Kokomo Magazine June 2024

Congratulations High School Class of 2024

HATTIE JOHNSON Student

RYLEE MORRIS

FLORY BIDUNGA

PUBLISHER KIM SENKUS kim@townepost.com (317) 501-1743

KEY CONTRIBUTORS MATT KEATING NATALIE PLATT JULIE YATES

TOWNE POST NETWORK,

FOUNDER,

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PRODUCTION COORDINATOR ERIN TURK

CREATIVE DIRECTORS VAL AUSTIN TONI EADS

COPY EDITOR JON SHOULDERS

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CONTACT THE PUBLISHER Have a story idea or suggestion for the magazine?

JUNE CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ACROSS

1. Elmer, to Bugs

4. Millinery

8. Almanac tidbit

12. Combustion product

13. Alternative to a mouse

14. Cartoon bulb

15. Milk, in a way

17. Heist haul

18. College entrance exams 20. Dedicated lines

22. Ernie and Bert, usually 23. Matura diamond, actually

Cry of accomplishment

Criticizes

DOWN

1. Slap on

2. ___ buco

3. Belittled

4. Dagger part

5. Out of whack

6. Summer shade

7. Drifted off

8. Secretary, at times

9. Goings-on

10. Firm head

11. Tit for ___

19. Exceptional

21. Not brilliant

24. Took to task

25. Error message?

16. Boy, to his madre

29. Crown twinkler 30. ___ polloi 31. Perfect 32. Steno’s need

Oktoberfest drink 35. Infant fare 36. Physicist Bruno 37. Pie slices 39. Bog composition

Colony member

Grandparents, e.g.

26. Pending, as a legal decree

27. Ease, as hostilities

28. Argument’s weakness

29. Generational divide

32. Stock holder?

33. Way to go

35. Signature piece?

36. Track events

38. Like a windbag

39. Dickensian denomination

42. Staff roster

43. Stick with a toothpick

44. Polished off

45. Chinese brew

46. “Deck the Halls” contraction

48. Calif. airport

44. Takes steps

47. It parallels a radius

49. “___ bad!”

50. Anything but that?

51. Like some romance novels

52. Capt.’s announcement

53. Street for the wealthy?

54. Divorcees

55. Flatfish

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT HATTIE JOHNSON

Writer / Julie Yates

Photography Provided

When Western Middle School teacher Hattie Johnson learned she had been named Best Educator for the Kokomo Tribune’s 2023 Best of Kokomo Awards, she was delighted but also stunned. Those who know the sixth-grade social studies teacher and sports coach weren’t surprised. Her ability to build connections with her students is well-known.

Johnson is a Russiaville native. She now works alongside some of the teachers she had while attending Western School Corporation from kindergarten through grade 12. After graduating, she earned her degree in education from Indiana University Kokomo. Even though she had a full schedule and was a member of the women’s golf team, she found the time to be a substitute teacher.

“I don’t know who nominated me, but I appreciate being on the ‘Best of’ list,” she says. “For the last three years I taught fourth-grade math and science. This is my first year at the middle school. It has turned out to be great. I now work in the same building where I coach winter swimming and middle school golf. It has helped me hold the students I coach accountable both in athletics and school. There is a different middle school attitude. The kids have a different mindset in the way they show love and appreciation. I never thought I’d be a middle school teacher, but I love holding them accountable. I hold them to a high standard and try to make them the best possible.”

A self-proclaimed “sports girl,” Johnson says developing relationships with kids has always been easy for her, and she feels education was the direction she was led to. She cannot point out just one teacher who had the greatest influence on her. However, a couple of her coaches were especially important in her development as a person.

TEACHING MODEL IS TEACH SECOND.’”

“All the teachers I had left a lasting impact on me,” she says. “Each one showed me how to be a good teacher. Two of my coaches, Brad Bennett for swimming and Steve Hoppes for golf, showed me that if you don’t put relationships with your students first, you can’t get anywhere with them. My teaching model is ‘Love first, teach second.’”

