The Visionary

The opening of Snider High School's new football stadium marks an exciting new chapter for Panther athletics. As part of that milestone, Fort Wayne Community Schools is inviting the community to share feedback on a proposal to name the stadium after legendary coach Russ Isaacs in recognition of his decades of service and lasting impact on students, athletes and the school community.

Snider leaders requested naming the stadium after Isaacs to honor his service, leadership and lasting impact on Snider, FWCS and Indiana's high school athletic community.

"Few individuals have contributed more to the success, tradition and culture of Snider High School than Russ Isaacs," Snider Principal Chad Hissong said. "His legacy is measured not only in victories and championships but also in the countless lives he has positively impacted through leadership, service and example."

Isaacs began his career at Snider in 1976 as a teacher and assistant football coach. He served as an assistant coach from 1976-90, helping establish the foundation for one of Indiana's premier football programs. In 1991, he became head football coach, a position he held through 2008. During his tenure, he earned 194 career victories, making him one of the most successful coaches in Indiana high school football history.

Following FWCS Board policy and District procedure, FWCS will accept public comment through Onflo (formerly Let's Talk). There is no anticipated additional cost to the District, as stadium signage was included in the construction project.

Community members who would like to provide feedback may submit comments at bit.ly/SniderStadium by noon Monday, July 27, 2026.

More than 1,900 Fort Wayne Community Schools seniors walked across the graduation stage as members of the Class of 2026, each with a unique story and a future filled with possibilities. Some are headed to college, others to military service, apprenticeships or careers, but all leave with experiences that have prepared them for the opportunities ahead.

Every graduation ceremony told its own story, but each was filled with moments that graduates and their families will never forget. In one quiet staging area, a principal gathered graduates for one final message, reminding them that no matter where life leads, the doors of their school will always be open. A valedictorian's heartfelt speech resonated far beyond the ceremony, inspiring audiences across the country. At Fort Wayne Virtual Academy, the school's largest graduating class celebrated a milestone as its top students reflected on how an education built largely online changed their lives and gave them the confidence to pursue their dreams. Many graduates also praised the impact of 3DE, sharing how real-world experiences, career-connected learning and community partnerships prepared them not just for graduation day, but for Monday after graduation and beyond.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! We are proud of all you have accomplished and excited to watch you write the next chapter of your story.

Eight FWCS students are taking the next step toward their future thanks to scholarships from Reflections N Glass Corvette Club.

For 14 years, the club has supported local students through scholarships funded by community fundraisers, raffles, individual donations and its annual car show. Recipients are selected based on their GPA, a written essay and their involvement in the community.

Congratulations to 2026 New Tech Academy at Wayne graduate Neve Quinn on earning a National Merit College-Sponsored Scholarship. Quinn was recently recognized by the Board of School Trustees for her outstanding achievement. She first earned National Merit semifinalist status by scoring among the top 1% of students in Indiana on the PSAT, advancing through a highly competitive selection process to receive the scholarship. This fall, she will attend Indiana University with plans to become a math teacher.

As part of the Alive Community Outreach Peacemaker Academy, Fort Wayne Community Schools students took the lead in an honest conversation about the impact of youth violence and the hope for a safer future. During the Community Youth Summit, students and recent graduates shared their personal experiences, challenged community leaders to listen and offered thoughtful ideas for building stronger schools, neighborhoods and a more peaceful Fort Wayne.

Alive Community Outreach recently celebrated the graduation of 60 Fort Wayne Community Schools students from the 2026 Peacemaker Academy. These students are prepared to serve as peace leaders in their schools and throughout the community, using the leadership and conflict resolution skills they have developed to inspire others and help create a safer, more connected Fort Wayne.

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Website: fortwayneschools.org
Location: 1200 South Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802, USA
Phone: (260) 467-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/FWCommSchools
Twitter: @FWCommSchools