The Press-Dispatch

Wednesday, March 22, 2023 The Press-Dispatch D-4 SCHOOL Submit school news items: Call: 812-354-8500 Email: schoolnews@pressdispatch.net Charger Moments From the desk of Daniel Gaffney, Principal at Pike Central High School The end of the third quarter grading period has come to the end and Pike Cen- tral High School students have be- gun their fourth and final quarter of the 2022/2023 school year. Many lifelong memories have been forged as we race towards the final stretch of the school year. Spring Break is upon us for a much needed re- charge for both staff and students. As the season is about to change, Spring sports are already upon us as baseball and softball players are grooming the diamond readying the field of play. Our ten- nis courts are getting a much needed workout as players are breaking out their rackets enjoying a few sparse rays of sun- shine, while watching our track athletes sprint by conditioning for an- other record year. This is a season of change and transition into a period of growth. We enjoy recognizing our students for their hard work and dedication into each endeavor they undertake. Last month Mrs. Igel's JAG Program competed at the Region- al Development Confer- ence against eight other schools. The following students placed in the competition: •Jacob Shimer (Cre- ative Solutions) 3rd Place •Hannah Mosby (Financial Literacy) 3rd Place •Blake Boyd 2nd Place •Gabe Hinton 2nd Place The Following Stu- dents received First Place in their category and advanced to the State Competition on March 17th, 2023 in Indianapolis Indiana: •Shelby Neese (Outstanding Senior) 1st Place •Ivy Cook Cover (Design/Digital Invitation) 1st Place •Justin Leeds (Employability Skills) 1st Place •Rya Graves (Critical Thinking) 1st Place The JAG Class also received First Place for Brochure Design. Pike Central Swing Choir performed at Per- ry Meridian High School at the State Solo and Ensemble Contest last month. The following students medaled: Gold Rating with Distinction •Riley Bolin, Gabby Collins, Taylor Oswalt, Kearstan Hartley, Shel- by Keeker, and Conner Loveless Caden Fausnbaugh and Emily McGillem, both earned Gold Med- als, and Max Burkhart, earned a silver. Con- gratulations to all of our students. Pike Central High School hosted the PAC Academic Bowl with 12 visiting schools. Pike Central High Science Academic Team placed First in their respected division. Those mem- bers are the following students: •Reagan Craig •Nolan Nelson •Isaa Fair •L J Deffendoll •Ty DeCoursey •Coach Logan Ziegler As you can see we are a busy community, learn- ing, growing and compet- ing at the highest levels, continuing to stretch and grow ourselves to the best version of self that we can achieve. We appreciate both family and community support that enables our stu- dents to thrive and flour- ish at Pike Central High School. Otwell Miller Academy Otwell Miller Academy's Robotics Team Kimber Taylor, Anson Luff, Rylee Nelson, Cheyenne Doades, coaches: Leah Ann Tusing & Nicole Sutton Otwell Miller Academy school counselor Pam Julian brought balloons to school, she asked her friends to help air them up and write all the students names on a bal- loon.After the staff tossed the balloons into the hall, the teachers moved through the hall mixing them all up. The students were given three minutes to find the balloon with their name on it, but though they searched, it was very difficult to find their own balloon. Principal Rich Padgett told the students to take the balloon closest to them and give it to the person whose name was on it. In less than two minutes, everyone was holding their own balloon. Mrs. Pam Julian said to the students, "These balloons are like happiness. We won't find it when we're only searching for our own. But if we care about someone else's happiness…it will ultimately help us find our own." Don't Rock the Jukebox Hoedown Showdown Apryl & Dylan Collins Leah Hunt & Tracy Evans

• Cover