Leesburg Elementary School Principal Nathan Polston speaks with Jayden Young during a Warsaw Community Schools’ Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, April 24.

Text and Photos
By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — A Leesburg Elementary School student was recognized during an April 24 Warsaw Community Schools’ Board of Trustees meeting for helping others and giving back to the community.

Leesburg Principal Nathan Polston introduced Jayden Young, a second-grade student, to the board. After helping a classmate with a speech impediment by writing words and phrases on popsicle sticks to assist the student with communication, Young started giving back more.

For his Christmas wish in December 2022, Young asked for a $500 Visa gift card to help others. A social media campaign resulted in Young raising a total of $1,035.25.

With that money, Young purchased a new blood sugar monitor for a classmate and donated $400 to The Blazer Boutique, a clothing bank at the elementary school.

Young also put together 48 “Sunshine Bags,” which are distributed to students dealing with the loss of a loved one.

“It makes me so happy and glad to see people get the stuff they need,” said Young.

The board and WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert commended Young for the positive changes he made in the community.

The board also:

• Heard a school safety update from Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Tracy Horrell. He and WCS Director of Communications Krista Polston attended a crisis and reunification drill in Mooresville in March.
• Approved the expansion of two residential TIF districts in the City of Warsaw after hearing an update from Warsaw’s Community and Economic Development Director Jeremy Skinner.
• Was introduced to Washington STEM Academy Principal Cheri Sleighter and her family. Sleighter has served as the interim principal for the building since October 2022 and was officially approved as principal during the board meeting.
• Approved the hiring of Jason Ellinger as the director of maintenance. He replaces Samuel Cook.

The board’s next work session is at 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, at the WCS central office. Its next regular meeting is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, at the Warsaw Community High School Performing Arts Center. Prior to the regular meeting, a graduation will be held for WCS’s 15 Tiger Ambassadors, with a reception beginning at 6 p.m. and the ceremony at 6:30 p.m.

Washington STEM Academy Principal Cheri Sleighter was introduced to the school board. In the back, from left, are Cory, Kaden and Cheri Sleighter. In the front is Kinley Sleighter.