VETERAN EDUCATOR NAMED PERMANENT PRINCIPAL AT BROWNSBURG HIGH SCHOOL
Might as Well Jump
Local Teens to Compete in World Jump Rope Championship
Staying Sweet
Crumbl Cookies Brownsburg Continues to Sweeten the Town
This year at Avon Orthodontics we are celebrating Dr. Gregory Johnson’s 30th year of service to the Hendricks County community.
Over the last 30 years, Dr. Johnson has helped over ten thousand patients achieve the smile of their dreams. Our office is full of friendly smiles from our team members, including the occasional tail wag from our office dog, Karma. Some of our employees here at Avon Orthodontics have been working for Dr. Johnson for over 20 years!
Our practice has a fun, easy-going atmosphere to welcome patients. Whether it is your first appointment with us, or you are a current patient, we will make it our priority to ensure you are comfortable during your visit.
Avon Orthodontics welcomed another doctor into the practice, Dr. Lauren Wright. Both Dr. Johnson and Dr. Lauren trained and graduated from the Mayo Clinic, so their practice philosophy and approach to patient care is very similar. As our practice continues to grow, we are blessed to have Dr. Lauren as a part of our team.
Our Avon Orthodontics Team looks forward to serving the Hendricks County community for years to come!
Dr. Johnson & Dr. Lauren
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LEADERSHIP Veteran Educator Named Permanent Principal at Brownsburg High School
EXPANDING SUPPORT Summer Fundraisers Are On Deck to Aid Family Promise
PUBLISHER
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KEY CONTRIBUTORS
MELISSA GIBSON BAILEY GOLDSTEIN AMY PAYNE
MIGHT AS WELL JUMP Local Teens to Compete in World Jump Rope Championship
EVENTS
STAYING SWEET
Crumbl Cookies Brownsburg Continues to Sweeten the Town
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NEW LEADERSHIP
VETERAN EDUCATOR NAMED PERMANENT
PRINCIPAL AT BROWNSBURG HIGH SCHOOL
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Photographer / Amy Payne
Dr. Thomas Balitewicz served as interim principal at Brownsburg High School during the 2024–25 school year, but this fall, it’s official.
As of the 2025–26 school year, Balitewicz will become the permanent high school principal, and more than 3,000 students will reap the benefits of his 30-year career and passion for education.
Most recently, Balitewicz was assistant superintendent for student services at Vigo County School Corp., but he’s spent the past three decades serving as a teacher, principal and administrator.
He said it’s the leadership at Brownsburg Community School Corp. that prompted his application and move to Hendricks County.
“I was looking for something different, and I got a call from Superintendent Dr. Kat Jessup. It was the people in that room that really enticed me to serve as interim principal. I could see the team I was surrounded by was dynamic. I’ve come to like and enjoy them, and I’ve enjoyed this past year, culminating with my first Brownsburg graduation. It’s been exciting,” Balitewicz said.
Despite years in an administrative office, his wife always told him he’d finish his career as a high school principal.
“It’s the connections with the students I cherish the most, and as an administrator, it’s harder to build those relationships,” Balitewicz said.
In a large school, it’s not uncommon for students to get lost in the shuffle of schedules, athletics, extracurriculars and more. BCSC developed a plan to make that large school feel a bit smaller.
Each graduating class has its own administration team that follows the class throughout their four years at the high school.
“It was a genius move to create these teams. It’s amazing to me, and I can’t
imagine the emotional attachment you have and sense of pride you have when you see these former freshmen graduate,” Balitewicz said.
He’s overseeing the four classes and the administrators that lead them, but Balitewicz has made it his mission to create those connections with as many students as possible.
“It starts in the morning. We have about 400 car riders, and I help facilitate that. The parents might have thought that was strange in the beginning, but it’s allowed me to see these same students every day, and I was able to build connections with them,” Balitewicz said.
Never one to stay secluded in his office, he makes an effort to be visible every day and regularly walks the halls.
“I like to go to the practices for our athletic teams. I find it to be more valuable than going to the game, because you can’t do more than observe at the game. This way, I’m able to talk with
them during practice,” Balitewicz said. “Brownsburg also has an amazing music program. I started a routine of visiting during the warmup in choir. It’s a highlight of my day. I’m able to act silly with the students, and I form this deep connection with them. They won state this year and though it certainly didn’t have anything to do with me, I was super proud of their success.”
Looking ahead, Balitewicz has come on board just in time for the completion of construction at the high school.
Over the past three years, staff and students have watched the renovation and expansion of the Senior Academy, the relocation and expansion of the Senior Academy cafeteria and dining room, a connection piece between Senior Academy and the main building, the addition of a new fieldhouse facility, renovation to the pool and a renovation of the varsity gymnasium.
