12 May 2015

Naomi Iltis honored as May 2015 graduate of Concordia

By Joe Suggitt

SEWARD, NE (05/11/2015)(readMedia)-- Concordia University, Nebraska awarded degrees to 316 graduates in May 2015. Graduates receiving a degree in December 2014, May 2015 or August 2015 were invited to participate in the university's 108th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, 2015.

Honored students included:

Naomi Laurel Iltis, LeClaire, Iowa, B.S.

"How are you going to take this wonderful opportunity that you've worked so hard for and give back to your community, to your church, to your school? How are you going to be a part of making this a better place?" asked Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts during his commencement address.

Ricketts also challenged the graduates to be leaders in their communities. "Being a leader doesn't mean you have to be in charge, but it does mean you have to be engaged. You have to be a part of the solution. So as you leave here today ... find your passion. Find your mission--it may be a series of missions--to be involved. To be a part of helping out your neighbor. By being a part of that community, you help us create this great, strong state we live in and this great country. So go out, take risks, try to accomplish things. If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough. But when you fail, remain in hope. Be that leader. Be that person who's part of something bigger. ... Consider the wonderful gifts God has given you, discern your mission and enjoy the journey."

Ricketts also received the honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Concordia Nebraska.

In addition to Ricketts, five other individuals received honorary degrees or awards during commencement. Those receiving the honors are Rev. David Bueltmann of Buffalo, Illinois, the Doctor of Letters degree; Esther Pfabe of Seward, Nebraska, the Crest of Christ Award; Susan Steege of Amherst, New York, the Master Educator Award; Dr. Dudley Wiest of Orange, California, the Doctor of Laws degree; and Phil Zielke of Glendale Heights, Illinois, the Distinguished Service Award.

Appearance of a name in this news release is not official acknowledgement of completion of the degree, certificate or diploma indicated.

About Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska, founded in 1894, is a fully accredited, coeducational university located in Seward, Nebraska, that currently serves more than 2,300 students. Concordia offers more than 70 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs in an excellent academic and Christ-centered community that equips men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world. For more information, visit cune.edu.

12 May 2015

Gov. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Reynolds recognize Iowa Student Loan scholarship winners for proven financial literacy skills

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Gov. Terry E. Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Student Loan leaders recognized today 20 Iowa high school seniors who each won a $1,500 college scholarship through participation in the Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge: Senior Scholarship, administered by Iowa Student Loan. The high school seniors from across the state were recognized in a special award ceremony at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center.

This was the second year Iowa Student Loan offered the Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge: Senior Scholarship, which provided Iowa high school seniors the chance to win $1,500 for college while learning important financial literacy skills.

Between December 2014 and February 2015, registered high school seniors were asked to complete two online financial literacy tutorials ? Student Loan Game PlanSM and the ROCI Reality Check ? which Iowa Student Loan developed to help students understand the consequences of college borrowing and discover how to maximize their return on college investment, or ROCI. In addition, scholarship contenders were required to take an online financial literacy assessment test. The 20 winners were those who scored highest on the assessment or, in the case of a tie for top scores, received the highest scores on an independently judged essay.

At today's award ceremony, Branstad congratulated the students and thanked them for seeing the value in furthering their education and learning financial responsibility.

"It's crucial for students to minimize debt and for policymakers to find ways to try to hold down the cost of higher education," Branstad said. "Financial literacy is now part of our Iowa academic standards and colleges and organizations like Iowa Student Loan have increasingly have stepped up to help students understand the long-term implications of debt."

The Iowa Financial Know-How Challenge: Senior Scholarship was created to provide an additional funding source for college-bound students, as well as educate them on ways to minimize their borrowing for college and reach the financial potential of a college degree, said Christine Hensley, Iowa Student Loan board chair.

"We witness firsthand the pressures Iowa students and families are facing to finance higher education," Hensley said. "One of the goals for this program was to provide a scholarship that any Iowa high school senior could qualify for ? a scholarship that wasn't merit- or need-based. And we also wanted it to educate them on ways to minimize their borrowing and reach the financial potential of a college degree."

