Panthers,

As we move through this exciting spring season, we’re thrilled to celebrate all the wonderful things happening in our school community. Spring sports are in full stride, and it’s been incredible to see our athletes giving their all on the field, court, and track. Their energy and teamwork has been awesome!

We are also excited for the cast and crew of Annie the Musical. They have been working hard to bring the stage to life in a spectacular way. The shows are this weekend on Saturday, May 3rd at 7:30pm and Sunday, May 4th at 2:30pm.

Prom was a night to remember. From the music and dancing to the decor and memories made, it was a huge success. Our students were not only stylish but also respectful and well-behaved, making it an enjoyable evening for all. We’re proud of the way they represented our school.

Looking ahead, we’re filled with excitement as we approach the final weeks of the school year. Graduation is just around the corner—mark your calendars for Friday, May 30th at 7:00pm. We can’t wait to celebrate our seniors and all they’ve accomplished.

Here’s to a strong finish and a season full of memories!

Go Panthers!!

Mr. Edwards

The annual Indiana Academic Super Bowl competition took place on April 22. Western High School students participated in five categories at Marion High School, Marion, Indiana: Math, Science, English, Social Studies, and Art. The English and Social Studies teams advanced to the State Finals, which will be held on May 10 at Purdue University in West Lafayette.

The 8th period Principles of Agriculture class and the 8th period Photography class took a field trip to the Indianapolis Zoo on Thursday April 17th! The Agriculture class had to complete a research project on an animal of their choice at the zoo. They then had to complete a habitat design project to demonstrate animal welfare, sustainability, and an educational message. The Agriculture class also had to present these projects to their class! At the zoo, we visited all of the animal exhibits and participated in fun activities! Some groups did karaoke, while others rode the roller coaster, or took the scenic route on the zoo’s train! Overall, this field trip was definitely a winner with the Agriculture students who attended!

Sophia Hood, 9

The Western Vocal Jazz Choir won the Indiana State School Music Association Vocal Jazz State Finals contest held Friday, March 21, topping the other seven state qualifying schools, most of which were schools with enrollments larger than Western’s (North Central, Perry Meridian, Elkhart, Concordia Lutheran, Jeffersonville, Leo [Illinois], and Crown Point). Western also was awarded best Tenor section, and sophomore Aubreyana Hoeppner was awarded outstanding soloist!

Congratulations to Leo Reynoso, Liam Paden, Mason Hurst, Jacob Boyd, Isaiah Baker, Lawson Smith, Harrison Bohlmann, Michael Jarrell, Audrey Adams, Hannah Quirk, Caitlin Sylvester, Marianna Hunt, Jovi Neuhauser, Aubreyana Hoeppner, Emma Gibson, and Molly Ousley!

Listen to an interview with several Vocal Jazz members by clicking on the link to the Padcast below.

The Varsity Choir received a gold rating from all the judges in the Indiana State School Music Association Large Group Contest, held April 12 at Lafayette Jefferson High School. The choir completed in the highest level, Group 1, which has a required music list.

An April 24, most of the senior class participated in the annual Community Day, an event where students descend on Russiaville to help local businesses by cleaning, painting, mulching, and other tasks. Below, Emma Roe, Rhiana Bowman, Kylie Miller, and Reyce Gibson repaint the front of Waddell's IGA.

Monday, April 22, was Earth Day. Members of the WHS Environmental Club encouraged students to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Below, freshman Brayden Kiefer gathers items to be recycled.

This April, Western’s National Honor Society teamed up with the Rescue Mission for a school-wide children’s clothes drive. NHS worked with the Rescue Mission before with the “Walk-A-Mile in My Shoes” program, raising money for the homeless women and children of Kokomo, but this year NHS became even more involved with their community. Western School Corporation, including staff and students, donated an abundant amount of clothes and helped organize clothes drop offs. The NHS leadership team is beyond grateful for the WSC community and all who have participated in this drive. A big thank you to the Rescue Mission staff for helping organize pick up and allowing us to help our community. And finally, a special thank you to Mrs. Dawn Pemberton who has sponsored our NHS community these past few years. We appreciate you beyond what words can express and wish you luck on your future endeavors.

London Younce, 12

Below, seniors Seun Oguntoye, Emily Dinn, Gabby Mawbey, Sydney Ousley, Anjani Madhan, and Mrs. Pemperton pose with their collection of clothing.

Western students enjoyed a night at the Bel Air event center in Kokomo on Saturday night, April 26, at the Junior/Senior prom. The theme this year was Midnight Masquerade, Prom in Disguise. Seniors Milan Bennet and Elleya Duncan were crowned King and Queen. Juniors Ihedimunuche Ozo and Natalie Hoover were named Prince and Princess. Check out the post-prom comments by clicking on the Padcast link below.

