WEST POINT, N.Y. (02/18/2011)(readMedia)-- Situated along the Hudson River 50 miles north of New York City sits the oldest of the United States five service academies. The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy.

In the fall of 2010 four Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers entered the academy as freshmen or fourth class cadets. On Reception Day the freshman, plebes, start cadet basic training also known as Beast Barracks, or simply Beast.

Most cadets consider Beast to be their most difficult time at the academy because of the strenuous transition from civilian to military life. However for the Soldiers from Illinois it was somewhat familiar. As Soldiers entering West Point, one of the requirements is that they have already completed basic training.

"It was very rewarding to be able to assist some of the other cadets who had never experienced military life like this," said Cadet John Jordan Leskera of Edwardsville. "In turn, since we have started classes some of those I helped during Beast have in turn helped me with the academic side of things."

As members of the Illinois National Guard, these four Soldiers recently sat down with Maj. Gen. William Enyart of Belleville, the Adjutant General of Illinois, during his visit to West Point Feb. 16. Enyart fielded question from the four cadets after having lunch with more than 4,000 cadets in the academy's dining facility.

The questions centered on the well being of Illinois National Guard Soldiers, more specifically the ones serving overseas in Egypt. Enyart said that while the situation in Egypt has been over the past several weeks, all of the Soldiers serving on the Sinai Peninsula are accounted for and safe.

Cadets Anthony Mendez and Jeffery Perez both of Chicago, told Enyart how they both went to high school together, joined the National Guard, and are now in the same class at West Point.

"The experience here has taught us all so much in the short amount of time we've been here but most of all I think it has matured us faster than if we had gone to any other college, " said Cadet Joseph Cotton of Wayne.

The Illinois National Guard contributed the most cadets to the fall 2010 class than any other Army National Guard in the country. West Point reserves a number of slots each year for National Guard Soldier.

"Having four Illinois National Guard Soldiers in the same class attending West Point is something I've never seen before," said Enyart. "It's quite an honor and such a great program, we need to get the word out about it. "

West Point believes Soldiers enhance the Corps of Cadets, and values the life experiences they have earned as a Soldier, said Maj. Brian Easley, Soldiers admissions officer at West Point. For a Soldier wanting to be an officer in the U.S. Army, West Point will give an excellent education and the training they need to lead Soldiers as they continue to serve, he said.

Soldiers who are serving in an Active Duty, Reserve or National Guard capacity are encouraged to apply to West Point to further their education. West Point is committed to helping qualified Soldiers reach their full potential and secure commissions in the Army, Easley added.

According to Forbes Magazine the United States Military Academy at West Point has repeatedly been one of the nation's top schools, reaching the number one spot in August 2009.

"West Point is again honored and pleased to be selected as one of America's top five best colleges," said West Point Superintendent, Lt. Gen. David Huntoon. "It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our exceptional cadets, faculty and staff operating in world-class facilities.

"This excellence, as recognized by Forbes, is a key element in preparing our cadets for the challenges they will face as future Army officers,"

Upon graduation, cadets will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army and serve for five years on active duty. During their senior year, cadets find out which specialized field, or branch, they will enter. Both the needs of the Army and individual preferences will be considered.

The Soldiers from the Illinois National Guard all expressed an interest in some day returning to Illinois to serve once again in the Illinois National Guard.

DES MOINES, IA (02/18/2011)(readMedia)-- College-bound Iowa youth active in 4-H and/or FFA livestock projects and current undergraduate students may apply for $75,000 in scholarships available from the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement (IFAA).

