Indiana
16 Indiana schools named National Blue Ribbon winners. See the list
IHSAA volleyball: Roncalli goes distance vs. Tri-West, remains undefeated
Lily Jones and Addie Haberthy following undefeated Roncalli’s 3-2 win over Tri-West. “We have high hopes and big goals.”
Six Indianapolis-area schools were among 16 in Indiana that made it on the National Blue Ribbon Schools list this year for academic excellence and work in closing achievement gaps.
This year’s list, released on Monday, showcases the work done by the students and teachers in those schools, said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona in a news release.
“The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities,” Cardona said. “As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
What does it mean to be a Blue Ribbon School?
The National Blue Ribbon Schools program was established in 1982 and is a yearly recognition of the schools that show overall academic success and/or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps between different student groups.
The U.S. Department of Education looks at all schools — private and public — and evaluates them based on student assessment data, student subgroup performance and graduation rates.
Schools are nominated by Indiana’s Secretary of Education or the Council for American Private Education and must meet certain qualifications like student performance data, student demographics and student subgroup performance.
Schools then submit applications detailing their school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family and community involvement.
Up to 240 schools are nominated each year.
A list of Indiana winners from previous years is available on the Indiana Department of Education’s website.
More School News: Indiana students could see more testing this school year. See what your school is doing
Indianapolis-area schools that made the 2024 Blue Ribbon list
The Indianapolis schools that made the list were nominated for the “exemplary high performing schools” category.
Keep up with school news: Sign up for Study Hall, IndyStar’s free weekly education newsletter.
Other Indiana schools on the 2024 Blue Ribbon list
- Ladoga – Ladoga Elementary School, South Montgomery Community School Corp.
- Montgomery – Barr-Reeve Middle/High School, Barr-Reeve Community Schools Inc.
- Munster – St. Thomas More School, Diocese of Gary.
- Pine Village – Pine Village Elementary School, MSD Warren County.
- Shipshewana – Meadowview Elementary School, Westview School Corp.
- Wadesville – Saint Wendel Catholic School, Diocese of Evansville.
- West Lafayette – West Lafayette Elementary School, West Lafayette Community School Corp.
- Evansville – Oak Hill Elementary School, Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp.
- Floyds Knobs – Saint Mary of the Knobs Catholic School, Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
- Hebron – Porter Lakes Elementary School, Porter Township School Corp.
Contact IndyStar reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy.
INDIANAPOLIS (WNDU) – South Bend muralist Alex Ann Allen is one of three finalists to create a 40-foot mural for the new Indiana Fever Sports Performance Center in downtown Indianapolis.
Allen has worked on murals in places throughout Michiana, from South Bend to Benton Harbor, to Monticello, Indiana.
The community gets a say in the final design. A public survey is open through June 14 as organizers pick the final design.
The mural is expected to be painted in fall 2026, with the facility opening in spring 2027.
Stay up to date on local news with WNDU on-air and online. Be sure to download the 16 News Now App and follow our YouTube page as we continue to bring you the latest news coverage.
Copyright 2026 WNDU. All rights reserved.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana State Fair is hiring hundreds of seasonal workers for its 2026 run.
The fair returns August 7 through August 23. It’s closed on Mondays.
Officials are looking to fill about 800 positions. They include parking attendants, gate staff, security personnel and operations team members.
The fair is also hiring tractor shuttle operators, information booth assistants and education exhibit guides.
The 18th Annual Indiana State Fair Job Fair happens Thursday, June 4 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The event takes place inside the Agriculture/Horticulture Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center at 1202 E. 38th Street in Indianapolis.
Job seekers can complete applications and participate in on-site interviews. The fair says people who attend the job fair will receive priority consideration during hiring.
“Every great Fair experience starts with great people,” said Mark Anderson, Director of Human Resources at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. “Our seasonal team helps create the energy, hospitality and memories that guests look forward to each summer.”
Anderson said the fair offers opportunities for people seeking their first job or extra income. It’s also good for those wanting to stay engaged with the community.
Applicants should bring a resume if they have one. They should also bring a positive attitude. Previous fair experience is not required.
People who can’t attend the job fair can apply in person starting June 8. The Employment Office is inside the Indiana Farm Bureau Fall Creek Pavilion.
Walk-in applications are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information about employment opportunities and the 2026 Indiana State Fair is available at www.IndianaStateFair.com.
THORNTOWN, Ind. (WISH) — Residents of Thorntown were asked to evacuate Tuesday following an anhydrous ammonia spill.
The Boone County Sheriff’s Office said the spill happened in the northwest part of rural Thorntown.
“If you are at the Old Mill Run trailer park, please evacuate,” the alert from the Boone County Sheriff’s Office said.
Anhydrous ammonia is widely used as a fertilizer and a refrigerant.
Thorntown Sugar Creek Fire Department posted to Facebook Tuesday night, saying that Thorntown Fire Department and Thorntown police are currently “on scene of an anhydrous tank leak Northwest of Thorntown.”
“It is currently settling in low areas and drifting towards town,” the post read.
TFD says if you notice “an ammonia odor,” leave the area.
“We expect a mild odor to extend to town however it is safest to leave if you start smelling it.
Anhydrous is attracted to water and low areas. If you observe a fog/cloud or strong odor immediately exit the area. If you begin experiencing any concerning health issues we have additional Witham Medics staged in town.”
TFD says that with any hazmat incident, it can evolve. Residents are asked to “be ready to leave if needed.”
Officials said if you or a loved one is experiencing breathing issues or any other symptoms, call 911 for treatment.
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