Education

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—Donations of new and gently used books, puzzles, DVDs and CDs (music and books) will be accepted for the American Association of University Women – Muncie Branch Used Book Sale starting at 8 a.m. Monday, May 18, at the Ball State University Alumni Center, 2800 W. Bethel Ave. “The community has been very supportive of our sale for more than 45 years,” said Sheryl Swingley, president of AAUW– Muncie Branch. “We look forward to seeing what residents donate this year for purchase by the public.” Carts will be available to unload books at the front door…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Salem Wilt wants to be a criminal psychologist. The Muncie Central junior is interested in psychology and in law, so she believes criminal psychology could be the best of both worlds. Becoming a criminal psychologist will take a lot of effort and specialized training, but Wilt is already ahead of many of her peers. She just completed Next Gen Academy, Muncie Central’s eight-week program about careers in public safety, social services and leadership. “It’s really different,” Wilt said. “I’ve never been in a class like this, so it’s a new thing for me. We talk about…

She becomes third MCS teacher in last four years to win the award By Andy Klotz—  MUNCIE, IN– Muncie Central Social Studies teacher Kate Hughes has been honored with the Ball Brothers Foundation’s Excellence in Teaching Award, given annually to one Delaware County classroom teacher who motivates students through critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity and collaboration. The award recipient is also recognized for displaying integrity, responsibility to their community and a willingness to go the extra mile for students while inspiring students and colleagues alike. “Kate’s ability to engage her students in unique experiential learning convinced us that she is a…

By Andy Klotz, APR— MUNCIE, IN— Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation. The award recognizes individual schools and school districts all over the country for exemplary dedication to music education and ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education. The BCME program has existed for 27 years, and MCS is one of just 16 districts in Indiana to receive this special recognition. MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Chuck Reynolds, a lifelong musician and former Muncie Southside…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN—The Ball State University Board of Trustees has unanimously approved a resolution authorizing Board Chair, Brian Gallagher, to offer an amended employment agreement to President Geoffrey S. Mearns, extending his role as the University’s 17th President through June 30, 2029. In recommending the action, Board Vice Chair, Julie Griffith, reflected on the many and sustained accomplishments of President Mearns through his time as President, including his work with the University’s Strategic Plan, the effective management of the University’s enrollment and operating budget, the revitalization of the Village, the continuing success of the partnership with the Muncie…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN— – The Northside Titans are state champs—again! The Muncie middle school defeated Batchelor Middle School of Bloomington 3-1 in their best-of-five state championship match of Marvel Rivals, one of 15 different games Indiana esports teams can compete in. This is the Titans’ second state title following its 2023 championship when they competed in Rocket League. “What a way for these students to finish off the season,” Northside Esports Coach Jacob Mooney said. “Batchelor is a very good team, so our kids had to really work together to come out on top. It’s really rewarding to…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana — Ball State University’s Interprofessional Community Clinics (ICCs), in partnership with the Heart of Indiana United Way and with support from the George and Frances Ball Foundation and Early Years Indiana, have unveiled a newly transformed waiting area designed to enhance early learning, family engagement, and patient experience. The redesigned space creates a literacy-rich, interactive environment that encourages children and caregivers to engage in meaningful play and conversation—extending learning beyond clinical appointments. Inspired by United Way’s Talking is Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing and Read & Achieve initiatives, the space emphasizes the critical role of early language development…

Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. By Stacey A. Shannon— DALEVILLE, IN—Throughout his time at Daleville Junior/Senior High School, Logan Parker has pushed himself to grow and develop leadership skills. The high school senior has succeeded with his involvement in sports, student media and a variety of advisory councils. Parker played basketball all four years of high school. He was on track team for three of his four years, only missing a year due to…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— A new policy brief from Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) examines why moving from part-time to full-time work may yield little net improvement for some households already living in poverty—even though full-time employment is associated with significantly stronger economic wellbeing for most working households. The brief—”Work Disincentives: Policy Responses to Low Returns of Full-Time Work for Poor Households”—is based on research published in the Journal of Poverty (2023) by Dr. Emily Wornell, associate director of research for CBER, and her coauthors Monica Fisher, Jeffrey J. Reimer, Paul A. Lewin, and Bruce…