Kokomo school board honors lifesavers and band

Also, AACW pro wrestling returns to Kokomo on Oct. 21

This article is brought to you by Freedom Financial.

The Kokomo Center School Corporation School Board Trustees honored two Kokomo Center employees at the Sept. 11 board meeting for their lifesaving actions when a fellow school employee experienced cardiac arrest at Simon Academy located at McKinley School in Kokomo last February.

According to the resolution honoring the two educators, on Feb. 21, Emotional and Social Learning Facilitator Joe Pyke experienced sudden cardiac arrest and stopped breathing.

Simon Academy Alternative School Teacher Jessica Oliver began Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) immediately, assisted by Simon Academy Principal Idowu Ikudabo. Their efforts succeeded in keeping Pyke alive until an ambulance arrived.

Because of their quick thinking and resourceful training, the resolution states that Oliver and Ikudabo “exemplified the commitment and dedication of Kokomo School Corporation to promoting a safe and healthy learning environment for all members of our school community.”

The resolution also praised the two, saying “their prompt and decisive actions, together with the assistance of responding emergency personnel, were crucial in saving the life of Joe Pyke, whose survival was made possible by their heroic efforts.”

After the presentation, Ikudabo expressed his thanks to God and the training that Kokomo Center School Corporation employees receive in CPR and other lifesaving techniques.

The trustees also celebrated the Kokomo High School Marching Wildkat Band and Color Guard’s second consecutive Indiana State Fair Marching Competition championship with a resolution honoring the 93 members of the marching group.

The Marching Wildkats’ 2023 summer show, “A Young Person’s Guide To a Farmer’s Life,” won every preliminary competition up to the Indiana State Fair contest in August, winning that with one of the highest scores recorded in the competition’s history.

The resolution pointed out the group wins at Muncie, Anderson, and Winchester, entering the 2023 State Fair Band Day competition with an undefeated record and as a Sweet 16 Finalist for 12th consecutive year. 

There also was praise for the band and guard directors Brandon Anderson and Deanne Wideman, both of whom were leaders during the 2022 State Fair Competition win as well.

KHS Principal Angela Blessing noted in the resolution that “these Marching Wildkats have consistently showcased their musical prowess and commitment to excellence throughout the competition season, culminating in this remarkable achievement. KHS musicians and performers have exemplified that legacy matters.”

After the resolution was read and presented to the Wildkats, Anderson stated that the band and its leaders were grateful for the exceptional amount of support that band and guard parents, along with Kokomo Center Schools administration, which helped make these victories happen.

“Many schools that compete don’t have this kind of support,” said Anderson.

Senior Nolan Crawford also spoke, thanking the leaders and his fellow band mates, stating “This band has made me who I am today.”

Pro wrestling returns to Kokomo

All-American Championship Wrestling (AACW) will storm Kokomo on Sat., Oct. 21, to present The Eternal Excellence Rumble. The event will feature more than 30 AACW Superstars, including Kongo Kong. The Rumble will take place at The Connection, 2900 E. Markland Ave.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and bell time is 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the event are $12. Kids ages 5 and under attend for free.