Education

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….

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 Shannon— YORKTOWN, IN—Yorktown High School senior Aurilia Moulton has learned the art of balance throughout high school in being involved with numerous activities. She ran cross-country all four years and also participated in a wide array of dramatic endeavors, including her school’s drama club and at the Muncie Civic Theater. Along with acting roles, Moulton also has choreographed for numerous productions at school and for the youth…

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University’s College of Communication, Information, and Media (CCIM) continues to distinguish itself as a national leader in student media, earning the No. 1 ranking for Top Winning Sports Program in the 2025 Broadcast Education Association (BEA) Festival of Media Arts School Rankings. This recognition highlights the continued success of Ball State Sports Link, which captured multiple honors in this year’s Festival, including top placements for video features, live production, and on-air talent. In total, Ball State students won nine individual awards in sports categories—contributing to the University’s rise from last…