Education

By Juli Metzger— MUNCIE, Ind.—Four student athletes were recognized last weekend for outstanding sportsmanship and community mindedness at the inaugural City of Champions Tournament at the Muncie Fieldhouse. Each of the four schools participating in the event nominated student athletes for the prestigious Ron Bonham and Bud Brown awards. Central High School’s Shoka Griffin II, who already holds the school’s all-time football rushing record, was recognized with the Ron Bonham Community Impact award, which recognizes outstanding work on the team but also outreach in the community. Bonham, who played from 1958 through 1960, is, arguably, considered Central’s greatest player. Bonham went…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, Ind. – When Muncie Community Schools (MCS) submitted its Innovation Plan to the State of Indiana in June, 2020, it listed high quality early learning opportunities for all children in Muncie as one of its five “pillars of focus.” Due to partnerships with By5 of Muncie/Delaware County, the YMCA, the Muncie Boys and Girls Club and Huffer Memorial Children’s Center, MCS now has high-quality, low-cost pre-K classrooms at all six of its elementary schools. Indiana defines a high-quality pre-K program as one that is rated by the state as Level 3 or 4 on its Path…

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, Ind.—Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series on MuncieJournal.com profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. Wes-Del High School senior Averie Jamison maintains a busy schedule. She stays focused on what’s important and prioritizes to keep up with schoolwork, extracurricular activities and competitive dancing. But she wouldn’t have it any other way. Jamison said her parents have given her so many opportunities that she knows not everyone gets. They’ve also raised her with the mindset of giving to…

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, Ind. – Behind his black mask, Grissom Elementary School fifth grader Khylan Kennedy beemed with pride after receiving his Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Citizenship Award from Interim Principal Randy McCracken. He had no idea he was even up for an award. “The students are nominated by teachers and other school leaders, so it’s always wonderful to see their reactions to this recognition they were never anticipating,” Muncie Community Schools Diversity Director Rhonda Ward said. Altogether, 134 students were selected as award winners by the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Team from all MCS…

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, Ind.—Editor’s note: The Future Leaders of America series on MuncieJournal.com profiles high school seniors who display leadership qualities in their school and the community. The series is brought to you by Pridemark Construction. Not many high school students can say they’ve participated in multiple triathlons, but Yorktown High School senior Grace Huisman is one of them. Those triathlons are in addition to her regular high school sports as well, including cross country, swimming and track. “I love participating in triathlons,” Huisman said. “That’s something I’ve just picked up over the last couple of years.” Parents…