 11 elementary schools with the 3D printers. Click to watch the story below on WSBT’s YouTube channel.

Penn German Students Experience Holiday Traditions at Chicago’s Christkindlmarket

Penn High School German students took their learning beyond the classroom this month with a field trip to Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, a traditional German-style holiday market that brings European culture to life in the heart of the city.

Surrounded by twinkling lights, handcrafted ornaments, and the scent of roasted nuts and pretzels, students experienced authentic German holiday traditions firsthand. They practiced conversational German with vendors, sampled traditional foods, and explored the cultural roots behind one of Germany’s most beloved seasonal celebrations.

This immersive experience not only strengthened students’ understanding of the German language, but also deepened their appreciation for the country’s rich history and festive customs.

Thank you to Penn’s German teachers for providing students with such a memorable cultural learning opportunity, a perfect blend of education and Holiday Cheer! 

The Penn High School Rhapsody Choir filled University Park Mall with the sounds of the season on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Performing near Barnes & Noble, the talented group of singers and dancers delighted shoppers with festive favorites and lively choreography.

Many mall visitors paused their holiday shopping to enjoy the afternoon performance.

Rhapsody, one of Penn’s premier choir ensembles, performs throughout the community several times each year. These performances give students real-world experience while connecting Penn’s music program with the broader community.

Thank you to the Rhapsody Choir for sharing the gift of music and helping make the holidays a little brighter for everyone!

The annual Penn High School Student Choreography Showcase will be presented at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, at the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems) – Tania Bengtsson Center for Performing Arts.

A Photo Gallery is posted below.

Click here for tickets.

The Penn-Harris-Madison Education Foundation (PHMEF) continues its mission of supporting excellence in education by awarding $73,715.48 in classroom innovation grants for the 2025-2026 school year, marking one of the largest funding years in foundation history! And Penn was fortunate to receive $28,206.97 in grant dollars!

Each year, PHMEF’s Annual Grant Cycle provides teachers across the district with opportunities to bring creative, hands-on learning projects to life, projects that go beyond traditional classroom resources. The grants are made possible through the generosity of community donors, local businesses, and district supporters.

During the first couple of weeks of December, PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom surprised grant recipients. Click here to see the full photo gallery.

Penn was awarded six traditional grants (more than $1,000) and 15 EZ grants (under $750) for a total of 21 grants. The descriptions are listed below:

1. Tania Bangtsson CPA Haze Machine
Braden McMillen • $1,449.98
Purchase of a professional-grade haze machine to enhance student learning and production quality. Facilitates a hands-on student experience (with staff guidance/oversight) for classroom learning and public performances. Allows for student interaction with stage lighting to create high-quality atmospheres to enhance production.

2. Kingsmen in Custom Shining Armor
Stephen Vincent, John Gensic • $1,713.08
Collaboration between Principles of Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing and Robotics students to produce custom Kingsmen Armor (chainmail articles, shields, helmet, NO swords) that can be worn by student mascots. Additional production of chain nets for outdoor basketball hoops located east of the Educational Services Center. 

3. Graphing Finite Math for Infinite Human Flourishing
Angela Yarrell, John Gensic • $2,560.00
Funds to purchase new graphing calculators to allow students to focus on financial literacy and forecasting. Students can compare compound interest, annuities, mutual funds, stocks and more. Additionally, students will use calculators to model increased use of electricity in the region due to data centers and population growth. Grant allows for all students to have access to the same tools in classrooms. 

4. Wisdom Across Generations
John Gensic, Angela Yarrell, Corin Sailor, Sarah Dwigans, Danielle Black • $1,175.00
Purchase of 25 books, 5 of each author for 5 different classrooms. Allows for students who complete work early, to stay engaged and off digital devices. 

5. Shaping Future Minds
Scott Shelhart, John Gensic • $2,599.00
Purchase of a 3D Printer with laser engraving technology. Allows all students enrolled in
Manufacturing to have the same technological printing level experience as the Robotics
students while continuing to learn the importance of manufacturing through student projects.

6. Penn HS Digital and Legacy Recognition Wall
Josiah Parker • $10,000.00
Allows for the creation of a Digital Alumni Recognition Wall to preserve, celebrate and expand access to past/current student achievement. Will feature two touchscreen TVs to explore
digitized photos, trophies and historic memorabilia that are currently in storage due to limited display space. The Wall will highlight the prestigious Schmucker Award and Kingsmen Award as well as past honorees. The Wall will be created and maintained collaboratively by students in Computer Science, Graphic Design, Interior Design and Architecture, Yearbook and Photography classes.

7. Classroom Breakout Boxes
Stephanie Roy-Stover
Digital Escape Room
Awarded $657.00 

8. Portable Bocce Ball Courts
Keith Stork
Portable bocce ball courts for new Unified Sports team
Awarded $609.08

9. Chinese Culture and Literature Study
Ming Liu
Chinese Culture and Literature Books
Awarded $300.00 

10. Blooket Plus
Melissa Brazeau
Online Review Game for Spanish Classes/Club
Awarded $550.00 

11. Real-Time Heart Rate Monitoring in Cellular Respiration Labs
Zackary Lopez
Heart Rate Monitors for Biology Class
Awarded $350.00 

12. Go Penn Go!
Alex Dunfee
Penn Spirit Button Maker
Awarded $723.85 

13. Dishwashers for Biology Classrooms
Sarah Clark
Countertop Dishwashers for Biology Classrooms
Awarded $639.98

14. Illuminating Art – Sculptural Ceramic Lamp Design
Lacey Dilly
Ceramic Lamp Materials and Lighting Inserts for Sculpture II Class
Awarded $750.00

