CANTON, MO (05/13/2014)(readMedia)-- Ian Sodawasser, senior musical theatre major from Davenport, Iowa, was among students recognized during the annual Honors Day Convocation held May 13, 2013 at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Mo. Sodawasser received the the Theta Alpha Phi Upperclass Awards in Theatre.

Dozens of students were awarded for overall academic achievement, outstanding performance within their major, academic competition and scholar-athlete rankings. Many of the awards have been established by or in memory of Culver-Stockton alumni/ae.

"This long-standing tradition of the College not only unites the student body as they honor their classmates and friends for achievements in the 2013 - 2014 academic year, but also represents the culmination of a year of hard work. I can think of no finer way to end another academic year on "the Hill' than to pay tribute to members of our student body," commented C-SC President Richard Valentine.

Photos of the Honors Convocation, as well as the separate divisional honors can be viewed at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/c-sc/sets/72157644242484660/

Members of the class of 2014 will receive their diplomas during the Commencement Ceremony, held Saturday, May 17 at 9:30 a.m. on the campus of Culver-Stockton College.

Culver-Stockton College, located in Canton, Mo., is a four-year residential institution in affiliation with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). C-SC specializes in experiential education and is one of only two colleges in the nation to offer the 12/3 semester calendar, where the typical 15 week semester is divided into two terms, a 12-week term and a 3-week term.

Second Iowa Teacher and Principal Leadership Symposium to be held August 4th

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today were joined by Iowa Department of Education Director Brad Buck at their weekly news conference to announce the administration's second Iowa Teacher and Principal Leadership Symposium on Monday, August 4, 2014. The purpose of the symposium is to continue the public conversation about the critical role teacher and principal leadership will play as Iowa continues to work to give students a world-class education.

"Iowa's landmark transformational education reform package of 2013 sets the stage for Iowa to again be the leader in educational excellence," said Branstad. "Our children are counting on us to give them an effective education so they are prepared for the careers of tomorrow. We look forward to a continued dialogue with Iowa's exceptional teachers and principals as we continue to implement Iowa's teacher leadership program."

The second Iowa Teacher and Principal Leadership Symposium will be held Monday, August 4, 2014, at Des Moines Area Community College in the FFA Enrichment Center.

"Already we're seeing school districts like Central Decatur and Saydel implementing innovative teacher leadership programs in their classrooms. We look forward to hearing about lessons learned from leaders of those districts," said Reynolds. "Better utilizing teacher leadership will strengthen instruction in every class room, helping our children achieve educational excellence. The program will also attract and retain a stronger teaching force by offering more opportunities for advancement without stepping outside the classroom."

Thirty-nine school districts, with about one-third of Iowa students, in both urban and rural areas, will be in the first group to implement the program.

"We have a great opportunity unfolding in Iowa's schools, and I'm confident we'll make the most of it," said director Brad Buck. "Iowa's teacher leadership and compensation system stands to be truly transformational by helping us implement other key reforms, including high state academic standards, so Iowa students are prepared for college or career training. The program undoubtedly will improve entry into the teaching profession, foster collaboration among teachers and rewards excellence in the classroom with career pathways."

Recognizes Teacher Appreciation Week, Thanks Teachers Across Illinois for Making a Difference

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today congratulated this year's 2014 Golden Apple Award winners for their excellence in teaching and thanked them for making a difference in the future of Illinois' students. The award, which is one of the education community's most prestigious, was presented this week to ten outstanding teachers for excellence during National Teacher Appreciation Week.

"I congratulate each of our Illinois' Golden Apple Award Winners - you are truly the best of the best," Governor Quinn said. "Our teachers educate, motivate and support students across Illinois and in many ways serve as the backbone of our society. It's fitting during National Teacher Appreciation Week that we thank this year's winners and all teachers across the state for making a difference in the lives of Illinois' youngest citizens."

The Golden Apple Award is presented by Golden Apple, a leader in advancing the teaching profession in Illinois for 29 years. The award recognizes outstanding teachers for their role in helping build a strong, educated society. This year's Golden Apple Award winners are as follows:

-Luke Albrecht, Crown Community Fine Arts Academy, Chicago

-Mary Benton, Hawthorn Middle School South, Vernon Hills

-Joseph Casanovas, Helen C .Peirce School of International Studies, Chicago

-Roosevelt Griffin, Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School, Harvey

-Madeline Kobayashi, Philip Rogers Elementary School, Chicago

-Michael Novak, Park View School, Morton Grove

-Rozy Patel, Edgebrook School, Chicago

-Anand Sukumaran, Mary Gage Peterson Elementary, Chicago

-Melissa Talaber Matwyshyn, St. Nicholas Cathedral School, Chicago

-Margot Van Dyke, O'Neill Middle School, Downers Grove

The 2014 honorees were selected from a pool of 620 nominations and 272 applicants of 4th to 8th grade teachers throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Golden Apple winners receive an honorarium, a tuition-free semester sabbatical at Northwestern University and become lifetime members of the Golden Apple Academy of Educators, which supports and assists teachers in developing their skills and encourages students to pursue a career in education. John Quinn, the Governor's younger brother and long-time history teacher and boys basketball coach at Fenwick High School in Oak Park, received the Golden Apple award in 1992.

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack announced today that he will be visiting various elementary, middle and high schools throughout Iowa's Second Congressional District on his "Our Schools, Our Future" Tour. Loebsack was recently chosen to serve as Ranking Member, the senior most Democrat, of the House Education and Workforce Committee's Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education. At each visit, Loebsack will get a tour of the school and meet with various stakeholders including principals, teachers, counselors, school board members and parents.

"For our country to remain competitive in the global marketplace, we must ensure our kids receive the best education possible," said Loebsack. "From pre-school all the way through high school, it is our responsibility to provide children with the tools they need to succeed and enable them to achieve the American Dream. I look forward to seeing the innovative ways Iowa schools are preparing our children and also listening to their concerns so I can bring their experience and ideas back to Washington."

Loebsack will make stops in Clinton, Muscatine, Davenport, Burlington, Keokuk, Iowa City, West Liberty, Ottumwa, Osceola, Newton and Chariton. Details for each stop will be announced at a later date. Members of the media and cameras are invited to attend.