Panthers Return Home
For Panther alumni who once roamed the hallways as students, the decision to return to Washington Township Schools as staff members, parents or donors is a full-circle moment in their personal and professional journeys.
Check out these five Panthers who have returned home to Washington Township to make an impact in the very community that shaped their own academic and personal development.
josh bolles
assistant director of operations and wt service center | Class of 2005
Why did you return to work in Washington Township?
My family has been part of Washington Township Schools since the 1950s, beginning when North Central High School was built. My dad is an NCHS alumnus, and it was important to my parents that we attend MSDWT schools because they had experienced firsthand the district’s high-quality instruction and exceptional educational opportunities.
Even as a student, I knew Washington Township was special. However, it wasn’t until I attended Purdue’s College of Education and spent time in various other schools that I fully realized how truly exceptional MSDWT is.
When I graduated, my top priority was to secure a full-time teaching position in the district. I was beyond thrilled to achieve that goal by beginning my career teaching 4th grade at Allisonville Elementary.
Why do you send your children to Washington Township schools?
I firmly believe that I gained so much from the excellent instruction I received from my teachers growing up. Beyond the academics, I learned just as much—if not more—from the opportunities I was given and, most importantly, from the people around me, starting in kindergarten and continuing through my senior year.
MSDWT’s rich diversity creates a unique environment where students learn not only from their teachers, but also from each other. That kind of learning experience is rare—and it’s exactly the kind of environment I want for my own children.
Why do you give to the WTSF?
The incredible opportunities available to our students would not be nearly as robust without the generous support of the Washington Township Schools Foundation. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand, over many years, the impact of the Foundation’s support, whether through grants written by dedicated staff or through direct funding initiatives. I’m honored to contribute to that impact by donating to the Foundation each year.
journey evans
2nd grade Teacher at greenbriar | Class of 2018
Why did you return to work in Washington Township?
Washington Township has been a part of my family for many years as my mother, aunt, and siblings were each students in the district. I grew up at North Central football games and running the halls of Northview behind my mother who worked there for several years.
As a student, Washington Township helped me to define community. I was consistently provided opportunities around others who supported me that pushed me to high expectations and allowed me to explore my interests and passions. Educators like Julie Campbell at Nora, Barb Miedema and Ashley Ballweg at Northview, and Andy Wiggins at North Central showed me that teachers impact others in special ways. Because of this, I knew that beginning my teaching career in the district was a goal of mine.
It has been empowering to experience all that MSDWT has to offer from an educator perspective. I will always take pride in returning back!
Why do you encourage your family/friends to send their children to Washington Township Schools?
I have one niece who has already graduated from North Central and one nephew currently at Willow Lake. It’s important to me to continue seeing my family and friends move through the district as it emphasizes the strength in community and connection. It’s a beautiful reminder of why I chose to return to WT to teach – the sense of belonging that is created for our students and families. WT makes us feel important, involved, and included and my family returning like many others do is a perfect example of that.
Why do you give to the WTSF?
I choose to give back my time and testimony to WT because I think it is important for the students evolving through the district to see and understand the opportunities that await them. I’d like for them to see an alumnus who got exactly where she wanted to be and understand that they have the capability and support to put in the work to get where they’d like to be too. I’d like for them to have an example of the many possibilities. I also return my time back because students should see through alumni returning as educators that they are getting a one of a kind experience in WT that they should enjoy and utilize!
chris froberg
1st grade Teacher at clearwater | Class of 1996
Why did you return to work in Washington Township?
I will always be a proud Panther! Returning to teach in the district where I grew up and where our four children attend school felt like a full circle moment. Teaching is my passion and I’m so proud to teach in Washington Township amongst amazing educators. This community shaped who I am, and I wanted to give back to the place that taught me so much.
Why do you send your children to Washington Township schools?
My husband and I have four children (two at NC and two at Eastwood) and they have had the best experiences here in Washington township. I have witnessed firsthand the richness of our district’s diversity, high quality academic programs, and meaningful opportunities. We feel strongly about sending our children to a district that offers so much for our children.
Why do you give to the WTSF?
Throughout my years as a student, parent, and teacher I am in awe of the power of the Washington Township School Foundation. I have been so fortunate to receive two classroom grants from WTSF that have been so enriching for all my students. I am extremely grateful to all the wonderful people that work at WTSF, making our schools stronger everyday.
stacey hutte
data specialist | Class of 1994
Why did you return to work in Washington Township?
When our daughter started elementary school in WT, I began volunteering in her classroom and realized how much I enjoyed being part of the school environment. As our son joined her at the school, I found myself spending even more time there helping out and supporting the teachers who gave so much to our kids. That involvement eventually led to an employment opportunity, which I was thrilled to accept. Being part of the district where I grew up, and where our children were growing up, has been incredibly meaningful. I’ve always appreciated the opportunity to give back to WT, the same community that played an important role in shaping both my own and my children’s educational experiences.
Why do you send your children to Washington Township schools?
We wanted our kids to have the same opportunities and experiences that I had growing up in WT, especially at the high school level. From the beginning, they were able to get involved in both performing arts and sports, which continued through middle and high school. It’s been so rewarding to watch them grow through those programs, build strong friendships, and create lasting memories. There’s also something really special about seeing them in some of the same classrooms and walking the same hallways I once did.
Why do you give to the WTSF?
I give because I’ve seen firsthand, both as a staff member and a parent, just how much of a difference donations make for our students. Whether it’s funding programs, resources, or opportunities, the impact is real and significant. I also appreciate that WTSF offers flexible ways to give, making it easy for anyone to support our schools in a way that works for them.
megan query-roth
resource assistant at allisonville | Class of 1988
Why did you return to work in Washington Township?
I had started volunteering at Allisonville when my own kids began there. I was volunteering in the Media Center and loved every minute of it. Walking the halls of the very school I had attended so many years ago was so meaningful. The Media Center IA position became available, and I realized this was a great opportunity for me to be even more involved in my kids’ school community. Over the years, I have shifted positions and have landed in the Resource Department as an assistant. My oldest received resource services when he attended Allisonville, so now I feel that I can give back to the program that gave so much to our son.
Why did you send your children to Washington Township schools?
We live in another school district. We were unhappy with the services our son was receiving at his school in that township and decided to seek placement at Allisonville to access what we knew was an incredible Special Education team. I had always dreamed of sending my kids to North Central so that they too could enjoy the Performing Arts programming there- so we have been thrilled every year when we get that letter of acceptance from our Out of District application.
Why do you give back to the WTSF?
My parents have always instilled in my siblings and me the importance of giving back to your community. MSDWT was the pathway for me, my dad, my siblings and my own 3 children to reach our life goals. Not only did our educational journeys give us the tools we needed to succeed, they gave us experiences and memories that will last a lifetime. NCHS Performing Arts is where my dad, my sister, my 3 kids and I all found our true selves. Through music- we found our people. Through NCHS Choirs and orchestras- we nurtured our talents and passions. We will continue to support MSDWT long after our children are gone and/or I retire. It is the least we can do for all that it has given to us.
________
Ready to make an impact through a donation? Click here!
Curious about careers in Washington Township? Click here!
Want to learn more about how to enroll your student in Washington Township? Click here!