ALLIANCE, OH (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Courtney Wachal of Bettendorf, IA, a French major, received The John O. Rouse International Travel Prize at the University of Mount Union's Senior Recognition and Honors Convocation on April 23, 2013.

The University of Mount Union's Senior Recognition and Honors Convocation recognizes graduating seniors and underclassman students who have excelled academically, displayed excellent leadership skills and shown dedication to the University and community through outstanding community service initiatives.

Awards were presented to deserving students, ranging from general to discipline-specific.

About the University of Mount Union

The University of Mount Union, founded in 1846, is a four-year private institution that has a liberal arts tradition. The University is located in Alliance, OH, 80 miles of both Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Mount Union offers many different programs and career specific undergraduate and graduate programs to its 2,200 students who experience outstanding opportunities for success after graduation. Ranked as one of America's Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, the University is committed to providing a student centered approach and an exceptional educational experience. For more information, visit www.mountunion.edu.

DANVILLE , IL (05/22/2013)(readMedia)-- Kayla Blackburn, a resident of Taylor Ridge, IL, was among 26 students recently recognized as a new member of the Lakeview College of Nursing Honor Society.

Blackburn is a 2007 graduate of Rockridge High School and a 2011 graduate of Monmouth College. She is the daughter of Beth Blackburn of Taylor Ridge, IL.

In order to be considered for the Lakeview College of Nursing Honor Society each student was required to be within the top 1/3 of their graduating class, hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, and demonstrate leadership and service through their activities.

Lakeview College of Nursing officials say that in the future they plan to establish a chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, a prestigious international nursing honor society. Membership in the College's own honor society is an important step toward this goal.

Lakeview College of Nursing offers a bachelor of science in nursing degree. It is a single-purpose, private institution that has specialized in nursing education in the Danville, IL area since 1894. Lakeview began offering a cooperative program with Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL, in the fall of 2001.

The Rock Island Arsenal Welcome Club (RIAWC)honored high school and college-bound students with scholarships during a luncheon on the island May 15. Front row, from left: Alexis Slocum, Karin Carlson, Taylor Horwath, Jori Colarusso, Marina Johnson; back row from left: Erin Toohey, Kelsey Ethington, Mileah Gumpert, Miranda Gumpert, Michael Ryan, Jordan Starkey, Alex Campbell, Jacob Coyne, Maddi Theisen. Not pictured but receiving scholarships " Alex Donovan, Kate Fennelly, Tiffany Merkel, Lindsey Miner.

A total of $20,000 was awarded to 18 students scheduled to attend classes this fall.  For those who received scholarships, 11 are graduating from high school this spring and seven are currently attending college.  Brig. Gen. Duane Gamble, deputy commanding general, Army Sustainment Command, presented the students with certificates that highlighted their selection for the merit awards.

"This is a great day for the Welcome Club and our nation's youth," said Gamble. "You are our future leaders and I am humbled to be here with you."

The purpose of the RIAWC is to develop and foster a spirit of Quad Cities Area community responsibility at RIA by providing opportunities for social, cultural and creative pursuits and to support worthwhile service and community projects.

A fundamental purpose of the RIAWC is to generate funds to support service members and their families, government employees, and other charitable endeavors on the island and within the Quad-Cities metropolitan areas.

Rivermont Collegiate announces the retirement of 3 respected and beloved faculty/administrators at the end of this school year: Suzanne Johnson, Assistant Headmaster and Early and Lower School Head (40 years at Rivermont), Katherine Topalian, First Grade Teacher (32 years at Rivermont), and Linda Hampton, Middle & Upper School Science Faculty (29 years at Rivermont).

Suzanne Johnson began her career at Rivermont (then known as St. Katharine's-St. Mark's) in 1973, the same year the School moved from its original location in Davenport to the historic Bettendorf Mansion.  Sue began teaching Middle School Science, Math, and Physical Education.  She also taught 5^th Grade for 19 years before moving into her current position as Assistant Headmaster and Early and Lower School Head.  She has been recognized as a recipient of Rivermont's Waterman Chair of Distinguished Teaching.

Katherine Topalian has taught over 500 Rivermont first graders to read, having held the position of First Grade Teacher for 32 years!  The beloved "Mrs. T" has been recognized as a recipient of Rivermont's Golden Apple Award for Exceptional Teaching and Waterman Chair of Distinguished Teaching.  Always involved in the life of the School, Kathy served as Chair of Grandparents' & Special Friends' Day for over 12 years and Chair of ISACS (Independent Schools Association of the Central States) Evaluation Committees 4 separate times.

For 29 years, Linda Hampton's passion rubbed off on everyone around her as she inspired Rivermont students to take an interest in science.  Though students have consistently taken top science fair honors under her guidance, Linda made a habit of treating every student as an award winner and valuing each project.  She has been the recipient of Rivermont's Golden Apple Award for Exceptional Teaching and Waterman Chair of Distinguished Teaching, as well as numerous outside awards, including Outstanding Mentor at both the Hawkeye Science and Engineering Fair and the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa.

The dedication of these retirees is a direct reflection of their belief in Rivermont and our mission.  Rivermont is the Quad Cities' only private college prep school, dedicated to academic excellence and maximizing the potential of each student.  We congratulate Sue, Kathy, and Linda on all they have accomplished and thank them for the difference they've made in the lives of students they taught and faculty who were privileged to work with them.