Area news in the field of education.

Phi Kappa Phi induction Sunday

The Western Kentucky University Chapter of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi initiated 75 people Sunday into membership in a ceremony at Mass Media and Technology Hall Auditorium.

Established in 1897 at the University of Maine, the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi is dedicated to the recognition and promotion of academic excellence in all fields of higher education.

Inductees from the area included (listed by hometown):

Auburn: Christopher J. McGrath

Bowling Green: Caitlyn Elizabeth Abell, Amanda Marie Alsop, Sonya Bain, Emily K. Bloesch, Bradley Steven Bolinger, Gina M. Brown, Daniel Phillip Busey, Scharee F. Cain, Ashley Jane Comstock, Dr. Chinedu O. Ejike, Kay Faesel, Mary Teresa Farrage, Diana Eileen Gieske, Karen Ann Cohron Hughes, Julia E. King, Bryan P. Mason, Rachel Moree McCubbins, Leslie A. Peek, Natalie C. Riley, Sherry Nicole Robinson, Jeremy Dale Smith, Jason Sloan, Megan Carol Talley, Vicki Lynn Thompson, Miroslava Vignjevic, Joseph A. Wegenka and Carl Dale Ralph Wicklander.

From Franklin: Noah Warren Kapley, Abby L. Meador.

From Gamaliel: Katharine M. Ford.

From Glasgow: Lyrae Borders, Julie B. Schuck.

From Morgantown: Courtney Leighanne Truelove.

From Olmstead: Miranda Dawn Sharp.

From Russellville: Lee Ann Thurston.

From Smiths Grove: Amanda Leanne Hoffman.

KCTCS selects two scholars from BGTC

Thirty-two top college students will be honored May 16 as members of the 2007 All-Academic Team at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System’s seventh annual student achievement dinner in Lexington.

Two students from each of the 16 KCTCS colleges were named the finest in their college. The students from Bowling Green Technical College honored as all-academic scholars were Jeffery Baker and Jaclyn Kirby.

The scholars were chosen based on a rigorous selection process that focused on academic performance and a written essay.

Each all-academic scholar receives a $500 scholarship from the KCTCS for the 2007-08 academic year.

The 2007 KCTCS all-academic scholars are part of a national program sponsored by national honor society Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today and the American Association of Community Colleges.

WKU’s talent search team competes

Six Allen County-Scottsville High School students represented Western Kentucky University’s Educational Talent Search program by winning the first High-Q academic competition in Atlanta on April 21.

The competition, sponsored by the Southeastern Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel, included academic teams from Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Team members were Blaire Shue, Craig Lonas, Daniel King, Dorian Halcomb, Hannah Shockley and Katie Yokley. The WKU Educational Talent Search team was undefeated in all four rounds of the competition.

WKU’s Educational Talent Search program serves 1,000 students in nine counties. Its mission is to engage qualified youth in grades seven through 12 in developmentally appropriate activities that will encourage persistence in high school, enrollment in postsecondary education and a lifelong pursuit of learning in order to be productive citizens of a global society.

Health Services names top students

Western Kentucky University’s College of Health and Human Services recognized its top students April 21.

Local students honored during a ceremony at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center included the following (listed by department):

Public Health: Kathy Boka of Bowling Green, WKU Chapter Leadership and Service, Kentucky Public Health Association;

Shaden Melky of Bowling Green, Outstanding Graduate Student Award in Public Health-Environmental Health Science; Hannah Fowler of Franklin, American College of Healthcare Executives Student Association Award for Outstanding Service; Amanda Barker of Bowling Green, American College of Healthcare Executives Foster G. McGraw Scholarship Award;

Allied Health: Toynika Bailey of Bowling Green, Kentucky Dental Hygienist’s Association Award;

Consumer and Family Science: Leslie Eisenhauer of Bowling Green, Phi Upsilon Omicron-Excellence in Service;

Nursing: Sonya House of Morgantown, Outstanding Nurse Educator Award; Wanda Hogan of Franklin, Post RN Achievement Award; Megan Brotherton of Bowling Green, Academic Award in Nursing; Elizabeth Huber of Glasgow, Academic Award in Nursing; Sheila Flewallen of Russellville, Academic Award in Nursing; Karen Northey-Robinson of Bowling Green, Spirit of Nursing Award; Ali Hamidian of Russellville, Academic Award in Nursing;

Physical Education and Recreation: Trinity Edwards of Bowling Green, Outstanding Female Graduate Student in Recreation; Gabriel McMurtrey of Glasgow, Outstanding Female Undergraduate Student in Recreation; Adam Rider of Bowling Green, Outstanding Male Graduate Student in Recreation.

