High School News

Scheduling Night is an important opportunity for students and families to prepare for the upcoming school year. This event will take place on February 11th starting at 5:30 pm in the HS gym and is designed to help students understand course options and expectations for the next academic year. Counselors and staff will be available to answer questions and provide guidance to ensure students feel confident about their schedules.

In addition to Scheduling Night, 8th Grade Parent Night will be held on two separate evenings to better accommodate students and families. These nights are especially important for transitioning parents, as we provide information about the new Indiana diploma and academic choices their student has. These meetings will be held at the Middle School.

• January 20th @ 6pm: 8th Grade Night for basketball girls and students with last names beginning A–I

• January 22nd @ 6 pm: Students with last names beginning J–Z

Families are encouraged to attend the night that corresponds with their student’s last name. These sessions will provide valuable information about academics, extracurricular activities, and what to expect in the coming school year.

We look forward to welcoming students and families to these events and helping everyone start the next school year informed and prepared.

Sophia Nonte was selected as the 2026 recipient of the Greene County Lilly Endowment Scholarship, an honor that reflects both her dedication and character. When the news was shared, her parents were overwhelmed with emotional excitement and pride, knowing how much hard work and determination had led to this moment. The selection committee chose Sophia not only for her academic achievements and community involvement, but also for the confidence and professionalism she demonstrated during her interview. Her ability to speak clearly, present herself formally, and thoughtfully express her goals set her apart among many strong candidates. Sophia’s poise and self-assurance left a lasting impression, ultimately earning her this prestigious scholarship and opening the door to future opportunities.

The journey to receiving the Lilly Endowment Scholarship began long before the application was ever submitted. Sophia credits her success to the consistent effort she put into her academics and her commitment to being actively involved in her community. When the scholarship process officially began, it was simply a reflection of the work that had already been taking place. She is deeply grateful for the support of her teachers, mentors, family members, and community, all of whom helped guide and encourage her along the way. While the application and interview were important steps, they were built upon a strong foundation formed over many years.

The Lilly Endowment Scholarship will have a tremendous impact on Sophia’s future. It will allow her to continue her education without the stress of financial burden, giving her the freedom to focus fully on learning and personal growth. Beyond financial support, the scholarship opens new doors and provides motivation, knowing that others believe in her potential. This encouragement inspires her to continue working hard and giving back to both her school and community.

When Sophia learned she had been selected as the scholarship recipient, the moment felt surreal. With so many deserving students applying, the recognition was both surprising and deeply meaningful. While she felt proud, she was most thankful for the unwavering support from her family, teachers, and community members who believed in her and helped make this opportunity possible.

For students hoping to earn a scholarship in the future, Sophia offers meaningful advice. She encourages students to start early and focus on discovering who they truly are, rather than simply building a resume. While academic commitment is important, she believes it is just as important to get involved in activities you are passionate about. Stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying new, even intimidating experiences can lead to the greatest growth and self-discovery.

Feature by: Kierington Wyatt

How Do Students Develop Engagement During School?

Student engagement is one of the most important parts of learning success. When students are engaged, they are active participants rather than passive listeners. Engagement means being curious, motivated, and involved in what is happening in the classroom. But how do students develop that level of interest and connection to their learning?

Students become more engaged when lessons are meaningful and connected to real life. When teachers relate topics to students’ interests or current events, students see the purpose behind what they are learning. For example, connecting a math lesson to budgeting for a school event or using literature to discuss social issues can make learning feel more relevant.

Classroom relationships play a big role. Students are more likely to participate when they feel supported and respected by teachers and classmates. A positive classroom environment encourages open discussion, teamwork, and confidence.

Giving students voice and choice helps them take ownership of their learning. Letting students choose topics for projects, set goals, or lead activities increases motivation and personal responsibility.

Engagement grows when students experience success and receive feedback. Recognizing effort and progress helps them stay confident and persistent, even when learning gets challenging.

Student engagement develops through meaningful lessons, strong relationships, student choice, and encouragement. When schools create an environment where students feel valued and involved, learning becomes more exciting and effective for everyone.

Article by: Kierington Wyatt

The Riley car wash was a success! We raised $307.50 to go toward planning the Riley Dance Marathon. We had about 10-15 cars come to get their cars squeaky clean. A big thank you to Eastern Greene Fire Station for letting us host the car wash there as well as use some of their supplies. All the students who came to help and had a fun time raising money for Riley. 

Riley Children's hospital is based in  Indianapolis Indiana. They treat over 300,000 children every year. On average 5-10 of those kids are from Eastern Greene schools each year. This is why we have the Riley Dance Marathon Committee here at Eastern Greene. We want to help out our fellow students by having them share their stories and giving back to the place that helped them be here today. Last year we raised a little over $4,000 to send to Riley Children's hospital. We do a bunch of fundraisers throughout the year such as a carnival, selling t-shirts, the apple festival and much more. I will be keeping the community updated on everything so everyone has a chance to get involved! We really appreciate everyone's support so far this year. I can’t wait to share all the amazing things the Riley Committee plans on doing. 

Written By: Erica Payne, Social Media Intern

Eastern Greene FFA member, Collin Zuckschwerdt, achieved a significant milestone by receiving the prestigious Hoosier State Degree at the 95th Indiana FFA Convention. This award is a testament to Collin’s dedication and hard work in his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. Collin has invested countless hours in his cattle operation, from early morning chores to long drives to livestock shows. His commitment to improving and caring for his herd of Angus cattle has not gone unnoticed. As he enters his senior year in the 2024-2025 academic year, this remarkable achievement opens new doors for his future endeavors. Earning the Hoosier State Degree is an extraordinary accomplishment, and Collin’s excitement is palpable. His hard work and perseverance have undoubtedly paid off. When talking with Colin he said “ Receiving this degree has opened up many opportunities for my future and I was excited when I found out that I received this.” EG joins in congratulating Collin on this well-deserved honor and commend him for representing Eastern Greene FFA with such distinction. Written By: Erica Payne, Social Media Intern

Meet our new assistant principal, Mr. Howard! He was raised all over the place, but primarily in west Michigan, where he also graduated high school. Mr. Howard has been shaping young minds since 2012, working in Bloomington and Michigan City before joining our Eastern Greene family. He was drawn to our school because of its great reputation and the warm welcome he received during the interview process. Mr. Howard loves the close-knit community here and finds our smaller school setting to be a perfect fit. What truly drives Mr. Howard is witnessing students grow and develop. Even if he's not directly involved in a student's journey, he's proud to be part of a community that fosters growth. It's a job he's incredibly passionate about. Mr. Howard has some great advice for us: develop good habits from the start. It's a key to a successful high school experience. And just for fun, did you know he used to get grounded from books? Yep, he loved reading that much! We're excited to have Mr. Howard on board! Written By: Erica Payne, Social Media Intern