Sponsor: Anne Napoli

Meets: Room 154 every other Friday, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Sponsor: Antonia Boger-May

The purpose of the Penn Science and Engineering Competition Team is to facilitate a place where students can learn and cooperate on science and engineering ideas, for them to compete in local, state, and international competitions. It provides a place where students can work on science and engineering projects for competition.

Club dues are $10 a year.

Meetings will be every Gold Wednesday.

Sponsor: Kyle Marsh

The mission of the Computer Science Honor Society Club is:

1. Equity: a realization that any student has the potential to enroll, to grow, and to excel in computing.
2. Service: empowering members to become ambassadors of the computer science discipline, helping underscore its importance as a mainstay in the school and community.
3. Excellence: a commitment to promoting outstanding scholarship in computer science coursework.

The organization seeks to cultivate thriving environments for success in computer science in the school’s community by encouraging students’ enthusiasm, honoring academic excellence, and promoting service. This will be accomplished through instructional meetings to teach students about the skills they will need to fulfill service projects throughout the year.

Club dues: $10-to-$15 a year.

Meetings will be held every other Monday in Room 258.

Sponsor: Debra Swerman

The purpose of the It’s Our Future Club is to raise money for education supplies and materials for schools across the world. The club will empower Penn Students to learn more about education and charity as well as how to provide opportunity to kids across the globe.

Club dues are $5 a year.

Sponsor: Ms. McNamara.

The purpose of the Penn Psychology Club is to educate and discuss topics relating to psychological science outside the sphere of wellness. We are open to any discussion of this academic subject.

There are no club dues.

Meetings will be held the first Wednesday of each month from 3:30-4:15 p.m. in Room 153.

Penn High School’s Exceptional Education Academy celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2025 with a ceremony at Penn’s Bengtsson CPA.

A Photo Gallery is posted below.

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Retiring P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker, incoming Superintendent Dr. Heather Short, Principal Amy Fadorsen, incoming Assistant Superintendent Dr. Lavon Dean-Null, and Literacy Director Ryan Towner stopped by Horizon on Monday, June 2nd to surprise a couple of our teachers with a big honor for all their hard work with students: Corin Sailor and Meredith Courteau.

Penn 9th gr. Biology teacher Meredith Courteau danced for joy after learning she won an IMPACT award because her students had the highest percentage of students reaching proficiency in all Penn’s Biology I class. This is Ms. Courteau’s first year teaching at Penn!

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In March, Superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation Dr. Jerry Thacker announced his retirement after 19 years. Under Dr. Thacker’s leadership, P-H-M has achieved extraordinary milestones, including raising the graduation rate from 79% to 98%, ranking in the top 4% of the state academically, and helping students earn more than $200 million in scholarships. He also prioritized school safety, leading P-H-M to be ranked sixth in the nation for school safety initiatives. Click here to read more about P-H-M student success achieved during Dr. Thacker’s tenure.

Dr. Thacker has had a remarkable 53-year career in education working in leadership roles across Indiana and Michigan. As the school year wrapped up and in gratitude for his many contributions to the field of education, Dr. Thacker has received several honors.

These five prestigious awards were conferred upon Dr. Thacker:

• May 4, named IAPSS – District II Superintendent of the Year
  
• May 9
  
  Ivy Tech Community College presented him with an Honorary Degree in College and Community Service at their Commencement
  
• May 9, Head Start Consortium gave him the “Making a Difference” award for his loyal dedication, unwavering commitment, and his indispensable support of Head Start’s mission at Head Start’s 60th Anniversary Celebration and Board Meeting
  
• May 21
  
  Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood presented him with a Key to the City and a proclamation declaring May 21st “Dr. Jerry Thacker Day”
  
• May 30
  
  State Senator Linda Rogers presented him with the Circle of Corydon award on behalf of herself and Governor Mike Braun. The award honors Hoosiers who have made remarkable contributions that have bettered Indiana, and who have demonstrated the qualities exemplified by our state’s greatest citizens

Internally, P-H-M school principals, teachers, and students also wanted to thank Dr. Thacker for his years of service and dedication to the district. Several came up with meaningful ways to express their appreciation:

• May 1, Penn High School Bands recognized him for his “caring leadership and service” at the Spring Concert
  
• May 16
  
  Grissom Middle School students and staff lined the hallways to applaud him as he walked through the school’s hallways
• May 16
  
  Penn High School Building Trades program presented him with a Golden Hammer for recognition of his Outstanding Support and Service 
• May 22
  
  Bittersweet Elementary School students and staff lined the hallways to applaud him as he walked through the school’s hallways
• May 27
  
  Walt Disney Elementary School establishes the “Dr. Jerry Thacker Achievement Award” to recognize students who exemplify persistence, good citizenship, and positive competitiveness
  
• May 30
  
  Schmucker Middle School principal presented him with an Elevation Award for 53 years of service in education to students, teachers, and parents
• June 2
  
  
  Prairie Vista Elementary students performed a “We are your Triangle of Success” presentation and gave him a planter with all the thumbprints of students (grades K-5) and staff to illustrate the impact he’s had on their lives
  
• June 3
  
  Retiring Penn Band Director Glenn Northern, leads the Symphonic Winds section of the Kingsmen Marching Band in the Penn High School Fight song outside Dr. Thacker’s office at the Educational Services Center. Click here to see the video on Facebook.

Before the end of the 2024-2025 school year came to a close, Dr. Thacker shared the video message below with P-H-M students, teachers, and families.

Students in Penn High School U.S. History classes brought the cultural sounds and sights of the 1960’s to life with the annual PennStock learning activity.

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