Washington Elementary School

WARSAW, IN - Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts launched its first-ever Artist in Residence program this fall. Abigail Storm, who appeared in many of the shows during Wagon Wheel’s summer season, kicked off Washington STEM Academy’s Hornet Heroes celebration by reading Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin to students recognized by their teachers for demonstrating honesty in all that they do.

Hornet Heroes has been a tradition at Washington STEM Academy to recognize students who are supportive in the classroom while also bringing in guest readers to share the importance of reading, their dedication to the community, and their engagement with Washington students.

“Hornet Heroes is an important program to Washington because it allows us to celebrate students in the Innovation Lab, which helps students recognize it as a place of inspiration,” shared Washington Principal Cheri Sleighter. “Inviting community members to read a book and talk with students is an essential contribution to the program as it allows them to have a broader perspective of the amazing opportunities and people who impact our community.”

Washington is one of the first schools to invite the Wagon Wheel to interact with students. “For years, we’ve dreamed of Wagon Wheel serving our community from within the school system. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, that dream is becoming reality through the Artist in Residence program. Since 1956, Wagon Wheel has entertained northern Indiana and inspired countless artists who have gone on to change the world through live theatre. Now, with our Artist in Residence working directly in our schools, we’re planting seeds of creativity, confidence, and imagination that will shape the storytellers of tomorrow right here in our own backyard,” says Sam Engle, Communications and Donor Relations Coordinator at the Wagon Wheel.

Enthusiasm for the Hornet Heroes program continues to grow, with numerous local leaders volunteering as guest readers throughout the year. Upcoming readers include Michelle Smith LeDrew, owner of Glam Boutique; Dr. Joanne Alvarez, Vice Chancellor of the Kosciusko County Ivy Tech Campus; Erica Deuel from Generous Coffee; Kyle Wurtzel of Heartwood Planning Group; Mayor Joe Thallemer; Shawn Bianchini, owner of Shawningans and Social Ice Cream Shop; and Lauren Rich from Grace College’s Humanities Department, who will serve as the final reader of the year.