A food bank ran by the Salvation Army of Warsaw on Tuesday drew a long line of those seeking help. InkFreeNews photo.

SYRACUSE — The Food Bank of Northern Indiana, in cooperation with The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County, will distribute food boxes to families in need from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 15, at the main entrance to Wawasee High School, 1 Warrior Path, 12659 N. Syracuse Webster Road, Syracuse.

The food bank will be a drive-through event where persons are asked to stay in their vehicles and boxes are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

This is a “bonus distribution” funded through federal funds of The Emergency Food Assistance Program.

A similar program was held Tuesday, April 7, in Warsaw, where within an hour, half of the 500 boxes of food had been distributed.

Locke said a similar event will be held at Tippecanoe Valley High School in several weeks.

Press Release

SYRACUSE — On Monday evening, May 4, Geoff Walmer, Wawasee High School principal, released the following letter regarding a graduation ceremony for the class of 2020:

“Dear Seniors:

“We wanted to wait until Governor Holcomb’s announcement this past Friday before finalizing any plans with regards to a graduation ceremony. Now that we better understand the road map for Indiana, our graduation ceremony committee consisting of seniors, parents of seniors, teachers and administrators have settled on a plan to honor you, the class of 2020.

“Your voices have been heard. We know the one thing that was stripped away from you by COVID-19 was the ability to see your classmates one last time and to say a proper goodbye. While no plan for honoring you will be ‘traditional,’ nor is there a perfect plan to accommodate everyone, we knew that we wanted to find a way for you all to be together one last time. Therefore, Wawasee High School will plan to hold a graduation ceremony Saturday, July 18. We recognize there will continue to be restrictions in place, even in July, and for that we acknowledge this ceremony may not be exactly as it’s been in the past.

“However, our goal is to stick to a plan that resembles a typical celebration, in which you are with your classmates one last time while allowing a restricted number of observers to celebrate alongside you. We also recognize while our goal as a state is to make it to stage five by July 4, as our Governor has planned, we simply may not be there by July 18. In order to make every attempt to have a celebration, we will plan Saturday, July 25, and Saturday, Aug. 1, as backup dates. Lastly, should there be any reason we can not hold a ceremony July 18 such as poor weather, etc., but it is possible to hold a ceremony Sunday, July 19, then we would hold the ceremony that Sunday. The same goes for the following backup dates and weekends.

“Our goal is to have a live in-person graduation ceremony, recognizing restrictions will be in place, as close to July 18 as possible. Should we not be able to hold a live in-person ceremony by Sunday, Aug. 2, then the ceremony will be cancelled. We will continue to push out more details such as cap and gown pick-up and details regarding the ceremony, but for now we wanted you to have these dates for planning purposes.

“I know I speak for the entire staff of WHS when I say we miss you and we can’t wait to celebrate with you soon.”

Geoff Walmer, closest to the door, and Steve Perek, standing at the bottom of the steps, presented a check to Byron Oswald, standing inside the door in his home near the former Syracuse Elementary School. (Photo by Tim Ashley)

By Tim Ashley
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — For several years Byron Oswald served the Wawasee Community School Corporation as a maintenance worker and also the head of maintenance at Wawasee High School before retiring. He often did the sort of work not noticed by the general public, but was seen and appreciated by staff, administrators and students at the high school.

Early in the afternoon Friday, May 8, it was Oswald’s turn to be served. Oswald, who is battling a brain tumor, was presented a check for $2,000 by Geoff Walmer, WHS principal, and Steve Perek, assistant principal. The funds were raised by the high school student council in conjunction with Pow Wow, an annual event normally held in March but which was cancelled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Pow Wow, a week of festivities culminating in a carnival for students, was created in 2013 and is primarily held to increase school spirit and also to help a specific cause within the high school family. This year’s cause was to help Oswald, and although the carnival and other festivities were not held, funds had still been raised prior to cancellation.

“Byron was a staff member that our school has counted on for years and years,” said Alexandra Haberman, junior class vice president. “He has helped make Wawasee High School what it is today by constantly helping with every event. We would not be the school we are today without the support and extraordinary effort he put into everything he did.”

Zachary Leedy, student body president, added, “Byron had always supported Pow Wow by making sure everybody had the supplies needed for the event. Byron was a huge part of Pow Wow, and we as a school wanted to do something to thank him for that.”

Oswald is making some progress in his fight against the brain tumor and is undergoing radiation treatments. He was also given a collection of comments students had submitted through Padlet, an online resource.

Byron Oswald in a staff photo from a few years ago.

News Release

SYRACUSE — The Food Bank of Northern Indiana, in cooperation with The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County, will distribute food boxes to families in need from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 13, at Wawasee High School, Syracuse.

The truck and volunteers will be located at the main entrance of the high school. Distribution will be a drive-through event where persons are asked to stay in their vehicles and boxes are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Each household must be represented by an adult in the vehicle to receive food. This is a “bonus distribution” funded through federal funds of The Emergency Food Assistance Program.

Entrance to the Wawasee Community School Corporation’s central office.

News Release

SYRACUSE — Due to the coronavirus pandemic, summer school plans for the Wawasee Community School Corporation have been altered or in some cases cancelled. The school corporation will still offer summer school courses, but some plans are tentative.

Wawasee High School will be offering online summer school through Apex the month of June where students who are behind in credits can stay on track for graduation by taking courses. Sign-ups for courses are happening now through Wawasee High School. It is possible there might be a July offering of this as well, depending upon interest.

