Whitko High School has named its valedictorian and salutatorian for the 2014-15 school year.

Jonathan Douglas Johnson was given the honor of valedictorian. Johnson is the son of Bruce and Edith Klingaman. He and his parents lives in Larwill.

Johnson plans to attend Indiana Wesleyan University or Huntington University and plans to study music or ministry. He’s involved in chamber ensemble, cross country, soccer, theater, Academic Math and Fine Arts teams. He is the president of National Honor Society, a member of Whitley County Youth Leadership and is a sound volunteer at New Hope Wesleyan Church.

Alyson Lorraine Nicodemus was named the school’s salutatorian. She is the daughter of Bryan and Hilary Nicodemus. They live in South Whitley.

Nicodemus plans to attend Valparaiso University to obtain a master’s degree through the university’s five-year physician assistant program. She is involved in basketball, softball, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Students Against Destructive Decisions, art club, Campus Life, Whitley County Youth Leadership, South Whitley United Methodist Church Youth Group. She is a 10-year 4-Her and has been involved in dance for 15 years.

Johnson and Nicodemus, along with the rest of the Whitko Class of 2015 will graduate on May 29.

A few local high schools recently received a nod from USNews.com. The website recently released a listing of top schools in Indiana based upon class sizes, testing scores and proficiency scores in both algebra and English.

Though many schools in Kosciusko County such as Wawasee High School and Warsaw Community High School were unranked, schools lying on the outskirts of the county fared favorably in the ranking. Amongst the schools ranked in the top 50 were Whitko High School, which ranked 47th in Indiana and ranked 2,370 nationally; NorthWood High School, ranked 44th in the state and 2,241 nationally; and Plymouth High School, ranked 15th in the state and 1,397 nationally.

The only school corporation to overlap with Kosciusko County, Whitko, had an average class size of 19 students to one teacher with a total of 574 students and 30 teachers, larger than the Indiana average. Forty-three percent of students tested for AP credit with 14 percent passing. Math proficiency was ranked at 58 percent with English proficiency at 68 percent.

NorthWood High School had class sizes of 15 students to one teacher with 853 students and 56 teachers total. Thirty-four percent of students tested for AP credit with 19 percent passing. Sixty-nine percent of students were ranked proficient in math with 80 percent deemed proficient in English.

Plymouth, which received the top scores in the area, has an average class size of 18 students to one teacher. The school houses 1,112 students and 61 teachers total. A total of 37 percent of students took an Advanced Placement test for college credit with 31 percent passing. In terms of proficiency, 45 percent were ranked proficient in math and 70 percent were ranked proficient in English.

Other schools to make the list included Goshen High School, which ranked 22 in the state and 1,650 nationally; and Manchester Jr-Sr High School, ranking 35th in Indiana and 1,993 nationally.

To view the list, click here.

By JACKI BISHOP
Secretary/Student Council Sponsor

SOUTH WHITLEY — Thursday, Aug. 20 is the first day of school and as summer winds to a close, students can begin registering for classes at Whitko High School.

Guidance counselors from Whitko will be available to make schedule changes, or to enroll new students from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 11 through Aug. 14. New students can make an appointment for these days by calling (260) 723-5146.

Students with last names beginning with A-M should meet with Mrs. Brodbeck for changes, while students with last names beginning with N-Z should meet with Mr. Rickerd for changes.

Registration for grades 10 through 12 can be done from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 13, or from noon to 4 p.m. Aug. 14. Students will receive their finalized class schedules and information packets at registration.

Pre-registration will be available online for all students, and parents are encouraged to pre-register their children on the Whitko website by clicking ‘Register Now.’

Ninth-graders and new student orientation will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18 in the high school auditorium. This orientation will include tours of the building, meeting with teachers, and checking out lockers.

For further information, call Whitko High School at (260) 723-5146 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

SOUTH WHITLEY — The Whitko Marching Pride has qualified for the Indiana Sate School Music Association Semi-State. This is the first time in seven years the band, composed of 20 high school students under the direction of Joey Shepherd, has competed in Open Class D.

According to Shepherd, they will be the smallest band in the state competing in the Class D level.

