The Visionary

Welcome to Fort Wayne Community Schools' community newsletter. Each month we share news from our schools and important District information. Have an idea for a story? Please share it with us!

A dedicated group of South Side High School seniors is making a lasting impact on students across FWCS through a powerful mission to give without expecting anything in return.

Working in partnership with the James S. McFadden Resource Center and Youth Service Bureau, the South Side Legacy Loop has established a year-long initiative that provides essential items to students who might need something during the school day. This Human Services Pathway project is part of the Health Sciences and Human Services School of Success, giving students an opportunity to put their learning into action while serving other FWCS students.

South Side students have established a year-long initiative that provides essential items to students who might need something during the school day.

The program has already collected 1,500 items and is in place at Fairfield Elementary School, Kekionga Middle School, Lindley Elementary School, CAS Nebraska, Wayne High School and Weisser Park Elementary School. An anonymous donor also provided a generous contribution to support the effort and help expand its impact.

The South Side students have committed to continuing their work with partner schools throughout the year, regularly restocking the suitcases to ensure no student goes without necessities.

High School Woman of the Year

Congratulations to flag football player Thailynn Xayarath of Wayne High School for being selected as one of the top 3 in the new High School Woman of the Year competition created by the Indianapolis Colts. She has been recognized for her commitment to the community, academic achievement and flag football performance.

High School Man of the Year

Congratulations to Sawyer Tippmann of Snider High School for being one of the top 5 for High School Man of the Year. He is being honored by the Indianapolis Colts for his academic achievements, offensive line football playing and commitment to the community.

Adrianna Burrows

North Side High School
Indiana University Fort Wayne - Nursing

Biruk Shaw

Northrop High School
Indiana University Bloomington - Finance

Kai Vaughn

Snider High School
University of Saint Francis - Nursing

Deanna May-Perez

Wayne High School
Indiana University Fort Wayne – Pre-med

North Side High School senior Ruby Campbell-Carpenter is being featured in the 2025 Indiana Entrepreneurship Yearbook, a publication that showcases entrepreneurs across the state who are taking risks, dreaming big and creating a brighter future for Indiana. The yearbook spotlights innovative business leaders and emerging entrepreneurs who are making meaningful contributions to the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Campbell-Carpenter earned her place in the yearbook through her work developing Tailored Bites, a frozen dog food company she created while studying at Amp Lab at Electric Works. What began as a solution to her own pet's allergies and skin issues has grown into an award-winning business that produces high-quality, customizable dog food made with locally sourced ingredients like chicken, chicken livers, green beans and blueberries.

Learn more about Ruby Campbell-Carpenter’s entrepreneurial journey and her vision for Tailored Bites by visiting the 2025 Indiana Entrepreneurship Yearbook.

2025 Indiana Entrepreneurship Yearbook

Campbell-Carpenter earned her place in the yearbook through her work developing Tailored Bites, a frozen dog food company she created while studying at Amp Lab at Electric Works.

From New Tech Academy at Wayne to Trine University, Stephanie Rodriguez is navigating the transition from high school to college life as a commuter student. In this episode of Classroom to Career, she talks about how her daily commute has transformed more than just her routine.

Rodriguez shares how traveling between Fort Wayne and Trine has helped her explore new communities across northeast Indiana, strengthened her connection with her parents and created a new sense of independence.

Each year, Wayne High School leads the district in students earning associate degrees and technical certificates through the Ivy Tech Early College program. These students graduate with a strong head start that includes dozens of college credits, greater confidence and thousands of dollars saved in tuition.

In this episode of Stories of Success, Superintendent Dr. Mark Daniel visits Wayne High School, where students demonstrate how to dissect a chicken wing and explain how early college credit is shaping their future career paths.

The Stories of Success series highlights these inspiring student journeys and the hands-on learning that prepares them for life beyond the classroom. Through the Schools of Success, students are discovering how to turn their ideas into real opportunities.

Episode 1 - Amend Landscaping

Episode 2 - Lakeside Connectors

Want to join the FWCS team? We're hiring Special Education Teachers!

At FWCS, we educate ALL students to high standards. Our dedicated team of Special Education ensure that every student gets the support they need to achieve academic success. If you have a passion for education and want to help young people achieve their goals, a Special Education teaching position may be the perfect fit! Browse available openings at www.fwcsjobs.org or contact Human Resources at talentacquisition@fwcs.k12.in.us to learn more!

Fort Wayne Community Schools

Email: publicaffairs@fwcs.k12.in.us
Website: fortwayneschools.org
Location: 1200 South Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802, USA
Phone: (260) 467-1000
Facebook: facebook.com/FWCommSchools
Twitter: @FWCommSchools

The Visionary