Schafer Gear Works Robotics Lab Unveiled
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.
Penn Robotics and Penn Graphic Design students designed the graphic that features Schafer’s name on the garage door entry to the lab.
Teachers and students gathered with representatives from P-H-M, PHMEF, Penn and Schafer Industries were on hand to celebrate the newly named Schafer Gear Works Robotics Lab.
- Schafer Gear Works: Eric Van Rens (CEO); Paresh Shah (Director of Operations); Mike Lashure (VP of Sales); Alex Beagles (Production Manager); Barb Shklar (Director of HR); and Kelly Lowry (HR Manager)
- P-H-M Board Members: Vice President Ryan McCollough, Secretary Dana Sullivan, and Member Jen Smoker
- P-H-M Administration: Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Chief Operating Officer Dr. Sean Galiher, and Asst. Superintendent Dr. Lavon Dean-Null
- PHM Education Foundation: Executive Director Jennifer Turnblom; and Board Members: Kelli Collins, Allison Laidig, and Kelly Weidner
- Penn High School Administration: Asst. Principals Josiah Parker and Kristel Wheeler; along with Penn teachers Kyle Marsh (Robotics), Stephen Vincent (Robotics), and Scott Shellart (Welding & Manufacturing)
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.
“Schafer is very excited to partner with Penn High School with this unique opportunity related to the Robotics Laboratory,” commented Eric Van Rens, CEO Schafer Gear Works. By providing this naming grant to the Penn High School Robotics Laboratory, we hope to help create meaningful opportunities for students to explore STEM activities, hands-on problem solving and touch technologies that are critical to the work force of tomorrow. Workforce development activities such as this are truly an investment in the future of American manufacturing and engineering.”
Penn Introduces Senior Painted Parking Spot Tradition for 2026-27 School Year
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.
Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Orchestra qualifies for State Finals
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 holds Class of 2026 White Coat Ceremony for future healthcare professionals
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/
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.
Penn Spanish Teacher Surprised as 2026 Secondary Teacher of the Year
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.
Penn Associate Principal Jeanie Mitchell Named to Michiana Forty Under 40
Penn High School Earns National Recognition for Music Education
Penn High School has been recognized by the NAMM Foundation as a 2026 Best Communities for Music Education school.
Now in its 27th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation honors schools and districts across the country for their commitment to ensuring all students have access to high-quality music education. The program celebrates efforts by teachers, administrators, students, parents, and community members who make music a meaningful part of a well-rounded education.
Penn is among more than 1,000 schools and districts nationwide to receive recognition this year. Schools are evaluated on factors such as funding, instruction time, participation, facilities, and community support for music programs.
This recognition reflects the strength of music education at Penn High School, where students have opportunities to participate in a wide range of programs, including choir, band, orchestra, and other performing arts offerings. Penn High School offers the Fine Arts & Communication Academy as part of its unique academy structure. The seven academy design provides Penn students with relevant and meaningful coursework taught in smaller, supportive environments where each student is known well by his teacher and peers. Nearly a third of Penn’s total 3,500 students are enrolled in the Fine Arts Academy with the majority being involved with music programs.
These programs are part of a larger commitment across the Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation to provide students with meaningful and accessible music education experiences from elementary through high school.
In P-H-M elementary schools, music class is part of the regular curriculum following state standards. Students are instructed in both vocal and instrument classes. Beginning in 6th grade, P-H-M students at our three middle schools (Discovery, Schmucker and Grissom) have the opportunity to choose choir, orchestra or band as their music elective. Students at Discovery also have the option of choosing Piano Lab. Schools from elementary all the way up to Penn High School also perform musicals.
This national honor highlights the continued dedication of Penn’s music educators, students, and community in building and sustaining a strong culture of music education to help support not only artistic growth, but also collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
Penn qualifies three teams for Academic Super Bowl State Finals
Penn High School qualified three teams for the Academic Super Bowl State Finals.
Team photos posted below.
