2023-24 Highlights
There's so much to celebrate from the 2023-24 school year. We've compiled a collection of achievements from academics, teachers and district leaders, arts, and athletics on this page. You can browse these stories and more on our Experience Avon webpage. While you're there, be sure to subscribe to Oriole Blast, our every-other-week e-newsletter so you can follow all the great things happening here in Avon Schools.
Jump to a section: Academics • Teachers & Leaders • Arts • Athletics
![avon high school]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695145309/avonschoolsorg/noj0iqva0ra8h6kecave/AHSNBRS1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695145309/avonschoolsorg/noj0iqva0ra8h6kecave/AHSNBRS1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695145309/avonschoolsorg/noj0iqva0ra8h6kecave/AHSNBRS1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1695145309/avonschoolsorg/noj0iqva0ra8h6kecave/AHSNBRS1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695145309/avonschoolsorg/noj0iqva0ra8h6kecave/AHSNBRS1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
AHS has been named a National Blue Ribbon School for 2023 by the U.S. Department of Education based overall academic performance. AHS is one of 353 schools in the nation to be recognized this year and one of only eight public schools in Indiana – and the only public high school – to earn the honor.
![students with trophies]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1710774305/avonschoolsorg/zqkvnfiaxtn7rxm9x3v3/SpeechTeamStateChamps1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1710774305/avonschoolsorg/zqkvnfiaxtn7rxm9x3v3/SpeechTeamStateChamps1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1710774305/avonschoolsorg/zqkvnfiaxtn7rxm9x3v3/SpeechTeamStateChamps1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1710774305/avonschoolsorg/zqkvnfiaxtn7rxm9x3v3/SpeechTeamStateChamps1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1710774305/avonschoolsorg/zqkvnfiaxtn7rxm9x3v3/SpeechTeamStateChamps1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
![AHS Students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1693507015/avonschoolsorg/rq3acv7ksqzhlhaxlxh2/AHSCollegeBoard1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1693507015/avonschoolsorg/rq3acv7ksqzhlhaxlxh2/AHSCollegeBoard1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1693507015/avonschoolsorg/rq3acv7ksqzhlhaxlxh2/AHSCollegeBoard1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1693507015/avonschoolsorg/rq3acv7ksqzhlhaxlxh2/AHSCollegeBoard1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1693507015/avonschoolsorg/rq3acv7ksqzhlhaxlxh2/AHSCollegeBoard1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
![esther]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1714395212/avonschoolsorg/hpe59lexozmtg7egqyij/JAGNatlChamp1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1714395212/avonschoolsorg/hpe59lexozmtg7egqyij/JAGNatlChamp1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1714395212/avonschoolsorg/hpe59lexozmtg7egqyij/JAGNatlChamp1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1714395212/avonschoolsorg/hpe59lexozmtg7egqyij/JAGNatlChamp1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1714395212/avonschoolsorg/hpe59lexozmtg7egqyij/JAGNatlChamp1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
More Academic Highlights
- AHS is on CollegeBoard’s ‘23 AP School Honor Roll for maximizing student outcomes.
- AHS wins a CollegeBoard 2023 AP Access Award for providing equitable access to all students.
- Senior Liam Hoffman is one of 40 Indiana Academic All-Stars.
- Eight AHS students are ‘24 National Merit Commended Students.
- AHS Robotics sends three teams to the state competition and Peyton Holloway is a Dean’s List Finalist.
- The AHS Debate Team earns a Top 10 finish at the state competition.
- Three DECA students win state.
- Five AHS students win awards at the National Journalism Convention.
- Six students medal at the HOSA Leadership Conference and the team wins Most Professional Chapter.
- Senior Kelsey Babinec earns a top 10 finish in the Indiana Distinguished Young Woman competition.
- AHS wins Outstanding Delegation at Marian Model UN Conference.
- An Avon Middle School North student wins the inaugural Plainfield Civics Bee.
- Eli Neal earns Indiana Eagle Scout of the Year honor.
We are committed to helping all students belong, learn, and grow. We continue to rank in the top 10% of Hoosier school districts academically, and when I reflect on the brilliance and dedication of our students I understand why our school corporation continues to stand out.
Dr. Scott Wyndham, Superintendent
![Sarah Valentin]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1691585820/avonschoolsorg/xwu6t4vodbg8klb3wckl/SarahValentinTop251600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1691585820/avonschoolsorg/xwu6t4vodbg8klb3wckl/SarahValentinTop251600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1691585820/avonschoolsorg/xwu6t4vodbg8klb3wckl/SarahValentinTop251600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1691585820/avonschoolsorg/xwu6t4vodbg8klb3wckl/SarahValentinTop251600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1691585820/avonschoolsorg/xwu6t4vodbg8klb3wckl/SarahValentinTop251600x900px.png","width":1600}])
The list of 25 finalists for the Indiana Teacher of the Year was just released and it includes Avon Community School Corporation Teacher of the Year, Pine Tree Elementary Multilingual Learner Teacher Sarah Valentin!
