• Salem High School
• Education
• Law & Justice

By Morgan Humphrey, SHS Student Writer

There is a new face roaming the halls at Salem Schools this semester. Gary Pennington was hired to be a Safety Resource Officer at the schools starting in January.

With more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, and a Salem High School graduate, the school staff is excited to have him join the team. Pennington will be at all three schools.

“We are a teacher, mentor, and at the very bottom, law enforcement,” said Pennington, explaining that SRO’s don’t get involved in disciplinary issues unless there is a criminal violation. They are there to help students if they are having issues at home or school. 

“As an SRO, we want to show students we are just like you, and we aren’t any different,” he said.

Pennington brings a lot of experience to his role as an SRO. He is a retired conservation officer, then he was the town marshall of Borden, and he also did security at the Washington County Sheriff's Department. 

When asked why he wanted to become an SRO, Pennington said, “It is a different way to do law enforcement. I was ready for a change and I would rather talk to students, to steer them in the right direction.”

Pennington has exceptional qualifications for the job of an SRO, with his experience in that role at Borden and East Washington schools. 

“I have had a lot of experience dealing with the public and young adults,” he said.

Pennington joins SRO Ronnie Mays to have more of a presence in all three buildings on Salem’s school campus.

 In honor of National FFA Week, the seven Indiana FFA State Officers met in the Statehouse to receive a proclamation and resolution declaring Feb. 15-22 FFA Week.

“Indiana FFA and their membership embodies agriculture, youth education and development like no other organization,” said Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture. “It was a pleasure to have these outstanding young professionals representing the State of Indiana and agriculture so well in the Statehouse today and I look forward to celebrating FFA Week with them.”

Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation to name this week FFA Week in recognition of all the work the Indiana FFA Organization, agriculture educators and FFA advisors do to cultivate the next generation of agriculturists for the state.

During the week, chapters across the state and nation will host a variety of events to educate, advocate and celebrate the agricultural industry. From community service projects to a farmer’s breakfast, these activities pay homage to the dedication and commitment of today’s agriculturalists. Throughout the week, the Indiana FFA State Officers will travel the state to participate in activities alongside local FFA chapters and their communities.

The Indiana FFA Association also received a Senate Concurrent Resolution highlighting the impact of the FFA Organization, which is preparing more than 14,000 members in 90 of Indiana’s 92 counties for the over 250 unique careers in the food, fiber and natural resource sectors. The resolution was led by Sen. Jean Leising, Senate District 42 and Rep. Michael Aylesworth, House District 11.

Indiana FFA State Reporter Sienna Alexander, hailing from the Monrovia FFA Chapter, was excited to meet with legislators to promote Indiana agricultural education. 

“FFA week is an wonderful opportunity for community members to learn more about the FFA organization and experience ag education and leadership development firsthand,” said Alexander. “My fellow officers and I love this week because we get to travel across the state and meet new members while also learning about and participating in their FFA week traditions.”

FFA members are agriculture’s future leaders, future food suppliers, future innovators and more! Whether it is through service projects or community gatherings, FFA Week is a time for FFA members to raise awareness about agricultural education and the role the FFA Organization plays in the development of agriculture's future leaders.

The first National FFA Week was held in 1948, when the National FFA Board of Directors designated a weeklong celebration to recognize George Washington’s example and legacy as a leader and farmer. For the past 77 years, FFA members across the country have taken part in agricultural, leadership and service-based activities during National FFA Week.

Visit www.inffa.org to learn more about Indiana FFA.

 Pictured above is the 2024-25 Indiana FFA State Officer Team. From left to right: Stephanie Berenda, Northern Region Vice President (South Newton FFA Chapter), Cale Williams, Southern Region Vice President (Terre Haute South FFA Chapter), Sienna Alexander, Reporter (Monrovia FFA Chapter), Garrett Bolin, Sentinel (Indian Creek FFA Chapter), Christina Caldwell, Secretary (Connersville FFA Chapter), Ethan Wolheter, President (Prairie Heights FFA Chapter), Kyatalin Baker, Treasurer (Switzerland County FFA Chapter). 

• Bradie Shrum Elementary
• Education

• Bradie Shrum Elementary
• Education
• Special Events

By Morgan Humphrey, SHS Student Writer

Come take a stroll through Candyland at the Title 1 Family Night at Bradie Shrum Elementary (BSE) Thursday, Feb. 27. All parents and students are invited, and there will be numerous activities to participate in. Pam Barry and Amy Craig are heading up the event.

Title 1 Night will include a variety of events for students and families to engage in. Activities include a book walk, making two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes out of marshmallows and toothpicks, making pictures from various shapes, a math bump game and guest speakers will be there.

Title 1 has certain requirements that have to be met according to state guidelines.

“We have had Family Fun Nights for a number of years,” said Barry. “We have had various different themes over the years including a St. Patrick's Day event with a live leprechaun.”

When COVID-19 took its hold on our community, BSE had to stop having them. However, the faculty is very excited to continue the tradition to provide memorable nights for their school community.

Family Fun Nights are very important to Title 1. These events give teachers the opportunity to meet with students and their families to build a relationship with them. Family Fun Nights can help teachers use different techniques to educate a student, because every child learns differently.

“It takes a team to educate a child and families are among the most important team members,” said Barry.

Students and families can benefit from these engagement events. Fun activities are planned to intrigue students and get their parents more involved in their education. Also, families can come into BSE, see the school, and meet teachers.

Siblings of students who aren’t in school are encouraged to come as well.

“Students do not have to be receiving Title 1 services to be included in our fun,” said Barry.

BSE has a school-wide Title 1 program, teachers can work with any student who shows academic need. Come on out to BSE, and enjoy a night of fun on February 27.