Tentatively, they are planning to hold on-site summer school for Kindergarten Countdown for incoming kindergartners who have not had any preschool experience and for current students in grades K-8 who would be invited to attend based upon needing additional support for reading and math, July 20-Aug. 7.

If on-site summer school cannot be offered safely, then there will be no summer school for incoming kindergartners through grade eight.

For more information, visit www.wawasee.k12.in.us or call (574) 457-3188.

News Release

SYRACUSE — This year’s prom at Wawasee High School was cancelled due to COVID-19, but a few seniors of the class of 2020 have set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds to still have a prom this summer.

A tentative date of Saturday, July 11, has been scheduled for the prom to be held at the Owl’s Nest, 7369 E. 800N, North Webster. No further details have been released yet.

Visit gofundme.com and search for “Wawasee Prom 2020” to find where to donate. Donations will help cover the cost of using the building, a DJ, photo booth, decorations, refreshments and desserts.

News Release

SYRACUSE — Geoff Walmer, principal of Wawasee High School, released the following information Friday, May 29, about the high school graduation ceremony:

“Class of 2020,

“I am pleased to announce the initial details of our graduation commencement ceremony in which we will celebrate you, our graduates. Commencement will be held at 10 a.m. July 18, 2020.

“Commencement will be held on Warrior Field. Due to COVID-19 related issues, social distancing will be observed. Additionally, for these reasons, each student will be issued four tickets for family members to attend. We are preparing plans to live stream the ceremony through our YouTube page and radio station, so any family or friends unable to attend may watch or listen through those avenues.

“We will also hold a rehearsal for graduates Friday, July 17, at 10 a.m. on Warrior Field. Please make arrangements with your place of employment to be free from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for rehearsal.

“We will continue to release details as we develop them.”

News Release

SYRACUSE — Wawasee High School held a virtual Academic Hall of Fame induction program Monday evening, June 1. A total of 30 students were inducted.

Students inducted are as follows:

Logan Baugh, parents are Justin Baugh and Alisha Miller-Quiroga, plans to enter construction, teacher with most influence is Frank Bumgardner (Wawasee Middle School)

Jaydon Boyer, parents are Jeff and Jodie Boyer, plans to attend Taylor University majoring in sports and business management, teacher with most influence is Mitch Willaman (North Webster Elementary)

Adrianna Clark, parents are Alan and Diana Clark, plans to attend Ball State University majoring in nursing, teacher with most influence is Laura Mikel (Wawasee High School)

Hannah Cline, parents are Eric and Misty Cline, plans to enter cosmetology field, teacher with most influence is Ashley Justice (WHS)

Evan Coblentz, parents are Allen and Mindy Coblentz, plans to attend Purdue University majoring in animal science/pre-veterinary, teacher with most influence is Kristin Bonner (WHS)

Jack Collins, parents are Timothy and Mary Ann Collins, plans to attend Purdue University majoring in electrical engineering, teacher with most influence is Allen Coblentz (WHS)

Lila Fierek, parents are Joseph and Natalie Fierek, plans to attend Ball State University majoring in journalism, teacher with most influence is Shelley Kunkle (WMS)

Steven Foy III, parents are Stephen and Jennifer Foy, plans to attend Grace College majoring in science and criminal justice, teacher with most influence is Jamie McAdams (WHS)

Taylor Fraley, parents are Patrick and Tina Fraley, plans to attend Indiana University Fort Wayne majoring in nursing, teacher with most influence is Wendel Landes (WHS)

Ethan Garza, parents are Sherrena Garza and Fred Garza, plans to attend Trine University majoring in exercise science, teacher with most influence is Jon Reutebuch (WHS)

Braxton Gray, parents are Jon Gray and Lindley Cloud, plans to attend Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis majoring in nursing, teacher with most influence is Sarah Holsopple (WHS)

Kasey Gunkel, parents are Kevin and Patti Gunkel, plans to attend Purdue Fort Wayne majoring in biochemistry, teacher with most influence is Dr. Joyce Dubach (WHS)

Valerie Haessig, parents are Daryl and Susan Haessig, plans to attend Olivet Nazarene University majoring in civil engineering, teacher with most influence is Tami Spangle (WMS)

Michael Hammer, parents are Todd and Lois Hammer, plans to attend Purdue University majoring in professional flight technology, teacher with most influence is John Szynal (WHS)

Logan Harter, parents are Brett and Nikki Harter, plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University majoring in nursing, teacher with most influence is Janay Hackleman (WHS)

Logan Hollar, parents are Mitch and Jamie Hollar, plans to attend Emory-Riddle Aeronautical University majoring in aerospace engineering, teacher with most influence is Bo O’Dell (WHS)

Carson Hunter, parents are Jeff and Molly Hunter, plans to attend Purdue Fort Wayne majoring in computer engineering, teacher with most influence is Johnnie Fick (WHS)

Elizabeth Kleopher, parents are Stuart and Angie Kleopfer, plans to attend Indiana University majoring in business finance, teacher with most influence is Jeff Phillips (WHS)

Zachary Leedy, parents are Mike and Candy Leedy, plans to attend Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology majoring in mechanical engineering, support staff with most influence is Jennifer McKinney (WHS)

Nicholas Lesko, parents are Jim and Colleen Lesko, plans to attend Ball State University majoring in architecture, teacher with most influence is Codey Holliday (WHS)

Isaac Long, parents are Troy and Jackie Long, plans to attend Concordia University majoring in education, no teacher listed