The scholarships are available to freshmen entering any Iowa two- or four-year post-secondary institution this fall or current undergraduates attending Iowa State University. Applicants must major in animal science or a curriculum in agriculture or human sciences that is related to the animal industry, according to IFAA spokesman Harold Hodson. The awards include :

• Three $5,500 one-year scholarships

• Two $5,000 one-year scholarships

• One $3,000 one-year scholarship

• One $2,500 one-year scholarships

• Eight $2,000 one-year scholarships

• Six $1,500 one-year scholarships

• Sixteen $1,000 one-year scholarships

• Four $500 one-year scholarships

Applications and additional information are available by visiting the Sale of Champions section of the Iowa State Fair's web site (www.iowastatefair.org), the IFAA web site (www.ifaa.org), or by calling 515/291-3941. Selection will be based on level of 4-H/FFA involvement in livestock project work, livestock exhibition and/or judging, scholarship, leadership and career plans. Applications for current undergraduate students must be postmarked by April 1, 2011 and applications for incoming freshmen must be postmarked by May 1, 2011. All materials should be sent to Winner's Circle Scholarship, c/o SGI, 30805 595th Avenue, Cambridge, IA 50046.

Winners will be announced during the Iowa State Fair's annual 4-H/FFA Sale of Champions on August 20th, an event sponsored by IFAA. The IFAA is a non-profit organization founded in 1988. It is comprised of agricultural enthusiasts dedicated to encouraging 4-H and FFA livestock, poultry and agricultural project members to pursue ag-related careers. IFAA scholarship funds come from a percentage of Sale of Champions proceeds, as well as Winner's Circle Club donations.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit www.iowastatefair.org.

* * *

MIAMI (02/17/2011)(readMedia)-- Kaplan University celebrated the graduation of its winter 2011 class during a live graduation ceremony on February 5 in Miami. Bill Richardson, former two term governor of New Mexico, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, U.S. Energy Secretary and multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominee, served as the commencement speaker.

The following local students were awarded degrees:

Mike Bixby of Davenport, IA was awarded a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

M. Elizabeth Blaha of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Management in Management.

Fred Monfeli of Davenport, IA was awarded a Bachelor in Business Administration.

Catanna Dement of East Moline, IL was awarded a Master of Business Administration in Business Administration.

Ryan Hazen of Moline, IL was awarded a Bachelor in Information Technology.

Richardson referenced his path from student to governor and told the approximately 1,000 graduates in attendance that "when you combine diversity and creativity with energy, commitment and a strong work ethic, there is no limit to what you can do."

"I feel very strongly about providing opportunities and increasing access to education, which Kaplan University does very efficiently and very effectively. And what they've done is adapt to a changing world and respond to the needs of students - to your needs," Richardson added.

The Kaplan University winter 2011 class, which included more than 5,600 graduates, earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees - as well as professional certificates - completely online. More than 1,000 of them traveled from around the country and the world to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time. Kaplan University has graduated nearly 27,000 online students since it began offering web-based degrees in 2001.

The Kaplan University winter 2010 class, which included more than 5,600 graduates, earned associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees - as well as professional certificates - completely online. More than 1,000 of them traveled from around the country to attend the ceremony, meeting face-to-face for the first time. Kaplan University has graduated nearly 27,000 online students since it began offering web-based degrees in 2001.

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University has more than 125 academic programs and offerings, and serves more than 75,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and Florida.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education, which serves more than 100,000 students online and through more than 70 campus-based schools across the United States and abroad. Kaplan Higher Education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan Higher Education is part of Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Kaplan, Inc. is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO), and its largest and fastest-growing division. For more information about Kaplan University, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu.

Put on your boots and come discover a unique style of learning! Rivermont Collegiate will host Kindergarten Round-up Thursday, February 24th from 11:30 -1:00pm.  Families are invited to have lunch and conversation with Kindergarten Teacher Cindy Corrigan about what to expect when your student transitions to Kindergarten. This informal setting is the perfect opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the Rivermont philosophy as well as obtain proper immunization and dental forms which are required for every student enrolling in an Iowa Kindergarten program.  Interested families may also browse the Rivermont campus (home to the historic Joseph Bettendorf Mansion) with Cindy Murray, Director of Admissions, who will be on hand for individual discussions.

