Sponsor: Eric Bowers

The Purpose of the Muslim Student Association is to unite the Muslim community through various activities such as bake sales, movie nights, and monthly meetings, while also promoting cultural awareness. The club aims to foster unity within the Muslim community while promoting cultural awareness and supporting charitable initiatives.

We’re open to anyone and everyone who’s interested!

Meetings are on one Wednesday morning a month in Room 179.

The 13,264 square foot facility, completed in 2018, includes three new locker rooms to be rotated during the Fall and Spring sports seasons: Football (varsity, JV and Freshmen), Track & Field (boys & girls) and Girls Lacrosse.

It is named for Chris Geesman, who coached Penn Football to five State Championships.

There are a total of 255 oversized lockers large enough to house equipment. There are also private shower and restroom stalls. 

Click here for a brochure with more details about the new facility. 

All three locker room areas have adjacent coaching staff office space for supervision.

The two home larger locker rooms include integrated team meeting and film areas with video projection.

With the addition of a training room at Everwise Freed Field, Penn athletic trainers will have on-site access to equipment and medical treatment supplies during sporting activities.

The new building also provides private facilities for sports officials.

The Indiana Council of Teachers of English (ICTE) is the state affiliate for the National Council of Teachers of English.

According to their website their “focus is to support the professional growth and work of all English teachers at all levels in Indiana.”

Our very own Mary Nicolini was honored with the NCTE 2021 High School Teacher of Excellence Award! 

The following is an excerpt from the press release announcing the good news!

“Established in 2001 by the NCTE Secondary Section, this award recognizes and celebrates high school classroom teachers who demonstrate excellent practices and contributions in the classroom. Nicolini stood out as a strong candidate for her many positive contributions made to Penn High School, not just for her students but also for her colleagues.
 

Nicolini will be recognized by NCTE at the Secondary Section Luncheon at the 2021 NCTE Annual Convention.

In the words of one of her recommenders, “She is full of thoughtful pauses that communicate an ability to listen that invites students and colleagues in. Her charisma makes those around her want to be part of her endeavors. We are all her students.”

Within her school community, Nicolini has taken on many leadership roles. These roles include teacher training, designing and implementing a writing center in PHS, curriculum development, and co-founding a Virtual Arts Summer Academy. Nicolini is a leader and founder of PHS Early College Academy that focuses on providing students with access to college courses during high school. In her classroom she provides her students with materials that challenge their thinking and allows them to express themselves in ways they don’t always get to throughout their teenage years. As one of her recommenders noted, “In a world that is experiencing tremendous change and turmoil, students need teachers like Ms. Nicolini more than ever before.””

Congratulations Mary, this is an outstanding example of PHMExcellence and we are so proud that you’re a Kingsmen!

Penn-Harris-Madison continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19. With more than 13,000 students and employees, we all play an important role in minimizing the risk and impact on each other and our operations. The health and safety of students and staff is our top priority. As a result, P-H-M Schools will implement various measures to keep everyone as safe as possible. 

Please click here to read an overview of the district’s plan for a safe and healthy learning environment for Summer 2021 In-Person Instruction.

Throughout Summer 2021, P-H-M will continue to track COVID cases of students and staff that are made known to district and school personnel. Click here to view the P-H-M Positive COVID Dashboard.

To read documents related to P-H-M’s Return to Learn Plan for the 2020-2021 school year, please click here.

Tee off to benefit @PennPride365 Academics & Athletics !!!!

The Penn Boosters Annual Golf Outing is Sat., July 17, at Juday Creek Golf Course. There will be an 8 a.m. shotgun start.

Click the link to register or sponsor a hole: https://tinyurl.com/2e3kjjp7

Click the link for details: https://tinyurl.com/4uney2b5
 

Last night, Wednesday, June 9, 2021 was Pennway Night School Class of 2021’s turn to be recognized!

​Pennway Night School offers a path for alternative education students who are beyond their expected graduation year to earn a full Penn High School Diploma.

It was an emotional evening as each name was called and the graduates came forward to receive their diploma covers.