The English, Fine Arts and Math Academic Super Bowl teams advance to the state competition on Saturday, May 9, at Purdue University.
Penn’s Academic Super Bowl Teams qualified for State at the Mishawaka Regional.
The theme for the competitions is the American Revolution.
English Team
Coach Candice Walther
Team Members: (State finalists)– Addison Singleton, Annabelle Neary, Logan Hubbard
Additional members — Allison Tessier, Kristin Kale, Graham Royer, Emma Laidig, Riley Miles
Fine Arts Team
Coach Ashlyn Graham
Team Members (State Finalists)–Anton Kozelichki, Joanna Lin, Mia Helm, Landen Hendricks
Additional team members — Sreeja Bhattacharjee, Riley Miles, Addison Schlundt
Math Team
Coach Paul McClelland
Team Members (State finalists)–Anthony Scott, Lilith Schommer-Pries, Eli Sanders-Fields
Additional team members–Sultaan Khan, Joshua Oh, Aidan Lee
ENGLISH TEAM
FINE ARTS TEAM
MATH TEAM
Penn’s Ishita Masetty named Indiana Academic All-Star
Ishita Masetty of Penn High School has been named an Indiana Academic All-Star, one of the state’s highest academic honors for graduating seniors.
According to Penn High School Principal Rachel Fry, just 90 students across Indiana are selected as Regional Academic All-Stars, with only 40 advancing to earn the distinction of State Academic All-Star. This places Masetty among an elite group of scholars recognized for their excellence in academics, leadership, and service.
In addition to this prestigious recognition, Masetty was awarded the Rick Reed Academic Competitions Scholarship, earning a $1,000 scholarship in honor of her achievements. Her accomplishments reflect a strong commitment to academic success and represent Penn High School at the highest level across the state.
Masetty’s honor included her inspirational educator, Mrs. Catherine Maes (Advanced Placement Chemistry).
Masetty said that Maes helped chemistry change from a subject to a lens through which she sees the world.
“Entering her classroom as the only sophomore, I’d felt intimidated at the prospect of keeping pace with Juniors who seemed effortlessly fluent in a language I was just learning to speak,” Masetty said of starting her Chemistry class with Mrs. Maes. “But through patient guidance and unwavering encouragement, Ms. Maes slowly taught me to trust myself.
“She answered every confused question with genuine enthusiasm, stayed after school to work through problems until concepts clicked, and celebrated my growth as if it were her own. Ms. Maes has a rare gift: she makes every student feel capable of brilliance. She believe in me long before I believed in myself.”
Masetty is one of Penn’s Valedictorians for the Class of 2026. She is also a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and an AP Scholar with Distinction.
Penn names Valedictorians, Salutatorians for Class of 2026
Penn High School Principal Rachel Fry announced that 20 students have been selected to represent the Class of 2026 as Valedictorians and two students have been named Salutatorians.
Penn High School’s Class of 2025 Commencement Ceremony will be held at 7 p.m., Monday, June 8, 2026, at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on the campus of the University of Notre Dame. Doors open for parents at 5:30 p.m.
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 were named Valedictorians based on their academic achievements.
Diya Lahane and Aidan Lee have been named Salutatorians.
Additional information showcasing Penn’s Valedictorians and Salutatorians will be posted at a later date.
More information on Penn’s Class of 2026 Commencement Ceremony can be found here.
