SCHOOLS REPRESENTED:

McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology • Lawrence Central High School • Winding Ridge Elementary • Skiles Test Elementary School • Forest Glen Elementary • Skiles Test Elementary • Indian Creek Elementary

ACADEMICS

3.24.20 Current at Geist featured the hands-on learning that occurs at Bernie’s Place Restaurant. This restaurant is part of the culinary arts program at McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology. http://youarecurrent.com/2020/03/24/hands-on-learning-msdlt-students-operate-public-restaurant-to- earn-college-credit-certificates/

4.01.20 Lawrence Central High School senior, Joel Greenfield was identified as a 2020 Indiana Academic Regional All-Star. This program is hosted annually by the Indiana Association of School Principals.

4.06.20 Forest Glen Elementary teacher, Chelsea Isley spoke with WISHTV about teachers trying to remain connected to students during remote learning. https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/teachers-try- to-connect-to-students-during-remote-learning/

4.06.20 Lawrence North student, Jenna Rigdon was named a 2020 Dean’s List Finalists by FIRST Indiana Robotics.

4.08.20 Several members of the McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology Titan Cadet Squadron of Civil Air Patrol were honored to review the following “of the year” awards in Indiana.

Cadet 2nd Lieutenant Shelby Wheeler, a senior at Lawrence Central, has been selected to receive the David Dennis Memorial award, which recognizes the most outstanding cadet in the state. In addition, Lieutenant Wheeler will take the Oath of Enlistment for the United States Marine Corps later this month.

Second Lieutenant James Justus, an adult volunteer with the squadron, is recognized as the Safety Officer of the Year. Lieutenant Justus joined our squadron as our health and safety officer after retiring from the US Army after 26 years' active duty as a combat medical officer.

Second Lieutenant Alexa Merrill, another adult volunteer in the squadron, is recognized as the Character Development Officer of the Year. In addition to her excellent services conducting the cadet Character Development workshops, Lieutenant Merrill also serves as the Administration Officer keeping track of our paperwork, and Logistics Officer, maintaining inventory records of our uniform and accessories supplies.

Lieutenant Frank Merrill is recognized as the Aerospace Education Teacher of the Year. Outside his duties commanding the squadron, Colonel Merrill is the Director of Aerospace Education for Indiana Wing CAP.

The above awards entitle the recipients to be considered for similar awards by the six-state Great Lakes Region and, as successful, eligible for the associated national awards.

4.13.20 Teacher, Bruce Nelson from Indian Creek Elementary School spoke with a Fox News correspondent about the impact and approach to online learning on elementary students during the pandemic. https://video.foxnews.com/v/6149035770001#sp=show-clips

4.16.20 District English Language Learners program was featured by the Indianapolis Star in a piece on the impact of closed schools on programming. https://www.indystar.com/story/news/education/2020/04/15/indiana-education-how-closed-schools- impact-english-learners-coronavirus/2963074001/

4.17.20 Indian Creek Elementary teacher, Vanessa Darius, was surprised at home by colleagues and Fox59, learning that she is their 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d-FNDVsaE- 2SsQX_qa-55BYl78apW-4A/view?usp=sharing

4.22.20 Under the leadership of physical education teacher, Ms. Jodi Whitaker, Skiles Test Elementary was recognized as the American Heart Association’s top fundraiser in the Kids Heart Challenge. The school raised a total of $757.30.

ATHLETICS

3.24.20 Coach William Patterson II was named Varsity Football Coach at Lawrence Central High School. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/03/23/indiana-high-school-football- patterson-named-new-lawrence-central-coach/2904379001/

3.25.20 The Indianapolis Star announced the 2019-2020 ALL-USA Central Indiana boys basketball super team. First Team includes Dre Davis and Nijel Pack from Lawrence Central, as well as Tony Perkins from Lawrence North. Second team includes Lawrence North’s Shamar Avance. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/all-usa/2020/03/25/indiana-basketball-2019-20- indystar-boys-super-team-tony-perkins-dre-davis-pierce-thomas-nijel-pack/2906231001/

4.02.20 New Lawrence Central Varsity Football coach, Will Patterson was featured by Current Geist. http://youarecurrent.com/2020/04/02/patterson-returns-to-lc-as-football-coach/