Social Work: Jennifer Smith of Bowling Green, 2007 MSW Legacy Award; Kelly Delaney of Bowling Green, 2007 MSW Legacy Award; Marybeth Hunt of Morgantown, Outstanding BSW Student; Kita Clement of Bowling Green, Social Work GPA Award;

Communication Disorders: Erin Statton of Russellville, Outstanding Undergraduate in Communication Disorders.

Six BGHS students to attend academy

Six Bowling Green High School students were selected to participate in the first class of the Kentucky Math & Science Academy at Western Kentucky University.

Next fall, Ruby Chang, Linda Flynn, Alice Pan, L.J. Parrigin, Emily Peeler and Kristine Song will live in an academy-dedicated residence hall and attend courses at Western.

When they complete all requirements for high school graduation, they will have also completed as many as 60 college credit hours, which are transferable to other colleges and universities.

9 BG students picked as Governor’s Scholars

Nine Bowling Green High School students were selected for the 2007 Governor’s Scholars Program.

Students honored include Danielle Boucher, Anishia Davis, Linda Flynn, Sarah Geegan, Charles Meredith, Alice Pan, Emily Peeler, Victoria Siegrist and Hillary Slaughter.

Edmonson Elementary to host fitness event

South Edmonson Elementary School is organizing an event called Family Fitness and Fun Night from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. May 10.

Students, parents and teachers and staff will perform activities to increase the awareness of the amount of physical activity normally accomplished each day.

There also will be representatives careers requiring a high level of physical fitness, including a Kentucky State Police trooper with a DVD showing the annual fitness test they’re required to perform. Firefighters, military members and others will be present with videos to show the physical demands of their careers.

A bike ride is scheduled for May 12 at Mammoth Cave National Park. Lots of door prizes will be given away at the Thursday night event.

– For more information, call the school at (270) 597-2379.

Behavioral science students recognized

Western Kentucky University’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences recognized its top students April 22.

Local students honored during a ceremony at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center included the following (listed by department):

Counseling and Student Affairs: Grant Goodman of Bowling Green, Outstanding Graduate Student in Marriage and Family Therapy; Shawnboda Johnson of Bowling Green, Outstanding Graduate Student in Student Affairs in Higher Education; Derick Strode of Bowling Green, Outstanding Graduate Student in Student Affairs in Higher Education.

Psychology: Abby L. Meador of Franklin, Junior Academic Achievement Award, 4.0 grade-point average; Emily K. Bloesch of Bowling Green, Outstanding Graduate Student in Experimental Program; Thomas J. Burke of Bowling Green, Outstanding Graduate Student in Industrial/Organizational Program; Amanda E. Kucela of Bowling Green, Jaggers-Cave Scholarship; Mary Jane Gosnell McCloud of Franklin, Jaggers-Cave Scholarship; Lee Ann Thurston of Russellville, Jaggers-Cave Scholarship;

Curriculum and Instruction: Jenni Shafer of Bowling Green, Elementary Education &#8220Spirit of Western” Award; Jenni Chobot-Fansier of Bowling Green, Middle Grades Education &#8220Spirit of Western” Award; Kimberly Mack of Bowling Green, Secondary Education &#8220Spirit of Western” Award; Ceann Meredith of Bowling Green, Elementary Education Outstanding Undergraduate Student; Brandy Meredith of Bowling Green, Elementary Education Outstanding Undergraduate Student; Shae Robinson of Bowling Green, Middle Grades Education Outstanding Undergraduate Student; Mary Suggs of Bowling Green, Elementary Education Outstanding Graduate Student; Jessica Boss of Bowling Green, Secondary Education Outstanding Graduate Student; Amanda Taylor of Glasgow, Distinguished Scholar (Elementary Education, Glasgow campus); Jessica Dilsaver of Bowling Green, Phi Delta Kappa Scholarship; Adam Locke of Bowling Green, John A. Scarborough Scholarship; Ashley Stewart of Bowling Green, Agnes Duskey McCrory Scholarship; Natalie Dyer of Scottsville, Agnes Duskey McCrory Scholarship; Laura Cline of Bowling Green, National Business Education Association Award of Merit.

Special Instructional Programs: Maria K. Sorrell of Bowling Green, Literacy Program Outstanding Undergraduate Student; Sharon L. Wilson of Bowling Green, Literacy Program Outstanding Graduate Student; Amy J. McCray of Bowling Green, Margie Helm Award For Outstanding Achievement In Library Science; Rheanna P. Plemons of Bowling Green, Library Media Education Graduate Student Award; Lodema R. Burgess of Morgantown, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Outstanding Undergraduate Student; Krista Lou Williams of Bowling Green, Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education Service Award; Sarah McMaine of Bowling Green, Kelly Autism Program Leadership Award.

Nominees sought for teacher hall of fame

Western Kentucky University is seeking nominations for the first class of the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame was created through a gift by the former governor, who hoped to recognize the vital role that primary and secondary teachers in Kentucky play in the education of young people and the positive impact education has on the state’s economy.

