The credit — not the fault — goes to an Indiana writing star and a principal who tried an unconventional approach to buy books for her students.

Hoosier author John Green, perhaps most widely known for his bestselling young adult book “The Fault in Our Stars,” gave $1,000 to Lincoln Middle/High School to purchase books.

Interim Principal Melissa Zimmerman sent the author a direct message on Instagram, knowing of his previous charitable giving.

With Green’s response and contribution, Zimmerman was able to purchase 15 copies of “Stars,” plus 45 copies of William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” along with book covers to help the books last longer. A few dollars remain for a future need.

In other business

  • Construction has begun at Western Wayne Elementary School. Principal Elizabeth Miller said four rooms are nearly finished. The renovation map was adjusted to ensure noise would be away from students preparing to take ILEARN tests. Miller said workers have been really quiet and students haven’t heard them in nearby classrooms.
  • A few personnel notes drew special attention. As Greg Seidner’s retirement from teaching high school science was approved, Superintendent Kelly Plank and board members thanked him for his 38 years of teaching at LHS. He also coached volleyball for more than 30 years. They said he’s appreciated and will be missed.

Jenni Hamric, who is a WWS substitute teacher, was hired as LMHS treasurer/guidance secretary. Hamric replaces Jan Lunsford, who’s retiring. Miller said she’ll be sad to see Hamric leave the elementary school.

  • Prospective parents considering enrolling their children can take building tours. Zimmerman said two new students enrolled after a recent tour. Plank said kindergarten roundup went well and registration continues for preschool, kindergarten and other grades.
  • WWES’ Drama Club is preparing for its April 23 performance of “The Enchanted Bookshop.” Tickets are available in advance or at the door. Miller said teachers have been “over the moon” about costumes being delivered.
  • The board’s next meeting is 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at Lincoln Middle/High School. The public is invited.

Board approvals

  • Travel: Business Professionals of America’s national convention and second grade classes to Wright Patterson Air Force Museum. BPA is selling tickets for a Rihm’s pulled pork lunch from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 19 and planning a Warm Glow candle fundraiser.
  • Donations: Board members offered thanks for several donations, notably the Kiwanis, who gave $3,000 to buy yearbooks for every senior plus $400 for BPA nationals and $200 for baseball. Additional gifts: Becca Bennett Aesthetics, $750 (baseball); Primex Plastics, $250 (sixth grade trip); DOT Foods Grant, $500, (Golden Harvest Food Pantry); Waskom Capitol Hill, $200 (BPA nationals); Hilltop ($150), Rihm Foods ($100) and Rogers Engineering ($100), archery.

Votes were 4-0; Amber Rushton was absent.

Personnel

Departures: Landon Lawson and Mindy Foster, special education aides

Hires: Jaylyn Stewart, elementary special education aide, and Tressalyn Morell, long-term substitute for maternity leave

East Central Indiana Special Services: Carson Eversole, speech language pathologist (2026-2027 school year).

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A version of this article appeared in the April 15 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.

Millicent Martin Emery is a reporter and editor for the Western Wayne News.