Madelyn Long, parents are Paul and Kristina Long, plans to attend Purdue University majoring in mechanical engineering technology, teacher with most influence is Sarah Fredericks (WHS)

Mary McCleese, parents are Robbie and Charlotte McCleese, college is undecided but will major in art, teacher with most influence is Joan Harden (WHS)

Colin Rhoades, parent is Kristi Rhoades, plans to attend Stetson University majoring in business administration/finance, teacher with most influence is Chris Noel (WMS)

Ashley Rose, parents are Brian Rose and Kim Bourne, plans to attend Indiana University South Bend majoring in social work, teacher with most influence is Kayla Riportella

Ashley Vazquez, parents are Jose and Nelida Vazquez, plans to attend Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis majoring in radiation therapy, teacher with most influence is Julie Baird (WHS)

Rebekah Whirledge, parents are Dean and Christine Whirledge, plans to attend Ball State University majoring in stage management, teacher with most influence is Brian Whirledge (WHS)

Ella Williamson, parents are Scott and Jenna Willamson, plans to attend Purdue Fort Wayne majoring in elementary education, teacher with most influence is Jerid Stoffel (WHS)

John Wilson, parents are Christian and Jennifer Wilson, plans to attend Ivy Tech Community College majoring in computer science, teacher with most influence is Kristen Records (WHS)

Ryan Zorn, parents are Glen and Penny Zorn, plans to attend Indiana University majoring in biochemistry, teacher with most influence is Kathy Myers (WHS)

Central office of the Wawasee Community School Corporation.

News Release

SYRACUSE — Dr. Tom Edington, superintendent of the Wawasee Community School Corporation, released the following information Tuesday, June 2, pertaining to the summer and the 2020-21 school year:

“Now that summer is finally here, we are busy preparing for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year at Wawasee Community School Corporation. Our team is hard at work making sure school facilities are as prepared and clean as possible to welcome back students in early August.

“Our first student day is currently set for Aug. 13, and we are moving forward with plans to have students back in buildings. In an effort to assist our families, we have already pre-registered all current kindergarten through 11th grade Wawasee students for next school year. Below are links for pre-registration for incoming kindergarten students, and any students new to Wawasee.

“While we are hopeful and planning for an on-time start, we will continue to wait for additional guidance from Governor Eric Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Education, which is due to be released on or before July 1. As we continue to organize for next school year, there are plenty of things going on this summer in our school communities.

“Wawasee High School has opted to hold an in-person graduation for the graduating class of 2020, which will occur the morning of Saturday, July 18. Mr. Walmer and our high school leadership team released details regarding the graduation earlier. Additionally, we are planning to host a three week on-site summer school session from July 20 to Aug. 7. We are hopeful this session can serve as a jump start into the 2020-21 school year, especially for some of our elementary students who may be lacking in critical foundation-skills.

“Finally, we are currently planning to do in-person registration in buildings Aug. 3 and 4. If you would prefer a digital option, online registration opens July 21.

“As we look forward to the 2020-2021 school year, we know there are plenty of unanswered questions. Some of this will become more clear during the coming weeks, but some things can’t be addressed until we get started in the fall. That being said, our focus remains on what we can control and what we are able to plan for at this time. We know flexibility will be key in our decision making, but we are looking forward to the day when we can safely welcome our students and families back into our school buildings.

“Please don’t hesitate to contact us or your building principals if you have any questions or concerns. We are here to help.”

Go to the following link for kindergarten registration information: 6d136e24-3fd2-4066-9e20-1bb41c3732ef.filesusr.com/ugd/515cac_0815aa979f034021a14849c7d758d9c5.pdf

Please refer to this link for more information on pre-registration of students: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdxbe0dFdzQHz4USNpXitXcgtMgheaqO28ytEN9G0tOnKCsww/viewform

Sailor Denise Davis-York, left, is shown with Wawasee High School Principal Geoff Walmer during Davis-York’s graduation ceremony. Photo by Tim Ashley

By Tim Ashley
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — In a year already turned upside down by COVID-19, three Wawasee High School graduates who will be entering the military were still able to have a graduation ceremony, even if not with their peers in July.

Nathan Bess (U.S. Army), Evan Gregory (Army National Guard) and Sailor Denise Davis-York (Army National Guard) are not able to attend the class of 2020’s graduation ceremony in July due to military commitments. But high school administrators managed to arrange separate graduation ceremonies for each of the three in front of the main entrance of the high school.

Bess and Gregory’s ceremonies were held Thursday, June 4, while Davis-York’s was held Friday, June 5.

The students wore their caps and gowns and were presented their diplomas by Geoff Walmer, principal. John Snyder, assistant principal, also shared a few words during the ceremonies. A special backdrop was set up to allow photos to be taken.

And a few friends and family members were present for each of the three students.

Wawasee’s regular graduation ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18, at Warrior Field. Although the three students joining the military won’t be present, their names will still be read and they will be listed in the graduation program.

There will be others joining the military who will be able to participate in July’s graduation ceremony.

Molly Jones, a 2020 Wawasee High School graduate, rides in Friday night’s parade in Syracuse. InkFreeNews Photos by Phoebe Muthart

SYRACUSE —  A community cruise-through event to honor the Wawasee High School Senior Class of 2020 took place Friday night, June 5. Some people even decorated vehicles, honoring this year’s class, and lined the streets along SR 13, while cars honked in congratulations.

In addition, signs with names and pictures of each of the graduates lined part of SR 13 in Syracuse. The signs are located in alphabetical order along Huntington Street (SR 13). Nearly 200 signs were displayed with the seniors’ photos.