This past legislative session, Branstad and Reynolds stressed that more must be done to ease students' college debt burden. Branstad told the scholarship winners and their families that he and Reynolds worked to freeze tuition for Iowa students at the regent institutions and boost the Iowa Tuition Grant for students attending Iowa's private colleges and universities.

"Encouraging students to earn a college degree or other postsecondary credential is essential, but so is managing the cost," he said. "To truly address the high debt levels of our state's college students, it's going to take the efforts of everyone ? government, schools, nonprofit organizations, the private sector and families."

More than 45 people attended Friday's award ceremony, including 13 of the 20 scholarship winners and their families. Branstad presented each winner with an award certificate; the $1,500 scholarship money can be used at the college or university of the winner's choice in fall 2015. Prior to the presentation, the students and their families were hosted for lunch.

Hensley had the following congratulatory words for the scholarship winners. "All of you are sitting here today because you proved your financial literacy knowledge. On behalf of Iowa Student Loan, I thank you for taking your college education seriously, and because you do, I know your futures are bright," she said.
12 May 2015

Local students present research at Celebration of Scholars

By Mike Moore

KENOSHA, WI (05/08/2015)(readMedia)-- Local students who attend Carthage College were among the presenters at the fifth annual Celebration of Scholars event April 24, 2015. The poster exhibition features original research, scholarship, and creative work completed by Carthage students.

These students exhibited their work:

Mitchel Wright of Hampton, IL, presented "Sleep Deprivation and the Effects on Short-Term Cognitive and Physical Function" and "Pre-Participation Cardiac Screening in the NCAA: How it Can Decrease the Rate of Sudden Cardiac Death".

Chas Young of Geneseo, IL, presented "Bartholomew, One of the Few: A Cluster P Mycobacteriophage" .

Presentations include senior theses and other exemplary works the students completed in courses, the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, or independent research with faculty mentors. The public event was held during Carthage's Spring Family Weekend.

Note: We can coordinate interviews with individual students and their faculty sponsors or provide more in-depth descriptions of their projects. Some high-res photos from the event also are available.

Carthage College combines an environment of reflection and self-discovery with a culture of high expectation so our students uncover and ignite their true potential. A four-year, private liberal arts college with roots in the Lutheran tradition, the campus has a prime location in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The campus, an 80-acre arboretum on the shore of Lake Michigan, is home to 150 scholars, 2,600 full-time students, and 400 part-time students.

12 May 2015

2015 WQPT Writers Contest Winners Announced

By Lora Adams

MOLINE, IL – WQPT received more than 310 stories from students in kindergarten through third grade for the annual PBS Kids Go Writers Contest. Educators and contest sponsors selected 16 winners (four from each grade). The winners and their families will be honored and awarded prizes at Deere-Wiman House at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17.

"We are thrilled that so many teachers and parents encouraged their young authors and illustrators to participate," said Esther Smith, educational outreach WQPT.

Winners (for each grade level) are listed below.

Kindergarten

First Place, "Zoo Animals" by Josie Schlicksup, LeClaire (IA), Bridgeview Elementary School, LeClaire (IA)

Second Place, "The Lost Dog," by Kalie Tessen, Bettendorf (IA), Riverdale Heights Elementary School, Bettendorf (IA)

Third Place, "My T-Rexy," by Mahmood Baig, Bettendorf (IA), individual entry

Honorable Mention, "Teagan`s Greatest Dream," Teagan Dennis, Moline (IL), homeschooled

First Grade

First Place, "Could You Catch the Rainbow," Shalini Chandupatla, Bettendorf (IA), Hopewell Elementary School, Bettendorf (IA)

Second Place, "Daisy," by Madison Southwick, Bettendorf (IA), Rivermont Collegiate, Davenport (IA)

Third Place, "Pandy Visits the Rain Forest," Hunter Morrow, Davenport (IA), Harrison Elementary School, Davenport, Iowa

Honorable Mention, "How Jupiter Lost and Found Its Great Red Storm," Maya Boehle, Moline, Illinois, Washington Elementary School, Moline (IL)

Second Grade

First Place, "My Baby Brother," Tanya Rastogi, Bettendorf (IA), Riverdale Heights Elementary School, Bettendorf (IA)

Second Place, "Ruby," Camryn Veltrop, Morrison (IL), Northside Elementary School, Morrison (IL)

