Panthers Return Home | Tyler Thiems
For Panther alumni who once roamed the hallways as students, the decision to return to Washington Township Schools as staff members is a full-circle moment in their personal and professional journeys.
Check out these Panthers who have returned home to Washington Township to make an impact in the very community that shaped their own academic and personal development.
Tyler Thiems
assistant Principal of Willow Lake Elementary School | North Central Class of 2005
How has Washington Township played a role in your life?
The relationships and friendships I built as a student in Washington Township have lasted a lifetime. The lessons I learned from my teachers in the classroom, and my coaches on the athletic field prepared me to be successful in college and beyond.
Looking back, I realize how well prepared I was for both the academic and social demands of college compared to many of my peers because of my experiences at Greenbriar, Westlane, and North Central. Those schools helped shape who I am.
I’m grateful to now have the opportunity to invest in the next generation of Washington Township students, the same way so many people invested in me..
What is different in WTS today? And what has stayed the same?
A lot has stayed the same in Washington Township. We still have a supportive, diverse community, offer incredible opportunities for students and families, and hold ourselves to a high standard of excellence.
North Central continues to be one of the premier high schools in Indiana. NCHS ranks second all-time in IHSAA team state championships—a reflection of the district’s commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom.
Add in our nationally recognized performing arts programs, the JEL Career Center, and the countless academic opportunities available to students, and it’s easy to see why Washington Township continues to stand out.
WTS’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 did you return to work in Washington Township?
As a student, I never attended Learning Under the Sun (LUS), but a lot of my friends did. I remember seeing kids wearing their LUS t-shirts and hearing them talk about how much fun they had.
Now, I have the privilege of serving as the Director of Learning Under the Sun and helping continue a 40-plus-year tradition of providing students with hands-on outdoor science experiences.
In that role, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of the Washington Township Schools Foundation. The Foundation provides thousands of dollars in scholarships each year so students can attend LUS who otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity.
Watching those students experience camp, build confidence, and make lifelong memories is incredibly rewarding.
It’s one of the reasons I wanted to come back to Washington Township. This district has always been intentional about investing its resources in students—whether that’s providing extra support, enrichment opportunities, or unique experiences like Learning Under the Sun.
As a student, I benefited from that commitment, and now I get to be part of providing those same opportunities for the next generation. That’s something I’m really proud of.
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