News Release

LARWILL — The following Whitko Community School students have been named students of the month for January 2025.

Madison Cripe

Whitko’s senior student of the month is Madison Cripe, who was nominated by John Strayer. Strayer said: “Madi has always shown me respect and has a great work ethic. She is always willing to help others and pushes herself to be the best she can be. She is a joy to be around. She has a bright future, and I know she’ll be successful in all she does.”

Kalli Hapner

Whitko’s junior student of the month is Kalli Hapner, who was nominated by teacher Mike Hanback. Hanback said: “Over the last couple of years, I have seen tremendous growth and maturity in this young woman. She is a student who has learned to care about her education: one who frets over small aspects of an assignment. She is driven by the desire to become an educator, and it is really impressive to see the lessons she plans for the elementary students she works with. And yet, she is still that feisty student who doesn’t mind a little arguing here and there. Kalli is a joy to sit and talk with, as she shares about herself and what is happening around her.”

Bryce Johnston

Whitko’s sophomore student of the month and Whitko Career Academy student of the month is Bryce Johnston, who was nominated by two of his teachers , John Strayer and Chad Dahms.

Whitko Junior-Senior High School teacher John Strayer said: “Bryce is a hardworking student who always has a positive attitude. Attitude and effort are keys to his success. He is not afraid to take on difficult topics and is always willing to go out of his way to help others. Bryce always has a friendly smile and is a joy to be around.”

Whitko Career Academy teacher Chad Dahms said: “Bryce is a pleasure to have in class. He has overcome every obstacle I have given him. He will go out of his way to help other classmates when they are struggling or just need some help. He really enjoys CAD drawing on fusion 360 and the 3D printers when he prints his CAD drawing out. He has become the leader in my class and comes in every day to my classroom with a great attitude.”

Meredith Hindbaugh

Whitko’s freshman student of the month is Meredith Hindbaugh, who was nominated by teacher Wade Eberly. Eberly said: “In this semester of Honors Geometry, Meredith earned a perfect score on every single test except the final exam. On the final, she only lost one point. All the while, she proved a valuable asset to the volleyball team. I know that the volleyball season is over, so maybe it is a little late to nominate her. It just seems like she goes above and beyond inside and outside the classroom.”

Hadley Overmyer

South Whitley Elementary School’s student of the month is Hadley Overmyer, who was nominated by fourth-grade teacher Caroline Crow. Crow said: “Hadley demonstrates daily a hard work ethic, perseverance and determination. She walks into the building bright and early with a smile on her face. Her natural ability to make friends in addition to her extraordinary, giving heart makes South Whitley Elementary one lucky school. She is one of the first to check on a friend, always willing to lend a helping hand and makes a fabulous accomplice when trying to cheer up (or prank) adults within our building. When material doesn’t come natural or easy, Hadley isn’t one to give up or become discouraged. Instead, this young lady rises to the occasion with grit and will do everything in her power until she is successful. You can always find this Bulldog being respectful, responsible and safe while making positive choices.”

Koen Ottinger

Pierceton Elementary School’s student of the month is Koen Ottinger, who was nominated by third-grade teacher Trenton Osborn. Osborn said: “Koen is always happy to be at school. He enters the classroom and is immediately ready to get to work. He is (almost) always on task and is ready to help anyone around him once he has finished his work. Koen is a friend to everyone in the classroom and is ready to help make sure that all students in the classroom feel included and valued. Koen is excited to participate in whatever we are working on and is eager to learn more and expand his knowledge about the topic. I consider Koen to be a leader in the classroom and often depend on him to help me keep the classroom moving forward. Koen’s competitive nature ensures that he does the absolute best in everything that he does, but he is humble enough to learn from any mistakes that he makes. In my opinion, Koen exemplifies what it means to be a Pierceton Cub and a Whitko Wildcat.”