Grow Wabash County, business community celebrate graduating seniors

Wabash County, IN – On Thursday, April 9, Grow Wabash County hosted its annual Honor Student Luncheon, connecting members of the community and the top academic students in Wabash County’s High School Class of 2026.

67 students were seated alongside professionals from the community, encouraging conversation about the professionals’ career journeys to Wabash County and the many opportunities available to students to pursue before, during, and after their postsecondary education.

Neil Bever, Hoosier Chiropractic LLC, continued his tradition as event host, offering remarks and reflections from his own professional journey that ultimately led him back to Wabash County. The program also featured a Q&A panel with four of the five Cripe siblings: Jirni Schuler, Josi Lambert, Jentri Lengerich and Janzin Cripe. Each of these siblings has founded and/or continues to operate successful small businesses in Wabash County.  

During the discussion, the Cripe family emphasized the importance of pursuing work aligned with one’s passions, noting that when individuals are engaged in meaningful work, challenges become opportunities for growth rather than sacrifice. They also highlighted the critical role community support played in their success, enabling them to expand their businesses to additional locations, including Fort Wayne.

Following the panel discussion, Bever concluded the program by offering encouragement to the graduating seniors, reminding them that wherever life takes them after high school and college, Wabash County will always welcome them home.

Grow Wabash County extends its sincere appreciation to the sponsors whose support made this event possible and impactful for both students and the local business community.

Table Sponsors: Beacon Credit Union; City of Wabash; Community Foundation of Wabash County; Crossroads Bank; Ford, Imagine Early; Intertech Products; Manchester University; POET

Academic Sponsor: Besiege, LLC

Student Sponsors: Edward Jones; Halderman Real Estate & Farm Management; HF Group; Metal Source; MSD Wabash County; Parkview Wabash Hospital; Wabash County Museum, and Wabash County United Fund