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Mishawaka High showcases student programs: writing, art, esports, robotics and community service
Summary
Students and teachers presented program highlights at the board meeting, including Scholastic Writing Club awards, three national art medalists, an expanding esports program, robotics team achievements and the heroes club blood drives.
Mishawaka — Teachers and students from Mishawaka High School used the School City of Mishawaka board meeting on May 7 to present a year‑in‑review of extracurricular programs, awards and community service work.
The presentations showcased academic, artistic and technical programs that school leaders said support student engagement and future pathways.
Matt Brew opened the high‑school presentation by introducing the senior recognitions and the program overviews. Randy Bridal, an English teacher who leads the writing program, told the board the Scholastic Writing Club increased submissions and continued to earn regional honors: "We earned 13 honorable mentions this past year, 9 silver keys and 4 gold keys," Bridal said. He also described the club’s recent work helping students with scholarship and Common App essays and a volunteer Caveman and Community Club that raised funds and supported local causes.
Ryan Sargent, department head for art, said Mishawaka High School tied for first in a 100‑school region for gold keys and reported three national medal winners whose work will be publicly displayed in New York on June 11. "We had 3 national medal winners," Sargent said, and he highlighted awards in drawing, photography and a student with two consecutive gold medals.
JR Boysen, science teacher and esports coordinator, described an esports program that launched in August and now fields five competitive teams; two rostered teams reached playoffs this year. Boysen said about 30 learners participated at least once this year and that the program plans middle‑school feeders and community partnerships.
Julie Fassett and student members reviewed the FIRST Robotics program’s two‑year review. Fassett described the two competition levels the school supports — FIRST Tech Challenge for middle grades and FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) for high school — and said the FRC team traveled to regional events and produced a season robot. The team noted costs associated with the FRC level and thanked the Mishawaka Education Foundation for support.
Doctor Mann and staff reported on the Heroes Club and blood drives. The program has run 11 drives and collected 160 pints this school year, with 176 first‑time donors since 2023; organizers said one student received a $2,500 scholarship tied to the drives.
Presenters framed the programs as feeders into career and college opportunities and as ways to build leadership and community ties. The board received the presentations; no formal board action was required beyond recognition and thanks.