In her downtime, Johnson enjoys her dog, Puff, and cooking. Puff is a mini goldendoodle and just turned 3. Some of her current students were her fourth-grade students she when she got him as a puppy, and they have a special interest in him. Johnson loves to cook, and her signature dish is Buffalo chicken dip, which people tend to ask her to bring to events. Her madefrom-scratch cooking comes to her from her mother, who grew up as a Mennonite.

Johnson and her fiancé, Mavric Collier, are going to Italy this October during fall break. A group of family and friends are joining them. The plan is to tie the knot some time while they are there. No specific date is set; they will play it by ear and pick a day when the weather is beautiful. The couple loves to travel, and Collier has always joked that he wants to eat cheese pizza in Italy after he gets married.

“It is so important for parents to be involved,” Johnson says, when asked what her biggest surprise about teaching is. “Everyone needs to be on the same page. A connection with all the pieces makes a difference.”

“I feel like the basic way to describe Kokomo is ‘home,’” she adds. “By subbing in the school system while going to IUK, I was able to get my foot in the door. Working with teachers who taught me has been great. Currently I coach with Bennett, who coached me in swimming. He is still showing me how important relationships are.”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

KOKOMO EVENTS

1

KOKOMO DOWNTOWN FARMERS MARKET

Corner of Mulberry and Washington streets. 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday through September 29. kokomofarmersmarket.com

7

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Downtown Kokomo. 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. This event features strawberry shortcakes, food trucks, live music, kids activities and an Artsapalooza Art Market. Admission is free. greaterkokomo. com/strawberryfestival

8

SOLIDARITY’S 14TH ANNUAL CAR, TRUCK AND BIKE SHOW

201 E. Southway Boulevard. Registration begins at 9 a.m.; show is 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There is a registration fee to participate. There will be a complimentary lunch and music from a live DJ, door prizes and more.

8

KOKOMO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Kokomo Performing Arts Pavilion in Foster Park. featuring Material Girl & The Fame Monster with opener Moon Beau. Music starts at 6 p.m. Free admission. visitkokomo.org/ kokomosummerseries

13-15

KINGDOM COME FESTIVAL

Howard County Vietnam Veterans Organization Healing Field, 8313 E. 400 S., Greentown. Multi-day Christian rock festival. Free admission, free camping. For band schedule, visit kingdomcomefestival.com.

15

HOWARD COUNTY MUSEUM CELEBRATES JUNETEENTH

Howard County Museum inside the Seiberling Mansion at 1200 W. Sycamore St. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission. 765-452-4314; howardcountymuseum.org

16

SUNDAY IN THE PARK CAR SHOW

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Highland Park. Free admission.

22

KOKOMO’S PRIDE FESTIVAL

Sun King Kokomo, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

27-29

HAYNES APPERSON FESTIVAL

Foster Park, 721 W. Superior St. Concerts, food, carnival rides, parade, car show, sports festival and fireworks. haynesappersonfestival.org

TIPTON EVENTS

7

FIRST FRIDAY

Downtown Tipton, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Grab your friends and enjoy a night out in downtown Tipton with promotions, giveaways and extended shopping hours at all your favorite stops!

8

TIPTON ON TAP CRAFT BEER, WINE & SPIRITS FEST 2024

Downtown Tipton, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thirty different Indiana craft breweries, distilleries and wineries, incredible live music from three stages, great local food, local art, games and more. do317.com/ events/2024/6/8/tipton-ontap-2024-tickets

21

FRIDAY NIGHT FOOD TRUCK, CONCERT & CAR CRUISE-IN

Tipton Courthouse lawn; visit tiptonmainstreet.com for concert information and show times.

22

3-J RODEO SPONSORED BY KANTERING KIDS

4H CLUB

7 p.m., Tipton County Fairgrounds

All events subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, go to vistitkokomo.org.