4.06.20 Three of the 13 boys basketball players selected as 2020 Indiana All-Stars are from Lawrence Township. Congratulations to Dre Davis (LC), Nijel Pack (LC), and Tony Perkins (LN). https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/04/06/indiana-high-school-basketball-2020- indiana-all-stars-tony-perkins-anthony-leal-trey-galloway/2953028001/

4.07.20 Dre Davis (Lawrence Central High School) and Tony Perkins (Lawrence North High School) were identified as being Top 5 finalists for Indiana Mr. Basketball 2020. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/04/07/indiana-mr-basketball-2020-finalists- include-anthony-leal-tony-perkins-dre-davis-trey-galloway/2961246001/

4.08.20 Lawrence North junior basketball player, Jayla Smith commited to continuing her academic and athletic career after graduation at Purdue University. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high- school/2020/04/08/girls-basketball-recruiting-class-2021-jayla-smith-commits-purdue/2972330001/

4.13.20 Lawrence North High School senior baseball players, Ty Johnson, Ethan Butterfield, Marcus Goodpaster, and Nick Taylor were named to the 2020 All-Marion County Senior Baseball Team. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/04/12/marion-county-high-school-baseball- all-senior-team/2979997001/

PERFORMING ARTS

2.29.20 Fall Creek Valley Middle School earned 6 Silver Medals and 26 Gold Medals at ISSMA Solo & Ensemble.

COMMUNITY

3.24.20 Winding Ridge Elementary Teachers participated in a “parade”, driving through neighborhoods they serve and waving to families. Many thanks to the City of Lawrence Police Department for the escort.

3.26.20 The Health Sciences program at McKenzie Center for Innovation & Technology donated remaining medical equipment to those who need it at Community Health Network.

4.01.20 Long time Lawrence North basketball coach, Mr. Jim DeSalle, passed away following a battle with COVID- 19. https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/04/02/ihsaa-basketball-lawrence-norths- do-all-worker-jim-desalle-dies/5115190002/

4.01.20 WISH-TV 8 & Indy Star featured Lawrence North basketball super fan, Mr. Larry Rush. Mr. Rush was a valuable member of the Lawrence North athletic family, and lost the battle to COVID-19 on March 29, 2020. https://www.wishtv.com/news/an-unbreakable-bond-lawrence-norths-larry-rush-the-four-horsemen/ https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/03/29/coronavirus-claims-life-lawrence- north-basketball-super-fan/2937999001/

4.03.20 Indy’s Child talked with Indian Creek Elementary teacher and 2019 LT Teacher of the Year about how to support students in an off-site/homeschooling environment in response to COVID-19. https://indyschild.com/homeschooling-advice-from-lawrence-townships-2019-teacher-of-the-year/

4.09.20 Staff members at Skiles Test Elementary participated in a Gratitude Project, culminating in a video shared with the school community. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wj0qs6U-gM

4.09.20 Lawrence Central High School Theater teacher, Ms. Kathleen Horrigan, spoke with WFYI about adjusting her curriculum to help students process disruption and fear. https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/theater-teacher-adjusts-curriculum-to-help-students-process- disruption-and-fear

4.09.20 CBS4/Fox59 spoke with Lawrence North school counselor, Mrs. Connie Sivertson and to senior, Tony Perks, about dealing with losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. https://cbs4indy.com/news/student-athletes-deal-with-loss-of-season-coaches-during- pandemic/

4.14.20 Over 100 cars from Lawrence Central High School drove by the home of teacher and coach, Mr. Khayri Abdullah this evening offering well wishes. He is home following a lengthy COVID-19 related hospital stay. Many thanks to Lawrence Police Department & McCordsville Police Department for the much needed escort. https://www.wthr.com/article/community-rallies-behind-lawrence-central-teacher- coach-recovering-covid-19

4.14.20 Lawrence Township graduate and parent, Dr. Jill Robinson-Kramer was featured by WISH-TV8 for her efforts to support the community making masks. She is now working with other parents to support both school-based food pantries and the Lawrence Township School Foundation as they raise funds to support families during the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.wishtv.com/news/local-news/woman- first-makes-masks-now-hopes-to-help-students-during-covid-19-recovery/