Panther Print
Western High School, Russiaville, Indiana
APRIL 2024
Principal's Message
Congratulations are in order for the outstanding achievements of the choir and band programs at Western! Their dedication and talent have been recognized by ISSMA with a prestigious Gold Rating with Distinction for both performance and sight-reading. This accolade is a testament to their hard work and musical excellence.
Furthermore, the Western Music Department as a whole has been honored with the All Music - Total Department Award from the state. This recognition speaks volumes about the collective effort and commitment of every individual involved in the department, from the instructors to the students.
These achievements not only highlight the exceptional musical abilities within the Western Music Department but also underscore the importance of teamwork, discipline, and passion for music education. Congratulations once again to the choir, band, and all members of the Western Music Department for this well-deserved recognition! Your dedication to musical excellence sets a remarkable standard for aspiring musicians everywhere.
Go Panthers!!
Mr. Edwards
WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL
Total Eclipse of the Sun
On April 8, Western School Corporation held a virtual learning day so that the students could watch the solar eclipse. Members of the Environmental Science class and the Environmental Club attended the Cosmic Con Eclipse Expo on March 1 at IU Kokomo to learn more about the eclipse.
One Student's Experience
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 activities included 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, Senior
AP Spanish Visits Newfields
Students from Mrs. Bright's AP Spanish class visited the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfields to view an exhibit by Hispanic artist Salvador Dali at the LUME Indianapolis.
Photographers "Shoot" at the Zoo
Foreign Language Students Compete in World Language Expo
On April 21, students in the French, Spanish, and Japanese classes had an opportunity to showcase their talents in the World Language Expo talent show. Below, Emily Dinn demonstrates her dancing skills while Sydney Ousley looks on.
Prom Held under a Festival of Lights
The Junior/Senior Prom was held on April 28 at the Bel Air event center in Kokomo. The theme this year was "Festival of Lights" from the Disney movie Tangled. Over 300 students attended the event, which included dinner, dessert, and lots of dancing! Brock Frazier and Elizabeth Mercer were crowned King and Queen.
Varsity Choir Claims Gold
The Western Varsity Choir received a "With Distinction" Gold rating for their performance at the ISSMA Large Group Contest. In addition, the ensemble received a Gold rating in the Sight Reading category. Congratulations!
For Seniors, the End is Near
Senior caps and gowns will arrive on May 9.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH
Isaiah Keyes Is Western's Student of the Month
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Nick Harmsen Named Employee of the Month
Mr. Harmsen was nominated by Sherry Yazel, who noted "Nick has brought a sense of tranquility to [the Student Services] office while infusing it with a spirit of enjoyment. His office resembles a soccer jersey and poster emporium; not an inch of wall space is left bare. Each item carries its own narrative, many of which Nick shares with his students." Most of us have been encouraged by the numerous notes Nick has sent to staff and students. Congratulations Mr. Harmsen!
TEACHER/STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Teacher Spotlight
TIM MCNULTY Mr. McNulty is the Assistant Band Director and comes to Western from Ball State University, where he received a Bachelor of Music Education. His own teachers motivated him to pursue a career in teaching. One of his goals is that students would be “inspired to grow in their own direction in every positive way possible.” In his spare time, Mr. McNulty enjoys hiking, running, and spending time with friends.
Staff Spotlight
KATIE ANTHROP As part of the office team, Ms. Anthrop is available to help students with a variety of requests. She’s another proud Western graduate who chose to work in the school so that she could be closer to her own children, who attend Western. She enjoys learning how to maintain the front office and likes interacting with the students and parents. Some of her hobbies include 4-wheeling and watching her favorite television shows.
ATHLETIC EVENTS
It's a New Field Record!
Sophomore Ellyse Walden broke the school record in the discus throw with a toss of 123' 7", beating the previous record held by Karen Mason of 116' 0".
Softball Team Takes Tournament Trophy
The varsity softball squad defeated Terre Haute North in 8 innings to win the 2024 Ben Davis Classic.
Western Tennis Player Noted for Sportsmanship
Junior Sydney Ousley won the Excellence in Sportsmanship Award at the Yorktown Tennis Invitational.
Baseball in Full Swing
Western baseball pitcher James Paden threw a no-hitter in the varsity’s win over Tipton. The varsity squad has only one loss so far this season.
THE 2023-2024 YEARBOOK
One Month Left to Order the 2023-2024 Yearbook
Only ONE MONTH left to purchase your copy of the 2023-2024 yearbook. Don't miss out! To order online, click on the following link. The school code is 8741.
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
TEST DATES FOR AP EXAMS
See Student Services for specific dates and times for each test.
WILL ◾ CAN ◾ DO
Western High School
Principal Steve Edwards
2600 S 600 W
Russiaville, IN 46979
P (765) 883-5541
F (765) 883-7946