Education

By Ball State Marketing & Communications— MUNCIE, IN— Leo Furlong, a fifth grader at Burris Laboratory School in Muncie, is the champion of the 2024 Ball State PBS Regional Spelling Bee. Mr. Furlong’s winning word was “jalapeño.” The spicy competition, involving nearly 40 spellers from several local school systems, lasted 12 rounds. The first runner-up was Kim Servan, a fifth grader from Royerton (Ind.) Elementary School. Second runner-up was a tie between Ainsley Falloon, a sixth grader at Northside Middle School in Muncie, and TaMerra Edwards, an eighth grader from Lee L. Driver Middle School in Winchester, Ind. Spellers competed…

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Women’s Week 2024—Ball State University’s annual celebration of women’s achievements and contributions to society—will be March 25-29. The celebration, organized by Ball State’s Department of Women’s, Gender, and African American Studies (WGAS), will be marked with numerous free events at the University. One of the many planned events will feature a keynote address by Loretta Ross—renowned feminist, activist, and scholar—at 7:30 p.m. March 26 at Pruis Hall. Ms. Ross has spent her life advocating for reproductive justice, human rights, and social justice. She is a co-founder of the SisterSong Women of…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—Muncie Community Schools (MCS) Director of Public Education and CEO Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski is retiring from K-12 education at the end of the school year. MCS Associate Superintendent Dr. Charles (Chuck) Reynolds, a Muncie Southside graduate and longtime district administrator, will succeed her when she officially leaves June 30. “This decision was incredibly difficult for me,” Dr. Kwiatkowski said. “I have grown to love the people of Muncie and I’m very proud of all we’ve accomplished at Muncie Community Schools in the last five years, but my family is ready for me to be located…

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— MUNCIE, IN—Though Clarissa Jones entered Muncie Central High School on the coattails of her older siblings, she marched her way into the school and created her own legacy. In fact, principal Chris Walker was quick to sing her praises about what a great student she’s been who gives him daily updates. “She looks out for us just as much as we look out for her,” he…

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, IN – Trey Mathews, a Muncie, Ind., native and sophomore Honors College student at Ball State University, has been awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to support his study abroad endeavors. This federally-funded, nationally competitive program provides up to $5,000 to U.S. undergraduate students pursuing academic studies abroad to better prepare them to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world. Additional support is available to selected students who will study Critical Need Languages or conduct STEM research while abroad. Mr. Mathews will study at Adolfo Ibáñez University in Chile during…

By Sheryl Swingley— MUNCIE, IN—The application for the American Association of University Women, Muncie Branch, nontraditional student scholarship is now available. Applications are due Monday, April 1. The scholarship is worth $1,500 and is available for the 2024-2025 academic year, effective Aug. 1, 2024, through July 31, 2025. The scholarship must be used for tuition, health fee, books and other classroom-related expenses for the year, including summer session. To apply, applicants must meet the following selection criteria: Students who are 25 years old or older Students who are an undergraduate or graduate student at Ball State University or Ivy Tech Community College          –An…

By Melissa Santos— MUNCIE, IN – St. Michael Catholic School, located at 2301 W. Gilbert Street in Muncie, extends an invitation to the community for its Open House event on February 25th from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Guests are welcome to explore the preschool through 8th-grade classrooms and participate in the festivities hosted in the gym. The lively atmosphere allows parents and children to experience the vibrant community spirit at St. Michael School. Dedicated faculty and staff will be present to share insights into what makes Catholic education at St. Michael School truly distinctive. From dedication to academic achievement…

By Michelle Kinsey— MUNCIE, IN—Ball State University’s Office of Community Engagement is now accepting proposals for the 2024 Community Engagement for the Arts (CEFTA) Grant. This competitive grant program provides up to $35,000 annually to an East Central Indiana community arts-focused organization or program. Application deadline is 5 p.m. ET March 29. To apply for the grant or for more information, go to https://www.bsu.edu/about/administrativeoffices/community-engagement/arts-grant-application. The Community Engagement for the Arts Grant affirms Ball State’s commitment to community engagement with the greater arts community of East Central Indiana, by promoting broad participation and equitable access to our various community arts organizations. This grant…