VALEDICTORIANS
FIONA BAO
Parents: Na Liu and Haidong Bao
Elementary School: Northpoint
Middle School: Discovery
College/career plans: Indiana University – Indianapolis for Neuroscience; plans to become a doctor
Activities/Honors: Penn Tennis, Penn Symphonic Orchestra, HOSA (Future Health Professionals), Red Cross, National Honor Society, Technology Students Association
SREEJA BHATTACHARJEE
Parents: Dr. Jayeeta Dhar and grandmother Mrs. Maya Dhar
Elementary School: Walt Disney
Middle School: Discovery
College/career plans: Attend the University of Notre Dame; plans to be a college professor
Activities/Honors: Spell Bowl (Captain), Social Studies Bowl (Captain), Fine Arts Bowl (Captain), Freshman Mentoring (Executive Board Member), Science National Honor Society (Executive Board Member), French Club (Executive Board Member), Spectrum Student Magazine (Editor), Kingsman Tutor, National Honor Society; AP Scholar with Distinction, National Merit Scholar Finalist, Rising Star of Indiana Class of 2026, U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate, Scholastic National Portfolio Award Winner, Scholastic Short Story National Silver Medalist, National French Exam Gold Medalist, Scholastic Regional Gold Key and American Voices nominee, Billy Michal Student Leadership Award for Indiana; Spell Bowl – State individual Gold four times, Team Gold two times, Team Silver one time, Team Bronze one time, Social Studies Bowl – State Team Silver three times, Fine Arts Bowl – State Team Gold one time, Silver one time
MEHREEN BUCHH
Parents: Asima Rashid and Basharat Buchh
Elementary School: Stanley Clark
Middle School: Stanley Clark
College/career plans: Indiana University; Neuroscience
Activities/Honors: Kingsmen Court Executive, Muslim Student Association President, HOSA (Future Health Professionals) Volunteer Coordinator, National Merit Finalist, State Speech Semifinalist in Original Oratory, Student Ambassador to the Board of Trustees, Notre Dame Multicellular Systems of Engineering Lab volunteer, Kingsmen Tutor, National Honor Society, Freshman Mentor
GAVIN DOSTER
Parents: Kiera Cope and John Doster II
Elementary School: Prairie Vista
Middle School: Schmucker
College/career plans: First Year Engineering (Plan for Nuclear Engineering after) at Purdue University; plans to earn a masters and eventually a Ph.D in Nuclear Engineering/Physics to become a Nuclear Reactor Research and Development engineer
Activities/Honors: National Honor Society, The Air We Share Club, Penn’s Association for Children with Autism, Penn Boys Soccer; AP Scholar with Distinction, 2x Indiana Soccer Coaches Association (ISCA) Academic All-State, Indiana Soccer Coaches Association (ISCA) Boys Top Team Player, Purdue Design and Innovation Challenge Crowd Favorite.
SULTAAN KHAN
Parents: Maliha Khan and Mehdi Khan
Elementary School: Northpoint
Middle School: Discovery
College/career plans: Attend Indiana University – Bloomington majoring in Neuroscience and Data Science and minoring in Mathematics and Statistics; plans to attend medical school after undergraduate studies
Activities/Honors: Math Competitions, Model United Nations, Technology Student Association, Freshmen Mentoring, Mathcounts Coach; National Merit Scholar, AP Scholar with Distinction, National Honor Society; Math Academic Super Bowl Team, Science Academic Super Bowl Team
ANGIE LIU
Parents: Ling Chen and Cheng Lui
Elementary School: Tarkington
Middle School: Schmucker
College/career plans: Study Business at the University of Michigan
Activities/Honors: DECA, National Honor Society, Key Club, MSA, KTI, Girls Tennis
TRENTON MAGER
Parents: Claudia Mager and Theodore Mager
Elementary School: Prairie Vista
Middle School: Schmucker
College/career plans: Indiana University – Bloomington to study Biochemistry; Ophthalmology/Scientific Research
Activities/Honors: Penn Concert choir, Rhapsody Show Choir, Penn Musical Theater, National Merit Scholar, Key Club, National Honor Society
ISHITA MASETTY
Parents: Vijayshanti Potti and Sivaprasad Masetty
Elementary School: Northpoint
Middle School: Discovery
College/career plans: University of Pennsylvania; pursuing dual-degree between Wharton School of Business (Economics w/ Statistics plus Data Science) & School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (Electrical Engineering/AI); Startup/Quantitative Finance/Engineer
Activities/Honors: Captain of Indiana Academic Spell Bowl; Chapter Executive & State President for Indiana Technology Student Association (led 600-plus students and tripled statewide membership); President & Founder of Science Olympiad; DECA; Speech and Debate; Indiana Department of Health Youth Advisory Board Member (Advocacy & Policy and Community Health subcommittees); Mayor’s Liaison for the Mishawaka Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council; Youth Outreach Program Director for Asian-American Alliance, Inc. (organized Indiana’s first Asian youth leadership conference with 200-plus attendees from 22 schools); NASA SEES Summer Program/Research Intern (<2% acceptance rate); five-time Research Assistant at Notre Dame, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, and Indiana University (three-time published researcher); Leader and advocate for Indiana Women in Tech Week (helped coordinate 25-plus conferences and workshops statewide with 10-plus partners including Microsoft, Eli Lilly, and Ivy Tech, reaching more than 10,000 students; authored a children’s book implemented in 70-plus schools nationwide and sold 500-plus copies; youngest workshop leader at Indiana’s annual Computer Science Professional Development Week); Jane Street Program Participant in New York City.
