NEW MARKET — The Southmont Schools board of trustees recognized academic leaders, honored staff achievements, and announced the district’s participation in a new statewide education program.
On Monday, the top 10 students of Southmont Senior High School’s Class of 2025 led the Pledge of Allegiance to open the meeting. Students recognized were Michael Harden, Alexander Garcia, Maximus Musick, Cole Rhoads, Emily Fox, Lucas Oppy, Tyler Petroski, Evan Watson, Evelyn Zachary and Jenna Calder.
High school teacher Brian Turner was recognized for being named the 2025 recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Dual Credit Instruction by Ivy Tech Community College – Lafayette. Turner teaches dual credit engineering courses at Southmont that can lead to a technical certificate in Computer-Aided Design through Ivy Tech.
Superintendent Dr. Stephanie Hofer announced that the high school has been selected to join the Rural Early College Network 2.0. The initiative, led by the Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning at the University of Indianapolis, is part of a $10 million Education Innovation and Research grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
RECN 2.0 will support 20 rural high schools in implementing Early College High School programs. These programs aim to increase college enrollment through access to advanced coursework and mentorship from peer institutions. CELL-endorsed schools provide pathways for students to earn up to 30 general education credits through the Indiana College Core, which are transferable to all public and many private colleges in the state.
Students and staff of the month also were recognized from across the district:
• Ladoga Elementary: Harris Newell (student) and Tammy McGaughey (teacher)
• New Market Elementary: Vera Carrell (student) and Ashley Buening (teacher)
• Walnut Elementary: Delaney Coffing (student) and Lockey Eppley (teacher)
• Southmont Junior High: Brody Tolliever (student) and Wendy Black (retiring teacher)
• Southmont Senior High: Hunter Crosby (student) and Michael and Jan Allen (staff)
In personnel matters, the board:
• Approved the resignations and retirements of Jessica Wilson, district instructional coach and principal intern (effective June 30); Wendy Black, junior high math teacher (retiring May 23); Madison Karrfalt, junior high math teacher (effective end of 2024–25 school year); Leah Sinnett, part-time nurse at Ladoga/Walnut (effective May 21); Chelsea Cagle, Walnut Elementary (effective April 10); Bryce Adams, athletic administrative assistant (effective date TBD); Shelley Allen, varsity cross country and track coach (effective June 7.)
• Approved the internal transfers of Lisa Chadd from second grade teacher to Title I at New Market; Mia Myers from elementary art at Ladoga/Walnut to fourth grade teacher at Ladoga; Nicole Hazlett to Title I teacher at Ladoga Elementary; and Erin Blaydes from junior high athletic director/dean of students to elementary PE at Ladoga/Walnut.
• Approved the employment of Amanda Pryor, second grade teacher at New Market; Addison Charles and Taylor Minick, English teachers at Southmont High School; Mckenna Guernsey, preschool teacher at Ladoga Elementary; Essence Ditmer, second grade teacher at Walnut Elementary; Bethany Myers, elementary music teacher at Ladoga/Walnut; Kela Johnson, elementary position; Kenzie Knepp, elementary art teacher at Ladoga/Walnut; Olivia Bobenmoyer, third grade teacher at Ladoga Elementary; Marley Plant, special education teacher at Ladoga Elementary; and Sarah Rhoads, part-time nurse at Ladoga/Walnut.
