South Dearborn Celebrates the Class of 2026 with Scholarships, Records, and Heartfelt Farewells to Retiring Staff

The South Dearborn Community School Corporation wrapped up the 2025–26 school year with the community showing up to celebrate graduating students and retiring staff alike. In late May, the district congratulated 146 graduates, witnessed millions of dollars in scholarships, recognized its best educators, and said goodbye to a dozen longtime staff members retiring.

A Class That Left Ready

When the South Dearborn High School Class of 2026 crossed the stage on Friday, May 22nd, they brought more than diplomas with them. The 146 graduates collectively earned $2,935,232 in scholarships — including $67,120 in outside scholarships, $2,273,150 in college and university awards, and more than $100,000 through the local South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars program. The class also accumulated 3,572 dual credit hours, saving families an estimated $491,390 in Ivy Tech tuition. Forty-five graduates earned state and industry-recognized credentials through the Southeastern Career Center before ever leaving the building, and one senior was named a finalist for the Dearborn Community Foundation Scholarship.

Whether headed to college or directly into a career, this class left South Dearborn prepared for their next chapter!

Scholarships Across the Community

The week's celebrations started the Sunday before graduation. On May 17th, 55 SDHS seniors and their families gathered for the annual South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars scholarship ceremony. South Dearborn alumnus J.J. Backman, owner of KFI Fireworks, added two full-ride scholarships on top of the $96,000 the program itself was prepared to award.

"I was blessed to spend a few hours with 55 South Dearborn High School seniors and their families," said Superintendent Dr. Ron Ross. "We are so grateful for the generosity of our community and our partnership with South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars."

The giving extended to the middle school as well. Eight SDMS eighth-graders were each awarded a $200 South Dearborn Dollars for Scholars Scholarship: Myah Bailey, Gabby Gonzalez, Trey Gump, Gabe Kassem, Brody Lagaly, Colton McBroom, Callan Rollins, and Harper Storey.

Retirees and Award Winners

Earlier that same graduation morning, faculty and staff gathered for an end-of-year breakfast to mark the close of the school year together. Twelve staff members were recognized for their years of service as they head into retirement: Shirley Berry, Dawn Bowers, Todd Bowers, Rod Bradley, Jim Hallgarth, Carl Lee, Michelle Mitchell, Terri Nicholson, Kim Piche, Bev Pyles, Dan Rogers, and Sallie Streitenberger.

From there, the room turned its attention to the educators and staff who stood out this year. Each building recognized a Staff Member of the Year and a Teacher of the Year:

• Aurora Elementary School Staff Member of the Year: Julie Whitaker | Teacher of the Year: Dianna Petty

• Dillsboro Elementary School Staff Member of the Year: Gina Oles | Teacher of the Year: Nina Litchfield

• South Dearborn Middle School Staff Member of the Year: Britany Logan | Teacher of the Year: Sara Powell

• South Dearborn High School Staff Member of the Year: Deb Walston | Teacher of the Year: Sally Bender

• Southeastern Career Center Staff Member of the Year: Kara South

"The energy in the room was electric," Dr. Ross said. "It was an amazing way to end the school year."