Each graduate has their own unique story, but from now on they are united with the title of “Penn High School Graduate,” great job Kingsmen!

To download high-resolution jpg files from the photo gallery below, just simply click the “DOWNLOAD” button on the bottom right-hand corner of the photo while viewing it in the Photo Gallery function. We are happy to provide this service to you, free of charge!

Annie Drews, who helped lead Penn to Volleyball State Championships in 2010 and 2011, has been selected to play for Team USA Volleyball.

Drews will compete in the Tokyo Olympics in July-August.

Drews won a state title in 2010 with Lisa Pawlik as the head coach, and in 2011 with Sarah Hendricks as the head coach.

Penn Volleyball Head Coach Lisa Pawlik quote: “Something truly special happened today.  One of our Sisterhood earned the most amazing honor.  We are so proud of Annie and so happy for her that all of her dreams came true because of her hard work, perseverance, and dedication.  If you ever wondered if you should set your goals high and fight to achieve them  – WOW this is it.”  

After playing at Penn, Drews competed for Purdue University.

Click here for an Annie Drews highlight video.

Penn’s 62^nd Commencement was held Friday, June 4, 2021 at TCU Freed Field. 868 graduates, their families, Penn faculty, staff, Penn & P-H-M administrators, and P-H-M Board of School Trustees members weathered the hot and steamy evening to celebrate the many accomplishments of the Class of 2021. Click to watch the recording below of the live stream that aired on P-H-M’s YouTube Channel …

For a listing of student awards and accomplishments highlighted on Senior Recognition Night held May 11, please click here.
 

Candid photos that were taken throughout the evening by Penn & P-H-M staff were posted on Facebook. Click to view album #1 on Penn’s Facebook page posted 6/4/21. Click to view album #2 on Penn’s Facebook page posted 6/7/21.

Inter-State Studios was the Official Commencement photographer and was in position to take individual pictures of seniors with P-H-M Superintendent Dr. Jerry Thacker holding their diplomas. Click here to access Inter-State Studios’ secure website. Password = Penn2021.   

After a pause last year due to the pandemic, Principal Sean Galiher, Director of Counseling John Westra, and other members of Penn Faculty and the Counseling Department were happy to gather in person with members of the Class of 2021 and their families to celebrate their accomplishments. This year’s Senior Recognition Night was held last night (Tuesday, May 11) in the Main Arena so people could socially distance and spread out. The event recognizes the academic success that members of the Senior Class have achieved recognizing them for awards and honors that they’ve earned for graduation.

Awards conferred at last night’s 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 see the full listing of Senior Awards and Commencement Recognitions of the graduating Class of 2021. 

On Friday, June 4, Penn will graduate 868 students. Commencement will be held at Penn’s TCU Freed Field. This year’s ceremony will not be open to the public and will be a ticketed event. Each senior will receive two tickets. Click here for more information on the ticketing process and other details about the June 4 Commencement.

This year’s graduating class seniors have earned approximately $10.4 million in scholarships!

More than half, 487 to be exact, 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.

348 seniors 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.

The Core 40 with Technical Honors diploma is awarded to students who complete professional internships and or college courses in a technical area; this year 61 graduates will graduate with a Technical Honors diploma. 

The 2021 graduating class is the second class to receive recognition through the Latin Honors System.

• 44 students are graduating Summa Cum Laude with the highest praise by earning an Academic Honors diploma with a GPA greater than 4.25.
• 114 students are graduating Magna Cum Laude with high praise by earning an Academic Honors diploma with a GPA greater than 4.0. 
• 107 students are graduating Cum Laude with praise with a GPA greater than 3.75.

The Penn High School Principal’s Academic Excellence Award was presented to eight seniors based upon academic excellence and overall achievement: Leah Eaton, Cannon Cocquyt, Derrick Pennix, Muntha Islam, Anna VanAvermaete, Sierra Norris, Hira Chaudhry, and Gabriel-Francois Gatete.