Many of the graduates, along with friends and family, stood along SR 13 and watched, while some of the graduates drove in decorated vehicles past the crowds.

The graduates’ signs were sponsored by: Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club, Wawasee Kiwanis Club, Syracuse Lions Club, SWCC Foundation Inc., Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce and Wawasee Community School Corporation. Students can pick up their signs next week at the high school.

Wawasee’s Class of 2020 graduates, from left, Logan Hollar, Jordan Grindle and Luke Weisser watched the parade along SR 13 in Syracuse Friday night.

Nearly 200 signs were displayed, with the Wawasee High School Class of 2020 seniors’ photos, along SR 13 in Syracuse Friday honoring this year’s graduates.

The Corn family of North Webster paid tribute to 2020 Wawasee High School graduates Friday, June 5 in Syracuse. Pictured are Jamison, Tabitha, Ashlynn and Kaleigh Corn.

These two decorated cars passed each along SR 13 Friday night in Syracuse.

Christopher Gerbers, left, is the new principal at Milford School and Drew Graber is the new assistant principal at Wawasee Middle School. Photo by Tim Ashley.

By Tim Ashley
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — For the first time since March, all members of the Wawasee School Board were together for a meeting. Previous emergency meetings since March included only president Rebecca Linnemeier in person with the rest participating by teleconference.

The board meeting was held Tuesday evening, June 9, in the Wawasee High School auditorium to allow for social distancing.

Among the reports given to the board was one concerning changes in federal grant applications. Joy Goshert, assistant superintendent, noted grants are now being consolidated into one system known as Intelligrants. There is a pre-application for all grants where goals are set. Wawasee set its goals based upon its strategic planning process and goals being worked through as a district.

The five goals for Wawasee are educator effectiveness, parent and community engagement, student conditions for learning, specific goals for grades K through eight and also specific goals for the high school grades.

Concerning summer school, the high school has already started classes through APEX online and 81 students have enrolled in courses. Summer school is tentatively planned for July 20 to Aug. 7 for middle school and elementary grades to be held at Syracuse Elementary. Class sizes will be 15 students.

The board approved a list of several health services recommendations for the 2020-21 school year including increasing the health services staff workday by 30 minutes daily, installing touchless sinks in nursing stations, purchasing personal protective equipment as needed, deep cleaning nurse stations daily, modifying health services rooms for proper social distancing and others.

Dr. Tom Edington, superintendent, noted plans are moving forward to start the school year with students in classrooms, but several questions remain unanswered and more guidance is expected from Gov. Eric Holcomb as well as the Indiana Department of Education. He said, for example, it will be a challenge to get students to always wear masks properly and also to always have enough hand sanitizer available. Sneeze guards will be installed in some locations such as the office reception areas in the schools.

At the start of the board meeting, Dave Stookey, a retired Wawasee teacher and coach, asked if much thought has been given to how the school corporation will go about implementing guidelines recently released by the state. In response, Edington said meetings are held regularly with the county health officer and “big picture” guidance is received from IDOE. He noted the conditions can change almost daily or weekly, so it is difficult to be fully prepared ahead of time.

In other business, retiring staff and teachers, some of whom were not present, were recognized for their service. They include, with the school taught at and the number of years in the Wawasee school corporation: Jim Evans, director of finance for the school corporation, 30 years; Joy Goshert, assistant superintendent, 32 years; Liana Butcher, Syracuse Elementary teacher, 11 years; Debby Hardesty, vision-impaired teacher and diagnostician for the school corporation, 16 years; Lori Hickman, North Webster Elementary teacher, 19 years; Jamie McAdams, WHS teacher, 20 years; Kerri Warstler, Milford School teacher, 14 years; Kathy Close, WHS cafeteria worker, 25 years; Pam Gilbert, Syracuse Elementary bookkeeper, 16 years; Laurie Lahrman, WHS paraprofessional, 18 years; Sue Lee, bus route driver, 20 years; Angela Olson, Milford School paraprofessional, seven years; Jodi Sautter, North Webster Elementary paraprofessional, 9.5 years; and Sonya Stutzman, WHS custodian, 16 years, who passed away in February.

Turn Around Award winners for the 2019-20 school year were recognized. The award is presented to students who made significant strides academically and in other ways. Keaton Tomblin was the winner for Milford fifth grade, RJ Beer for North Webster fifth grade and Blake Rolston for Syracuse fifth grade. David Ebey was the winner for Milford eighth grade and Mykael Snyder for Wawasee Middle School eighth grade. Coby Rosbrugh was the winner for WHS 12th grade.

The board approved one-year contract extensions for administrators James Flecker, Stephen Troyer, Jennifer Phillips, Mike Snavley, Geoff Walmer, John Snyder, Steve Perek, Vince Beasley, Cory Schutz, Michael Casey, Eric Speicher and Lee Snider. Flecker will become the director of finance and legal services and absorb the position currently held by the retiring Jim Evans. Flecker will get an $8,000 salary increase, while Troyer and Phillips will each get $5,000 increases.

Other business included:

• Evan Dippon, WHS student, was named the Dallas Winchester Memorial Scholarship winner.

• Drew Graber, originally from Middlebury and who most recently worked for Elkhart Community Schools, was named the new assistant principal at WMS.

• School breakfast prices will increase by 15 cents and lunches will increase by 25 cents for the 2020-21 school year.