Ethan Thomas Acord

Alexandra Grace Adams

Alexander Thomas Anders

Hannah Aliz Bailey

Kaydence Nichole Baker

Bryce Thomas Barker

Philip Aaron Beedham

Lillian Faith Brock

Brooklyn Grace Brooks

Nathanael Bumgarner

Cassidy Noelle Burkhart

Timothy Dale Cauthern

Cameron Jase Cloum

Ava Lynn Cole

Ella Marie Colyer

Rafe Alan Combs

Addie Elaine Conner

Canon Elijah Cook

Grayson E. Cooper

Jack Edward Crose

Hananyah Marie Day

Kenzie Morgan DeGraaff

Ryder Thomas DeYoung

Isabella Doll

Johnathon Wayne Drees

Maris Ceilo-Blu Duchateau

EASTERN CLASS OF 2024 Congratulations

Dasia Addison Dyer

Joseph Edwin Eagle

Elijah Thane Edwards

Liliana Christine Fike

Hunter Franklin Foland

Lara Jade George

Jillian Elizabeth Gibson

Marli Rose Green

Lily Suzanne Greene

Dylan Jackson Guest

Draven Lee Haines

Johanna Elizabeth Hanneken

Ethan Earl Hasting

Cayden Anthony Hembree

Jenna Nichole Hendricks

Christian Joseph Hewitt

Ian Edward Hewitt

Rachael Louise Hinton

Daisy Mae Hobensack

Kathryn Jane Hubbard

Maggie Rose Johnson

Joshua Joseph Jones

Elijah Kristopher Jourdan

Noah Lee Jourdan

Gabriel Matthew Justice

Mason Andrew Kaiser Ibrahim Kanu

Caleb Scott Katsimpalis

Clayton Edwin Kelley

Mason Avery Krebs

Ty Jeffrey Kremer

Boston Todd Lanning

Luke Andrew Laubenstein

Kolton Michael Lybrook

Ada Michelle Merritt

Brooklynn Nikole Miller

Kamp Timothy Miller

Hannah Renee Morrisett

Hannah Sophia Neumann

Adam Randall O’Neal

Jenna Elaine Odle

Addison Delanie Paul

Aubree Marie Pearce

Shekinah Glory Petty

Maya Lauren Pickett

Emerson Robert Pironello

Emily Renae Princell

Abigail Cecelia Reed

Shelby Nickole Rice

Blake Joshua Robinson

Audreianna Deyanira

Nicole Rodriguez

Bibianna S. Rodriguez

Logan Mathew Rogers

Parker Foster Rogers

Emily Grace Rushing

Jadelyn Mae Secrease

Elijah Gayle Shafer

Katelyn Nicole Shearer

Layne Renee Shedron

Dominique Michael Lamar Smiley

Corbin Drew Snyder

Naomi Mae Staggs

Christopher Daniel Strong

Ljubi Tanaka (Foreign Exchange)

Grace Katherine VanBibber

Abigail Jean Waymire

Klara Antonia Werdin (Foreign Exchange)

Gabriel Brandon Williams

Kendall LeeAnn Wilson

Aayla Andi Wise

Olivia June Wolverton

Chloe Michelle York

KOKOMO CLASS OF 2024 Congratulations

Adcock, Hannah Noel Grace Aiello-Brown, Amaiya Desiree

Allen, Aaron Dewayne

Altman, Aiden John Andrews, Nevaeh Andrysiak, Keira Simone Arreola, Antonio Alfonso

Arrington, Yahsin Jasil Ash, Destiny Renea Ausbrook, Zoey Nicole Baker, Mia Ashanti Nicole Bales, Chase Andrew Barbour, Lyrik Ann Marie Barefield, Nevaeh Marie Bashore, Isabella Grace Bates, Jordan James Beard, Reis Jaxon Bebley, Mikayla Lauriel Beets, A’nya Rae-Marie Belzer, Caiden Andrew Bender, Mateja Marie Bennett, Tavien Bidunga, Flory Buanga Bird, Allison Elizabeth Blessing, Aaron Jackson Boston, Davion Michael Brieger, Nikolas Pierce Brown, Hopelynn Michelle Bryant, Krystal Nikole Burkhard, Alivia Renee Burton, Emoni Ontelle Butts, Marlee Haiven Callane, Ellen Elizabeth Canady, Kamri W Carlos, Erika Naomi Carpenter, Madison Alisse Carpenter, Seth Owen Carter, Deneesha Castillo, Mia Alexandra Catron, Eli Gregory