![rohrbach and borcherding]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1713294686/avonschoolsorg/rp9kg8wnyagvoglgea3t/PhysicsRecognition1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1713294686/avonschoolsorg/rp9kg8wnyagvoglgea3t/PhysicsRecognition1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1713294686/avonschoolsorg/rp9kg8wnyagvoglgea3t/PhysicsRecognition1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1713294686/avonschoolsorg/rp9kg8wnyagvoglgea3t/PhysicsRecognition1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1713294686/avonschoolsorg/rp9kg8wnyagvoglgea3t/PhysicsRecognition1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
![avon school board]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1713278419/avonschoolsorg/vintjzymw6xevkdewolq/EGAAward1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1713278419/avonschoolsorg/vintjzymw6xevkdewolq/EGAAward1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1713278419/avonschoolsorg/vintjzymw6xevkdewolq/EGAAward1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1713278419/avonschoolsorg/vintjzymw6xevkdewolq/EGAAward1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1713278419/avonschoolsorg/vintjzymw6xevkdewolq/EGAAward1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
![dean westman]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1715109084/avonschoolsorg/yi4xojfo3xc9hpqnhzzg/DeanWestman241600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1715109084/avonschoolsorg/yi4xojfo3xc9hpqnhzzg/DeanWestman241600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1715109084/avonschoolsorg/yi4xojfo3xc9hpqnhzzg/DeanWestman241600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1715109084/avonschoolsorg/yi4xojfo3xc9hpqnhzzg/DeanWestman241600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1715109084/avonschoolsorg/yi4xojfo3xc9hpqnhzzg/DeanWestman241600x900px.png","width":1600}])
More Teacher & Leader Highlights
- Jared Emmons and Micah Borcherding win 2024 Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowships.
- River Birch Elementary earns Silver Star School Counseling Award from the Indiana DOE.
- Zach Rohrbach earns Distinguished Service Award from Indiana Association of Physics Teachers.
- Dean Westman is the '24 Indiana Music Educator of the Year.
- Theatre Teacher Caitlyn Steckbeck wins Outstanding Educator Award from Indiana Thespians.
- Angie Jones is the ‘24 Indiana School Food Service Employee of the Year.
- Miranda Lofgren is the IFCA Region 6 Athletic Trainer of the Year.
I’m in awe of what our educators and leaders have accomplished this year. I am even more inspired by the 1,000 courageous, kind, and creative things our educators, support staff, and leaders do each day to maximize resources and help students succeed.
Carrie Alday, assistant Superintendent
![ahs band]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1699910971/avonschoolsorg/fwzzaqcdtfrmv3l3ryhm/AMBGChampions1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1699910971/avonschoolsorg/fwzzaqcdtfrmv3l3ryhm/AMBGChampions1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1699910971/avonschoolsorg/fwzzaqcdtfrmv3l3ryhm/AMBGChampions1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1699910971/avonschoolsorg/fwzzaqcdtfrmv3l3ryhm/AMBGChampions1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1699910971/avonschoolsorg/fwzzaqcdtfrmv3l3ryhm/AMBGChampions1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
Once again, the Avon Marching Black and Gold are the Bands of America Grand National Champions, winning their fourth championship in the competition since 2008.
![adult and child playing cello]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1713315577/avonschoolsorg/zlfsknmfcmqfoynku3mc/BCME241600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1713315577/avonschoolsorg/zlfsknmfcmqfoynku3mc/BCME241600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1713315577/avonschoolsorg/zlfsknmfcmqfoynku3mc/BCME241600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1713315577/avonschoolsorg/zlfsknmfcmqfoynku3mc/BCME241600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1713315577/avonschoolsorg/zlfsknmfcmqfoynku3mc/BCME241600x900px.png","width":1600}])
![orchestra students]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1698757485/avonschoolsorg/i9hyerjq2wbwibeiqpki/Honors-Orchestra1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1698757485/avonschoolsorg/i9hyerjq2wbwibeiqpki/Honors-Orchestra1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1698757485/avonschoolsorg/i9hyerjq2wbwibeiqpki/Honors-Orchestra1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1698757485/avonschoolsorg/i9hyerjq2wbwibeiqpki/Honors-Orchestra1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1698757485/avonschoolsorg/i9hyerjq2wbwibeiqpki/Honors-Orchestra1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
![world guard]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1713317658/avonschoolsorg/fmhw23ymzbu5vp5mmymr/WorldGuardWorldChamps1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1713317658/avonschoolsorg/fmhw23ymzbu5vp5mmymr/WorldGuardWorldChamps1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1713317658/avonschoolsorg/fmhw23ymzbu5vp5mmymr/WorldGuardWorldChamps1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1713317658/avonschoolsorg/fmhw23ymzbu5vp5mmymr/WorldGuardWorldChamps1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1713317658/avonschoolsorg/fmhw23ymzbu5vp5mmymr/WorldGuardWorldChamps1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
More Artistic Highlights
- Avon Marching Black & Gold win their 16th Indiana State Championship.