Third Place, "Jack`s Birthday Party," Kamiya Hill, Rock Island (IL), Longfellow Liberal Arts Academy, Rock Island (IL)

Honorable Mention, "My Horrible Trip to Indonesia," Dillon Baker, Moline (IL), Washington Elementary, Moline (IL)

Third Grade

First Place, "Together Again," Gianna Schwartz, Bettendorf (IA), Paul Norton Elementary School, Bettendorf (IA)

Second Place, "The Weird Chick," Alexa McDaniel, Eldridge (IA), Alan Shephard Elementary, Eldridge (IA)

Third Place, "Super Dog," McKenzie Mueller, Dixon (IL), St. Mary`s School, Dixon (IL)

Honorable Mention, "My Job is Best," Drew Eller, Eldridge (IA), Alan Shephard Elementary, Eldridge (IA)

All the entries will be returned, along with a certificate from PBS. Stories will be displayed at the Butterworth Center from May 19-29; Figge Art Museum from May 30 -June 13; and Family Museum from June 14-28.

The contest is supported by WQPT-Quad Cities PBS, the Butterworth Center, Deere-Wiman House, Family Museum in Bettendorf, Figge Art Museum and the Midwest Writing Center.

WQPT is a media service of Western Illinois University - Quad Cities.

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12 May 2015

Smiddy Gathered Local Leaders, Parents and Teachers at Education Forum

By Paul Ferrero

HILLSDALE, Ill. - State Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, held a Community Education Forum on Monday, May 4 at Moline High School to have a conversation with parents, educators, administrators and the community about education policy in Illinois.

"I want to thank Superintendent Dr. Dave Moyer, Superintend Scott Kuffel, Tammy Muerhoff of the Regional Office of Education and all the administrators, teachers, parents and concerned citizens who joined me to share their views and keep up the work to make sure our children get the education they deserve," Smiddy said. "Our schools are threatened in Illinois today, and I'm encouraged to see that many people are willing to fight for our children's future."

The free, open forum meeting held at Moline High School featured Smiddy, Dr. Moyer, Superintendent of Moline-Coal Valley School District, Tammy Muerhoff of the Regional Office of Education and Scott Kuffel, Superintendent of Geneseo School District, who made brief presentations about state and local education issues, discussed current and threatened budget cuts, and fielded questions and comments from attendees.

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11 May 2015

Smiddy Recognizes Teacher Appreciation Week

By Paul Ferrero
HILLSDALE, Ill. - As another school year comes to a close, state Rep. Mike Smiddy, D-Hillsdale, is encouraging residents to take a moment this week to thank local educators for their hard work and dedication in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week.
"Too often, the commitment and inspiration that educators instill in young people goes unnoticed in the hustle and bustle of daily life, and I ask everyone to show their appreciation this week for a teacher who's made an impact on their life," Smiddy said. "As the father of two young boys, I know how critical a quality education is to their success, and I'm thankful for the teachers that work each day to give children everywhere a great start."
Teacher Appreciation Week is recognized nationally during the first full week in May to highlight the devotion of educators as they equip students with the knowledge they'll need for the future. According to the National Education Association (NEA), Eleanor Roosevelt was the first to advocate for an official day celebrating the contributions of educators. In 1985, the NEA dedicated the entire first week of May to honoring teachers.  Highlighting his own appreciation and respect for their perspective, Smiddy hosted a Community Education Forum on May 4th to start a dialogue with educators, parents and administrators about the fight to preserve Illinois' great schools.
"As I talk with teachers at schools in my district, I'm struck by their dedication to helping students learn and succeed," Smiddy said. "To all the educators reading this, thank you for helping our children grow and inspiring them to be all they can be."
For more information or for ideas for thanking a teacher making a difference in your community, visit http://www.nea.org/grants/teacherday.html.
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11 May 2015

The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Inducts New Members

By Hannah Breaux

BATON ROUGE, LA (05/07/2015)(readMedia)-- The following local residents recently were initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Katie Noble of Bettendorf was initiated at Carroll University

Benjamin Wyant of Coal Valley was initiated at Western Illinois University

These residents are among approximately 32,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7.5 percent of juniors, having at least 72 semester hours, are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff, and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

Founded in 1897 at the University of Maine and headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society. The Society has chapters on more than 300 college and university campuses in North America and the Philippines. Its mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others."

