Education

By Kallie Sulanke— MUNCIE, IN— The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc. is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Delaware County – Elizabeth Bamidele of Delta High School and Clayton Dick of Muncie Central High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character, and leadership. “Finalists for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship in Delaware County must show great leadership potential, be well-rounded in their involvement,…

By Ball State University Communications— MUNCIE, IN — Ball State University conferred approximately 1,200 doctoral, specialist, master’s, baccalaureate, and associate degrees during its Fall 2025 Commencement ceremony on Saturday in Worthen Arena on the Ball State campus. Ms. E. Renae Conley, ’80 MBA ’82, a longtime member of the Ball State University Board of Trustees, delivered the Commencement address, encouraging graduates to step outside their comfort zones and embrace change and challenges. Drawing on her career and commitment to service, she offered…

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—Brycen McNeil is a busy young man with plans for a bright future. The Delta High School senior has been incredibly involved at school throughout his high school career in both athletics and music. McNeil has played nearly every sport offered at his school…

By Lesley DeVoss—  MUNCIE, IN—An Ivy Tech difference maker is an individual who creates positive change and makes a significant impact on the lives of Ivy Tech students, alumni, and the communities they serve. The 2025 Ivy Tech Difference Makers are: Jeannie Hamblin-Fox, Vice Chancellor for Completions and Site Administration Rebekah Ireland, Executive Director of K-18 Initiatives Kristin Keisling, Vice Chancellor for Finance and Strategic Compliance Jennifer Skene, Vice Chancellor for Workforce Partnerships and Economic Impact Amber Young, Vice Chancellor…

National expert Fabian Ramirez uses personal experience to connect with kids By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN—The first day of middle school changed the life of Fabian Ramirez. On that day more than three decades ago, a classmate pushed him down in front of the rest of the class, and he found out what it was like to be bullied. That incident led Ramirez to withdraw and struggle in school. Eventually, a teacher helped him through that dark time, and he…

By Ball State Athletics— MUNCIE, IN—After two consecutive years at a record graduation success rate of 93 percent, Ball State University student-athletes broke their own program record with a 94 percent GSR in the six-year window ending in 2024-25. According to Wednesday’s report released by the NCAA, the 94 percent GSR reflects the sixth straight year that Ball State student-athletes have eclipsed a 90 percent rate and at least matched their program record. The announcement of the record-setting GSR follows…

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— YORKTOWN, IN—When it comes to athletics, Yorktown High School senior Jabin Barnes is involved. He’s captain of both his school’s basketball and football teams. Previously he played baseball and was captain of the JV team. But his life is about more than sports. Barnes is…

By Lesley DeVoss— MUNCIE, IN — Ivy Tech Community College Muncie and Anderson Campuses proudly announce the early learning programs selected to participate in the Ivy Tech Model Classroom Initiative for the 2025–2026 academic year. Through a generous grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the Model Classroom Initiative strengthens Indiana’s early childhood education workforce by connecting Ivy Tech students with high-quality, real-world learning environments. The selected classrooms represent excellence in early learning and a shared commitment to mentoring the next generation…