Stop by The Rusty Dog at a food truck rally on May 11 at Settlers Park to raise funds for youth scholarships. The event is part of Meridian’s Unplug and Be Outside series that is designed to get people to put down their cellphones and get active.
Courtesy of City of Meridian
I think we can all admit that smartphones have become an extension of our arms — always readily available to check that TikTok notification, answer that text, take that photo for Instagram or check on that base in your Clash of Clans game.
Our electronic devices are sneakily addictive. Add social media to the mix and they are even more addictive! Can you go an entire day without a Facebook fix? The withdrawals are no joke.
And curse your iPad and tablets for having that larger screen, making gaming and YouTube videos that much more enticing.
I know it’s hard, but let’s unclutch our iPhones and give other body parts a workout — besides our texting thumbs. Meridian’s annual Unplug and Be Outside event is going on now through Saturday and is designed to swap out screen time for outdoor play time. (Hey, you can even play in the rare May snow.)
Meridian Parks and Recreation has organized a variety of workshops and events at various locations across the city to encourage families to put down their devices and engage in activities that get your heart pumping.
Sports like tennis, soccer, flag football and golf are available for youth participation. And families can enjoy activities, such as fishing, disc golf, gardening, outdoor photography, bird watching and theater improv, according to a news release.
“I want families to learn about all the amazing activities available in the area. Many of these are free and offer year-round opportunities to get active and engaged,” explains Renee White, recreation coordinator, in a press release.
There will also be a food truck rally from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Settlers Park, 3245 N. Meridian Road, as part of the Unplug and Be Outside Field Day. Grab a bite from Caribbean A3 Catering, Boise Mountain Berry Bowls, Rusty Dog or Tacos Y Tortas El Paco.
Proceeds will benefit Meridian Parks and Recreation’s Care Enough to Share youth scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to children who are interested in participating in classes and camps.
For those interested in taking part in this year’s Unplug and Bet Outside, a full schedule is available at meridiancity.org/unplug. Those who participate in the activities can even enter to win a variety of prizes, including a hoverboard donated by Idaho Central Credit Union.
Michelle Jenkins compiles event calendars, archives and writes a Helping Works column for the Idaho Statesman. She attended Boise State University and grew up in New Plymouth, Idaho.
Greyhound Grad Montana Hagler is keeping her love of green and silver, but especially green, going by taking part in a community collaboration greenhouse program in her role as a teacher of Sustainable Agriculture and Greenhouse Management at Lovington High School in Lovington, New Mexico.
Montana, who graduated from Eastern New Mexico University with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture education in spring 2020, discusses the project and her time in Greyhound Green as a student at ENMU.
Tell us about the greenhouse program.
The greenhouse program came to be through community collaboration with the help of several stakeholders in the community who had offered up funds to make the greenhouse program a reality.
When I approached Lovington High School about the open teaching position in the spring of 2020, I was able to learn more about the goals the district had for the program. At the core of the program is the idea that students are able to learn best through exploratory learning, and when given the opportunity to get their hands dirty, students begin to dedicate themselves to a more meaningful and impactful learning experience.
As an educator, I am here as a resource to guide and direct my students to become the best versions of themselves. Although a large percentage of my classes may not pursue success in agriculture-specific fields, the topics of study we cover throughout the school year are practical and easily applicable to everyday life.
Students are able to learn valuable life skills by working in the greenhouse. Some of these life skills include teamwork, leadership skills, and problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Students also learn first-hand that responsibility and commitment are important character traits to have in becoming successful.
Over the last two school years, around 250 students have had the opportunity to work in the greenhouse and observe plant growth from seed to harvest. These students have also had the unique opportunity to work with several different hydroponic systems and have been able to dive deeper into the future of large-scale food production.
We hope to receive funding soon to build a second greenhouse on campus to use specifically for potted plant storage for our plant sales and more hands-on opportunities for students to learn the skills discussed in the classroom.
Discuss your teaching role.
After graduating from ENMU in the spring of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education, and at the beginning of the pandemic, I was unsure of what the future held for me in terms of where I would begin my teaching career.
After hearing that Lovington High School was working on creating a new horticulture program and was building a state-of-the-art hydroponics-based greenhouse, I knew this was the position for me, and I eagerly applied for the job.
After an interview with the administrative staff and a very long week and half, I heard back that the position was mine, and just like that, I had secured my dream job!
As an educator, I wear many hats! Each day I am tasked with making hundreds of decisions with my students and for my students to guide them to become well-rounded, impactful and prepared people.
I lesson plan, ready classroom and greenhouse materials, tidy my room, help students complete college applications or job applications and am a listening ear for students who have a rough time and a problem solver for those students who need help navigating homework or sometimes just life in general.
I am a Science Olympiad coach and an FFA advisor/coach. I also work with my colleagues to put on plant sales and prepare for upcoming events at the school.
Which aspect of your career is the most rewarding?