Honors: NSLI-Y South Korea Summer Scholar (14/5,000-plus selected by the U.S. Department of State for a six-week study abroad program in Jeonju, South Korea); Indiana Academic All-Star & Rick Reed Academic Competitions Winner (1/40 selected statewide); NCWIT National Aspirations in Computing Award Winner (40/3,000-plus selected and flown out to Bank of America headquarters) & two-time Indiana Affiliate State Winner; United States Senate Youth Program Delegate (1 of 2 selected in Indiana; received an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. to meet the President, Secretary of War, etc.); Coolidge Senator (100/5,000-plus selected; attended a weeklong program in Vermont); two-time U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad Semifinalist; two-time South Bend Human Rights Commission Essay Contest Winner (first student in city history to win twice); Top 6 at National History Day International Competition; National Congressional Debate Qualifier; DECA SCDC 3rd place & ICDC Qualifier; 6x Spell Bowl State Champion (only student in state history); U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidate; National Merit Scholar; two-time AP Scholar with Distinction; Class of 2026 Indiana Rising Star, National Technical Honor Society.
JOSEPH McQUEARY
Parents: Jessica Lamble and Jason McQueary
Elementary School: Walt Disney
Middle School: Schmucker
College/career plans: Plans to attend Purdue University – West Lafayette for Chemical Engineering; plans to pursue a career in Chemical Engineer in a cutting edge industry (fuels, pharmaceuticals, etc), then transition to leadership
Activities/Honors: Track and Cross Country for three years each, Debate, DECA, Key Club (VP), National Honor Society, Rocketry Club, Economics Club, The Air We Share Club, Introduction to Engineering Program at Notre Dame, Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council; AP Scholar with Distinction, Northern Indiana Conference All-Academic Team (Cross Country), Scholarship Award for the Engineering Program, College Board National Recognition Program
KELSEY MEYER
Parents: Teresa Meyer and Michael Meyer
Elementary School: Prairie Vista
Middle School: Schmucker
College/career plans: Environmental Engineering at the University of Wisconsin – Madison; hopes to improve the sustainability of infrastructure
Activities/Honors: Technology Students Association, DECA, Science Olympiad, Key Club, Raised $2,700 for Water Wells for Africa, Kingsman Tutor, Technical Theatre, Cross Country Academic All-State, NHS, AP Scholar with Distinction, Penn Girls Cross Country, Penn Girls Track and Field
LEO NI
Parents: Ping Ni and Yao Tang
Elementary School: Northpoint
Middle School: Discovery
College/career plans: Purdue University majoring in engineering; plans to work in engineering and pursuing a master’s degree
Activities/Honors: Penn Varsity Swim & Dive Team, Student-Athlete Leadership Council
National Merit Scholarship Finalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, two-time NISCA All-American, First-Team All-Northern Indiana Conference (Swimming), IHSSCA Academic All-State
JOSHUA OH
Parents: Hyeyoung Oh and Solomon Oh
Elementary School: Prairie Vista
Middle School: Discovery
College/career plans: Plans to attend the University of Chicago, majoring in math and considering a double major in either computer science or economics; seeks career in Quantitative Finance