The Principal’s Leadership Award is presented annually to students who contribute their talent, time, energy, and motivation to the leadership of Penn’s student body. Katelyn Keough and Braxton Odle were honored for helping to make a difference in the culture of Penn on behalf of their classmates. Principal Galiher noted that the work and dedication of Katelyn and Braxton went above and beyond that of any normal Penn student leader.

The Principal’s Citizenship and Service Award was presented to eight Penn High School students who have selflessly donated many hours to make sure that Penn High School is well represented in whatever service project they are involved in. Principal Galiher said of these students, “Simply put, they make good things happen at Penn!” The winners of the 2021 Principal’s Citizenship and Service Award were: Connor Craig, Benjamin Boardley, Emmerson Lahey, Jacqueline Null, Grant Parker, Julia Son, Willow Fox, and Katie Casbon.

The Class of 2021 boasts 17 valedictorians. This year’s valedictorians have an average GPA of 4.42 on a scale of 4.0!

The Class of 2021’s 17 valedictorians include: Aida Ansari, Benjamin Bedient, Jayden Bell, Benjamin Boardley, Samik Ghosh, Oliver Hu, Logan Huchko, Maya Kvaratskhelia, Shubham Lahane, Lauren Latimer, Evan Li, Ryan Ludwig, Mattheos P. Mattheos, Joseph Radde, Grace Waddell, David Wang Jr., and Marissa White.

The two salutatorians are Mamoon Khan and Aidan Sweeney. Their average GPA is 4.36 on a scale of 4.0!

This year 11 Penn High School students designated as National Merit Semi-Finalists based upon their high PSAT scores have been named National Merit Finalists. These students advanced to Finalist standing in the Merit Scholarship competition of 2021 by demonstrating, through distinguished performance, high potential for future academic accomplishment. They are in the top 1% of all students in the country and eligible for one of the 8,000 scholarships to be awarded this spring. Penn’s 2021 National Merit Finalists are: Jayden Bell, Sydney Domal, Reagan Hoke, Anna Huber, Maya Kvaratskhelia, Evan Li, Ryan Ludwig, Joseph Radde, Aidan Sweeney, Benjamin VanderVeen, and Grace Waddell.

The following National Merit Finalists also received a scholarship from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation: Jayden Bell, Evan Li, and Reagan Hoke.

Eleven students received recognition from the College Board and were awarded National Merit Commended Scholar status: Benjamin Boardley, Ethan Boyer, Matthew Chapple, Taylor Cussen, Christoph Deymann, Zachary Dickerson, Alexander Goffinet, Grant Parker, Adam Poellabauer, Adalia Qazi, and Evan Rosswurm.

Valedictorian Evan Li was also selected as a 2021 Indiana Academic All-Star. Each Indiana high school can nominate one senior for this prestigious award. Of the 100+ nominees, the selection committee chose 40 to honor  as an Indiana Academic All-Star. Awards are presented to the students and an influential educator of their choice. Evan chose his biology teacher, Kim Reitz to be recognized with him.

Jayden Bell and Grace Waddell are being awarded the Community Foundation of Saint Joseph County Eli Lilly Endowment Scholarship based on their high academic merits and test scores. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees, required books, and equipment for four years of undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree at any accredited Indiana public or private college or university. 

Every year scholarships are also awarded for the Dr. and Mrs. Jerry Thacker Scholarship and the Larry Beehler Scholarship. Dr. Jerry Thacker is Superintendent of Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation and Mr. Larry Beehler is a longtime member of P-H-M’s Board of School Trustees. The awards for these scholarships are $1,000 each.

The recipient of the Larry Beehler Scholarship was Addyson Farias and she plans to attend the University of Wisconsin Madison next year.

Grace Schutt was the recipient of the Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Thacker Scholarship. She plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University (Illinois).

This year Dr. and Mrs. Thacker also donated $1,000 for the establishment of a new scholarship in their name. The new scholarship is awarded to a student of color that will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in education. This first scholarship winner was Blessing Bayingana.