Their show is called “In the Moods.” It features the music, “Setting the Mood,” “Hallelujah,” “Mars” and “Happy.”

Whitko Marching Pride will be competing in the Open Class Semi-State Finals at Franklin Community High School.

By JOEY SHEPHERD
Band Director, Whitko High School

SOUTH WHITLEY — The Whitko High School pep band performs for home basketball games, and once a year we invite alumni and others to come play with the pep band at a game. We usually try to do it around Thanksgiving, and are happy to once again do it for the boys basketball game against Columbia City.

The game will be Wednesday, Nov. 25, with band members gathering at the WHS band room at 6 p.m. No RSVP is necessary.

This is not just for Whitko band alumni though. If you ever played an instrument or know someone who is just itching to find a place to jam, this is that opportunity. It is always great for the kids to see that people can still play after high school, and get to know fellow community members. It is also a great reason for you to find that saxophone that’s been hiding in the attic since high school.

Do not be concerned with your talent or ability or if you did not go to Whitko. Dust off your instrument, remind yourself of a few notes and come. This is just a fun time to play with fellow lovers of music. The music we play is a broad range of oldies from the ’50s and ’60s to pop hits of today. We even like to throw in a few dance songs for you to get up and groove in the stands. If you’ve never played an instrument, then invite someone that did.

We also invite you to come to the game to cheer on our Wildcats while listening to some enjoyable music. Spread the word and let people know. We always love having a large and loud band for this event, and the kids look forward to it every year. 

WHITLEY COUNTY — The following Whitko students have been announced as students of the month:

Anna Ousley – Whitko High School

Anna Ousley was nominated as the student of the month for her important role as a peer helper in the functional skills classroom. She models respect and patience with her classmates and presents herself with a quiet confidence. She embodies what Whitko High School stands for by always exhibiting a positive attitude, contributes to the overall school climate, and maintains a high level of achievement. Anna was nominated by Leah Glassburn.

Katherine Ousley – Whitko Middle School

Katherine was selected as Whitko Middle School’s December Student of the Month as she exemplifies the ROAR qualities. Katherine was nominated by the WMS eighth grade staff.

Abigail Gustaf – South Whitley Elementary School

Abby Gustaf is a very hard‐working student. She is always completing her work on‐time and volunteering for different needs in the classroom. According to her teacher, Abby is always willing to help someone in need whether that be a classmate, teacher or someone younger than her. she is constantly observed doing the right thing and treating people right. Abigail was nominated by Rachel Felver.

Amy Brown – Pierceton Elementary School

Amy is a responsible student with great work habits. She does her best work and completes assignment on time. Amy works well with others and participates in class. She is a friend to others, and she cares about her classmates. Amy shows a willingness to learn new concepts and she sticks with tasks that are challenging. These qualities make Amy an excellent choice for student of the month. Amy is in Kathy Garber’s third grade class.

PIERCETON — Kenneth W. Burnworth, 59, of Albion, passed away Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Born July 31, 1956 in Whitley County, he was the son of Larry and Lorretta (Johnson) Burnworth.

At the age of 11, Ken and his brothers were adopted by Larry and Lorreta and they grew up on the family farm just north of Pierceton. He attended Whitko High School where he was a member of the FFA and graduated with the Class of 1975. He had worked for 20 years at Uniroyal in Warsaw and 10 years at Schultz RV. He had attended Troy Presbyterian Church and Morris Chapel in Pierceton.

He is survived by his daughter: Danielle (Gil Gaona) Freeman, Slidell, La.; son: Christopher Burnworth, Pierceton; parents: Larry and Lorretta, Shipshewana; a brother: Doyle (Vicki) Burnworth, South Whitley; a sister: Teresa (Todd Baker) Burnworth, Warsaw; former wife: Annette Sheets, Pierceton; and four grandchildren: Laini, Karrissa, Hayden Burnworth and Gabriel Gaona.

He was preceded in death by his brother: Terry Burnworth.

A memorial gathering will be held 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, at DeMoney-Grimes A Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. A memorial service will begin at 3:30 p.m. He will be buried next to his brother, Terry at Washington Union Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to either American Heart Association or Shriners Hospital for Children.