Activities/Honors: Debate Team Captain, Math Academic Super Bowl State Champion Team Member, Science Academic Super Bowl, Science Olympiad founding member, South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra 1st Violin, Ross Mathematics Program Alum, Questbridge Finalist, National Merit Finalist, DECA, DECA State Finalist, Odyssey Scholar, Debate State Competitor, Mathcounts Head Coach, MATHCON National Finalist, Trine Math Competition Team&Individual Advanced Division 1st place, SNHS, National Honor Society
ROMAN RAMOS
Parents: Alice Ramos and Roman “Gabriel” Ramos
Elementary School: Horizon
Middle School: Discovery
College/career plans: Eastman School of Music – Double Major in Music Education and Music Performance; hopes to teach music at a public school
Activities/Honors: Marching Band, Advanced Jazz Ensemble (Top Jazz Band), Symphonic Winds (Top Concert Band), National Merit Finalist, Winner of PASIC High School Concert Snare Competition
MARIE ROACH
Parents: Clare Roach and Brandon Roach
Elementary School: Prairie Vista
Middle School: Schmucker
College/career plans: Plans to attend the University of Notre Dame to study Global Affairs and French with a minor in European Studies; hopes to work for the State Department as an Ambassador
Activities/Honors: Penn Girls Varsity Soccer, Penn Varsity Unified Track and Field, Indiana Honors Program in Foreign Language, Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellow, Student-Athlete Leadership Council Representative, French Club Co-President, National Honor Society Tutoring Chair, Model United Nations Executive, DECA, Kingsmen Tutor Intern, Kingsmen Building Bridges Co-Founder, National French Exam Silver Medalist, AP Scholar with Distinction, Excellent and Honorable Mention Awards at Ball State National Media Contest, ISCA Academic All-State Girls Soccer, First Team All-Northern Indiana Conference and Second Team All-District Girls Soccer
HENRY SMOKER
Parents: Jen Smoker and Phil Smoker
Elementary School: Meadow’s Edge
Middle School: Grissom
College/career plans: University of Notre Dame; Surgeon
Activities/Honors: Penn’s Association for Children’s Autism, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Key Club, National Honor Society, Kingsmen Against Cancer, Penn’s First Aid Club, Penn Boys Track, Penn Boys Soccer; Junior Irish Boys Soccer Team, EMT Shadow, Youth Group Leader at Granger Student Ministries; Junior Marshall, AP Scholar with Distinction, and First-Team All-Northern Indiana Conference for Boys Soccer
GRANT SPADAFORE
Parents: Katie Spadafore and Scott Spadafore
Elementary School: Elm Rd.
Middle School: Grissom
College/career plans: California Institute of Technology, Computer Science Major / Robotics Minor; Robotics/Entrepreneurship
Activities/Honors: Programming, Robotics, Congressional Debate, CAD, Dean’s List National Finalist, ISSDA State Congressional Debate runner-up, Penn Robotics, Penn Speech and Debate, Mishawaka Youth Advisory Council
AMINA SPAHIC
Parents: Enisa Spahic and Muharem Spahic
Elementary School: Mary Frank
Middle School: Discovery
College/career plans: Pursuing a Chemical Engineering Degree at Notre Dame with Minor in Spanish; Chemical Engineering and potential cosmetic chemist
Activities/Honors: Varsity Tennis, Cross Country, Speech and Debate Captain, Rocketry Founder, Dream Commission Society Executive, Technology Student Association Executive, Around the World Executive, Key Club
JOCELYN TEEPLE
Parents: Terri Witkowski and Christopher Teeple
Elementary School: Bittersweet
Middle School: Schmucker
College/career plans: Attending Purdue for Elementary Education; Becoming a Teacher and eventually going back for a masters in Administration to become a Principal
Activities/Honors: Cadet Teaching at Horizon Elementary School; Working at Prairie Vista Kids Club; Penn Association for Children with Autism Vice President; Handwritten Hearts; The Air We Share; Key Club; National Honor Society; AP Scholar with Distinction
