Education

By Andy Klotz— Masks still required on bus due to federal mandate. MUNCIE, Ind. – Students, staff and visitors of Muncie Community Schools (MCS) are no longer required to wear a mask inside MCS buildings, effective immediately. The change comes just days after the Indiana Department of Health changed its guidance to schools on the issue. The MCS Board of Trustees approved the change as recommended by MCS Director of Public Education and CEO Lee Ann Kwiatkowski at Tuesday evening’s…

By Stacey A. Shannon— MUNCIE, Ind.—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. Cowan Junior/Senior High School 12th grader Lauren Smith said character is one of the most important attributes of who she is. She strives to be respectful, honest and kind to all of those around her, including her teachers and school administrators. “The relationships I’ve…

By BSU Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, Ind. – The Ball State University Foundation has revealed the recipients of the University’s inaugural “Top 100 Student Awards.” This award recognizes 100 outstanding junior and senior undergraduates who represent the spirit of Beneficence, Ball State’s institutional statue and icon that symbolizes the generosity of the five Ball brothers whose land donation to the State of Indiana allowed the University to flourish. The complete list of Ball State’s 2022 Top 100 Students can be found…

By The BSU Foundation— MUNCIE, Ind. – Dave and Deb Heeter, both of whom are graduates of Ball State University, have made a generous commitment of $1 million to support their alma mater. Mr. Heeter is Executive Vice President for Northwest Bank. He also served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of MutualFirst Financial, Inc. and Chief Executive Officer of MutualBank from 2003 until 2020 “We owe a debt of gratitude to Ball State,” Mr. Heeter said. “Our educations…

By Lesley DeVoss—  MUNCIE, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) has partnered with Ivy Tech Community College for the Crossing the Finish Line initiative. The initiative was started in 2021 and served nearly 1,900 K-12 students across the state of Indiana during its initial year. In the Muncie-Henry County Campus’s service area, there are over 600 students eligible to take part in the Cross the Finish Line initiative. Through this initiative, tuition, books, fees, and a select few…

By Ball State Marketing and Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – Ball State University and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) have announced a partnership that will provide unique and meaningful opportunities for students engaged in Ball State’s esports program. Among the key aspects of the partnership is the establishment of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Scholarship, which will provide a $5,000 scholarship to two members of Ball State’s varsity esports team each year from the 2022-23 through 2025-26 academic years, advancing the…

By Emily Helms— MUNCIE, Ind. —Local employees now have a new opportunity to help them land a promotion. Purdue Polytechnic Anderson is now offering the Accelerated Leadership Program in Muncie. The program allows students to earn an accredited, industry-recognized Leadership Certificate in just one year by attending classes one night a week. Created in response to a need for local workforce training, the Accelerated Leadership Program is well suited for entry-to-mid-career members of the workforce in any industry who aspire…

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…