• Pathways Cooperative students Braxton Gray, Conner Allen, Ryan Snider (Fairfield), Preston Clemons (Fairfield) and Alexis Halle (Fairfield) were named honorable mention during the Indiana Association of School Broadcasters competition in March in Indianapolis. The WHS radio station 93.7 FM The Mix finished in third place in radio imaging, Mariah Hamman and Mykaela Miller (West Noble) finished second in sound design and CPG-TV finished first in corporate video.

• Leah Hurst and Zaiyla Shortill, fourth-graders at Syracuse Elementary, were grand prize winners in the Indy 500 Essay Contest. Both were students in Valerie Leininger’s class.

• A classroom not being used at North Webster Elementary will be used by Kosciusko Literary Services.

• The WHS auxiliary gym floor is being repaired due to a water leak when the roof was being replaced and is expected to be finished by July 6.

• The building trades house on Syracuse-Webster Road is nearly completed. Area contractors helped with the house.

Press Release

Evan Coblentz

SYRACUSE — Wawasee High School senior Evan Coblentz is one of 19 FFA members from across the state who are preparing to interview for the opportunity to serve as an Indiana FFA State Officer in the coming year.

Eight individuals will be selected to fulfill the roles of president, secretary, northern region vice-president, southern region vice-president, treasurer, reporter and sentinel.

During the 91st Indiana FFA State Convention, the candidates will participate in a rigorous interview and selection process in which the winners will be announced at the final session on Thursday, June 18.

“Serving as a state officer provides such a unique opportunity to learn,” said Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler. “I commend each of the candidates for their dedication to personal and professional growth as well as service to the Indiana FFA community.”

Once selected, the newly elected officers will embark on a year of service, providing direction and overseeing the development of the student-led organization, which has more than 12,500 members statewide.

Along with promoting FFA, agriculture and agricultural education, some of their responsibilities include conducting FFA chapter visits, facilitating leadership conferences and hosting career and leadership development events.

“Each of the candidates has demonstrated servant leadership in their home chapter and districts,” said Indiana FFA Director Rob Hays. “I am confident that any of these members would excel in the state officer role if selected. I look forward to seeing the impression this year’s team will make.”

Othere candidates include:

• Jayden Brown, Rossville FFA
• Evan Cohagan, Argos FFA
• Jenna Cords, West Central FFA
• Makinzie France, North Miami FFA
• Julia Hamblen, Shelbyville Central FFA
• Sam Hauptstueck, Carroll Fort Wayne FFA
• Loren Matlock, Eastern Hancock FFA
• Logan Overman, Greenfield Central FFA
• Blake Poffenbarger, Shenandoah FFA
• Kylie Schakel, Hamilton Heights FFA
• Breeanna Sides, South Ripley FFA
• Brooke Sides, South Ripley FFA
• Luke Sproles, Frontier FFA
• Blayne Vandeveer, Tri-County FFA
• Sara Weaver, Franklin County FFA
• Ally Webster, Clinton Central FFA
• Garrett Weil, Oregon-Davis FFA
• Derick Williams, Union City Community FFA

The 2020-21 Indiana FFA state officer team will be announced on June 18 by the Indiana FFA Organization via social media.

Visit inffa.org to learn more about Indiana FFA.

Madelyn Zimmerman’s duties as a fair queen might be limited this year due to the pandemic, but she’s still helping promote businesses. Here, she is pictured alongside the owners of Warsaw Cut Glass, Linda and Randy Kirkendall. Photo provided.

By Briley Gargis
InkFreeNews

MILFORD – Winning a pageant is no easy task, but for Madelyn Zimmerman, this was just one of many achievements for the college sophomore.

Zimmerman with a young woman in the POSS-abilities program, a program to give kids with obstacles the opportunity to work with animals.

Zimerman is a graduate of Wawasee High School and will be a sophomore at Kansas State University in the fall where she is majoring in agricultural communications with minors in animal science, mass communications and journalism. On top of this, she also happens to be an ambassador for the College of Agriculture. 

She was raised on a farm, and her love of agriculture began during the fourth grade when she got two beef cows. This was the beginning of her 4-H career and turned into a business with nearly 60 cows by the age of 10.

Zimmerman now has been in 4-H for about 10 years and has been involved with Future Farmers of America as an officer at the local and state level.

Zimmerman describes agriculture as being. “Everything from simply putting food on the table, to a large amount of science behind it. It is also people who just want to help everyone around them. Anybody who has the drive to want to provide and help a community prosper is involved with agriculture in some small or big way.”

Getting involved with the pageant was an easy task since she cites her strongest attribute as being a very driven individual. Zimmerman said her friends had reached out to her about giving the pageant a try.

This was her first experience in doing something like this. The process included four separate interviews, onstage questions, a dance routine and modeling of different outfits.

Her first experience at a pageant proved to be very successful when she was announced as the 2020 Kosciusko County Fair Queen.

“Ultimately, (the win) came down to passion and drive, but I had a firm reason to run,” Zimmerman said. “I know what it is like to not have a voice. and I wanted to be able to run and show that you can get a voice back.”

She said that In sixth grade, an incurable disease wiped out the cattle herd she was beginning to grow. Zimmerman basically had to start from ground zero.

“A lot of times I felt like what I was doing wasn’t enough. And I don’t want anybody else to ever have to feel that way,” she said.

A pig that Zimmerman and her brother, Cameron, raised as a result of the business “Zimmerman Livestock” they started in 2010.

Winning a pageant usually comes with a large amount of celebration, but COVID-19 guidelines have put a strict hold on many of those traditional activities.