Rivermont Collegiate provides an academically rigorous yet nurturing environment, where students develop skills and attitudes that provide the foundation for future learning.  Our gifted faculty provides students with the tools and desire to pursue knowledge independently, take intellectual and artistic risks, and enthusiastically meet the challenges of the 21st century.  Rivermont Collegiate is located at 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf, Iowa.  This event is free and open to the public.  Come explore our approach!

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate or Thursday's Kindergarten Round-up, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.

Dedicated faculty, actively engaged parents, and a supportive, family-like learning environment.  Individualized attention and a customized education.  Comprehensive college counseling beginning in 9th grade, with 100% of graduates accepted to competitive four-year colleges and universities.  Sound too good to be true?  It's not!  Upper School at Rivermont is an exceptional place!

Join us to explore Upper School (grades 9-12) at Rivermont Collegiate by attending a special open house - Discover the Difference: Upper School at Rivermont, to be held on Tuesday, February 22nd from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Headmaster Rick St. Laurent and Upper School Faculty will discuss academic expectations, curriculum, extra-curricular activities, college counseling, athletics, and more!  Alumni will share their Rivermont Experience.  In addition, families will learn more about the Rewarding U Now Scholarship, a renewable academic merit scholarship for students entering grades 9-12 in the 2011-12 academic year.  All qualifying students will be awarded $2,000 toward Rivermont annual tuition, renewable every year they attend Rivermont in grades 9-12 and meet scholarship criteriaThis is a potential value of $8,000 over 4 years! Eligible students must have earned a current year (2010-11) GPA of 3.85 or higher.  For more information, visit www.rvmt.org/scholarship and join us Tuesday evening!

Intimate school environments like Rivermont help close achievement gaps between genders, encourage participation in a variety of extra-curricular activities, and prevent students from taking refuge in anonymity.  At Rivermont, conventional high school activities like athletics (basketball, volleyball, cross country, cheerleading), drama, instrumental and vocal music, and National Honor Society are offered alongside unique Rivermont traditions such as International Week, Pancake Tuesday, and the Rivermont Academic Invitational.  A challenging curriculum provides an in-depth foundation in the arts, humanities, and sciences while offering a broad spectrum of electives that allow students to customize their education and create their Rivermont Experience.

This event is open to the public and will be held in the Historic Bettendorf Mansion on the Rivermont campus.  A light supper will be served.  Rivermont Collegiate is located at 1821 Sunset Drive, directly off 18th Street behind K&K Hardware in Bettendorf.

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate or Tuesday's Upper School Open House, contact Cindy Murray at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org.

-END-

WASHINGTON, D.C. - February 14, 2011 - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that Iowa college students can now apply for summer 2011 internships in his Washington, D.C. and Iowa offices.  An internship in Harkin's personal office, or with the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, is designed for college undergraduates, graduates, and law students.  Interns gain a valuable and unique education about the federal legislative process, while assisting the staff in the areas of legislation, press, casework, and outreach to the state.  Intern responsibilities include performing office duties, writing and researching current legislative issues and acting as general support to the Senator's staff.

"My own political career started with an internship.  Years ago, when I interned for Representative Neal Smith in the House of Representatives I learned firsthand how government operates.  It was an invaluable experience, one that I encourage all young men and women who share this interest in public service to experience," Harkin said.

Part time and full time internships are available in Harkin's Washington, D.C. personal office, on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee that Harkin chairs, and in his five Iowa offices (Des Moines, Davenport, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City).  Interns typically work during one of three sessions: spring, summer and fall.

Students who are interested in becoming an intern can apply via the web at http://harkin.senate.gov/students/intern.  Questions can be directed to the intern coordinator in Harkin's Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3254.  The deadline to apply for a summer internship with the HELP Committee is March 4, 2011, the deadline for Harkin's D.C. personal office is March 11, 2011 and the deadline for state offices is April 15, 2011.

