Winners of the perfect attendance award Adrian Hartle and Kyle Christianberry.
(Photos by John Faulkner)

Warsaw Community High School held an awards ceremony yesterday to celebrate student achievements throughout the school year.

The celebration, which began with games as students entered, honored student excellence at the state and local levels. Numerous individuals were listed as either state champions or those placing amongst top teams or individuals at state level competitions.

Those mentioned included numerous FFA members: Sydney Susuraba, Noah Ault and Alexis Himes, FFA State Champion; Bryan Thompson, fourth place at state; Dakota Koontz, Cole Troutner, Coltin Brumfield, Bryan Thompson and Hayle Lytle, FFA state degree recipients; and Baily Buhrt, Morgan Smith, Jessica Madden, Abria Federico, Patrick Meyer and Morgan Smith, FFA state competitors.

Anne Slaughter and Rick Swaim, long-time employees at WCHS, were honored for their service. The two are retiring this year.

Sports, academics and music winners were also noted: Kyle Hatch, seventh place in state wrestling competition; girls cross country team, 16th place at state; girls track and field, competitors at state; Caleb Schooley, robotics state qualifier; boys’ swimming, 20th at state; Jayden Parrett, Spencer Davidson, Ethan Cook and Matt Wildman, boys’ swimming medley relay 10th place; Jayden Parrett, boys’ swimming 12th place at state; Spencer Davidson, boys’ swimming seventh place at state; Breanna Morgan, girls’ swimming 12th place at state; Marching Tiger Pride, fourth in state; winter percussion ensemble, state finals for 19 years in a row; Drew Tomasik, all-state honors band, second year; band, 40 qualified for state solo and ensemble; and cheerleaders, fourth at state.

Lori Tilden, assistant to the superintendent, presented the OrthoWorx Award to Ryan Cultice.

Career Academy graduates were announced by Ronna Kawsky. Graduates included, biomedical: Megan Chauncey, Brandon Eckert, Nicole Eckert, Gabrielle Herman, Alexis Himes, Danielle Hutcherson, Jackson Brooklyn; Jayden Parrett, Andrew Scheidt, Blake Schritter, Kiersten Smith, Clair Snodgrass, Diane Wack; finance: Ryan Cultice, Caleb Klusman, Jacob Mangus; education professions: Pamela Miller, Shelby Roberts, Danielle Straits; agribusiness management: Tanner Klsowski (also animal science, horticulture science, natural resource management), Sydney Susaraba, Elizabeth Troutner (also horticulture science); health science professionals: Nichole Flory, Tyler Friend, Vicki Harris; broadcasting: Zachary Webb. These students all attained dual credit or certification at a collegiate or career level.

Tug Of War was held amongst students during the ceremony.

Perfect attendance winners were announced with great prizes offered. Adrian Hartle, junior, was the recipient of a $100 shopping spree; Kyle Christianberry, sophomore, was the winner of a car provided by John Brooks of Lakeside Chevrolet.

12.0 Career GPA Scholarship winners were announced with each receiving $100 from WCEA Waldeck. Teachers of the year awards, recognized from other organizations were noted with Amy Riley and Lynette Markley both congratulated. Awards were given to John Lacheta, student; Patty Anderson, support staff; and Andy Tomasik, teacher, for “going the extra mile.”

Students’ Choice Awards were granted to teachers who received the most votes for exemplifying the WCS mission statement. Winners included Scott Erba, Rose Love, Kathy Williams, David Bailey, Jeff Grose, Thomas Hall, Dena Lancaster, Steve Waldeck, Devin Baier and Sarah Freehauf. Retirees Anne Slaughter and Rick Swaim were honored as well.

WCHS took a moment to thank the local companies for donations to students in terms of both awards and scholarship.