Penn High School Early College students recently visited the South Bend Logan Center as part of a field trip focused on learning about disabilities and community resources.

Students from all four grade levels in the Early College program attended, joining approximately 200 students from other area schools.

During the visit, students participated in activities and presentations that introduced them to the services and support the Logan Center provides for individuals with disabilities. The experience offered students an opportunity to learn more about the importance of inclusion and accessibility in the community.

The field trip is one of several opportunities for Early College students to engage in learning beyond the classroom and connect their studies to real-world experiences.

Penn’s DECA chapter competed at the State Career Development Conference in Indianapolis. Due to their outstanding performance at SCDC, 31 Penn students qualified for the International Career Development Conference, the most in chapter history.

Photos posted below

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• Daniel Zartman and Cathlyn Kulba – Policy 
• Olivia Kiner and Mia Helm – Lincoln Douglas
• Amina Spahic and Rebecca Wolter – Public Forum
• Roman Gargis, David Ha, and Bray Councell – Congress
• Selin Bilgicer – Humorous Interpretation
• Rayna Doland and Rebecca Wagman – Original Oratory
• Rebecca Ramirez – United States Extemporaneous Speaking
• Victoria Sanchez, Mira Yaradi, Ishita Awasthi, and Ranveer Verma – World Schools
• Emmanuel Singleton – Big Questions 

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Five Penn High School students earned top honors at the Northern Indiana Regional Science and Engineering Fair on Saturday, February 28 at Innovation Park at the University of Notre Dame. Each student received at least one award for their research, and three of the students will advance to the State Science Fair in Indianapolis on March 28.

Penn’s students competed against top young scientists from across the region, presenting original research projects and defending their findings before a panel of judges. Their work covered a wide range of scientific topics, from cancer research to environmental science and the effects of technology on living organisms.

Eleanor Niemier (9th grade) presented her project “Cisplatin Effects on Gene Expression in Lung and Colon Cancer.” She received several honors including the Notre Dame College of Science Dean’s Award, the Harper Cancer Research Institute Award, the Regeneron Biomedical Science Award, and a first place ribbon.

Viosa Hernandez (9th grade) earned recognition for her project “How do iPhones, iPads and WiFi affect the development of living organisms? A case study of Raphanus Sativus and Lepidium Sativum.” She received the Saint Mary’s College Dineen Award and a first place ribbon.

Ethan Doane (12th grade) presented “Fighting bacteria with liposomes: a better way to deliver antibiotics.” He was awarded the Notre Dame Biology Senior Award along with a first place ribbon.

Penn also had a strong showing in the team category. Jacob Pennington and Anthony Scott (11th grade) worked together on their project “The Effects of Municipal Wastewater Treatment on Microplastic Size and Concentration.” Their research earned the Community Impact Award, the Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional Water Prize Award, and a first place ribbon.

Three Penn students will move on to represent the Northern Indiana region at the State Science Fair on Saturday, March 28 in Indianapolis:

• Eleanor Niemier ~ Cisplatin Effects on Gene Expression in Lung and Colon Cancer.” 

• Viosa Hernandez ~ “How do iPhones, iPads and WiFi affect the development of living organisms? A case study of Raphanus Sativus and Lepidium Sativum.”

• Ethan Doane ~ “Fighting bacteria with liposomes: a better way to deliver antibiotics.”

All Penn High School juniors and seniors attended the annual Job Fair at Penn High School this morning. The event was organized by the P-H-M Education Foundation and brought together local colleges, businesses, and organizations to share information about future opportunities.

Representatives from colleges and universities were available to discuss academic programs and admissions. Local companies also participated, providing details about career paths, internships, and apprenticeships for students interested in entering the skilled trades.

Several employers also shared information about part-time positions currently available for high school students.

Students also had the opportunity to attend a financial literacy session presented by partners from Everwise Credit Union. The session focused on helping students understand basic financial concepts that will be useful as they prepare for college, careers, and independent living.

The annual Job Fair provides Penn students with the chance to explore a variety of post-graduation pathways and connect directly with professionals from across the region.

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Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation is proud to celebrate two Penn High School educators, AP U.S. History teacher Keith O’Connell and AP Language and Composition teacher Julie Huxford, for their continued success in helping students excel in Advanced Placement coursework.

Superintendent Dr. Heather Short and Penn Principal Rachel Fry surprised O’Connell and Huxford with the P-H-M Teacher Impact Award recognition. Both teachers had the highest percentage of students earning a score of 3 or higher on their respective AP exams last year, demonstrating the impact of strong instruction, high expectations, and a commitment to student growth.

O’Connell and Huxford collaborate as co-teachers for a seminar class, allowing students to benefit from their combined expertise in historical analysis, reading comprehension, discussion, and argumentation. Their partnership helps create a cohesive academic experience that supports students across disciplines and strengthens overall achievement.

Beyond individual classroom success, Penn’s AP performance data shows a clear upward trend compared to state averages:

• AP U.S. History results have improved from -1% to +8% compared to statewide scores over the past three years.

• AP Language and Composition results have increased from +11% to +18% compared to state results during the same period.

These gains reflect a consistent emphasis on critical thinking, analytical writing, and deep content understanding, skills that prepare students not only for AP exams, but also for future college and career success.

The P-H-M Teacher Impact Award is presented each semester to teachers whose students show the greatest academic growth, highlighting excellence in teaching and learning 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.

All P-H-M Impact Award Winners will be recognized for their outstanding student growth at the next School Board Meeting on Monday, March 16 at Meadow’s Edge Elementary School.

Click to see the full photo gallery in Canto.