As part of the March and April college basketball "madness," the Student Council organized a bracket challenge and set up games in the hallway outside of the cafeteria for students. Below, junior Aiden Ebbens tries his luck at the Jenga tower as Mr. Harmsen looks on.

The wait is nearly over! The Western drama club will present the musical Annie on May 3 and 4. Click the link below for more details about times and tickets.

JACKSON WEAVER - NOMINATED BY JAMIE BROWN

Another student in class that sits next to Jackson has really been struggling with mental health issues this year. I noticed several weeks ago when they were doing group work that this student had cutting marks on his arms, and I reported it to the administration and counselors. They have been working with the student and parent on this issue. Before Spring Break, this same student got sick in class and threw up in my trash can. I didn't want to make a huge scene, so I walked over and gave him a bottle of water and asked if he thought he could make it to the nurse's office. He said he thought he could, but my gut told me it would be better if someone made sure he got there, so I asked Jackson would he mind taking this student's stuff and just making sure he got to the nurse OK. He obliged and they left, while I got the custodian to come clean up in my room.

When Jackson returned, he asked to speak to me privately. He let me know that the other student had told him he had taken too many ibuprofen and that was why he was throwing up. I called down to the office to let them know what was going on. The student is doing OK and has returned to school since, but was immediately sent to the ER and had some mental health evaluations.

I want to commend Jackson on the action he took, because, honestly, he most likely saved the other student's life by telling me. He also expressed he was worried about the other student and asked if I had seen the marks on his arms. I believe in my heart that I asked Jackson to walk with that student down to the nurse for a reason, because he is kind and a good hearted person, and I knew he wouldn't make the other student feel bad or embarrassed that he had thrown up in my room, and I knew he could be trusted to get the student to the nurse and then come back and let me know he made it.

I wanted to let you know how appreciative I am that he knew to do the right thing in telling me. There are many students who would not have said anything for fear of getting someone in trouble or not taking what was said seriously. I am so glad out of everyone in the room I asked him to walk with the student to the nurse, and I am so grateful that his parents have raised a good human being who knows the importance of doing the right thing.

Mio hails from Switzerland and is a senior at Western. He notes that "Western has a lot of really good teachers and amazing sports programs." As a member of the football team, swimming team, and track and field, he has been able to experience first hand the fun of being involved in sports in an Indiana high school. Like other exchange students, he wanted attend school in a different country. One thing that surprised him at WHS was the SmartPass System.

Senior Kylie Miller signed to play softball for Georgetown College, a liberal arts college in Georgetown, Kentucky. Kylie was a member of the 2024 State championship team.

Senior Rhiana Bowman signed to play volleyball and basketball for Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana.

Junior Ellyse Walden continues to outperform others and herself. On April 26 at the Guerin Catholic Invitational in Noblesville, she broke both the meet and the school records in the shot put and discus. She is ranked ninth in the State in shot put and eleventh in discus. Earlier this year, Walden set a person best in shot put at the Western indoor track and field event at Purdue University.

The girls softball team has started the season on a tear. On April 26, the girls trounced the Ben Davis Giants 10-0 in the first game of the Ben Davis Classic. Brynley Erb and Jocelyn Jeffers, below, both homered. The team is 12-2 through April 29.

The boys of summer are heating up! The Panthers varsity baseball team defeated county rival Northwestern on April 25 by a score of 3-1. Ashton Castillo, below, pitched for the win. The team is 12-2 overall and 5-1 in conference play through April 29.

The girls squad showed their grit with a 5-0 victory over the Frankfort Hotdogs on April 21. They finished the week strong by sweeping Delphi High School on the 24th.

Once again, Coach Quinn and his coaching staff are conducting a tennis camp in June for different age groups. See the attached flyer for details.

The 2024-2025 yearbooks will be on sale through May 31. See the link below to order a yearbook.

If you ordered a book last year, the 2023-2024 books are available for pick up in Room 202. If you have already graduated, please email Mrs. Kincaid at dkincaid@western.k12.in.us to arrange to pick up the book in the high school office.

Have some cool Prom photos you are willing to share? If so, visit yearbookshare.com, enter the school code westernpanthers, and upload the photos. Your pictures will be considered for inclusion in the 2024-2025 yearbook. You also can go directly to the site by clicking the URL below.

Several students will be taking the Advanced Placement exams in May. Wish them luck!

Western High School

Principal Steve Edwards

2600 S 600 W

Russiaville, IN 46979

P (765) 883-5541

F (765) 883-7946

https://whs.western.k12.in.us/