Catt, Ryan James Caudill, Ava Grace Brooks Clark, Mekhi Juwuan Clem, Riley Ann

Coatie, Zentavia Kyente Zakiya

Coleman, Neria Lada

Conner, Andrea Renae Jean Contreras, Judith Coons, Ja’miohn Marcell Cooper, Ashton Shawn Corcoran, Boston Thomas

Cothern, Allie Katherine Cox, Madison Elizabeth Crawford, Nolan Joseph Cruea, Jacson Alexander Dabney, Mariah Isabelle

Dalton, Ellyse Morgan Davis, Amari Shylo Davis, Jabari Terrell

Davis, Tazariana Amajanae

De Abreu, Maria Eduarda Lopes Cavalcante

Degraffenreid, Lukas Rickey Dennis, Nakiya Kimani

Dixon, Dalton Lee

Dodds, Andrew Martin

Double, Jack Robert

Dowling, Tracy Jerome Durham, Jessie Nathanial

Dyer, Laniyah Star

Elliott, Aijia-Ari Desirae Evans, Rebecca Danielle Evans, Shelby Lynn

Fairchild, Bonnie Loretta

Faison, Elliott Lanier

Faison, Indiria Lanier Farmer, Aulbany Lauren

Farrell, Alexis Elizabeth Federspill, Mia Grace

Feng, Mohan

Ferguson, Te’kira Kissa Arlene

Finley, Jordan Elizabeth

Flores-Roundtree, Isaiah Michael

Foutch, Malika Renee

Fowler, Emma Grace

Fuentes, Analis Sofia

Galles, Ariel Joleen

Gardner, Shamya Etani

Geiselman, Elizabeth Joyce Gillem, Jaylee Grace

Goad, Trevor William Gray, Laquan Ethan Green, Xavier Greene, Rondell Nevelle

Gruszczynski, Katelyn Alivia Guerre, Andrew James

Gutierrez Rodriguez, Alan Hall, Skylar Tristan

Hand, Gwendelyn Marie

Hansen, Abby Nicole Harness, Jaydah Rae

Harrington, Dominic Ray

Harris, Logan Gideon Harris, Zaiden Daniel Hartleroad, Nolan Austin Harvard, Ayana Louise Harvey, Farah Daria Hatten, Dominic Jacob

Hawes, Reagan Elizabeth Hawkins, Talon Ashe Pokrzywa

Heath, Brian Thomas Helmberger, Halle Maryn Hendrickson, Samara Theory

Hester, Dominic Lynn Hicks-Jones, Makaya Brionne Hill, Layla Autumn Hill, Logan Michael Hindarish, Shaima Saleh Hobson, Olivia Kay Horton, Krislyn Hughes, Alexandria Rayne Hughes, Ethan Parker Hummel, Isabella Mae Hunt, Carter Riley

Hunter, Anna Marie Hunter, Elizabeth Renee Hussain, Laiba Jackson, Grayson Wayne Johnson, Hannah Grace Johnson, Jordan Elizabeth

Johnson, Kaiden Bradley

Johnson, Natalie Ann Johnson, Xavier Landin

Johnston, Emily Louise Jones, Dylan Matthew Jones, KeCeirra Lashwn Jones, Kyla Michelle Justice, Austin James Kane, Xander Callel Kemper, Adam Thomas Kewley, Travis Michael Kilcline, Jerry Joseph Killebrew, Keyara Asheonna King, Anaiyah Charlene King, Brookleigh Dezyrae King-Brown, Everett James Kirby, Darriuna Tevera Kitts, Jack Dario

Kursinsky, Sean Joesph Lacey Bebley, D’Anthony Jayshon Lamberson, Liliana Carolyn Lane, Maya Juanita Langdon, Kassandra Paige Lawson, Haden Allen Leach, Caden Michael Lee, Annah Marie Leger, Ari William Lewis, Andreighauna Lavawn

Li, Jianghao Link, Avery Rachelle

Little, Jarrett Jacob

Lopez, Jose Luis Lowery, Zander Scott

Luckey, Aubrie Marie

Luckey, Kameron Dean

Ma, Siyan

Main, Austin Nicholas James

Maine, Christopher Allen

Marshall, Cameron West

Mas-Giron, Rachel Iris Mayhew, Ava Grace McClinton, Jamaree Bryan McClung, De’Andra Nykole

