18-04-2025
Westview announces 2025 valedictorian, co-salutatorians
TOPEKA — Westview Jr.-Sr. High School has announced Ian Bontrager as the Class of 2025 Valedictorian, with Gavin Engle and Silas Haarer as Co-Salutatorians.
'We are incredibly proud of Ian Bontrager, Gavin Engle and Silas Haarer for their remarkable achievements,' said Tim Wilson, principal of Westview Jr.-Sr. High School. 'They exemplify the values of hard work, perseverance, and community spirit that define our school. We are confident they will continue to excel and make meaningful contributions in the future.'
Bontrager earned the highest cumulative grade point average with the highest number of dual credits — 49 — in the graduating class. Bontrager is the son of Allen and Kellie Bontrager of Shipshewana. He was on student council, National Honor Society, PLUS mentoring program and played soccer and ran track.
Bontrager plans to major in Biomedical Engineering, but is undecided where he will attend at this time.
Engle has earned the distinction of co-salutatorian by achieving a high cumulative GPA and the second-highest dual credits — 43 — in the Class of 2025. Engle is the son of Nic and Ashlie Engle of Shipshewana. He has been actively involved in student council, National Honor Society, Dynamic Singsations, PLUS mentoring program, musicals and played baseball and tennis.
Engle plans to attend Huntington University, where he will pursue a double major in History Education and Sports Management with a minor in Graphic Design. While at Huntington, he plans to play baseball. After college he plans to return to Westview to teach history and coach baseball. He would like to be an athletic director or own a training facility for Christian athletes, with emphasis on helping athletes grow closer to Christ and being the best they can be in their sport.
Haarer shares the distinction of co-salutatorian with a high cumulative GPA, and the second-highest dual credits — 43 — in the Class of 2025. Haarer is the son of Daryl and Crystal Haarer of Middlebury. He has been part of National Honor Society, PLUS mentoring program and the golf team. He is also an active member in his church youth group.
Haarer plans to attend Liberty University, where he will major in Business/Finance.
The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025 will take place at 7p.m. May 30 in the Westview High School gym.