Dear Editor:

Last week the entire junior class at WCHS was informed that our class principal had accepted a new position as building principal at Whitko High School. I was one of those junior’s, and I am met with both sadness and immense happiness at this news.

Our junior class principal, John Snyder, is the model of what an administrator/instructor should be. He certainly deserves this opportunity, as there is no one more qualified to be the “head man.” But I am torn all the same, because Snyder is simply a class act, and I am quite saddened to lose him. He is a man of impeccable character who takes genuine interest and care into the lives of his students.

Not every student has had the privilege of getting to know Snyder like I have. So I speak from experience when I say, nobody cares more about their students than him. I honestly believe he has been blessed with a unique gift to do the work he does. It is a rarity to find someone in administration who works so tirelessly to see his students succeed.

Again, I am personally upset to see Snyder depart. In fact I’m rather jealous of Whitko. But I realize that this is such a unique opportunity for a great man. He will be able to impact so many more young lives in his new role. I know he is going to do a magnificent job.

Evan McKinley
County Council At-Large Candidate
Leesburg

Todd W. Danner

Todd W. Danner, 47, of Pierceton, passed away Friday Feb. 26, 2016 at 3:40 a.m. at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne. He was born on Oct. 21, 1968, to Susan Danner and Howard H. Patrick in Columbia City.

He was a 1987 graduate of Whitko High School. He honorably served in the United States Army 18 months at Fort Steward, Ga, 12 months in Korea and 9 months at Fort Ord, Calif., as an AH-1 Helicopter Mechanic. He lived in Kentucky for four years then returning to Pierceton.

He married Hyon Yi on June 20, 1991 who survives. He enjoyed NASCAR and loved to Drag Race.

He is survived by his son, Thomas Danner; his mother Susan (Mike) Stevens, Pierceton; his father, Howard (Diane) Patrick, Warsaw; a brother, Terry (Tracie) Stoddard, Columbia City, and two nieces. He is preceded by his grandparents, Lorin and Betty Danner.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon, on Tuesday March 1, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Pierceton.

A funeral service will also be held at noon on Tuesday March 1, at the funeral chapel with Chaplain Bob Jarboe officiating. Interment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Pierceton.

The family is requesting that the memorial contribution be made to The Danner Family c/o McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Ct., Warsaw, in 46580.

To send condolence or sign a guestbook go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com

WARSAW — Beauty will be a little easier to attain after Inspire College of Cosmetology opens at 3171 E. Center St. on March 21.

Warsaw’s first beauty school is the dream of Nicole Lawrence, a stylist herself. Lawrence is a licensed cosmetology instructor and she’s excited to develop a new generation of cosmetology professionals.

In August, high school juniors from Warsaw Area Career Center will begin a two-year program that will also prepare them to take the state licensing exam by the time they complete their senior year of high school.

“Our high school students will be career ready when they graduate,” says Lawrence. “Inspire’s partnership with Warsaw Area Career Center is an amazing opportunity for local students who want to move into a skilled profession after completing high school.”

It was a conversation between Lawrence and Ronna Kawsky, director and principal of the Warsaw Area Career Center, that planted the seed that grew into Inspire. WACC students have been requesting cosmetology training for years while, at the same time, Lawrence was developing the idea of her own cosmetology school.

“After all the planning and work to get the building ready, it’s exciting to see everything come together,” Lawrence says.

WACC students from Tippecanoe Valley, Warsaw and Whitko High Schools who are interested in attending Inspire should contact their home school guidance counselors. Adults should contact Lawrence at (574) 221-1492 or Nlawrence@inspirebeautycollege.com to enroll in the inaugural class that begins in early April.

“There are so many career opportunities available in the cosmetology field,” Lawrence says. “Hair and nails are only part of this world. There’s also product development and sales, management, aesthetics like skin care and makeup application and, of course, teaching.”

When Inspire’s doors open next month Lawrence will accept adults from the area who want to make the world a brighter place one head of hair (or fingernail or toenail) at a time. The one-year program for adults provides the training necessary for them to take the Indiana State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam.

A community grand opening ceremony is also planned for April.