Also new this year was the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA) honors. Jordyn Smith and Grace Selis were named the first winners of this award. These student-athletes were selected by the NHSSCA national board as NHSSCA All Americans. Grades, athletic achievements, leadership, and weight room totals were all a part of the selection. 

Every year since 1967, Penn’s faculty vote to recognize an outstanding member of the graduating class based on service, character and leadership; the student must also, at the end of seventh semester, be in the top 10% of their graduating class. The senior selected is awarded the Paul H. Schmucker Award in memory of the distinguished member of Penn High School faculty from 1960-1967. This year’s recipient is Benjamin Boardley. 

Ben was in the national spotlight when a video of his sportsmanship during the Indiana Cross Country State finals went viral. Ben saw a Brebeuf Jesuit’s runner stumbled and almost fell as both were approaching the finish line. Ben stopped pulled Faizan him up by his arm. This act of kindness and sportsmanship could have cost Ben his finish in the race– IHSSA guidelines say a runner could be disqualified for assisting another. However, an official ruled no violation occurred. The video went viral when a Sports TV Reporter in Terre Haute saw the video and Tweeted it out. The story was also picked up by the Indianapolis Star, South Bend’s WNDU-TV, and it went national when Ben and the Brebeuf Jesuit runner were featured on ESPN’s Friday “Feel Good Friday” segment on November 6, 2020. Ben was humble through all the coverage and just said “I guess that’s how my parents raised me. They taught me to treat others how I’d want to be treated, and to be helpful when I can.”

Each year, the graduating class also nominates a classmate who best exemplifies the qualities of service to his/her school community, school spirit, respect for classmates and Penn High School for the Kingsman of the Year Award. A tradition since 1970, the recipient is recognized for his/her leadership and willingness to accept challenge and is a great honor and show of respect from the recipients fellow classmates. The Class of 2021 Kingsman of the Year Award winner is Nicole Marshall. Unfortunately Nicole could not attend Senior Recognition Night because she was participating in the NIC Track Meet for Penn. The Girls Track Team did win the Northern Indiana Conference Meet Championship! Superintendent Dr. Thacker caught up with Nicole on May 12 at track practice to congratulate her on her award.

The Class of 2021 is the 4th cohort of the Early College Academy. A total of 100 students are graduating from Early College.  

• 24 of these students have earned over 30 credits through Ivy Tech Community College, essentially completing their first year of college as high school students.
• 59 Early College students have earned a fully completed Associate’s Degree as high school students. 

Click to see the Academy and other Award Winners from the evening.

Here are some others stats for the Class of 2021:

• 33 seniors have completed the Cadet Teaching program and plan to go into teaching
• 15 seniors are going into the Military
• Fine Arts students Devon Newcomer and Natalie Callihan were gold National winners for photographs in the Scholastic Arts competition
• Penn student-athletes won 14 of 19 Sectional Championships; 50 senior student-athletes received athletic scholarships to continue their sport at the collegiate level

   

Every year we highlight a diverse set of students that embody PHMExcellence.

Though we are only featuring three students, we recognize that EVERY graduate has a story worth telling.

We are so proud of ALL our Class of 2021 graduates and believe that each and every one of them will go on to accomplish big things that will impact our communities and the world. Click to read some of the accomplishments of this year’s graduating class.

Royce Butler

Through his love of debate team and video production, Royce has found his voice and courage to tackle sometimes tough topics.

After graduation, Royce is going to study Communications at Purdue. Watch his story below:

Maya Kvaratskhelia

From a very early age, Maya has had two loves: music and math. She was inspired to play the violin when she saw her great-grandfather playing the fiddle when she was only 6 years old. At approximately the same time Maya started reading about Space and realized that she wanted to learn everything she could about it. 

After graduation, Maya is going to continue to follow BOTH passions and will double major in Violin Performance and Physics at the University of Notre Dame. Watch her story below:

Arkin Kurama

Arkin has been deeply involved with our Robotics Program. As a Junior he began working with Mission to Engineer, which is an initiative that dedicates Robotics resources to help people with disabilities through assistive technology.

After graduation, Arkin plans to continue his studies at the University of Notre Dame. Watch his story below: