Have a safe, restful Spring Break!

Go Panthers!!

Mr. Edwards

Students from the Environmental Science class and Environmental Club spent a day at IU Kokomo learning about the solar eclipse.

Indiana University of Kokomo held an event to show local students how to prepare for the upcoming eclipse. Environmental students and club members went to IUK to preemptively learn about the solar eclipse happening on April 8, 2024. At the beginning of the visit students learned about what causes a solar eclipse, why this upcoming one is important, and how to protect themselves from the sun. After the presentation, students were able to go to different activities that relate to areas that IUK teaches. Some of the tables there were writing poetry, learning about ancient civilizations and their views on an eclipse, singing karaoke, and making slime. Afterwards, students were given protective eyewear to watch the eclipse.

Emily Cook, 12

Members of the WHS Winter Guard participated in competitions throughout the winter and recently competed at the Wilhoit Division of the State finals at Franklin Central High School, where they finished in second place. Below, members pose in their dress uniforms.

March is Disability Awareness Month. In recognition of this, members of the Padcast Club interviewed several students from the Kokomo Area Special Education Cooperative. Below is a link to one of the interviews.

The Panther Tech/Robotics team showed their talents and placed third in the First Indiana District Columbus Event competition on March 16. The team is now ranked #16 overall in the state and will compete March 23 in Plainfield, Indiana. Follow the robotics team on Instagram: @panthertech292_official. Burke Burns, Jake Boyd, Ethan Edison, and Ian Mouser were Western club members who participated in the competition.

On March 20, several students at Western High School wore blue to honor Deputy Carl Koontz, a Western High School graduate and former Student Resource Officer who was killed in the line of duty several years ago on March 20th. Below, Haley Wunderlich, Maria Slate, Kyndal Binder, and Laney Hamilton, all in blue, show their support.

Dr. Mark Meng of IU - Kokomo's School of Business spoke to students in Mrs. Kritzman's Human Services class earlier this month. Professor Meng shared about the Hospitality and Tourism Management program offered at IUK and the multiple different careers available through it.

Several students from the Agriculture classes helped lead elementary school students around different stations at the Howard County Fairgrounds earlier this month in celebration of agriculture.

The Western High School prom will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2024. Mark your calendars!

Troy was nominated by Mr. Harmsen. He had this to say:

Troy has been such a great addition to Western High School and I'm really glad he's here with us. Troy moved to Western about a year ago and has hit the ground running. He's challenged himself from the beginning with honors classes and has committed to earning the Academic Honors Diploma although it will take him some work to catch up since he moved from out of state. He's been polite, interactive, thoughtful, and patient and has helped make Western a better place. He brings a great academic curiosity and hasn't been afraid to set high standards only for him to achieve them and continue onto the next. Well done, Troy!

Brent Oaks, the head of maintenance, keeps the building in shape! He's always available and ready to help when asked. Thanks for your continued service to the Western community!

NICK LIEGEY Want to learn computer coding such as JavaScript and Python? Try one of Mr. Liegey’s classes. Mr. Liegey is in his second year at WHS as the Business/Computer Science teacher. He’s originally from Pennsylvania and attended Temple University, earning a degree in Sport and Recreation Management. After meeting his wife, who was living in Kokomo, he moved to Indiana. One of his goals as a teacher is to “teach students to critically think and understand the expectations for the real world.” In his spare time, he enjoys video games, maintaining a fit, healthy lifestyle, and watching pro sports. Sorry Cubs fans, he’s a Philadelphia Phillies fan!

KATIE HOLLINGSWORTH Mrs. Hollingsworth has been a nurse for 12 years, studying nursing at Indiana University because of “a desire to help others and make a positive impact on people's lives.” She’s a Western graduate and hopes to “boost student health outcomes and enhance [her] skills in mental health support for students.” Her hobbies include gardening, walking/running, reading, and spending time with her family. Western alumni continue to make a difference in our community!

Seniors Chloe Hunt and Mackenzie York were named to the Indiana All State Honorable Mention team for girls basketball.

The girls medley relay of Lauren Bradley, Madelynn Shoaff, Hattie Harlow, and Kendall Depoy set a new track record of 13:55.15, beating the old record by 19.72 seconds.

Pictures of clubs will be taken for the 2023-2024 yearbook throughout the day on Thursday, April 4.

Also, don't forget to purchase your copy of the book. They are on sale now through May 31. To order online, click on the following link:

The ASVAB test is scheduled for April 4.

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/