McDaniel, Abby Lynn

McDonald, Desmonte Darnell

McDonald, Shyy Eli

McFarren, Andrew James

McIntyre, James D

McKinney, Xavier Andrew

McKinstry, Gavin Michael

McKitrick, John Patrick

McMurry, Carson Allan

Merriweather, ZaVion Lemarquis

Monroe, Karlee Brooke

Moody, Avery Christian

Moore, Owen Michael Morgan, Braylon Gordon Morris, Emily Lauryn

Morrow, Abigail Grace

Musto, Rebecca Rose

Nelson, Sara Ann Nelson, William Franklin Kaye

Nix, Logan Thomas

Oliveira Alves, Igor Gabriel Overton, Lelan Xavier Park, Sang Yun Patton, Justice Marie Peach, Gaige Michael Peele, Drew Jackson

Pena, Mekhi Bryant Perry, Carissa Jo Petty, Gavin Nathaniel Lamar

Plonske, Sofia Ella

Postell, Kei’Andre Mikhi Prevost, Cameron Joshua Qi, Shuyi

Qiu, Helen L

Quillen-Popejoy, Brileigh Ann

Ramirez Villagraz, Miguel Angel

Ramirez, Angel Chavez

Ramos Arrate, Juan Ignacio

Reed, Taylor Jade

Reinbeck, Nemion Jay

Sill, Jasmine Nykole Simmons, Robert Sims, Ayden Andrew Smalley, Shonteon Noel

Smith, Alona Jane’t

Smith, Janiah Lashawn

Smith, Kalli Ann

Smith, Skyla Rose

Tyson, Alanna Lynne

VanHorn, Jacob Fredrick

Rhoades, Hank Antoney

Richardson, Isaiah Matthew Alexander

Rivers, Judah Shea

Roberts, Kiyalyne Grace

Roberts-Jameson, Jayden Michael

Rodriguez, Sirena Amariana

Rogers, Karson Latrell

Roland, Jesse Eugene

Roland, Trevor Lee

Rossman, Gage Christopher Rouse, Ericka Dawn

Ruane-Anderson, Jaden Micheal

Rudolph, Riley Ann

Samuel, Donovan Quinn

Santos, Amelia Rae

Sawyer-May, Jalen Matthew

Schmitt, Jenna Shyanne

Sears, Kamden Michael Shambley, Ricky Jerome

Shawver, Kaleigha Nailah Shoemaker, Alexzander James

Shriver, August Raeyne

Shuck, Bailey Jade

Shuey, Haley Ann

Smith-Belmarez, Yasmin Itzel

Sood, Dishita

Sosbe, Alexander Christopher

Spencer, Eve Iris

Springer, Claire Sriprasert, Jitchaya

Stepler, Carly Eileen

Stepler, Shelby Christner

Stigger, Isley Ann Story, Darrian Xavion Stout, Ashlynn Kennedy Stout, Blake Thomas Stout, Elijah Jay

Strange, Kyra Love Summers, Landon O’neil Swain, Eric David Swygert, Amariyona L Tackett, Mara Sophia Tate, Danielle Ann Thatcher, Jordan C Thatcher, William Louis Thomas, Eric Roland Kai Thompson, Alyseea Marie Tweed, Betsy Grace Tyler, A’Nia Don-Elle Tyler, Destiny Michelle

Vardaman, Eli Louis VerLee, Samuel Parker Walker, Kaylee Grace Walsh, Danica Christine Wang, Yuting Ward-Nichols, Anastasia Marie

Warwick, Coryn Vaughn Washburn, Chad Arthur Wells, Jaden Lee Edward Wessendorf, Aidan Thomas Whitacre, Christian Tyler White, Kamaria Sue White, Zaria Sanaa Williams, Lakyn Aryaunna Williams, Liam G Williamson, Greyson Kenneth Wilson, Shaterra Dalinda Wilson, Terrion Dalon Wright, Alivia Gracie Wu, Zhuoyi Wyrick, Ethan Christopher Yam, Chun Hong York, Lillian Grace Youker, Alizabeth Rain Young, Jeremiah Kyle Young, LaGarrot Oshay Yu, Geun Hee Zhang, Haoyi Zimbron, Nazly Zsigo, Joseph Alexander

Writer / Matt Keating

Leaving your home, moving to another country, and eventually earning the 2024 Indiana Mr. Basketball award is no easy task.