15. Jewelry Room Updates
Jessica Marsh
Mobile Jewelry Making Tools for Students
Awarded $750.00 

16. Bridging Language Barriers: Enhancing Communication Through AI Translation Technology
Sarah Hendricks and Wendy Pierce
Two Pairs AI Glasses to Aid in Language Translation for Parent Conferences 
Awarded $700.00

17. Dried for Good
John Gensic
Funds Kiln Drying Existing Materials (Wood) for Future Use in Construction Classes
Awarded $325.00 

18. Just Planed Wood
Evan White
Small Wood Planing Tool for Construction Class
Awarded $730.00 

19. Professional Audio/Video Recordings
Andrew Nemeth
Professional Audio/Video Recording Equipment
Awarded $750.00 

20. Daily Formative Assessment Materials
Ashlyn Graham
Individual Student White Boards
Awarded $205.00 

21. Modern Measures to Maximize Potential
John Gensic, Matt Cates
Biometric Impedance Analysis Tools
Awarded $670.00 

On behalf of the entire PHM Education Foundation Board I want you to know how deeply we believe in our teachers and staff,” said PHMEF Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom. “Your dedication, and passion for making a positive impact are what make our schools truly exceptional. We are committed to funding your innovative ideas because you are the heart of excellence in PHM, and we are proud to support the remarkable work you do every day.”

For more on the P-H-M Education Foundation’s 2025-26 grant awards, click here.

At the Monday, December 8th Penn-Harris-Madison School Board Meeting, Mrs. Rachel Fry was approved to serve as Penn High School’s next principal. Dr. Sean Galiher was approved to move into the district’s Chief Operations Officer role.

Mrs. Fry has served as Penn’s Associate Principal since 2016. She brings a strong academic background to the role, including her experience in mathematics instruction and curriculum development. She has supported instructional leadership, strengthened academic programming, and built strong relationships with students, staff, and families. Her deep understanding of Penn, combined with her commitment to excellence, will support continued growth, stability, and achievement at the high school.

When Superintendent Dr. Heather Short recommended Mrs. Fry for the position, Mrs. Fry shared the message below with Penn families and staff.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve Penn High School as principal. Penn has been my professional family for many years, and I hold tremendous pride in the achievements, traditions, and spirit that define our school. My journey here has prepared me well for this role. I began my career teaching special education before dedicating a decade to high school mathematics. I’ve been fortunate to learn from incredible mentors throughout my career, who have shaped my growth as an instructional leader through experiences as an Instructional Coach, Academy Leader, and Associate Principal. 

Penn has flourished under Dr. Galiher’s leadership, and I am fortunate to have learned from him these last nine years. I look forward to deepening the relationships we’ve built, supporting the incredible work happening in our classrooms, and partnering with the Penn community to advance the vision of excellence. I admire the remarkable dedication of Penn’s students, staff, and families, and I am truly humbled by the trust placed in me to lead our continued success. 

On a personal note, my husband, Lucas, is a Class of 1999 graduate of Penn, and we are very proud to be raising two future Kingsmen:  Cooper, a sixth grader at Discovery Middle School, and Laney, a first grader at Horizon Elementary School.

I am eager and excited to begin this new chapter with all of you.

Warm Regards,
Rachel Fry

Penn High School’s Girls Flag Football State Champion student-athletes are continuing to break records. As Indiana’s, and the Kingsmen’s, first State Champions the team is full of talent. Representatives from the Indianapolis Colts, as the NFL team sponsor, came to Penn today to recognize and surprise one of the team’s standout players, junior quarterback Quinn Driscoll naming her Indiana’s winner of Maxwell Football Club’s (MFC) Girls Flag Football Player of the Year award. Quinn will now be considered for the National Girls Flag Football Player of the Year.

The award considered players based on on-field performance, academic achievement and community service. The award will be presented on Mar. 13 at the 89th Maxwell Awards in Atlanta. The Maxwell Football Club, based in Philadelphia, recognizes excellence in football at the high school, collegiate and professional levels and is home to several of football’s most prestigious awards including the Maxwell, Chuck Bednarik and Bert Bell awards.

The club created the Girls National Flag Football Player of the Year, now in its second year, to recognize the top high school student-athletes in the fast-growing sport.

Quinn’s family was also on hand for the surprise today. Click here for a full photo gallery.

 A three-sport athlete, Quinn was a standout quarterback during Penn’s first-ever girls flag season in 2025. She led her team to an undefeated season and Indiana’s first ever girls flag state championship, completing 160-of-214 passes for a total of 2,010 yards, 41 touchdowns and two interceptions on the season. She also tallied 72 rushing attempts for 576 yards and eight touchdowns.

“Quinn is a phenomenal person who is a true leader on and off the field,” said Penn head coach Jeremiah Maggart. Her stats this season are truly remarkable but the impact and leadership she had on our state championship team are what sets her apart. She never missed practice or any opportunity to help herself and her team improve, while still finding time to volunteer to help others.” 

Off the field, Quinn is a school leader and active community volunteer. As a member of the Penn Key Club, she participates in many projects in the school and greater community. She also is a member of Healthy Hands Healthy Hearts, a volunteering club that makes cards to go to local homeless shelters, community centers and organizations for people going through tough times.  

Quinn also serves on the Student Athletic Leadership Committee; a position that she was chosen for by her coaches. She is active in the Penn student council and the school’s “Wellness Wave,” a club that raises awareness about mental health and shares coping skills with students.

Quinn along with two other teammates were named to Indiana Preps Underclassmen All-State Top 22 Team, a collection of emerging standouts who showed poise, explosiveness, and playmaking ability well beyond their years, Macy Little and Alivia Dawson. Macy was named Senior Defensive player of the year for Indiana by Indiana Preps.