Emily Hughes, valedictorian.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko High School has announced Emily Hughes will be the valedictorian and Veronica Palmer will be the salutatorian for the 2016 Whitko High School graduating class. The Whitko High School Class of 2016  will graduate Friday, June 10.

A Pierceton resident, Hughes is involved in volleyball, softball, the student council, the National Honor Society, Ski Club, FCA, campus life, Art Club, SADD, and South Whitley United Methodist Church youth group.

Veronica Palmer, salutatorian.

Daughter to Todd and Robin Hughes, Emily Hughes plans to attend Valparaiso University and major in biology.

A Larwill resident, Palmer is involved in English and social studies academic teams, the National Honor Society, One Community, SADD, Book Club,  a mentor of the middle school social studies academic team and she is the boys’ basketball videographer.

Daughter to Michael and Yvette Palmer, Veronica Palmer plans to attend Carthage College in order to major in Spanish. Palmer’s long-term plans are to become a translator for the United Nations.

Whitko High School students engage in a fierce game of dodgeball for a good cause. (Photos by Amanda McFarland)

SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko High School students dodged for a good cause Friday afternoon, Feb. 25, during the sixth annual Jarrod’s Day dodgeball tournament.

Jarrod’s Day was first implemented in 2010 in honor of then-senior Jarrod Lewis following an accident that left him severely injured. Initially, Jarrod’s Day was designed as a fundraiser for Lewis’s family to help pay for medical expenses, including a van with a wheelchair lift, a therapeutic water bed and medications.

Just a few years after the first Jarrod’s Day, the fundraiser proceeds went to help with Lewis’s funeral expenses.

Jarrod’s Day continues, however, and now students and school employees choose a different Whitko family each year and donate the funds to them.

Principal John Snyder was hired in February, so this was his first Jarrod’s Day event.

“When I see the generosity of the kids here, I’m just amazed,” Snyder said.

An auction took place Wednesday, which raised $2,500. Teachers donated items, ranging from butler services for a day to baked goods, Fort Wayne Tin Caps tickets and Rise-N-Roll gift cards. Math teacher John Strayer donated the chance for two students to throw pies in his face.

Students payed $1 apiece to get into the tournament. Teams of eight competed for the right to participate in the final, which involved a team of teachers, faculty and staff.

Overall, fundraiser events for the week raised $4,334.57.

Erick Loe

SOUTH WHITLEY — Making decisions can be difficult, but when it came to choosing between West Point, the United States Air Force Academy, the United States Naval Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Erick Loe, senior at Whitko High School, knew exactly what he would do.

“I’ve always wanted to be in the Army,” he said. “I’ve got family who have been in the Army. When I was in elementary school, it got brought up to me by a teacher, ‘you should go to West Point.'”

In that moment, Loe’s teacher planted a seed that would grow into a lifelong dream. When he started high school, he began looking into the United States Military Academy at West Point and what it would take to attend. He wrote to Congressman Marlin Stutzman, who then nominated him.

Loe leaves June 27 and will spend much of the summer in cadet basic training. The school year officially begins in August. Loe has not yet declared a major, though he still has time to decide.

“My first year, I will be doing the freshman required classes and then, at the end of my first year, I’ll declare my major,” he said. “I’m not entirely sure where I want to go with that, but I’m actually looking into nuclear engineering.”

At Whitko, Loe was a four-year varsity wrestler and two-year team captain. This year, he received the team dedication award and has been conference champion and sectional champion in the past. While he does not plan to wrestle at the intercollegiate level at West Point, he plans to participate in intramural wrestling and maybe a few other activities.

“West Point has several different clubs and teams that I can look into,” he said.

He is considering joining the military tactics team, which participates in military tactic drills one day a week.

“My biggest thing is being able to further develop myself as a leader,” he said. “That’s what West Point does. And with that, going in and serving my country.”

He looks forward to serving in the United States Army upon graduation.

Shown from left, are, Justin Hartman; Rebecca Horn; Justin Hartman; Ms. Glassburn, Whitko Functional Skills class teacher; Jordan Minnick; Kaytlynn Bartel

PIERCETON — A class at Whitko High School recently assisted the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce. The Whitko Functional Skills class focuses on academic skills along with daily living skills and is taught by Leah Glassburn.