- Avon Indoor Winds are WGI Scholastic World Class Champions.
- World Guard, Drumline, and Indoor Winds sweep State Championships.
- AHS Dance wins 4th-consecutive Large Ensemble State Championship.
- Avon Symphony Orchestra finishes runner-up at state finals.
- Avon Wind Symphony wins 3rd place in state finals.
- Two AHS students join the Indiana All-State Orchestra.
- Ten AHS students receive spots in the Indiana All-State Choir.
- AHS Show Choir finishes runner-up at State Choir Finals.
- More than 650 students participate in ISSMA Solo & Ensemble contest, earn 385 Gold and 33 receive Sliver ratings.
It has been yet another banner year for Avon’s Performing Arts programs. Just when we think we’ve reached the pinnacle of what is possible, somehow we find a way to ascend to new heights. That’s a credit to our phenomenal students, dedicated staff, and the unwavering support of our community. Bravo!
Dean Westman, PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT CHAIR
& DIRECTOR OF ORCHESTRAS
![luke rioux and board]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1710266041/avonschoolsorg/lklsgrjcyxzmywvdcod3/CelebratingOrioles0320241600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1710266041/avonschoolsorg/lklsgrjcyxzmywvdcod3/CelebratingOrioles0320241600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1710266041/avonschoolsorg/lklsgrjcyxzmywvdcod3/CelebratingOrioles0320241600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1710266041/avonschoolsorg/lklsgrjcyxzmywvdcod3/CelebratingOrioles0320241600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1710266041/avonschoolsorg/lklsgrjcyxzmywvdcod3/CelebratingOrioles0320241600x900px.png","width":1600}])
The Avon Board of School Trustees issued a Commendation honoring Avon High School senior Luke Rioux for his IHSAA Wrestling State Championship. Luke is the sixth wrestler in the program's history to bring home an individual state championship.
![ahs player receiving award]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1706041155/avonschoolsorg/vjxtayhuthd6ctgp5gbg/1000Points1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1706041155/avonschoolsorg/vjxtayhuthd6ctgp5gbg/1000Points1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1706041155/avonschoolsorg/vjxtayhuthd6ctgp5gbg/1000Points1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1706041155/avonschoolsorg/vjxtayhuthd6ctgp5gbg/1000Points1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1706041155/avonschoolsorg/vjxtayhuthd6ctgp5gbg/1000Points1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
![ahs boys basketball team]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1709573174/avonschoolsorg/w1bfx22ombv210llh3dm/AHSSectionalChamps1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1709573174/avonschoolsorg/w1bfx22ombv210llh3dm/AHSSectionalChamps1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1709573174/avonschoolsorg/w1bfx22ombv210llh3dm/AHSSectionalChamps1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1709573174/avonschoolsorg/w1bfx22ombv210llh3dm/AHSSectionalChamps1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1709573174/avonschoolsorg/w1bfx22ombv210llh3dm/AHSSectionalChamps1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
![softball and baseball teams]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1716995441/avonschoolsorg/f2wj4l3domrbnh0htuf0/SoftballBaseball1600x900px.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1716995441/avonschoolsorg/f2wj4l3domrbnh0htuf0/SoftballBaseball1600x900px.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1716995441/avonschoolsorg/f2wj4l3domrbnh0htuf0/SoftballBaseball1600x900px.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1716995441/avonschoolsorg/f2wj4l3domrbnh0htuf0/SoftballBaseball1600x900px.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1716995441/avonschoolsorg/f2wj4l3domrbnh0htuf0/SoftballBaseball1600x900px.png","width":1600}])
More Athletic Highlights
- Boys Tennis brings home Sectional and Regional Championships.
- Girls Volleyball team wins Sectional Championship.
- Wrestling team earns 5th place finish at State Finals.
- Nate Rioux is runner-up at Wrestling State Finals.
- Boys Swim places 15th in the State and wins HRH Invitational
- Girls Swim sends five swimmers to State Finals.
- Senior Owen Carr garners national attention for his time as the Avon Oriole Mascot.
- An AIS East student earns a #1 USA Track & Field ranking in Indiana in 800 meters and #2 for the 400 meters.
Each new school year is a blank slate. When the 2023-24 school year began, there is no way we could have foreseen the outstanding things our students, educators, and staff would accomplish. Whether it was in class, on stage, at play, or around the community, this has been an incredible school year. Go Orioles!
Dr. Michael Sullivan, Assistant Superintendent