More About Phi Kappa Phi

Since its founding, more than 1.25 million members have been initiated. Some of the organization's more notable members include former President Jimmy Carter, NASA astronaut Wendy Lawrence, novelist David Baldacci and YouTube cofounder Chad Hurley. The Society has awarded approximately $15 million since the inception of its awards program in 1932. Today, more than $1 million is awarded each biennium to qualifying students and members through graduate fellowships, undergraduate study abroad grants, member and chapter awards and grants for local and national literacy initiatives. For more information, visit www.phikappaphi.org.

11 May 2015

Jordan Catholic School's Kiwanis Builders Club donating to Paws for Noah

By Janine Parr

Jordan Catholic School's Builders Club (middle school partner to Rock Island Kiwanis club) will present a check for $500 to Paws for Noah. Noah and his grandmother Betty will be at Jordan Catholic School, 2901 24th Street, Rock Island, on Friday May 8th (tomorrow morning) at 9:00am to accept the donation.

The 7th and 8th grade students have collected the money throughout the school year through fundraisers like a cheese sale and a pancake breakfast.

Eighth grade student and Builders Club president Emma Beardsley along with the other club members will present the check.
11 May 2015

It's nice out! Join the Fun at PV!

By Beth Marsoun
We've got some great things going on at PV that you might want to get on your calendars!

1.       Cardboard boat race - Friday, May 8th, from 8 to two students will take their sea-worthy vessels onto the waves of the Bettendorf Middle Park Lagoon.

There's a record number of teams!  Detailed info here http://bit.ly/1IkIBbC

2.       Biztown - Tuesday, May 19th, PV students will be at JA's biztown.  Students interview for positions in the city and then go to work.  Always good visuals, but good lessons, too, as students learn what it takes to run a community.  We'll be there from 9:00am to 2:00pm

3.       Helping Nepal - Starting May 11th and going until May 15th - Students at Pleasant View Elementary will be bringing in change for the Red Cross.  They've been extremely successful in the past.
11 May 2015

Fulton High School wins MTI $10,000 High School Grant Program

By Stacey Wierman

MOLINE, Ill. - Midwest Technical Institute is proud to announce a Moline-area high school as the winner of the 2014-2015 MTI $10,000 High School Grant Program.

Fulton High School, of Fulton, was selected as this year's winner via a period of public voting on MTI's Facebook profile tallying more than 2,800 votes from Facebook users.

The school will receive a $10,000 grant to complete renovations or upgrades to school facilities, or to purchase the necessary resources to provide students with a quality high school education.

MTI's Chief Executive Brian Huff and Director of High School Development Eric Gleason will be at the Moline campus at 4 p.m. May 12 to present Fulton representatives with their grant during a brief awards ceremony.

To be eligible for this year's program, schools submitted a short video detailing how they would use the grant funds to improve their school. Videos were then submitted to a public voting campaign where videos with the most votes were named this year's winners.

Established in 2013, the grant program is the embodiment of MTI's commitment to providing the very best in hands-on training to equip students with the skills to succeed in today's competitive job market. The program also promotes the incorporation of vocational training with a more traditional, classroom-based high school education.

MTI's Chief Executive Officer Brian Huff believes the grant program provides schools a leg-up on the competition in offering students a comprehensive, workforce education.

"Our goal is to help school enhance their programs so graduates receive the experience necessary to be successful as they continue their education," Huff said. "We hope during this process students and staff have some fun competing in this contest."

MTI awards the $10,000 High School Grant Program each year to one high school near each of MTI's five campus locations.  For more information on the program, contact MTI's Director of Marketing Stacey Wierman at (309) 427-2750, extension 1228, or via email at swierman@midwesttech.edu.

About Midwest Technical Institute

Midwest Technical Institute offers hands-on training in a number of mechanical trade and allied health career fields to help students succeed as a member of today's rapidly-changing workforce. MTI, along with its sister school, Delta Technical College, operates seven campuses across the Midwest and Mississippi Delta regions. For more information, visit www.midwesttech.edu. 

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