“As the students get older it is really important for them to be able to be out in the community interacting and learning skills that will help them be prepared for a job after high school” Leah commented.

The Whitko Functional Skills class assembled “buddy bags” that the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors deliver to new members who join the chamber. They include items from other chamber members welcoming new member businesses and also promoting their businesses.

The bags are sponsored by Indiana American Water Company.

“We are always looking for partners to give us tasks to accomplish that will help with our goals. I am so thankful that the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce allowed us to complete a project that is beneficial to both our students and their business” Leah added.

The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a thank you to Whitko High School and the Whitko Functional Skills class for assisting us in this way.

SOUTH WHITLEY — Electric Consumer hosted its 19th annual student calendar contest for its 2017 cooperative calendar. The contest provides young Hoosier artist the opportunity to express themselves and develop their artistic talent while possibly earning cash prizes and state wide acclaim.

The contest is statewide and open to all grade levels. Nearly 1,900 pieces of art from all over Indiana were entered in the contest. Whitko High School Art students continued a successful tradition this year, earning 35 awards of merit, an all-time high for Whitko. Awards of merit require making it to the final round of judging, meaning the top 25 in each grade level.

Two honorable mentions were awarded to Whitko students Devin Blaine, freshman, and Ezra Miller, sophomore. Honorable mentions are selected at-large for whose artwork will be included in the calendar. The two Whitko students who won honorable mention each received $50 cash and their artwork will be featured in the May issue of Electric Consumer and printed within the 13 month calendar.

Whitko also won the ninth, 11th and 12th-grade divisions. Freshman Josh Reynaud, junior Morgan Keirn and senior Payton Ison were awarded a $200 cash prize each and their artwork will be featured in the May issue of Electric Consumer and printed as the cover of their month, within the 13-month calendar.

Whitko High School set a State record this year, having the most winners in the calendar for any one school this year: three month winners and two honorable mentions. Whitko has had at least one winner every year since 2001, except last year.

Award of merit recipients were as follows.

Freshmen winners were Sidney Overmeyer, Kaitlin Frank, Jarrett Ocken, Lauren Walpole, Emalee Duggins, Blaire Creamer, Shianna Bradley, Aneka Paduga and Jade Noblitt.

Sophomore winners were Reannon Hopkins, Robby Ousley, Jacqueline Werstler, Tanner O’Reilly, Hope Blevins, Kyle Herr, Maren Lehman, Quinn Craig and Kelsie Castle.

Junior winners were Taylor Ream Jamie Bumbaugh, Riley Insley, Aly Reiff, Amy Hurd, Haley Yohe, Raven Lemler, Claire Reiff, Brooke Christoffel, Leighandra Goodman, Lauren Riemersma, Delaney Keirn, Brittney Lewis, Braylyn Couch and Maddy Foutz.

Senior winners were Casey Dierks and Emily Jones.

A preliminary sketch shows Whitko High School student Shelby Martin’s logo design. (Photo provided)

SOUTH WHITLEY — Tanner Moyer, owner of Moyer’s Corner Cafe, South Whitley, recently approached the Whitko High School art department with the idea of creating a logo for his new restaurant in Silver Lake.

The new establishment has a 1950’s-style, drive-in, coney-dogs-and-homemade-root-beer theme and will be called Moyer’s Cruise In. Several Whitko High School art students showed interest and submitted designs.

Senior Shelby Martin’s logo design was selected as the winner. Moyer gifted all participating students with a $25 card to eat at Moyer’s Corner Cafe. He also rewarded Shelby Martin with a crisp $100 bill.

This was an opportunity for students to apply their art knowledge and skills in a real-life setting while participating in the community. Whitko High School’s art teacher, Daniel Malicki, said he was pleased with his students’ effort and success.

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s electric cooperatives and their statewide magazine, Electric Consumer, named the winners of their annual Cooperative Calendar of Student Art Contest.

