Ten Under Ten 2026 - Washington Township Schools Foundation

All Stories Alumni

The NCHS Ten Under Ten Award recognizes the accomplishments of ten North Central alumni who are less than ten years past graduation. This year’s honorees include an actress, educators, musicians, and many more impressive Panthers.

TEN UNDER TEN 2026 HONOREES

Anne Fernkas

Teacher | Class of 2015

Anne Fernkas is a dedicated teacher at Crooked Creek Elementary School where she will be taking over the role of Teacher Librarian. In 2025, Anne won the Honored Schools Life Changing Teacher Award. She is deeply involved in both academics and extracurricular activities within her school community. Anne is currently serving as the coach of the school’s Math Bowl team and as a coach for flag football and kickball. Beyond the classroom, Anne is an active member of the Washington Township Education Association (WTEA). This past year, she served as the organization’s secretary. She will step into the role of vice president in the coming year, continuing her commitment to leadership and advocacy in education.

Daren Glore

Physical Therapist | Class of 2018

Daren is a third-year Doctor of Physical Therapy student at Indiana University Indiana and will be graduating in May. He has demonstrated strong academic and professional leadership through presenting research at national conferences, contributing to multiple publications, and serving as a mentor and teaching assistant. His research focuses on instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). Specifically, quantifying the force and direction of the instrument and correlating that to its cellular effects on muscle and connective tissues to support its use in physical therapy practice with evidence. During his tenure at North Central, Daren was a member of the varsity swimming and diving team. He graduated with academic honors before continuing his swimming career at Wabash College and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. Daren continues to lead outside the classroom by managing 1832 Brew Espresso Bar and SubZero Nitrogen Ice Cream in Carmel. He enjoys staying active and spending time with his wife, Emily, and their dog, Bella.

JaSaun Johnson

Musician and Educator | Class of 2019

JaSaun Johnson is a multi-instrumental music educator and musician in the greater Indianapolis area, who uses the power of music to connect to all ages. Since graduating from Franklin College in 2023, JaSaun has been engaging with the community in various musical settings. He has taught at the Bach To Rock Fishers Music School, served on the music ministry team of local Indianapolis churches, and leads the band The JBJ Collective. JaSaun hopes to pour into the creative community to continue the beautiful legacy that Indianapolis has.

Nia-Morgan Hayes

Educator | Class of 2015

Nia‑Morgan Hayes is an early childhood educator and family liaison who leads with purpose, heart, and intention. A proud North Central alum, she is deeply committed to uplifting children and families within her community by creating inclusive, supportive spaces where every individual feels valued and seen. Nia‑Morgan’s work is rooted in her lived experiences, personal growth, and unwavering passion for making a meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.

Madeline Moore

Nonprofit Fundraiser | Class of 2019

Madeline is a development professional in the nonprofit arts and culture sector who is committed to ensuring that enriching arts opportunities are accessible to the Indianapolis community and beyond. After graduating from North Central in 2019, she pursued a career path that would combine her passions for fundraising and the arts. Madeline obtained a Bachelor of Science in Arts Management from Indiana University Bloomington. Madeline has worked with Women4Change Indiana, The Hamptons Festival of Music, Snow City Arts, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and Newfields where she was part of the Advancement team raising funds to support the institution’s exhibitions, festivals, and gardens, conservation efforts, and educational and community programming. Madeline is currently the Sponsorship & Donor Experience Associate at The Cabaret, where her work supports bringing world-class performances to Indianapolis.

Matthias murphy

Choir Director | Class of 2016

Matthias Murphy is a choir director and music educator dedicated to choral excellence and musical formation. He serves as the choir director and music teacher at Guerin Catholic High School in Noblesville, Indiana. Matthias also leads the choir at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Carmel. Matthias holds a Bachelor’s degree in Choral Music Education and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Indiana University. He resides in Washington Township with his wife, Miriam, and their daughter, Marina.

Chase Infiniti Payne

Actress | Class of 2018

Chase Infiniti is a Golden Globe nominee whose roots in show choir and theatre laid the foundation for her screen career. A 2018 graduate, she was a standout performer at North Central, including a starring role as Morticia in The Addams Family and active participation in the school’s award‑winning show choirs. Chase has since appeared in major film and television projects, including Apple TV’s Presumed Innocent and the Oscar-winning 2025 film One Battle After Another. Her most recent project, Hulu’s The Testaments, continues Chase’s journey from the Panther stage to the screen.

Talia Sanders

Founder | Class of 2016

Talia Sanders is a proud Indianapolis native who currently works as an internal auditor at Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America. There she supports financial security for educators, healthcare professionals, and other essential workers through compliance testing. In addition to her corporate role, Talia is the founder of Disrupt the Cycle Co. She creates affordable, interactive resources designed to support parents and educators in enriching children’s learning experiences at home and in the classroom. Talia’s journey was shaped by her faith and her formative years at North Central High School, where she was actively involved in the Key Club.

Wesley Stowers

Human Resources | Class of 2015

Wesley Stowers is an HR Strategic Business Partner at Eli Lilly and Company, based in Indianapolis. A 2015 high school graduate, he earned his undergraduate degree from Marian University in 2019. Upon graduation, he began his career in basketball coaching, with experience at North Central High School and Marian University. Wes spent several years balancing his professional work at Lilly with coaching. In the summer of 2024, Wes stepped away from basketball to pursue his MBA at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, where he will graduate in May.

Elise STueve

Landscape Architect | Class of 2018

Elise (Granlund) Stueve, PLA, ASLA is a landscape architect who designs educational and community spaces that foster learning, well‑being, and meaningful connection. A graduate of Ball State University, she brings experience across healthcare, higher education, campus master planning, and K–12 projects. Elise currently works at Fanning Howey, an architecture firm dedicated to learning environments. Her focus is on creating inclusive, supportive spaces that thoughtfully serve diverse student communities.