Education

By Jenna Kastan— MUNCIE, IN— The BlackRock Foundation has announced a $500,000 two-year grant to Cradle to Career Muncie, a community-driven initiative aimed at improving educational outcomes and economic mobility in Muncie, Indiana. The funding will support the implementation of the new Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School (MCHS). The Freshman and Career Academies at Muncie Central High School are designed to put students on track to meet Indiana’s new diploma requirements, with the goal of completing 10 of the 42 required credits and selecting a “readiness seal” – enrollment, employment, or enlistment  and service – by the…

By Scott Smalstig— YORKTOWN, IN – Thanks to reaching a significant fundraising goal, Yorktown Community Schools officially began construction on a series of major enhancements to the football stadium on June 2. The Yorktown Community Schools Foundation has successfully raised $750,000 in private contributions through its Onward Tigers Campaign, enabling this long-anticipated project to move forward. The planned upgrades include installing high-quality synthetic turf, a modern press box, improved bleachers, and a new scoreboard—transforming the stadium into a state-of-the-art facility for both students and the community. “This milestone is the result of our community coming together in support of our…

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN — The Ball State University campus and the greater Muncie community have through the end of July to visit a special exhibit honoring the literary work of J.R.R. Tolkien, on display in Archives and Special Collections on the second floor of Bracken Library. Presented by University Libraries, the exhibit features selections from the Deborah and Fritz Dolak J.R.R. Tolkien Collection, which was generously donated to Ball State in 2013. The display honors the creativity, linguistic genius, and enduring influence of Tolkien—renowned author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. In addition…

By Lesley Devoss—  MUNCIE, IN – Students from Ivy Tech Community College’s Human Services Group Process and Skills (HUMS 206) course recently completed a series of group sessions with justice-involved individuals at Delaware County Community Corrections (DCCC), focusing on the central theme of motivation and personal growth. The collaborative project provided an opportunity for students to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting while helping participants explore what it means to stay motivated in challenging circumstances. Over 8 weeks, students facilitated and supported motivational group sessions designed to help individuals identify personal goals and develop strategies for change. Topics included the…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Humbled and excited. That’s how Jeremiah “JD” Craft describes his reaction to being named the new principal at Southside Middle School. The longtime Muncie Community Schools (MCS) employee has been an assistant principal at Southside since 2021, and now takes the principal reins from Mike Raters who retired at the end of the school year. Craft is eager to help students realize their full potential. “Our folks are tough,” he said. “I think tough people can do anything they put their mind to, so getting our kids to take that toughness and translate it into a…

Support staff, Rising Stars, school partners also honored By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has named the Teachers of the Year at each of its schools for the 2024-25 school year. All award recipients were presented with commemorative plaques by their building principals and now become eligible for the overall district Teacher of the Year awards, which will be presented at the start of the 2025-26 school year. This year’s recipients are: Devon Barbosa – North View Elementary Jake Hendershot – West View Elementary Jamie Brimbury – Longfellow Elementary Lisa Bilby – Grissom Elementary Michelle Bergren – East…

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN—Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Madelyn Cooper, a senior at Delta High School, is a recipient of the Arthur D. and Josephine M. Robling Scholarship. Madelyn plans to study communications at Ball State University. She is the daughter of Carrie Cooper and Colin Cooper. Bryce Hahn, a senior at Cowan Jr./Sr. High School, is a recipient of the Charles L. Whitehair Memorial Scholarship, Max V. and Nellie Cathrine Creviston Scholarship, and Owen H. Ramey Memorial Scholarship. Bryce plans to study business and data information at Purdue University. He is the son of Jason Hahn and…

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— SELMA, IN—For the past few years, Peyton Felty has spent time learning and perfecting pool trick shots. The Wapahani High School senior enjoys playing pool and having an opportunity to use it for ministry through Gospel Trick Shots. In fact, he recently took part in a video for his church showing a trick shot and has since had numerous classmates talk with him about it….