It will officially be complete by fall 2025.
“I’ve been in a lot of high schools in the past 30 years, and this is probably the nicest and most beautiful facility in the state. It was so well thought out and it looks absolutely amazing,” Balitewicz said. “I think both academically and athletically, the renovations and additions will serve as a catapult for our students. No matter what walk of life you come from, the niceness and newness of this building with the natural light coming in makes you feel good as a student and gives you a sense of pride, and that’s really the heart of any school.”
Balitewicz couldn’t have imagined how his career would take the twists and turns it did.
Heading into college, his mind was full of plenty of different options and opportunities, but the relationships he’s formed over the years and created at Brownsburg High School today tell him he’s made the right decision time and time again.
Like the teachers, assistant principals and administrators surrounding him, Balitewicz simply wants the best for his students and knows he’s creating memories for a lifetime.
Watching students win state championships (there were three so far this year), silly singing during the choir warmup or patting a football player on the back — it’s all part of the process as they grow, learn and prepare themselves for the future.
“No one should peak in high school. There’s a saying, ‘Ships aren’t built to stay in the harbor, they’re meant to go out to sea.’ We do that every year. We don’t want them to stay in the safety of the harbor. We want them to go out into this world and make it a better place. That’s what graduation is all about,” Balitewicz said.
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MIGHT AS WELL JUMP
LOCAL TEENS TO COMPETE IN WORLD JUMP ROPE CHAMPIONSHIP
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Most of us remember jumping rope in grade school. We played at home or during recess, creating silly chants and challenging ourselves with a variety of skips and moves.
This summer, two local students have qualified for the World Championship competition in Japan, and they’re making our idea of jumping rope look like child’s play. They’re tested on two different categories: speed and freestyle, or standard tricks. Think of it like gymnastics with a jump rope. Anna Koehlinger will be a freshman
this fall and has been jumping rope competitively since fourth grade. She saw a team performing in grade school and attended a spring workshop to get involved.
“There’s a lot of flipping and power-type skills with rope manipulation. We have group relays, doubles, and similar to track or swimming there’s a scoring system, but instead of distance, it’s in time,” Koehlinger said.
Norah Halon will be a sophomore this fall and has participated for 10 years. Her older sister was on the team and inspired
her to join.
“I was so little when I started, I don’t remember a lot of it, but I remember older teammates that I looked up to. It’s a lot of hard work, but if you put in the effort, it eventually comes naturally,” Halon said.
The team practices three to four days per week together, trying new tricks or working on speed, but most on the team would say they practice every day — simply because it’s what they love to do.
“Some of my best friends are on the jump rope team,” Halon said. “It’s a stress reliever and has been a great experience, so really, if you’re bored, you just go out and jump rope in the driveway.”
In addition to the occasional community performance, there are only two main competitions, along with workshops and a U.S. Nationals event. The two main competitions are considered regional — typically five larger teams from the Midwest and several smaller teams.
The top jumpers of each team are invited to the U.S. Nationals event and eventually, the World Championships. But the way the competitions are designed doesn’t give the teams and individuals much room for error.
“I’m super competitive, and the way the competitions are set up really only gives you one shot to get it right. In some
sports, there are 20 games in a season and you win some and lose some, but it really pushes me to prepare and train when there are so few events,” Koehlinger said.
At the most recent U.S. Nationals,
Koehlinger and Halon made the team to compete in the World Championship. From July 27 through Aug. 3, the two will head to the event in Kawasaki, Japan, hosted by the International Jump Rope Union.
For Halon, learning that she made the list was an extra special accomplishment.
“I had a high fever the day of competition. I wasn’t at 100 percent. Trials didn’t go too well, and my wrist was injured,” Halon said. “Anna called me at school and told me I made it, and I thought that was a really mean prank. I couldn’t believe it. Of all the times to be sick, this was the worst — but it turned out okay.”
More than okay. They’re looking forward to competing, and neither has ever stepped foot in Japan.
“Regardless of the competition aspect of it, just getting to go to Japan is crazy,” Koehlinger said. “It’s a new environment, and we get to compete against the best of the best in our sport.”
They even get to make connections with those they’ve befriended over the years but have never met.
“We’re friends with jumpers from across the country and know people in Germany and Japan and elsewhere, so I’m really excited to meet all the jumpers from across the world,” Halon said. “Even though we’re competing against each other, everyone supports everyone. It’s a really positive environment.”
Jump roping is becoming more popular across the globe. Both athletes plan to continue the sport as far as they’re able. “I see this as part of my life for a long
time, and I’m not stopping anytime soon,” Koehlinger said. “We know it won’t be in the Olympics in 2028 because those new sports have already been announced, but we’re hopeful it will be added in 2032. That would be the dream for me, but I’d also love to coach in the future.”
