Hello Panthers.

As we wrap up another exciting season of winter sports, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes, coaches, and supporters. Whether on the court, the mat, or in the pool, our Panthers have represented Western with pride and determination. Thank you to everyone who contributed to a successful winter season.

With the arrival of warmer weather, we are eager to kick off spring sports. Our athletes are gearing up for another competitive season, and we look forward to seeing them in action. Be sure to come out and support our teams as they take the fields, courts, and tracks this spring.

Recently, Western had the unique opportunity to host the circus, an event that brought excitement and entertainment to our community. It was a fantastic experience for our students and families, and we appreciate everyone who helped make it a success, especially the Russiaville Lions.

Looking ahead, we are thrilled to host a Robotics Competition on March 15th and 16th, organized and sponsored by AndyMark. With around 40 teams participating from around the state, this event will showcase incredible talent, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It’s a great chance to support our students in STEM and witness some impressive engineering in action. We encourage everyone to come check it out!

Thank you for your continued support of Western High School. Go Panthers!

Mr. Edwards

The Western ladies' and men's choir ensembles received gold ratings at the Indiana State School Music Association's District Solo and Ensemble Contest, qualifying for the ISSMA State Solo and Ensemble Contest held at Perry Meridian High School, Indianapolis, on February 22. Five vocal soloists also qualified for the state competition: sophomores Gracelynne Everling and Aubreyana Hoeppner, and seniors Jovi Neuhauser, Jacob Boyd, and Isaiah Baker. Members carried that success to the state competition - both the ladies' and men's ensembles scored gold (below).Three senior soloists captured "With Distinction" Gold: Jacob Boyd, Jovi Neuhauser, and Isaiah Baker (inset).

The Environmental Club has been awarded a $6,000 grant from Howard County Recycling. Club sponsor, Kendra Metcalf, applied for the grant in November, and the funds will be used to reintroduce recycling at the high school. Four new recycling bins have been ordered as part of this initiative. The club's first focus will be on paper recycling, and members are eager to share exciting ideas with the student body about what can be recycled and the importance of recycling. Below, sponsor Mrs. Metcalf and members of the club receive their check.

The Environmental Club and the Academic Teams sold Candy Grams during the month of February to raise money for their clubs. Below, Brandon Zehring, Victoria Gonzalez, and Kayleigh Wilhelm package the treats before delivery day - Valentine's Day. Sophomore Jace Bagley shows off a candy gram he received during SRT.

The school chapter of Future Farmers of America is up and running with the new AG teacher, Mrs. Anderson. The club sponsored FFA week from February 17-21, a week packed with activities. The students participated in a corn hole tournament, drove their tractors to school, and rounded out the week with a Barn Dance at Sheller Farms in Noblesville, Indiana. Below, a club member parks his tractor in the school lot.

Seniors Noel Wittenbach and Abby Nutt of the American Sign Language club, sponsored by Mrs. Brown, sat for a Padcast interview.

Listen to the transcript by selecting the attached link.

The National Honor Society sponsored and promoted the Kokomo Rescue Mission Walk A Mile fundraiser and walk, held on February 22. Mrs. Pemberton and club members showed up on a cold morning to participate in the walk, along with several people from the community. Below, Mrs. Pemberton speaks with senior Drake Evans before the event began.

The Western Winter Guard performed at various schools each weekend in February. They will continue performing though the middle of March. On February 15, the troupe traveled to Brownsburg High School, below, to present their show Star-Crossed. The Panthers placed third in their class.

JUDE SAWYER. Sophomore Jude Sawyer was nominated by Mr. Edwards and Mr. Lewis for Student of the Month. "Jude gave another student the heimlich maneuver in the cafeteria. Jude sprang into action without even thinking about it and saved the student from choking. Jude gave credit to Mr. Bennett’s lifeguarding class for learning how to do the heimlich. It was truly amazing!"

Senior Touko Haapaniemi is from Finland. He became an exchange student because he wanted to experience American culture and high school life. When he came to the United States, he was surprised by how “dependent Americans are on their cars.” Touko played on the soccer team because he played soccer in Finland and has played the game for over 10 years. This spring, he's going to try to play baseball. One thing he misses from Finland is the food, primarily because it is much healthier and tastes better, even though fast food is very good in America! He has enjoyed his time here and made lots of friends.

Katharina Overzier hails from Germany and is also a senior this year. She decided to come to America to learn about the culture and improve her English. Outside of school she does competitive cheer because she always wanted to try an “American” sport. She has been interested in dancing and tumbling for many years and thought cheerleading would be the perfect sport. At Western, she participated on the swimming and diving team and intends to run track. She has found the staff and students “so open and welcoming” but does miss some things about her home country like the food, the carnival (a West German festival), and her friends and family.

The boys basketball team upset conference rival West Lafayette to claim the crown as Hoosier Conference champions. Carter Biggs lead the Panthers with 19 points.

Four members of the WHS boys wrestling team scored well enough at the Regional meet to advance to the Semi-State: seniors Brody Burns and LIam Bumgardner, and juniors Brady Shannon and Erik Hunt. Bumgardner, below, took his talents to the State Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Senior Emma Roe signed with Manchester College to compete in girls wrestling and softball.

Junior Ellyse Walden was recognized at the Kokomo Kiwanis Basketball Banquet as the Most Valuable Player in the county for girls basketball.

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.

If you have pictures from events and activities at the school and would be willing to share, 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.

Greetings from Student Services! The counselors have been meeting with students to complete scheduling requests for next year. Be sure to ask your students about it! Also, we have students who want to go to the Kokomo Area Career Center and we totally support that option, but please note, this is a two year commitment. If students select to go their junior year, they are also committing to their senior year. If you have any questions about this, please contact your student's counselor.

Juniors will be taking the SAT on Tuesday, March 11th. This is now a state requirement, so all juniors will be expected to take the exam during the school day. If they are out of the building on the 11th, a make up test will be scheduled.

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/