Meet our Staff

Welcome to our Family

We welcome you to Sarah Scott Middle School, home of the Scotties!  Each day we build on a rich and wonderful history which dates back to 1919.  Ours is a history filled with success, excitement, rich instruction and a strong sense of family. We are the home of the “Scotties”.   We hope you will take some time to explore the resources and links on our website.

Principal

Joseph Thoma

I am proud to serve as the Interim Principal of Sarah Scott Middle School.  As I start my 30th year in education, I have dedicated my career to helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
I started as a classroom teacher and have had many different roles, including Behavior Interventionist, Behavior Interventionist Coach, and Assistant Principal in our school corporation.  In each position, I have focused on building positive school cultures, supporting teachers, and ensuring that all students feel safe, respected, and ready to learn.  I believe strong relationships between students, families, and staff are the foundation of a great school.
I am excited to continue building on the strong traditions of Sarah Scott Middle School and am committed to making it a place where every student can grow, achieve, and feel a true sense of belonging.

CONTACT: 
(812) 462-4381

Assistant Principal

Whitney Tharp

It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the newly appointed assistant principal at Sarah Scott Middle School! I am incredibly honored to have been chosen to work alongside Mr. Thoma to lead at SSMS. During my 13 years in education, I have been an administrator, data coach, an RTI coordinator, and taught grades 5-7! I also coached middle school volleyball for many years. As a lifelong learner, my hope is that my efforts will inspire every student at SSMS to reach for the stars.
I look forward to meeting you throughout the school year! If you have any questions or need some assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Let’s have a great school year!

CONTACT: 
(812) 462-4381

Staff & Faculty

  • All
  • 6th Grade
  • 7th Grade
  • 8th Grade
  • Administration Team
  • Related Arts
  • Special Education
  • Support Staff
  • Teaching Assistant
Literature
Teaching Assistant
Counselor
Functional
Teaching Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Social Studies; Academic Bowl; 8th Gr Basketball; 6th Gr Track
Behavioral Interventionist
Student Services
Registrar
Teaching Assistant
Literature; Geography Bowl; Swimming
Science
Language Arts; Cross Country; 6th Gr Track
School Psychologist
Math; Cross Country
Teaching Assistant
Science; Academic Bowl
Media Specialist; A/V; Technology Resource
Social Studies; Wrestling
Treasurer
Behavioral Interventionist
Teaching Assistant
Health Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Social Studies
Math; Academic Bowl; 7th/8th Track

Teacher Honors

VCSC Teacher of the Year

2009 – Jeff Burress

WTHI Golden Apple Award Recipients

2007 – Steve Lingenfelter
2008 – Teresa Huxford
2009 – Tammy Beck
2021 – Andrea Lugar

Vigo County Education Foundation Excellence in Education Recipients
1987 - Judy Elsey
1988 - David Utterback
1989 - Diane Jensen
1990 - Mary Ley
1991 - Rebecca McElroy
1992 - Lana Shuck
1993 - Amy Schorr
1994 - Wade Winston
1995 - Steve Lingenfelter
1996 - Tony Smodilla
1997 - Teresa Huxford
1998 - Gayle Light
1999 - Peggy Diehl
2000 - Ann Butwin
2001 - Tamara Beck
2002 - Mark Miller
2003 - Mary Ley
2004 - Debbie Kaykendall
2005 - Linda Jones
2006 - Don Gosnell
2007 - Tina Horrall
2008 - Dianna Wright
2009 - Ronda O'Dell
2010 - Laurie Setliff
2011 - Wade Winston
2012 - Brenda Chubb
2013 - Jeff Burress
2014 - Theresa Adler
2015 - Tamara Beck
2016 - Melissa Jordan
2017 - Rachel Cox
2018 - Charlie Shacklee
2019 - Karen Clark
2020 - Claire Thorsen
2021 - Ronda O'Dell
2022 - Olivia Goulding
2023 - Vicki Rich
2024 - Melissa Walker
2025 - Kara Mahalek
2026 -