Just ask Flory Bidunga, a graduating senior at Kokomo High School, who has taken on many challenges and succeeded at all of his goals. During the previous basketball season, he also drew a lot of fans to his team’s games.

Bidunga left Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, for Kokomo to attend the international school, and decided to play basketball. He said it’s a game he has loved since he was young, and he pushes himself to continually improve.

“I started playing basketball when I was 13 or 14 years old,” he said.

It’s a game he excelled at very quickly. Bidunga came to Kokomo High School during his sophomore year and quickly became a force on the basketball court. In his sophomore year he averaged 17.5 points, 5.3 blocks and 13.3 rebounds per game.

Bidunga, a 6-foot, 8-inch center, said he loves working with his coach and teammates.

“I love to win,” he said. “I also love to make

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

FLORY BIDUNGA

relationships with my teammates and work together to become better at the game.”

Bidunga’s hard work with the team has paid off. In both his junior and senior years at Kokomo High School, he became the Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year. He earned this feat his junior year by averaging 20.2 points per game. During his senior year, he earned 19 points per game.

Bidunga was such a great player, he received 198 votes from high school coaches and

Indiana media members to earn the Mr. Indiana Basketball award. During his entire time as a high school basketball player, he scored 1,609 points.

Makenna Schrader, Bidunga’s guardian, said he works very hard every day in school and in practice.

“He is in the gym every day of the school week, and is really dedicated to everything he does,” Schrader said. “He puts forth a lot of effort into continually improving, and not

Photography Provided by Kansas University

Mens Basketball

just in basketball.”

Bidunga chose Kansas for college basketball. He was a consensus five-star recruit.

“I feel pretty good about my decision,” he said. “I am excited to play for Kansas Coach Bill Self. I chose Kansas because I wanted to play for Coach Self and his coaching staff. It felt like a real fit for me in the style of play, as well as the great education.”

Bidunga has been working hard this summer to get ready for his first season as a college player.

“I am focusing on training, staying in shape and getting in better shape,” Bidunga said. “I also am working on my ball-handling skills and shooting skills.”

Bidunga said he is unsure of what he will major in at Kansas. “I am undecided right now but looking into business,” he said.

Bidunga has some advice for younger basketball players.

“At the end of the day it’s all about having fun,” he said. “Of course, you have to compete, but you can do that with joy.”

When Bidunga isn’t practicing, Schrader said he enjoys taking it easy.

“He has a girlfriend and a lot of friends,” Schrader said. “He loves to play video games, watch TV and just relax.”

Schrader said she couldn’t be prouder of Bidunga.

“My husband, Dillon, and I are so incredibly proud of Flory and how far he has come over the past three years,” Schrader said. “As a kid off the court, we are even more in awe of his humbleness, sense of humor, and humility in a potentially very overwhelming atmosphere. He has handled it beautifully. We are blessed to have him as part of our lives and excited to see where he goes from here.”

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NORTHWESTERN CLASS OF 2024 Congratulations

