(In the header photo of the GCHS Madrigal Choir, Evan is bottom row third from the right at this year’s madrigal dinner.)
Evan Teskey wants to be remembered as the kid who did it all.
Not because trying sports, clubs and performing arts earned him plenty of accolades, but because of the people he met along the way.
The Greenfield-Central High School graduating senior embraced his school experience wholeheartedly, teachers and administrators say. Evan is a strong example of the character and caliber of GC graduates.
Greenfield-Central emphasizes character traits of citizenship, critical thinking, lifelong learning, teamwork and character throughout the entire 13-year duration of education in K-12 schools. Evan Teskey exemplifies those traits.
He says his teachers have been inspirational, and his experience has been fulfilling as he’s participated in drama, choir, cheerleading, athletic leadership and student council.
“I really hope I’m known as the guy who did everything– because I think being involved is so good,” Evan said. “I have met so many different walks of life, so many different kinds of people. I’ve been getting to interact with everybody in different atmospheres, and getting to know different teachers on personal levels.”
Commencement honored a truly special Class of 2026. Long-time educators like Principal Dan Walbaum say it every year, “This group is special…” but this year he insists – “This group really is special.”
“They have excelled in every area of student life and they have set a strong example of excellence and kindness for future GCHS classes,” Walbaum said.
Evan Teskey is one who embraced his entire school experience.
“I remember asking myself, ‘Who is this kid?’ a lot during my first few weeks on the job because he was at every event I attended,” Walbaum said. “Evan is everything you could ever want in a high school graduate. He truly made the most of his experience, and he has made this a better place throughout his excellent academics, highly-visible involvement, and his selfless leadership.”
Evan has been involved with theatre since his freshman year, both on stage and behind the scenes. Most recently, he was a student director of “The Little Mermaid.”
He’s in madrigal and show choir; has been involved as a cheerleader and mascot; swam from seventh through 10th grade; and has been in the athletic leadership and student leadership councils.
“What makes GCHS special to me is the close-knit community and connection we as students are able to have with both one another and our faculty,” he said. “We have such an inclusive and wide variety at this school from performing arts prodigies to athletic and academic prodigies. Our school is built to support the students and actively and consistently adapt to do what is best for the students and make sure they are getting set up for the next steps of their lives successfully.”
Evan is the son of Patrick Teskey, Emily Teskey and Eric McIntyre; and has an older sister, Paige. He attended GC schools his entire school career, starting at J.B. Stephens Elementary.
This year, Evan was the Class of 2026 president. He has excelled in all areas of academics but truly found business to be his passion. He will study entrepreneurship at Ball State University, and even earned a scholarship to be an ambassador for the BSU business program.
He likes the idea of combining his passion for business and the performing arts, and hopes to eventually open an establishment with food and live jazz.
“I really like the idea of getting to run it my way, and being able to manage a good business, and being able to be a good business and help others,” he said, adding that his internship with Joyner Homes in Greenfield was influential. “I would love to own my own business and be involved in the community like they are.”
Over the years, Teskey has earned several awards from business, social studies and performing arts departments. He’s earned principals awards for service and leadership; a mental attitude award for swimming; and even the Don Jackson Cougar Way award for compassion.
Business teacher Will Bolden says he deserves the accolades.
“Evan leads with kindness and integrity, earning the Don Jackson Cougar Way Award for compassion, one of the highest character recognitions given at our school,” Bolden said. “He supports peers, encourages younger students, and consistently demonstrates maturity and empathy in all settings.”
Being involved in extracurricular activities is a strong predictor of a student’s academic success, GC administrators say. GCHS provides many opportunities for students to discover their interests in both the classroom and after school.
“Evan’s not afraid to try new things, and he has a willingness about him that attracts others. I’m confident that Evan will take this same approach during his tenure at the Miller College of Business at Ball State,” Bolden said. “Evan’s strong leadership skills and outstanding character will continue to serve him well in school and beyond.”
Superintendent Dr. Harold Olin says GC encourages students to be part of a team, and it’s important to be a part of something bigger than oneself. Teams help students learn life lessons that transcend the sport, club or performing arts.
“Evan is a great ambassador for Greenfield-Central– he’s kind, hard-working, collaborative and respectful,” Olin said. “The class of 2026 has been a fun class to watch and cheer for. They have represented our community well on all fronts.”
Teacher Brent Oliver says as a student, Evan is hard-working. As class president, he has been at the front of getting everything done, and even before a topic is discussed Evan has a document in hand with ideas.
“I have met very few students in my teaching career who have been involved in such varied things as Evan,” Oliver added. “And what is really impressive to see is how he moves within so many different groups with such ease.”
Evan says while there are cliques or friend groups in high school, he has strived to get to know all walks of life. He says at GCHS there is a culture of respect for each other.
“I’m going to miss the closeness with everybody. I have had such a good experience with the principals and teachers and the mentorship I’ve gotten through them has made me a better person,” Evan said. “There might be cliques in the school, but everybody can still come together. There’s definitely a sense of community inside the school.”
By Maribeth Vaughn
Evan was the ‘Charlie Cougar’ mascot for the GCHS cheerleaders while also being there manager over the years. He is pictured here at a 2023 pep rally when they won the Operation Football Spirit Award!