CHICAGO - February13, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today received the first set of recommendations from the Illinois P-20 Council. The council's report was released to the Governor and the General Assembly, and it provides a number of suggestions aimed at improving student success in Illinois.

"Ensuring that all of our students receive the highest quality education and are prepared for the jobs of tomorrow is key to Illinois' long-term economic growth," said Governor Quinn. "I would like to thank the council members for their hard work, and I look forward to reviewing their proposal for further improvements to education in Illinois."

The council's report includes recommendations pertaining to all levels of the state education system. Its primary goal is to increase the proportion of Illinoisans with high-quality degrees and credentials from the current level of 41 percent to 60 percent of the working-age population by 2025.

Members of the P-20 Council include business leaders, teachers, parents, civic groups, and officials from universities, community colleges and schools. There are four legislative members on the council and six ex-officio members from state agencies. Chicago City Clerk Miguel del Valle serves as chair.

To read the council's full report, please visit P20Council.illinois.gov.

###

DES MOINES, IA (02/10/2011)(readMedia)-- State Treasurer Michael L. Fitzgerald is providing free pencils to Kindergarten teachers across Iowa through the Prepare for Basics Program. Fitzgerald understands that Kindergarten Round-Up is an integral part for both children and parents which is why he is providing the materials free of charge. "Our schools have the right idea when it comes to putting the children and parents at ease," Fitzgerald said. "They know that inviting families to check out their school six months before the school year begins will help kindergarteners prepare for their big transition. We offer the pencils as a small gesture of support for our schools." In addition to the pencils, this free program will provide information about College Savings Iowa, the state-sponsored 529 plan created to help Iowa families save for future higher education expenses.

College Savings Iowa lets anyone - parents, grandparents, friends and relatives - invest for college. Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $2,865 in contributions per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income in 2011.* Investors do not need to be a state resident and can withdraw their investment tax-free to pay for qualified higher education expenses including tuition, books, supplies and room and board at any eligible college, university, community college or accredited technical training school in the United States or abroad.** For more information about College Savings Iowa, visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com or call 1-888-672-9116.

Elementary principals interested in taking part in the Prepare for the Basics program are recommended to register on-line by visiting www.treasurer.state.ia.us and clicking on the financial literacy tab. To guarantee timely arrival, materials should be requested at least two weeks in advance. They will be delivered directly to the participating schools. Supplies are limited, so early registration is advised.

*Adjusted annually for inflation. If withdrawals are not qualified, the deductions must be added back to Iowa taxable income.

** Earnings on non-qualified withdrawals may be subject to federal income tax and a 10% federal penalty tax on the earnings, as well as state income taxes. The availability of tax or other benefits may be contingent on meeting other requirements.

###

You deserve a break!  Rivermont Collegiate is excited to formally announce the creation of the Rewarding U Now Scholarship, a renewable academic merit scholarship for students entering grades 9-12 in the 2011-12 academic year.  All qualifying students will be awarded $2,000 toward Rivermont annual tuition, renewable every year they attend Rivermont in grades 9-12 and meet scholarship criteriaThis is a potential value of $8,000 over 4 years! Eligible students must be entering grades 9-12 at Rivermont Collegiate and have earned a current year (2010-11) GPA of 3.85 or higher.  Awards will be prorated for students who qualify for discounts or financial aid and may not be combined with other merit awards.  This opportunity is available to both current Rivermont students and new applicants.  We wish to take as many eligible applications as possible and there is no limit on the number of scholarships to be awarded!

Interested students must submit an official Rivermont application form and one-time application fee of $50, as well as an official transcript from their current school and an original 350-550 word essay.  Applicants will also be interviewed by a scholarship committee.  Application materials and essays must be submitted no later than Monday, March 28th at 4:00 p.m. Interviews with the scholarship committee will take place on Tuesday, April 5th.  Applications are now being accepted.  Essay topics and detailed instructions can be found at www.rvmt.org/scholarship.