Bryce S. Alexander

Tyler Alan Amos

Hayden Anthony

Brayden Joshua Applegate

Breeanne Gracie Applegate

Kelsie Marie Avery

Cali Lee Ann Barlow

Ella S. Barnett

Raegan M. Barnes

Jacob A. Benge

Matthew Thomas Benson

Troy Gabriel Bessette

Kaylie G. Biddle

Kaitlyn G. Bonds

Dillon Darrenson Bridgwater

Jayda R. Brown

Jacob M. Bumgardner

Ella Hope Byrum

Thomas Franklin Canady

Joseph R. Capoun

Lincoln Joseph Cardwell

Abigail Dianne Clark

Sarah C. Cobble

Abigale Grace Cook

Madalynn Raylee Cook

Brady P. Correll

Shelby Lynn Cosat

Justus Cotham

Caden D. Cothern

Ethan Dale

Cameron E. Davis

Cooper J. Deck

Brenden Kazuyoshi Derks

Darby Madison DeSalvo

Preston DeWitt

Sean A. Dumas

Danielle E. Dunten

Caleb Eller

Gabriel Emil Felix-Craig

Alec W. Fourez

Caylee E. Gaier

Logan M. Gingerich

Kerrigan Gray

Kellen M. Greer

Anna Grube

Jane Eloise Guest

Alexandra G. Hale

Jasmine Angelina Hammel

Randy Lee Harpel

Brianna Rose Haworth

Emma Bailey Haynes

Janae Hulsey

Maddox Cade Hunley

Clinton B. Hunter

Reghan K. Ingle

David Edward Irving

Marissa C. Jameson

Garrett E. Jolliffe

Callie Rayne Jordan

Viktor Jordan

Noah A. Kanable

Evan M. Kearney

Jonathan James Keeney

Jackson N. Kirby

Noah Xavier Knights

Ava A. Krisher

Elton S. Langley

Ricky David Larrison

Isabella Marie Lechner

Kaylee M. Lechner

Bethany Loveless

Emily Diane Lyles

Kylee Grace McFall

Samuel James McGregor

Mychal J. McGriff

Andrew J. McKoon

Lucas Matthew Miller

Matthew T. Mitchell

Hannah Marie Moore

Brady J. Nelson

Savana Jo New

Parks Connor Ortman

Gavin W. Padfield

Owen Patrick Peelle

Andrew Joseph Perez

Matthew J. Polk Jr.