“This year is a different year for sure,” Zimmerman said.

“Growing up in Milford and watching these types of parades make it hard that I won’t get to be in one, but I have a lot of respect for the leaders who are doing what is best for everyone’s well being,” she said.

Since many businesses have taken a large hit due to COVID-19, Zimmerman wants to take this year as queen to reach out to various businesses. She wants to give a spotlight to those impacted in hopes of giving them a platform to share their stories and get help in any way possible.

Taking that step out of the comfort zone was a big deal for Zimmerman. She believes that getting out there and pushing yourself to do greater things can bring results. This mindset has proven to work many times for her in the past.

“You have the ability to do what you set your mind to,” Zimmerman said.

In the future, she plans on becoming an advocate for agriculture through public relations and digital communication outreach.

She wants to travel around the country and tell stories of different farmers and the impact each and every one of them has on our country.

Zimmerman hopes to use social media platforms to shine a light on the agriculture industry and the great people behind it.

From left, Brianna McBrier, third runner-up; Lacey Helfers, first runner-up; 2020 Miss Kosciusko County Fair Queen Madelyn Zimmerman; Kali Wolf, second runner-up; and Miss Congeniality Katelin Ksiezopolski. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels.

Shown is Joy Goshert, assistant superintendent of the Wawasee Community School Corporation, who is retiring effective June 30. An open house was held for her and Jim Evans, director of finance who is also retiring June 30 and was not available for the photo, Friday, June 26, at Wawasee High School.

By Tim Ashley
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — An open house was held at Wawasee High School Friday afternoon, June 26, to say farewell to Joy Goshert, assistant superintendent for the Wawasee Community School Corporation, and Jim Evans, director of finance, both of whom are retiring effective Tuesday, June 30.

Refreshments were served and gifts were given to the retiring administrators.

Goshert will be replaced by Dr. Stephen Troyer, currently the principal at Milford School, and Evans’ position will be absorbed into the duties of James Flecker, currently the director of personnel and legal services for the school corporation.

The graduation ceremony for Wawasee High School Class of 2020 will be held on Warrior Field at 10 a.m., July 18, 2020.  InkFreeNews photo by Nick Goralczyk

By Wawasee High School Principal Geoff Walmer
Guest Writer

Wawasee High School is excited to host a memorable graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020 while providing a safe environment that follows social distancing guidelines. Wawasee Community School Corporation is grateful for the partnership with the Kosciusko County Health Department in creating the following plan.

The graduation ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 18. It will be held on Warrior Field. The alternate dates will be Sunday, July 19; Saturday, July 25; Sunday, July 26; Saturday, Aug. 1 and Sunday, Aug. 2 with 10 a.m. as the starting time for each day. If an alternate date is needed, communication will be made to students and guardians via ParentSquare as well as through media release.

Each graduate will be issued four tickets to provide to family members. Graduates will receive their tickets during rehearsal at 10 a.m., July 17. Graduates are not to share their tickets with other graduates.

Graduates must attend rehearsal in order to walk during the ceremony unless otherwise approved by WHS administration. Graduates should bring a mask to wear during times when they may come 6 feet within another student. Masks are not required during the ceremony but are recommended. Graduates should wear their cap and gown to rehearsal as pictures will be taken that morning. Images will be available for purchase via Midsouth Images at www.midsouthimages.com.

Graduates should report to the Wawasee High School baseball field prior to the graduation ceremony no later than 9 a.m.

Gates will open prior to the ceremony at 9 a.m. for family members to enter Warrior Field. Tickets are required for entrance. Seating will take place on Warrior Field. Seats will be pre-arranged in groups of four, with 6 feet between each group of chairs. Family members of different graduates should not sit together in the same group of four chairs. Handicap seating for those in wheelchairs will be available on the home-side bleachers, across from the stage. While entering and exiting Warrior Field, we ask that all family members respect social distancing guidelines. The wearing of masks is recommended. Any person experiencing flu-like symptoms or other forms of COVID-19 related symptoms are not to attend. Any person who fits within the most vulnerable population of COVID-19 or has any compromising issues is recommended to watch the ceremony as it is streamed live online.

While traditional ceremonies encourage professional attire, WHS administration recognizes a need for comfortable attire in the July heat. Those in attendance are encouraged to dress comfortably, whether that be shorts and short sleeves or sundresses, while still maintaining honor for the graduates. Water is allowed on the turf field and attendees are encouraged to bring water. Other liquids and foods, including gum, are not allowed on the turf. WHS is proud to have such beautiful facilities, including a turf field, and is thankful for your assistance in keeping them in great condition. Wawasee High School PTO will be providing water to guests as they enter. Each guest may have one bottle should they desire. PTO members will wear masks and gloves while distributing the water. WHS PTO would like to thank Rabb Water Systems for donating all the water.

While names are announced during the ceremony, family members are asked to hold their applause and cheers until all names have been announced. This will ensure each graduate and their family members are able to hear as their name is announced.

The WHS graduation ceremony will be streamed live through the school’s Youtube Channel, CPGTV. You can access the channel through the following website: www.youtube.com/cpgtv.

Pat Terrell of the Winston Terrell Group speaks to the Wawasee School Board.

By Tim Ashley
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — What the 2020-21 school year will look like for the Wawasee Community School Corporation is becoming more clear, but understandably plans are of a more tentative nature depending on state directives on the pandemic.

During the regular monthly meeting of the Wawasee School Board Tuesday evening, July 14, in the Wawasee High School auditorium, the board heard a report from Dr. Stephen Troyer, assistant superintendent, about the plan to have kids back in school buildings.