Halon agreed.
“I want to continue jumping in college. I’ve always been interested in coaching. I used to be the little kid who started out at a young age, and I know what it’s like to be them, so I want to be that mentor for the new members of our team and into the future,” Halon said.
Regardless of their placement at the World Championship, their success and this experience is one they’ll never forget.
For more information, visit ijru. sport/2025-world-championships.
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WICKED
7 p.m., Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.
WILD WEDNESDAYS
Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 10267 U.S. Highway 136
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INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS VS. LOUISVILLE BATS
6:35 p.m., Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St.
JULY 4TH PARADE
10 a.m., parade route TBD, Brownsburg
JULY 4TH CONCERT PRESENTED BY CENTIER BANK
7:30 p.m., Town Hall Green, 61 N. Green St.
JULY 4TH FIREWORKS
10 p.m.–midnight, Town Hall Green, 61 N. Green St.
5 INDIANA FEVER VS. LOS ANGELES SPARKS
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TEDDY SWIMS (RESCHEDULED FROM JUNE 9, 2025)
8 p.m., Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
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CARLY PEARCE: HUMMINGBIRD WORLD TOUR PRESENTED BY CONUNDRUM WINES
8 p.m., Egyptian Room, Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St.
12
INDY ELEVEN STAR WARS NIGHT
7 p.m., IU Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium, 1001 W. New York St.
16
OPEN MIC
Helium Comedy Club, 10 W. Georgia St.
7 p.m., Gainbridge Fieldhouse
IU HEALTH MOMENTUM INDY
4:30–10 p.m., University Park, 307 N. Meridian St.
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POP 2000 TOUR WITH CHRIS KIRKPATRICK OF *NSYNC
7:30 p.m., Deluxe, Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
RODEO
7:30 p.m., Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St. Join us for the rodeo July 17 and 18!
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DEMOLITION DERBY
7 p.m., Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, 1900 E. Main St.
WNBA ALL-STAR GAME
Gainbridge Fieldhouse
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BARENAKED LADIES: LAST SUMMER ON EARTH TOUR 2025
7 p.m., Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
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EARTH, WIND & FIRE
7:30 p.m., Everwise
Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
26
BEN RECTOR – THE RICHEST MAN IN THE WORLD TOUR
7:30 p.m., Everwise
Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St.
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BRICKYARD 400 –NASCAR CUP SERIES
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St.
EXPANDING SUPPORT
SUMMER FUNDRAISERS ARE ON DECK TO AID FAMILY PROMISE
Writer / Melissa Gibson
Chances are, you’ve heard of Family Promise of Hendricks County. The organization has been part of the community for years, working to prevent homelessness and provide resources for those experiencing hardship.
But did you know they host two fundraising events at the Hendricks County 4-H Fair?
The Chopped Challenge returns for its fourth year on July 13.
It’s your favorite team cooking show with a twist.
“We have 20 teams of four that compete in different rounds. Participants get a mystery basket of items, generally found in a food pantry. Winners present the best dish they can, and if selected, move on to the finale,” said Heather Heikkila, fundraising event coordinator.
Families, co-workers, nonprofits and civic groups gather to compete in the unique competition that educates others on the challenges of creating a meal solely from items you might receive at a food pantry — and they have a ton of fun in the process.
With extra donations and support, competitors might get a chance to shop for additional ingredients at the “marketplace,” and three local judges will decide who moves on to the final round.
Funds raised from Chopped Challenge will be split between Family Promise and the Hendricks County Food Pantry Coalition.
Later that week, on July 19, the fifth annual Livestock Stampede will return for a family-friendly 5K run/walk through the 4-H animal barns.
“Afterward, we’ll have milkshakes and cinnamon rolls in the dairy barn and a raffle for special prizes,” Heikkila said. “Funds raised from the Livestock Stampede go toward our Stability Builders Network. These are the funds we use when assisting with rent, car repairs, utilities and other things.”
If you miss the fair events, there are still plenty of other ways to participate throughout the year.
On July 27, Calvary United Methodist Church in Brownsburg will host a pancake breakfast to raise funds for Family Promise, and organizers hope others follow suit.
“The church raised $2,000 for us last time, and they’re doing it again this summer. Now, we’re seeing other churches follow their model,” Heikkila said. “This has happened organically. You pick the time, date and location, and we’ll show up with informational packets and introduce ourselves to the guests at the breakfast.”
They’re also partnering with Feed the Children and Niagara Water for a massive drive-through food pantry. If you have a voucher from Family Promise or one of their partners, stop by Plainfield Christian Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 13 to receive a 25-pound box of nonperishables, a case of water, a box of hygiene supplies and fresh fruits and vegetables.