ZOYA TURK
Parents: Sonia Turk and Aasim Turk
Elementary School: Northpoint
Middle School: Discovery
College/career plans: Attend Purdue University, majoring in Neurobiology and Physiology; plans to follow the pre-med track in hopes of becoming an Oncologist
Activities/Honors: Penn High School Girls Varsity Soccer, Penn High School Girls Varsity Track (two-year Captain), DECA, Penn Student-Athlete Leadership Council Representative, Penn’s Association for Children’s Autism, Freshman Mentoring, Key Club, Hospital Volunteer- Infusion Center and ER, Non-Profit Co-President: Play It Forward, Medical Shadow in a Hematology Oncology Unit, 6 year Club Soccer Member: Jr. Irish Soccer Club, Attendee and Volunteer at Mini Medical University; State Champion: DECA Innovation Plan, Indiana State Career Development Conference, AP Scholar Award with Distinction Recipient, IATCCC Academic All-State First Team Track & Field, ISCA Academic All-State Girls Soccer, Honorable Mention All-Conference and Second Team All-District Girls Soccer
BROOQLIN VARGAS
Parents: Kimberly Greene and Sergio Vargas
Elementary School: Prairie Vista
Middle School: Schmucker
College/career plans: Purdue and join Air Force ROTC to later become a fighter pilot in the Air Force
Activities/Honors: National Honor Society,Vice President of Handwritten Hearts, Co-Founder of the Penn Anti-Vape Club, Penn Fellowship of Christian Athletes
SALUTATORIANS
DIYA LAHANE
Parents: Pravina Lahane and Sanjeev Lahane
Elementary School: Mary Frank
Middle School: Discovery
College/career plans: Indiana University Bloomington – Neuroscience/Pre-Med Track; plans to be a Physician
Activities/Honors: Red Cross Secretary and Co-Founder, Penn Assisting Seniors President, Kingsmen Tutoring Internship Executive, Symphonic Orchestra Violinist and Executive, Penn Tennis, Notre Dame Physical Chemistry Intern, Notre Dame Evolutionary and Ecological Research Intern, Saint Joseph Hospital Volunteer, AP Scholar with Distinction, ISSMA Regional Ensemble Gold with Distinction two times, ISSMA State Finals 5th Place, TSA First Place in On-Demand Video, TSA First Place in Audio Podcasting two times, and TSA Second Place in On-Demand Video two times.
AIDAN LEE
Parents: Sun Ae Min and Junghee Lee
Elementary School: Torrey Pines Elementary, Isidore Newman School
Middle School: Isidore Newman School, Discovery Middle School
College/career plans: Majoring In Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Purdue University – West Lafayette; plans to be an Engineer
Activities/Honors: Korean Club Treasurer (2024-2025); Korean Club Vice President (2025-2026); Chess Team Vice President (2025-2026), Scholastic Chess Indiana Team State Top Ten finish (ninth 2025, ninth 2026); TSA State Finalist 2 Gold Medals and 1 Bronze Medal; South Bend Youth Symphony Orchestra Principal Clarinetist (2022-2023, 2024-2026); ISSMA Solo and Ensemble Gold Medalist (2023-2026), 6 District Gold Medals (2023-2026), 3 State Gold Medals (2023-2025); ISSMA Band State Finals 2nd place in 2024, 4th place in 2025; Vaccine Awareness Club Vice President (2025-2026); Math Academic SuperBowl (2022-2026); Rising Stars of Indiana Nominee (2024); Science Olympiad Co-founder and Vice President (2024-2026), 2nd Chemistry Notre Dame Invitational, 5th Chemistry Regionals; Indiana All State Honor Band (2025). Trine University Math Competition (2023-2026), 1st Intermediate Individual (2025), U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad State Qualifier (2024), Math Counts Coach (2023-2026), Memorial Hospital Beacon Health Systems ER Volunteer (2025).