Families will be asked to do an at-home health screening following a checklist with such questions as does the child have a fever greater than 100 degrees, does the child have a cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell and nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Hand washing protocols will be developed for each classroom and school building for critical times and hand sanitizer will be available in each classroom along with high traffic areas throughout schools.

It is recommended students wear a mask, but they will be able to remove masks in the classroom. Students are strongly encouraged to wear masks in hallways, restrooms and in other common areas. Masks will be required on school buses, in health clinics and where space is limited. Students and staff will be provided masks and disposable masks will be available when needed.

Those testing positive for COVID-19 will need to be quarantined for 10-14 days before returning to school. Until further notice, all schools will open 30 minutes later than normal each day to allow time for targeted cleaning and for staff to work with students who are involved with remote learning. Visitors will be limited to the office area of each building until further notice. External field trips and convocations will not be scheduled and public events and programs will be evaluated on an individual basis, but may be restricted.

Classrooms will be arranged to create as much personal space for students as possible, sharing supplies is discouraged and students will remain in their individual classroom groupings whenever possible. Thorough cleaning and sanitizing will happen each night with careful attention given to high traffic areas.

Those families who do not feel comfortable sending their students back to school will be given an online option for learning, but are asked to make a commitment for at least one trimester no later than July 31. After July 31, enrollment requests will be considered on a case by case basis and subject to availability. Troyer noted the July 31 deadline is needed so the proper staff and resources can be available.

The plan, which was approved by the school board, will be subject to the state’s reopening plan. Troyer said lunch and recess are “still being fleshed out” and options are being considered that will provide more space for students to eat lunch.

In other business, the board heard a report from Pat Terrell of the Indianapolis-based Winston Terrell Group. He noted his business has helped more than 60 school districts in the state work with state school referendums. If a school corporation decides to pursue a referendum “it becomes a political campaign and the candidate is a thing, not a person,” Terrell said.

If the school board passes a resolution to proceed with the referendum process, a political action committee made up of local community members will be formed and begin campaigning immediately up until the November election when a question will be placed on ballots.

Dr. Tom Edington, Wawasee superintendent, said it is becoming more of a challenge to continue to provide the same level of programs and staffing in the school corporation and a referendum would provide needed funding. The board approved to continue working with the Winston Terrell Group and will consider a resolution soon to actually launch the referendum process.

Also during Tuesday’s meeting, it was noted next summer’s construction projects will include new carpeting and stage updates among other projects at Wawasee Middle School and at Wawasee High School, technology improvements will be made to support new wireless access points and firewall upgrades among other projects.

Several teacher grant requests were approved including $3,000 for a frisbee golf course at North Webster Elementary, $4,000 for graphing calculators to be used in Analytical Algebra 2 at the high school, $250 for a world wall map in the media center at WMS and more.

Other agenda items included:

• A $25,000 Views on Learning grant will provide Sprint hotspot devices and Zoom accounts for the school corporation.

• Evan Coblentz, a soon to be graduating senior, was recognized for being selected as the Indiana State FFA treasurer.

• 111 high school students have enrolled in online APEX courses since June and 57 are continuing into the second session this month.

• Wawasee is partnering with Kosciusko County United Way to offer “Start United” for the summer school program to occur July 20 to Aug. 7.

• James Flecker was approved as the new school corporation treasurer and Dr. Stephen Troyer will be allowed to open sealed bids and receive quotes for school business.

• Jennifer Phillips, director of special services, will take care of COVID-19 related reports and expenditures.

• Approval was given to change the base daily mileage for bus route drivers from 60 miles to 75 miles. WHS and WMS routes have been separated for efficiency.

For the first time in 52 years, Wawasee High School’s graduation ceremony was held outdoors on Warrior Field, Saturday, July 18. Photo by David Hazledine

By David Hazledine
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The Wawasee High School Class of 2020 was able to “finally have a graduation,” exclaimed Wawasee Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Tom Edington during his introductory remarks at the ceremony held on Wawasee Warrior Field, Saturday, July 18.

As Edington went on to explain, the Wawasee graduation was “untraditional.” Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held outdoors for the first time in the school’s 52 years in over 85 degree heat, though he and other attendees expressed appreciation for a breeze and the fact it did not rain. Social distancing guidelines were also followed, and graduates were each given four tickets for family members. The ceremony was also streamed live on Youtube.

Wawasee Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Tom Edington gave introductory remarks at Saturday’s graduation ceremony. Photo by David Hazledine

In another first for WHS, the event was supported in part by a new parent teacher organization, and founders Bobbi Beer and Kristin Firestone handed out chilled water bottles to students and parents alike. The PTO was also responsible for recognizing honor roll students, perfect attendance and provided two scholarships in 2020.

The class of 2020, said Edington, “is the class that will forever live in Wawasee history.” Comparing the pandemic to the blizzard of 1978, he commented, “Your situation beats any of the blizzard stories.”

“This unprecedented time has given you, our graduates, a chance to shine and reflect what it means to be a warrior, a Wawasee Warrior.”

Of the 192 graduates, nine received certificates of completion, 28 earned general diplomas, 83 received Indiana Core 40 diplomas, eight earned technical honors, 47 earned academic honors and 17 received both academic and technical honors.

Salutatorian Michael Hammer focused on the benefits of overcoming adversity. In a jocular tone he reflected on the months spent “alone all day with only google classroom” and missing out on “the best part of high school … leaving.” However, he noted, “Sometimes life just isn’t fair, and that’s a good lesson to learn … you can’t summit the mountain if there is no mountain to climb.”

