Growing Greatness: Celebrating Our Youngest Kathy Swan Winners

The educational journey begins early at Wabash City Schools. On April 20th, the WCS school board gathered to recognize a very special group of "quiet heroes" from LH Carpenter Early Learning Center. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kathy Swan Awards, we are reminded that even our smallest learners can leave a lasting impression on our school community.

The Kathy Swan Award was created two decades ago to honor a staff member who championed students for their heart and steady effort rather than their accolades. At LH Carpenter—home to our 3-year-old and 4-year-old preschool and Kindergarten programs—this award holds a special meaning. It recognizes those children who naturally choose kindness, share with their peers, and bring a gentle, positive energy to their classrooms every single day without being asked. #TheApacheWay

These students were hand-selected by their teachers, who provided heartwarming testimonies about how these young leaders already demonstrate the resilience and kindness that Kathy Swan valued so much.

We are so proud to introduce our 2026 LH Carpenter Kathy Swan Award recipients:

• 3-Year-Old Preschool – Morrison Rutledge

• 4-Year-Old Preschool – Elliot Bidwell

• Kindergarten – Harley Adkins

To our youngest winners: thank you for being such wonderful helpers and for showing us all that you are never too small to do the right thing. Your families and teachers are incredibly proud of the examples you are setting at such a young age.

Congratulations to our 2026 winners for starting their educational journey with such amazing character! 🧡🖤