By University Communications— MUNCIE, Indiana – The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities and Burris Laboratory School have reaffirmed their positions as leading high schools in Indiana, according to the latest rankings released by U.S. News & World Report. In the “2024 Best U.S. High Schools” listing, the Indiana Academy secured the No. 2 spot in the state, while Burris Laboratory School climbed two spots to No. 12, continuing their tradition of excellence. Both institutions are operated by Ball State University’s Teachers College. “This recognition underscores the unwa ..read more

By Jill Palumbo & Sherry Adkins— MUNCIE, IN—Growing up in the countryside of Indiana, surrounded by fields, forests and wildlife instilled in me a deep appreciation for nature. Often, I would have a front row seat to the deer that wander into the back yard, a view of the many birds that would gather at the bird feeders, and the families of raccoons that would climb up the apple trees for a snack. As an adult, I have a sense of peace and a strong connection to God being in nature. I often admired the natural details and textures in nature. I believe that where I find God the most is in the ..read more

By Jo Cox, YCS— YORKTOWN, IN—The Yorktown Community Schools School Board has been recognized by the Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) with an Exemplary Governance Award (EGA) for calendar year 2023 for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to professional learning and student success. The Exemplary Governance Awards (EGA) are conferred annually to school boards across four levels of distinction. Board awards are based on points earned by each member for attending ISBA seminars, workshops, conferences, and other learning events, as well as the board’s completion of certain additional c ..read more

By Kristen McConnell, CFRM— MUNCIE, IN – The YMCA of Muncie proudly announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated early learning forest, now officially named Wonder Woods. The event, marked by the planting of over 200 saplings, symbolizes a monumental step toward enriching the educational experience of young learners in our community. The unveiling of Wonder Woods signifies a commitment to providing children with immersive outdoor learning environments, fostering a deep connection to nature from an early age. Attendees, including local officials, educators, parents and communi ..read more

By Andy Klotz— MUNCIE, IN – Muncie Community Schools (MCS) has filled its opening for an assistant superintendent by promoting Eric Grim from his current position as the district’s director of secondary education. Grim has worked for MCS in a variety of roles for the past 26 years, including five years as the principal of Northside Middle School. Grim succeeds Dr. Chuck Reynolds who will become MCS’ new director of public education and CEO once Dr. Lee Ann Kwiatkowski, the current CEO, retires at the end of June. Both Grim and Dr. Reynolds will begin their new posts July 1. “We had several gre ..read more

By Keith Roysdon— DELAWARE COUNTY, IN– Some of the most-needed road paving jobs in Delaware County are on tap for 2024. The roads will be repaved thanks to a $1.5 million Community Crossings grant from the state of Indiana. “We were awarded everything we asked for. This really will help stretch our local paving dollars,” said Angela Moyer, project director of Delaware County’s Engineering Department. “We’re very appreciative.” In addition to roads paved with grant funding, Delaware County also has plans to pave an additional 60 lane miles and chip/seal 130 lane miles of road. In the past ..read more

By Brea Cunningham— MUNCIE, IN—Join Minnetrista Museum & Gardens for a day filled with nature, excitement, and adventure at the annual Muncie Arbor Day Celebration on April 27th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year holds special significance as we commemorate Muncie’s 26th year as a recognized Tree City USA community. To mark this occasion, join us for a day of fun-filled activities, educational demonstrations, and environmental advocacy. At 10 a.m., Mayor Dan Ridenour will read the official Arbor Day proclamation. At the heart of the Muncie Arbor Day Celebration lies the sapling giveaway, a ..read more

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— COWAN, IN—For Wapahani High School senior Isaac Andrews, basketball is a way of life. Since he was in fifth grade, he’s played basketball during school and over the summer. All his time on the court paid off. This year Andrews broke both Wapahani’s scoring record for the season as well as the Delaware County all-time scoring record previously set in 1960 by Ron Bonham. B ..read more

Editor’s note: Trevor Friedeberg, CEO & President at the East Central Indiana Regional Partnership (ECIRP), has been instrumental in guiding the region’s journey through READI 1.0 and now into the promising era of READI 2.0. As we reflect on the culmination of efforts, this is his perspective on the greatest takeaway– In East Central Indiana, our greatest strength has always been each other.  By Trevor Friedeberg— MUNCIE, IN— East Central Indiana (ECI) hasn’t been immune to challenges mirroring broader statewide trends. From job losses to population decline, the headwinds facing ..read more

By Katy Maggart— MUNCIE, IN—The Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2024 National Civics Bee® in Delaware County on April 9, 2024. The National Civics Bee® is an initiative aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.  Hunter R., Noah C., and Braxton J. were named the top three finalists of Delaware County’s Civics Bee competition, organized in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “We are very proud of the students who competed in the National Civics Bee® in our community. Their dedication ..read more