Wawasee Salutatorian Michael Hammer speaks at WHS graduation ceremony. Photo by David Hazledine

Valedictorian Evan Coblentz echoed those statements. “Comfort rarely leads to growth,” he said, and, quoting Dolly Parton, he added, “‘If you want the rainbow you have to put up with the rain’… these last few months have been a torrential storm.”

“In a world where people are becoming more and more self focused, be the ones who care for others first,” Coblentz challenged his classmates, holding up WHS faculty and staff as exemplars of selflessness. “Choose to embrace change, embrace differences and, most importantly, love big and choose to lead selflessly,” he concluded.

During his commencement speech, Principal Geoff Walmer noted the “unprecedented” times leading up to the delayed graduation on Warrior Field. But “unknowns” such as those presented by the pandemic are what Wawasee schools have been trying to prepare the class of 2020 for since kindergarten, said Walmer.

Wawasee Valedictorian Evan Coblentz at the WHS graduation ceremony. Photo by David Hazledine

According to a recent report, Walmer continued, “85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 haven’t been invented yet. These are jobs that are unknown and which many of you will one day hold.” The class of 2020, he said, are prepared for the unknown and “quick change … You have the ability to overcome unforeseen obstacles thrown your way.”

Wawasee High School Principal Geoff Walmer addresses students. Photo by David Hazledine

“You, Wawasee High School Class of 2020, you had a goal that stemmed from your dream and you showed perseverance like no other class in the history of our school.”

Saturday’s graduating ceremony also included an invocation by graduating senior Valerie Haessig, a student welcome by Zachary Leedy, senior class president, and a benediction from graduating senior Joshua Wuthrich.

The ceremony may be viewed in its entirety at Youtube.com/cpgtv.

Myles Lauber of North Webster went above and beyond with his face protection at the WHS graduation ceremony. Photo by David Hazledine

James Flecker, director of finance for the Wawasee Community School Corporation, explains the details of the tax levy resolution during a special meeting of the school board Monday, July 20, as recording secretary Tammy Hutchinson takes notes. Photo by Ray Balogh.

By Ray Balogh
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — The special meeting of the Wawasee Community School Corporation board of trustees Monday, July 20, lasted only 12 minutes, but the board’s action could have districtwide impact for the next eight years.

School Board President Rebecca Linnemeier calls the Monday, July 20, special meeting to order. Photo by Ray Balogh.

The board unanimously approved a resolution to put a tax levy referendum to the school corporation’s voters on the Tuesday, Nov. 3, ballot.

The exact language of the referendum is:

“For the eight (8) calendar years immediately following the holding of the referendum, shall Wawasee Community School Corporation impose a property tax rate that does not exceed twenty-eight and five tenths cents ($0.285) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation and that is in addition to all other property taxes imposed by the school corporation for the purpose of funding the expansion of safety and security measures, and the retention and expansion of school programming and instruction, including career-and-technical education and adult education?”

The executive action, the first of its kind for the school corporation, was prompted by “anticipated state budget cuts and mounting losses related to state support of charter schools and voucher programs,” according to a press release sent out by the board.

“We believe our constituents understand the importance of great schools in the community and the role they play in building a strong local economy,” wrote the board. “We also believe we have been, and continue to be, great stewards of the fiscal resources we have been given.”

Wawasee Community School Corporation board members Steve Troyer, left, Dr. Tom Edington, Rob Fisher and Rebecca Linnemeier listen to comments during the Monday, July 20, special meeting, in the high school’s auditorium. Photo by Ray Balogh.

The board noted changes in diploma requirements imposed by the state department of education “has necessitated significant expansion of Career Technology Education pathway opportunities to earn high school diplomas. Without additional funds, the school corporation may be forced to eliminate programs and opportunities for Wawasee students and families.”

The CTE program offers scores of practical classes in agriculture, architecture and construction, communications, business and marketing, health science, cosmetology, civil engineering, welding, fire and rescue, aviation and automotive services.

The additional funding will be used to “expand safety and security measures, retain and expand school programming and instruction and grow our career and technical education opportunities as well as give us the ability to offer adult education programming for the community,” according to the press release.

Mary Lou Dixon listens as Mike Wilson weighs in on the tax levy resolution passed at a special meeting of the Wawasee school board Monday, July 20. Photo by Ray Balogh.

James Flecker, the corporation’s director of finance, said at the meeting, “We have the lowest tax rate in the region and in the state. Since 2008 when schools have been required to have a referendum for additional funding, 200 of the almost 300 school districts in the state have requested levy increases.

“With this levy, we will still be the lowest in the region and in the bottom third in the state.”

In other business, Superintendent Tom Edington thanked the corporation’s staff and employees for their work during the high school’s recent outdoor graduation ceremony. “It was a good day for our senior class to say goodbye,” he said. “It was just a special time.”

News Release

SYRACUSE — Freshmen and new students to Wawasee High School are invited to attend building tours that will be offered during open registration hours Monday, Aug. 3, and Tuesday, Aug. 4.

Please email Shelly Judy at sjudy@wawasee.k12.in.us to reserve the date and time that works best for you.

Monday, Aug. 3:  1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Aug. 4:  3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Additionally, freshmen and new students will also be able to walk their schedules from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11. Only students will be permitted to enter and roam the building during this time.

All students will need to exit the building at 7:30 p.m.