The first class will be inducted in January during a special ceremony in Frankfort. Selection will be made from people who teach or who have spent a significant portion of their professional career in Kentucky and made noteworthy contributions to the lives of children and youth in a school setting.

Nominees may be living or deceased. Each must have a minimum of 18 years of teaching experience, and at least 10 years in Kentucky schools. They may be nominated by their school districts, fellow educators or former students. All inductees, or a representative if ill or deceased, must be able to attend the induction ceremony.

Selection criteria will be created by a committee of higher education faculty and administrators, elementary and secondary teachers and administrators, and representatives from various state agencies and professional organizations. A minimum of four and maximum of six teachers will be inducted each year.

WKU was selected as the home of the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame because of its 100-year history in teacher education.

More information and nomination materials are available from the Office of the Dean, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd., No. 11030, Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030, or by contacting Cathie Bryant at 745-4662 or Cathie.bryant@wku.edu.

Deadline for nominations is May 30.

Cheerleaders win international event

Warren Central High School’s cheerleading squad won the 2007 AmeriCheer International Championships held in Orlando, Fla., in April.

The WCHS cheerleaders also won the Kentucky Association of Pep Organization Sponsors Region 4 championship. The squad consists of seniors Ashlie Sims, Courtney Hurd and Tara Thompson; juniors Erica Johnson, Hannah Lowdermilk, Alex Butler, Ashton Ray, Amber Bradshaw, Ashley Cummings, Caitlyn Jones, Kisha Jackson, Kim Wooley and Latoya Whitney; sophomores Erin McDaniel, Amanda Dunn, Jenny Haley and Brittany Akins; and freshmen Tabby Tittle, Catlin &#8220Jessie” Kirby, Katelyn Payne, Lauren Whitmer, Emily Elder, Kara Payne, Richard Heng, Page Granger, Sara Johnson and Carmen Wright.

Butler High student gets scholarship

Cassandra Carathers, a senior at Butler County High School and participant in Western Kentucky University’s Upward Bound program, was named recipient of the Kentucky Association of Educational Opportunity Program Personnel scholarship.

Carathers has a 3.96 grade-point average and is involved in numerous extracurricular activities at school.

KAEOPP awards a $350 scholarship to one Upward Bound student in Kentucky every year. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding seniors who best represent the TRiO programs and demonstrate the qualities needed to be an achiever.

Carathers was accepted to WKU, the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville. As an undergraduate she will major in biology and later become an ophthalmologist. She said attending college was a dream of her and her mother and &#8220UB has been instrumental in helping me build the skills necessary to achieve my wildest dreams.”

WEHS concert set for May 8 in auditorium

The Warren East High School Band presents its final concert of the year at 7:30 p.m. May 8 in the auditorium.

This concert is titled, &#8220A Night At the Movies,” featuring visuals with the musical selections from different movies, including silent films, Spiderman and Rent.

Graduation dates set for Warren County

At its March 19 meeting, the Warren County Board of Education approved the 2007 graduation schedule for the four Warren County high schools.

Lighthouse Academy High School’s graduation is at 6 p.m. May 18 in the Briarwood Elementary School gymnasium.

The other three high schools graduations are May 19 in Western Kentucky University’s E.A. Diddle Arena, with Greenwood High School starting at 10 a.m., Warren Central at 2 p.m. and Warren East at 6 p.m.

Poster contest winners all from Greenwood

The Bowling Green Human Rights Commission has selected winners of the Poster Contest during Fair Housing Month.

Greenwood High School students swept the competition.

Kate Wintuska, a sophomore, took first place; Haley Canary, a sophomore, took second; and senior Brittany Evans took third.

Forensics celebration, showcase is Sunday

A showcase and celebration for WKU’s award-winning forensic team is at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The celebration is in the Garrett Conference Center Ballroom.

Art displayed at high school on Thursday

Russellville High School art students and students in the Gifted/Talented Program have had the unique opportunity to work with two nationally known photographers, thanks to a DeGraffenried grant award.

Bill Steber and Pat Casey Daly, both photographers for the Nashville Tennessean newspaper, have been in residency at Russellville High School for two days of hands-on instruction. After talking about their own work, they sent students to take pictures of their surroundings and then critiqued the resulting photography. All photographs were scanned and enlarged and are on display Thursday at the school.

Both photographers will be present at the event, which is being touted as a &#8220Night of Art and Jazz.”

The high school jazz band will entertain art show attendees, who will have the opportunity to bid on student artwork during a silent auction.

Bill Steber is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with degrees in English and photography. He has worked at the Tennessean in Nashville as a staff photographer since 1989, where he has won more than 30 regional and national photojournalism awards. His documentary work has been exhibited widely throughout the South.