Education

By Ball State Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Ball State PBS will welcome families back to downtown Muncie on Saturday, June 6, for Be My Neighbor Day, an afternoon of music, hands-on activities, and community connections inspired by Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and the neighborly spirit of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The event, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for 1–4 p.m. at Canan Commons, and will bring together more than 20 local organizations and activity booths focused on kindness, helping others, and being a good neighbor. Highlights for families across East Central Indiana include: Meet Daniel Tiger from PBS KIDS Live music…

Support staff, others 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 2025-26 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 2026-27 school year. This year’s recipients are: Nancy Zachary – North View Elementary Heather Crain – West View Elementary Andrea Streaty – Longfellow Elementary Jodi Gray – Grissom Elementary Tiara Taylor – East Washington Academy Tierra…

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— MUNCIE, IN—Throughout her high school years at Burris Laboratory School, senior Dorothy Eads has worn numerous hats along with a smile and a can-do attitude. She’s tried everything from scuba diving to circus to gymnastics outside of school. The former homeschooler who started at Burris in seventh grade has strong school spirit and appreciates her time at Burris. Eads has been a member of concert…

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, IN—A community-wide effort to improve student success in Muncie is gaining national attention after being highlighted in the 2025 StriveTogether Annual Report for its measurable gains in early literacy and high school graduation rates. The report spotlights Cradle to Career Muncie, a cross-sector partnership that has aligned schools, nonprofits, higher education institutions, faith organizations and local leaders around a shared goal: improving educational outcomes and expanding economic opportunity for children and families across Delaware County. The initiative is being led by the George and Frances Ball Foundation, serving as the backbone organization for the community-wide effort….

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…