New Tech students interview WWII veterans, bringing deeper meaning to their coursework

March 05, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education, Politics/Government

Nostalgic thoughts ran through Gerald Kinsey's mind as he spoke to several New Tech Institute students Wednesday for the school's Seventh annual Hoosier Veterans Consortium.

Kinsey, an Army and United States Air Force veteran, was nearly speechless when asked how it feels to share his life story. Stories like Kinsey's are what many of the students at the event have been studying in books in their U.S. History and freshman English classes.

Sig School principal selected for top education honor for ATHENA

March 02, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

After hearing she was honored for her contributions in education this past year, Signature School Principal Jean Hitchcock was filled with disbelief.

Once her feelings of doubt subsided, Hitchcock felt a rush of fulfillment knowing she received such a distinguished honor of top educator for ATHENA.

Ivy Tech students, staff form living wax exhibit of African American leaders

March 02, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Culture

Decked out in outfits inspired by prominent black leaders, Ivy Tech Community College students and staff portrayed historical figures for the school's first African American History Month Live Wax Museum.

Kindergarten students form marriage between letters "Q" and "U"

March 02, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

Good Shepherd kindergarten students came dressed in suits, bridal dresses and wedding veils Friday to celebrate the traditional ritual of matrimonial union — alphabet style.

To underline the relationship between "Q" and "U," Good Shepherd teachers hosted the annual wedding event to honor the marriage between the two letters. Each student recited their vowels and screamed "I do" to officially form their marital bond.

New Tech's STEM Fest continues to feed locals' hunger for science

February 22, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

Hundreds of children pulled away from their parents' tight grips to rush toward the various interactive booths on display during Saturday's annual STEM Fest.

Even with lines jamming the hallways of New Tech High School and the Southern Indiana Career and Tech Center, each participant made their way to tables dedicated to Nerf archery targets, strawberry DNA extractions, paper-made rockets and other activities.

Ambition basketball moves into historic Evansville Downtown YMCA gym

February 16, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Sports

Before Mitch Lewis stepped inside the old Downtown YMCA, the only sign of life from the 93-year-old building was the faintly-lit logo above its entrance doors. Still, Lewis believed the vacant building had more to offer the local community.

Angela Davis speaks to overflow crowd at USI's Nelson Mandela dedication

February 06, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Culture

Maybe one lecture cannot change the world, as renowned social activist Angela Davis noted Wednesday night at the University of Southern Indiana.

But judging by the resounding applause from the packed house at USI's 2020 Nelson Mandela Social Justice Day, the keynote speaker's appearance was a memorable one.

Former homeless teen overcomes life struggles with elegant grace

February 06, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

Bre'Monyaa Jones says every dance movement she makes is an expression of her story — a way for her to convey her life's journey.

"I feel like when I dance I'm trying to show you what I've been through — like I'm stronger," Jones said. "I just feel like it just shows how passionate I am, how nothing can break me down. Sometimes I feel like I have to cry because I'm doing so good."