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The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is seeking applicants for its Engineering Scholarship Program, available for undergraduate and graduate students. Recipients receive financial assistance, as well as opportunities for paid employment during summer breaks and upon graduation.

Students must be accepted or enrolled full-time in one of Indiana’s accredited Civil Engineering schools. The program must also be certified by Indiana’s Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Eligible universities with ABET-certified Civil Engineering programs include Purdue University, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Purdue University Northwest, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Trine University, University of Evansville, University of Notre Dame, University of Southern Indiana, Indiana State University and Valparaiso University.

INDOT’s scholarship program offers $3,125 per semester or $2,083 per trimester for up to five years of post-secondary Civil Engineering education. Scholarship funds may be applied to educational expenses, fees, and books. In return, recipients have the opportunity to work at INDOT in full-time, paid positions during summer breaks and upon graduation.

Learn more about the INDOT Engineering Scholarship Program and the application process at indotscholarship.in.gov. Applications for the 2025-2026 school year must be emailed or postmarked by Sunday, December 31, 2024.

West Washington Schools have demonstrated remarkable academic success across all levels from elementary through high school.

West Washington Elementary:

Highest Total Pass Rates on ILearn in 8 surrounding counties
Highest 5th Grade Math Pass Rate in the State of Indiana
3rd Highest 6th Grade Language Arts Pass Rate in the State of Indiana

In 2024, West Washington Elementary School (WWES) once again surpassed state standards, placing in the top ten in multiple grades and subjects. This achievement, which ranks them among the top-performing schools in Indiana, is attributed to the staff's dedication to aligning curriculum with state standards and addressing students' needs. Congratulations to WWES for achieving the highest 5th Grade Math pass rate in the state.

When asked about the secret to success, WWES Principal Tom Rosenbaum gave the credit to his teaching and support staff. "We have an excellent staff of hardworking, dedicated educators. They are top notch and they are focused on preparing our students for academic success!"

West Washington Jr/Sr High School:

2nd Highest Total Pass Rate on 7th & 8th Grade ILearn in the area
Highest 7th Grade ELA & Math ILearn Pass Rate in the area
Top SAT Proficiency Rate for Both EBRW & Math Among Area Schools

At the junior high level, West Washington Jr. High saw significant gains in ILEARN performance, driven by a focus on collective instructional practices and student engagement. The school's emphasis on goal setting and student accountability has fostered a culture of continuous improvement, leading to notable growth in academic proficiency.

West Washington High School (WWHS) also recorded substantial increases in SAT scores, outperforming other schools in the area. This success is linked to staff professional development and a district-wide emphasis on vocabulary and critical skills. Additionally, the WWHS Early College program, which offers 69 college credits, has contributed to higher SAT scores through rigorous AP and Dual Credit courses. Congratulations to WWHS for attaining the top SAT proficiency rate in both Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) and Math among local schools.

"I am very proud of our staff's commitment to implementing new instructional strategies. It's great to see that these strategies are contributing to improved classroom academic outcomes in addition to the improvement in ILEARN scores," shared WW Jr/Sr HS Principal, Dr. Angela Girgis.

These accomplishments reflect the unwavering commitment of West Washington Schools to academic excellence and continuous improvement.

Pekin Eastern High School

On Tuesday September 24th, a public hearing will address the contract proposal between the East Washington School Corporation and Superintendent Rebecca Jones. The meeting will be in the boardroom of the main administration building at 5:00 p.m., located at 1050 North Eastern School Road in Pekin. The proposed contract will be for employment for 2024-25 through 2026-27, with the annual proposed salary being $117,000 as well as additional benefits listed below. The board will discuss and hear objections to the proposed contract.

School board members include Holly Drury (President), Christina McGinnis (Vice President), Jeff Clem (Secretary), and members Tom Coats, Keith Spaulding, and Laura McClellan-Wanke. The rating key for the evaluation process is available to be viewed here:https://5il.co/tgr7.

Annuity contribution to 403(b) - $2925.00

Medical insurance (Health, Dental, Vision) - $15,487.32

Long Term disability insurance - $339.30

Life/ADD insurance ($85,000) - $163.20

Teacher Retirement Fund - $10,530.00

Total annual additional Compensation - $29,444.82

The Salem Band Invitational is back this year! The event will be held Saturday, September 7th, beginning at 6 p.m. There are six area bands competing: Southwestern, Northeast Dubois, Eastern (Pekin), Henryville, Silver Creek and Orleans.

The Marching Lions will perform in exhibition at 8 p.m. with awards presented at 8:30 p.m.

The cost to get into the event is: Adult $7, students $5 and children under 3 are free.

(Photos by student photographer Lillian Grissom)

Salem High School will hold its Homecoming Ceremony on September 13th immediately prior to the start of the home football game at 7 p.m. Join fellow community members in supporting the candidates and Salem Lions Football. Candidates this year are:

Seniors: Hunter Trainor, Braxton Backus, Abby Maynard, and Morgan Humphrey

Juniors: Finn Kritzer, Rafe Wells, Brynan Barton, and Emma Loyd

Sophomores: Mason Abbot, Aiden Cole, Addison Howerton, and Peyton Maynard

Freshmen: Ethan Cooper, Alex Blake, Rachel Little, and Kaileigh Shields