Kokomo students honored for excellence

School board also recognizes Wideman for Teacher of the Year achievement

The Kokomo School Board recognized a bevy of students for their many achievements during the most recent school year. At its May 2 meeting, the board also singled out high school teacher Deanne Wideman for her selection as a statewide teacher of the year.

Central Middle Dance Team

The Central Middle International School Dance Team took 3rd place in the Junior High A Hip Hop and Jazz divisions at the 2022 Indiana High School Dance Team Association (IHSDTA) State Finals.

“These Central dancers are a talented and fun group,” said Gina Curl, coach of the team. “I believe they will continue to carry on the legacy of quality for the dance teams at Kokomo Schools.”

KHS Dance Team

The Kokomo High School Dance Team was runner-up in the AA Jazz division and 7th in the AA Hip Hop division at the IHSDTA State Finals

“I am so proud of the accomplishments of our KHS Dance team members both in our dance competitions and outside of our dance competition,” said Curl, who also coaches the high school team. “My favorite thing about this KHS team is how they can make me laugh. That is a bond we will share for life.

“This KHS Dance team showed great heart at the Nationals. These dancers have taken raw talent and achieved in a few years what it takes most teams 10 years to accomplish. Together, these dancers are a great team, and they truly understand that legacy matters.”

The KHS Dance Team also competed in the National High School Dance contest at Walt Disney World, where it took 15th place in the Medium Varsity Hip Hop competition.

KHS Winter Guard

Kokomo High School’s Varsity A Winter Guard finished in 13th place at the 2022 Indiana High School Color Guard Association State Finals, having qualified for the competition for a 20th consecutive year. The guard’s program was entitled, “Party of One.” The guard also finished in the top five at each of its regular season competitions, and qualified for state title competition at the IHSCGA State Preliminaries.

“Making it to the State Finals one year is a big deal, considering the competitive level within the Indiana color guards, but to qualify 20 consecutive years is a huge accomplishment,” said Winter Guard Director Deanne Wideman. ”Kokomo High School is the only urban school to advance to the state finals consecutively during the past five years.

“These achievements are due to the continual work ethic, the commitment, and the dedication by our members, our staff, our directors, and our administration. We take great pride in the legacy our Winter Guard has created at Kokomo High School;”

Wideman is a teacher of the year

Deanne Wideman was one of 18 Indiana teachers selected by the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation as an Indiana Teacher of the Year. She, along with the other CFP Indiana Teachers of the Year and 56 CFP National and International Teachers of the Year, received special recognition while participating in the CFP National Championship Weekend at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis in January.

Her participation included a professional development summit, a reception with state and national education officials, and an appearance on-field at the NCAA national championship football game.

“I nominated Mrs. Wideman because I know how much her personal efforts are appreciated by our students,” said McKinley Alternative School Principal Idowu Ikudabo. “Deanne represents the highest ideals of teaching. She has consistently demonstrated high expectations that have been rewarded with quality performances from both her students here at the Simon Youth Academy at McKinley and at Kokomo High School. I was honored to nominate Mrs. Wideman.”

Wideman gave credit to the school corporation for the support she receives as she teaches, claiming the award is a Kokomo Schools honor, rather than a personal achievement.

“When we entered the stadium to a standing ovation before the championship game, I felt great pride – as an Indiana teacher, but especially as a Kokomo Schools teacher,” said Wideman. “I love Kokomo Schools because the corporation always is looking forward and developing programs to help our students succeed; but at the same time, our corporation also keeps searching for opportunities to help us grow as educators. Those professional development opportunities helped me earn this honor on behalf of Kokomo Schools!”

Boys basketball team

The Kokomo High School Varsity Boys’ Basketball team earned a Final Four berth in the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Class 4A State Boys’ Basketball Tournament, finishing with a 20-8 record. The team’s successful run also included the school’s state-leading 75th Sectional championship.

“Every player on this Kokomo team showed tremendous improvement during the course of this season,” said coach John Peckinpaugh. “We are looking forward to a productive summer and continued improvement next season. I also must thank the entire Kokomo community, and especially our Memorial Maniacs, for their support this season. We believe we have the best high school basketball fans in the nation.”