Alexander Powers

Burgandi Ashten Purvis

Addison Renea Robinson

Nicole R. Rogers

Phoebe Lynn Rogers

Charles Raymon Rosales

Bryan Oscar Sanchez

Mekenzie Abigail Scott

Eithan Lee Shaffer

Samson J. Shotwell

Steven I. Slate

Jaicie L. Smith

Corbyn Allen Sparling

Tyson Douglas Steadman

Samuel Donte Stephens

Kendall Mae Anne Stouse

Aliviah S. Sullivan

Evan Christopher Swope

Ian Craig Swoverland

Hayden Austin Tanner

Wesley James Taylor

Elijah Sage Tharp

Michael Calvin Tribble

Hannah Grace Troyer

Bella Elizabeth VanNatter

Cole Randall VanNatter

Isabelle Grace VanSickel

Christian Ronald Vernengo

Kyndyll Bri’ann Vincent

Tristan Wagner

Natalie Ann Weber

Eastin L. Whaley

Jeffrey M. White

Lillian Ashley Windsor

Brianna Danielle Lisette Wolfe

Abijetli Xolo Ixba

Quentin W. Yeakel

Mayli Nicole Yoder

TAYLOR CLASS OF 2024 Congratulations

Tobias Adda

Angelo Joseph Anders

Lauryn Marie Atkinson

Abigail Jade Bentley

Payden Riley Bragg

Liam Martin Bridgewater

Jessica Kathryn Brockett

Kayden Michael Carver

Joaquin Omar Cavazos

Mario Steven Contreras

Skylar Leland Cook

Asjhana Elise Cosley

Luke Joshua Cox

Emilia Rose Deckard

Justin Mykel Doty

Makenzie Lee Douglas

Levin Ruediger Ehresmann

Ryan James Fleek

Xander Andres Flores

Caitlyn Louise Flowers

Phillip Lee Fort JR

Caleb Elijah Gavina

Corbin Michael Gerig

Hannah Katherine Giles

Emilee Joan Rae Glaze

Alton Shane Griffin

Makia Elyse Hilton

William Jahmal Howard

Jayden Mikel Johnson

Ja’Lecia Unique Jones

Braydon Allen Karnes

Madison Kay Kelley

Savannah Leigh Kellogg

Ezra Dulcie June Lamberson

Zachary Tyler Landis JR

Aaden Wayne Leffel-Langley

Ezekiel Ligon JR

Cole McKinley Linville

Arieonna Maxine May Long

Zoey Elizabeth Rose Lorenz

Paul William Lee Lowery

Francisco Eli Macias

Emma Grace McCorkle

Kaelyn Mariah McElroy

Nariah Nicole McGee

Antwon Devon McMillian JR

Temesgen Wallace Moody

Christopher Bradley Moore JR

John Rhys Morgan

Rylee Dean Morris

Kaylee-Joy Michelle Murphy

Kiley Denise Nutter

Krishi Rakeshkumar Patel

Noel James Perez

Clayton Jeffery Reed

Kody Michael Reef

Madelyne Claire Ruddell

Ruby Sequoia Tuesday Rupp

Arayla Dawn Samuel

Oren Michael Anthone Sharp

Layton Louis Shimer

Alexandria Brianne Singleton

Lyric Niya Smith

Tory Shawn Stiller

Jadyn Ciara Underwood

A’Maiya Abella Varnado

Keith Allen Walker

Toby Jackson Weaver

Hunter Dean Williams

Brooklyn Marshall Windlow

Kaylee Danielle Wolf

Writer / Natalie Platt

Among the 2024 graduating students at Taylor High School, one name shines brightly: Rylee Morris, a student whose impact transcends the classroom and the community.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

RYLEE MORRIS

Her high school career has been defined by a pursuit of excellence in all aspects of her life. As a student-athlete, Morris has played volleyball since sixth grade and was named speaking captain of the team her senior year. She was also a cheerleader from sixth grade until her junior year, as well as the manager for the varsity baseball team every year except her senior year.

Outside of athletics, Morris’s dedication to academics and extracurriculars set her apart as a true role model.

“I am heavily involved at my high school,” she says. “I have been class president all four years of high school and am a member of the Art Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and National Honor Society. I am also a member of the Art Club and Historical Society.”

While it might sound like Morris doesn’t have time to add any other activities, she is active in the marching band as a vocalist and has been a member of the choir since her freshman year. Outside of school, she has performed in multiple shows as part of the Tipton Community Theatre.

“I’ve done ‘Shrek Jr.’ and ‘Frozen’ with the Tipton Community Theatre, I’ve done ‘Newsies’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ with Kokomo Curtain Call, and I’m currently doing my fifth show, ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,’ with Kokomo as well.”

With her remaining time, Morris works at American Eagle and previously worked as a concession-stand cashier for the Kokomo Jackrabbits. Her recent promotion at American

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Eagle to senior brand ambassador ties into her future plans.

“I am attending Butler University in the fall and majoring in marketing,” she says. “I plan to go into the field of fashion marketing as my career, and have been thinking about either double majoring or minoring in theater.”

Morris chose Butler because it just felt right; the small campus and school remind her of where she grew up.

“One thing I love about Butler is the homey feel it provides,” she says. “Every time I visit, all of the staff and students have been so friendly and welcoming. Butler has so many wonderful opportunities for me and I cannot wait to be on campus.”

Morris says her school and family have prepared her academically and mentally for college. She has learned time management, how to be a leader, and the lesson that she doesn’t always have to do things on her own, through the support of her teachers at Taylor High School and her family.

“The best lesson I’ve learned during high school is to do what you love,” she says. “I am very busy all of the time, but I know it’s all worth it in the end because I’m getting to do what I love. I have many different interests and I love that I got to explore all of them.”

Out of all her high school experiences and activities, Morris is most proud of her work with the school’s peer mentoring program.

“The peer mentoring program is when the high school students return to the elementary school and offer academic and emotional support for the young children,” she says. “When I was their age, I would’ve loved to have had a mentor. It was important to me that I demonstrated a positive role model and that I could be someone they looked up to. I want to be someone they aspire to be like.”

Morris credits numerous teachers and Taylor High School staff members for leaving an impact on her - one that has shaped her into the role model she has always wanted to be.

“Mrs. Decker, our choir teacher, and Mr. Johnson, our band director, have fully supported me musically,” she says. “They both have provided me with so many opportunities and have helped shape me into the performer I am today. Mr. Weicht, my English teacher, and Mr. Dill, former baseball coach and history teacher, have provided me with guidance and both have been like second dads to me. Mrs. Worl, our school librarian and my former English teacher, and Mr. Gleason, our school principal, have continuously believed in me and provided me with guidance and full support.”

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