Fundraising to Endow The “Panther Pen” Entrepreneurship Program
As the Class of 1976 celebrates our 50-year milestone, we aren’t just looking back… we’re setting out to make history. We are uniting to deliver the largest 50th Reunion gift in North Central history, setting a record for future classes to chase by fully endowing the Panther Pen—an inspiring concept originally created by our very own classmates.
First launched in 2016 with seed money from seven classmates, this Shark Tank-style competition supported the incubation of North Central business student ideas until the pandemic paused it. This past school year, North Central launched a new Polytechnic Department with dedicated entrepreneurship classes that renewed student pitch competitions.
The talent is there, and the timing is perfect. To celebrate our 50th Reunion, our goal is to raise $250,000 to combine with our remaining fund balance and fully endow the Panther Pen as a permanent Class of 1976 legacy. Endowing this fund means our collective gifts will be invested permanently, using only the annual earnings to sustain the Panther Pen year after year, forever.
Help Us Reach $250,000- Your Impact Doubled!
Every contribution brings us closer to securing this permanent legacy for future Panthers. To help us reach our $250,000 goal, our Class Leadership Circle has committed to matching gifts of any size, dollar-for-dollar. Whether you give $50 or $500, your support will be instantly matched to double your impact!
Your gift will support:
- Annual Prizes: Providing vital seed capital for the top student business pitches.
- Enriched Learning: Empowering the Business Department to inspire young innovators so they stand out among their peers after graduation.
- Alumni Mentorship: Creating direct opportunities for our class’s many successful entrepreneurs to serve as judges and mentors.
Please join us in investing in the next generation of Panther innovators. Gifts can also be made in honor or memory of someone, such as an unforgettable teacher or a treasured classmate.
Tax-deductible donations can be made using the form below or by mailing a check or Donor Advised Fund (EIN 31-1146508) distribution payable to the Washington Township Schools Foundation (with 1976 denoted) to WTS Foundation, 8550 Woodfield Crossing Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46240.

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE
- John Abrams
- John Ackerman
- Bill Bastian
- Bob Boeglin
- Jay Brammer
- Kenny Edmonds
- Jeff Fisher
- Mike Herman
- Hilton Hudson
- Rick Hurst
- Cathy Langham
- Jon Mandlebaum
- Stacy Maurer
- Tony Najem
- Gregg Newmark
- David Ostemeyer
- Bart Peterson
- George Sanders
- Daryl Simmons
- Joel Singer
- Rick Slocum
- Ken Wright
- Anonymous Female Classmate