This new opportunity is one of a number of options offered to keep a Rivermont education affordable.  Rivermont's goal is that economic standing not be a factor in admission and/or accessibility to the Rivermont Experience.  About 51% of Rivermont families receive some form of tuition adjustment, including need-based tuition assistance, memorial and merit scholarships, sibling discounts, and reciprocal agreements with other local educational institutions.  These opportunities ensure that Rivermont remains proudly committed to ethnic, socio-economic, and religious diversity while also attracting the brightest, most talented and dedicated students.

Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college prep school for students in preschool through twelfth grade.  Intimate school environments like Rivermont help close achievement gaps between genders, encourage participation in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities, provide meaningful interaction with teachers and advisors, and prevent students from taking refuge in anonymity.  100% of Rivermont graduates are accepted to 4-year colleges and universities and over 90% earn renewable college merit scholarships ($1.4 million in 2009).

What are you waiting for?  Explore Rivermont!  The Quad City community is invited to join us for the 2010-11 Academic Fair, to be held Thursday, February 10th at 6:00 p.m. Immerse yourself in knowledge as Rivermont students share a diverse assortment of projects, from Native American studies to genealogy, as well as performances of living biographies.  Cindy Murray, Director of Admissions, will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about our philosophy, values, and programs, as well as the Rewarding U Now Scholarship.  The public is invited to tour campus and see our students and faculty in action - get a real taste of the Rivermont Experience!

In addition, students and their parents are encouraged to learn more about Upper School (grades 9-12) at Rivermont by attending a special open house - Discover the Difference: Upper School at Rivermont, to be held on Tuesday, February 22nd from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Headmaster Rick St. Laurent and Upper School Faculty will discuss academic expectations, curriculum, extra-curricular activities, college counseling, athletics, and more!  Alumni will answer questions and share their Rivermont Experience and families will have the opportunity to tour Upper School classrooms and common areas.  Additional information about the Rewarding U Now Scholarship will also be provided.

For additional information on Rivermont Collegiate, the Rewarding U Now Scholarship, the Academic Fair, or the Discover the Difference: Upper School at Rivermont open house, contact Cindy Murray, Director of Admissions, at (563) 359-1366 ext. 302 or murray@rvmt.org

-END-

Where:        Rock Island Center for Math and Science, 2101 16th Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois 61201
When:         Thursday, February 10, 2011
Time:           10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
What:          The Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting of IMSA's New Rock Island Region  Field Office located at the Rock Island Center for Math and Science.  IMSA joins forces with educators from the Rock Island Region of Illinois to help students prepare for highly skilled careers as they discover the joys of learning mathematics and science.

The Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting of IMSA's new Rock Island Region Field Office located at the Rock Island Center for Math and Science, featuring Rock Island Mayor Dennis Pauley and IMSA President Dr. Glenn W. "Max" McGee, will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2011 from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the Rock Island Center for Math and Science.  Other officials in attendance will be Dr. RuthAnn Tobey-Brown, principal of Rock Island Center for Math and Science and Dr. Michael Oberhaus, superintendent of Rock Island/Milan School District #41.

In addition to a welcome and comments from state and local dignitaries, the event will also feature a live science demonstration by the IMSA Kids Institute® (KI) conducted by IMSA students.  During the States of Matter:  Does it Matter? science demonstration, 25 students from the Rock Island Center for Math and Science  will see how solids, liquids and gases can change with temperature and through chemical reactions.  In addition,  IMSA on Wheels will perform Science is Shocking for 3-5th graders.

Through its new Rock Island Region Field Office, IMSA joins forces with educators from the Rock Island Region of Illinois to deliver professional development in mathematics and science instruction that focuses on inquiry and discovery; provide after school, weekend and summer mathematics and science programs for children; and address local needs by building and sustaining relationships with the Rock Island Region and coordinating mathematics and science programs with local organizations.

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.  As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program, and it serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry. IMSA also advances education through research, groundbreaking ventures and strategic partnerships. (www.imsa.edu)
#-

Pages