DR. VICKI CRUM
Family Promise recently welcomed their new chief operating officer, Jennifer Crooks, who has joined at an exciting time of growth.
Crooks began six months ago after working in the mental health field. She said it was frustrating to see a need and feel unable to meet it.
“What drew me here was how Family Promise bridges the gap. They’re helping at the point that’s most crucial. We used to refer people to Family Promise all the time because we weren’t able to take the next step with them,” Crooks said. “It’s amazing to see the transformation and the impact we can make on people’s lives.”
Affordable housing is a major piece of the puzzle and something Family Promise has been working on with local municipalities for years. Many of those plans are now coming to fruition.
What began as a shelter house on Scanell Lane
&
• Mini Barn / Shed / Fence / Deck
in Plainfield has grown into a neighborhood with one shelter home, one transitional home for single moms with children and five rented duplexes.
The shelter house still welcomes up to six families, and Family Promise continues to partner with churches to provide meals or groceries.
“We also have homes in Brownsburg and Danville, 22 townhomes under construction in Plainfield and plans for another seven townhomes in Avon,” Crooks said. “We’ve
partnered with the Town of Plainfield and Helix 33. The town has approved 109 apartment units, and Helix 33 is giving us two acres to build a childcare center for 100 children. Connected to that building will be a new immigration center for working families.”
Heikkila said 30 percent of Hendricks County residents are just one paycheck away from financial crisis. Twelve percent currently experience food insecurity or some version of homelessness.
It only takes one broken-down car, one
medical incident or one death in the family to send a household into crisis.
“By the time we finish all of our projects, Hendricks County will lead the state in affordable housing,” Heikkila said.
In the meantime, Family Promise hopes the community continues to support its work through events like the Chopped Challenge and Livestock Stampede.
Visit familypromisehendrickscounty.org for more information.
STAYING SWEET
CRUMBL COOKIES BROWNSBURG CONTINUES TO SWEETEN THE TOWN
Writer / Bailey Goldstein
Since opening in February 2023, Crumbl Cookies in Brownsburg has risen to the top of the dessert food chain with its weekly rotating menu of 300 flavors and its viral brand partnerships.
“Who doesn’t love a great dessert, especially when you’ve got a menu that changes up every week? It’s something that intrigues people and gets them excited,” said Manager David Skow.
Skow’s favorite cookie is the Reese’s Pieces peanut butter collaboration.
“Every week, we offer a lineup of at least six cookies,” Skow said. “Typically, we will also have limited-time-only options, so those are going to be like miniature cakes, miniature pies, miniature cheesecake — things of that nature.”
In the year since Skow joined as manager, he launched initiatives to further involve Crumbl Cookies in the Brownsburg community. The Crumbl franchise partnered with Brownsburg High School, Bethesda Christian School and Danville Community High School.
“We’ve been looking to expand into the community and to be involved,” Skow said. “We’ve worked with local schools in the area. We’ve gotten to show up for some local sports games. In the fall and winter, we will be doing a lot more of that.”
Crumbl Cookies Brownsburg also donated cookies to Habit of the Heart, a Hendricks County-based nonprofit, to raise money for children, women and families with emergent needs.
As part of Crumbl corporate’s Meaningful Moments Campaign, Brownsburg Crumbl donated catering orders to weddings for local couples.
“A couple years ago, my wife and I got married, and I remember how expensive and stressful that can be,” Skow said. “There are some couples here in the Brownsburg community that can have the stress of that taken off their plate.”
Manager David & Crew
In 2024, Crumbl branched out into pop culture partnerships with cookies for singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo and the Timothée Chalamet-led film “Wonka”.
“Not long ago, we had a partnership with the entire Kardashian family, and there was a pretty steep rise in sales specifically around the desserts associated with those,” Skow said. “During Kardashian week, we just about doubled the sales that we normally do.”
In late 2024, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” launched a Holiday Seasoning Candy Cane Brownie that immediately sold out.
“Some of the things that people tend to love about our particular location is we’ve got a great staff and a great team here,” Skow said. “They love to chat with and learn about the people who come into the store.”
Whether serving classic flavors or brand deal delicacies, Crumbl Cookies Brownsburg is baking its way to a delicious future.
“Year over year, we’re definitely doing more business now than we were at this time last year,” Skow said. “As we look at our budget and look at 2026, we are definitely planning on that continuation in rising sales, and it’s really exciting.”
Crumbl Cookies is located at 943 N. Green St. in Brownsburg. You can call them at 317-520-2522 or visit crumblcookies.com/stores/ in/inbrownsburg.