Attie Schuler, a student at Northfield High School, Wabash, and a resident of North Manchester, was named artist of the year for her detailed illustration of Indian corn. Local students earning honors included Cayden Shepherd, kindergarten honorable mention, Eisenhower Elementary School, Warsaw; Josh Reynaud, ninth-grade first-place winner, Whitko High School, South Whitley; Devin Blaine, ninth-grade honorable mention, Whitko High School, South Whitley; Ezra Miller, tied for 10th-grade honorable mention, Whitko High School, South Whitley; Morgan Keirn, 11th-grade first place winner, Whitko High School, South Whitley; and Payton Ison, 12th-grade first place winner, Whitko High School, South Whitley.

A first place artist was also selected for each grade, K-12. Each will receive $200. Their artwork will illustrate the cover and 12 months of a 2017 calendar. Nine additional artists earned an honorable mention award and $50. These works will appear in a special section of the calendar.

Grade levels will be featured as follows:

• Cover, kindergarten
• January, first grade
• February, second grade
• March, third grade
• April, fourth grade
• May, fifth grade
• June, sixth grade
• July, seventh grade
• Aughst, eighth grade
• September, ninth grade
• October, 10th grade
• November, 11th grade
• December, 12th grade

“We are proud to be a part of recognizing and showcasing the artistic talents of our youth,” said Tom VanParis, CEO of Indiana Electric Cooperatives.

Artwork was judged on artistic merit, originality, creativity and suitability for a wall calendar. Indiana students attending any public or private school or educated at home who were in grades k-12 during the 2015-2016 school year were eligible.

Winning art can be viewed here. The 2017 wall calendar will be available at the office of participating Indiana electric cooperatives in early autumn.

PIERCETON — Whitko Schools announced the following information pertaining to the 2016-17 school year.

The Whitko High School guidance counselors will be available 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, through Friday, Aug. 5, to make class schedule changes. New students can call (260) 723-5146 for an appointment.

Students with last names beginning with A-M should meet with Mrs. Brodbeck for changes. Students with last names beginning with N-Z should meet with Mr. Rickerd for changes.

Registration for grades 10-12 is 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, and noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5. Students will receive their finalized class schedules and information packets. Powerschool Info, like addresses, phone number and emergency contacts, will need to be updated at this time.

Pre-registration will be available online for all students. Parents are encouraged to pre-register their children for the 2016-17 school year by going to the Whitko website and clicking on “back to school,” “more Information,” then, “register now.” There will be computers during registration times to help with this process if needed.

There will be no back-to-school event for grades 10-12. These students can pick up their information packets the first day of school. Grade 9 and new student orientationis at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, in the high school auditorium. Parents are encouraged to attend.

Administrators and the school’s guidance director will give a presentation. Students and their parents may tour the building, meet teachers and check out lockers after the presentation.

Students’ first day of school is 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 11.

For further information, call Whitko High School at (260) 723-5146 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., follow them on Twitter or “like” the Whitko High School Facebook page.

Austin Bernicky, shown at far right, had the grand champion market lamb at the Indiana State Fair. (Photos provided)

Jordyn Leininger enjoys victory with the supreme champion ewe at the Indiana State Fair.

By NATHAN HAYWOOD
Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Whitko Community Schools 

INDIANAPOLIS — Perseverance and discipline merit their own rewards and, for Austin Bernicky and Jordyn Leininger, the rewards at the Indiana State Fair have been abundant.

On Aug. 7, Bernicky, a ninth-grader at Whitko High School, won the grand champion market lamb, which means he won his respective breed in blackface crossbred, then went on to compete against the top winner against all breed champions to rank as the cream of the crop, the best in show, the super-bowl champion of lamb breeding known as the grand champion.

Leininger, a sixth-grader at Whitko Middle School, won supreme breeding ewe Aug. 13, and first and fifth place overall. She showed a hampshire that won her the supreme champion ranking and a suffolk, which took fifth overall. Similar to grand champion, the supreme champion in the ewe competition is the highest ranking an individual can achieve.

For Bernicky and Leininger, it doesn’t get much sweeter with grand champion and supreme champion in the lamb and ewe categories, respectively. This past Wednesday, the champions were invited to the coveted harvest dinner. At $250 a plate, this fundraiser’s proceeds will go back to the students who competed and can be used toward raising next year’s champions or toward their futures in whatever way they see fit.

Leininger has been invited to give a speech about her experiences as the new supreme champion. Bernicky will be honored at the celebration of champions later this week.