Identifying one specific aspect of my career as the most rewarding is often difficult for me because there are so many wonderful moments that encompass what I do on a daily basis.
Although, I do have to say one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do each day has to be the relationships I have been able to forge with my students. I have been able to share moments with my students during times of joy and celebration as well as during times of uncertainty and frustration.
There is nothing that sets my heart on fire for teaching more than watching my students develop confidence in their abilities. There is nothing more rewarding than getting to take a step back and watch my students work hard to accomplish the goals they have set forth for themselves.
What are your short- and long-term career goals?
My short-term career goals include finishing out the current school year strong and completing over 170 hours of professional development in workshops this summer.
My long-term career goals include continuing to grow the greenhouse program at LHS and implementing a third and fourth-year class for the program. I would also like to complete a dossier and have been pursuing an interest in becoming a nationally board-certified teacher after moving to the level II-tier.
Tell us about your family and background.
Growing up in Belen, New Mexico, I was raised by my father, Richard Hull, and mother, Juanita Flores-Hull. After graduating from Belen High School in May of 2016, I moved to Portales, New Mexico, to begin my journey at ENMU.
I met the kindest and most determined people at ENMU, including my now-husband, Paden. He was also part of the ENMU Collegiate FFA Chapter, ENMU Kappa Delta Pi Chapter and the Teacher Education Program at ENMU.
After graduating from ENMU in spring of 2020, my husband and I were married in Ruidoso in July of the same year. We are both blessed with extraordinary family and friends. We have recently purchased our first home in Hobbs and are excited to see what is next as God’s plan for our lives continues to unfold.
Why did you choose to attend ENMU?
As a student interested in studying agriculture who also wanted smaller classroom sizes, I knew ENMU was the place for me. ENMU offers classes in agriculture and education that are top tier.
How did you choose your field of study?
Throughout high school, I was interested in science. I was a part of the MESA club and enjoyed learning about animal and plant sciences in my agriculture classes and FFA.
What truly led me to major in agriculture was the fact that I didn’t have much background knowledge in the subject at large. I grew up in an agricultural community but did not understand how greatly I was affected by agriculture until I started taking agriculture classes in my sophomore year of high school.
Therefore, everything I learned was always new and exciting. Agriculture is important; it’s the backbone of society as we know it today. A large percentage of the general public is not agriculturally literate; it’s a challenge the agriculture community as a whole works to tackle each day.
It has always been my goal to learn as much as possible, so I may teach others about what I have learned to make their lives better and, ultimately, create a more agriculturally literate world.
Which academic honors and scholarships did you receive at Eastern?
I was on the dean’s list from the fall of 2016 to the spring of 2020. My scholarships included the Panhandle Grain and Feed Scholarship, College of Education Scholarship, Heidi Best AG Scholarship, Jack and Ladeane Murphy Agriculture Scholarship, Kelli McGarrh Scholarship and MG and Audrey Hunt Scholarship.
Discuss your Eastern Experience.
As many of my senior high school students are in a season of trying to decide where to go to college, I always recommend they take a look at what ENMU has to offer them.
My time at ENMU was such a blessing; I would not change a single moment. Some of my favorite memories include creating butter by hand in one of Dr. Smith’s classes and working in classrooms with middle and high school students for several of my education classes.
I can say with absolute honesty that I would not be the teacher I am today without the dedication and intentional care and commitment towards my success from my professors and many others at ENMU. Those who come to mind are Dr. Darron Smith, Dr. Kathleen Wagner, Kim Potters, Kari Lemke, Dr. Jayson Evaniuck, Dr. Lesley Judd and Dr. Michael Shaughnessy.
These individuals truly set the example for me in terms of what the difference is between a good teacher and an outstanding educator.
During my time at ENMU, I had the opportunity to serve the University as a peer mentor for three years through the PACT Title V Peer Mentorship program and as a tutor for agriculture and education classes.
How did ENMU prepare you for your career?
Attending ENMU for my bachelor’s degree prepared me for my teaching career by, first and foremost, creating opportunities for teacher candidates to work in classrooms with students during my time in the program.
Having the ability to see first-hand how classroom management and student-teacher rapport are built was very helpful when I went into my first year of teaching. Not only was I able to apply what I was learning in my education classes in a real classroom setting but learning alongside my peers and some of the best educators New Mexico has to offer also allowed for networking opportunities that were helpful in my first two years of teaching.
I always recommend to anybody that I know who is interested in pursuing a career in education to research what ENMU has to offer them in relation to their goals.
What advice would you give to a student interested in working in your career field?
Take every opportunity to learn who you are at your core and to cement in your mind your personal “why” for choosing to become a teacher.
Teaching is a demanding profession that often requires compassion, grace and grit on a daily basis. Teaching is important, do not let anyone try and dull the fire you have inside of you to impact the lives of young people.
Do not become afraid of your own potential because you can, and will, do great things.
Who is your role model?
Even after graduating from ENMU, I have been able to look for guidance from the director of Teacher Education at ENMU, Kari Lemke. During my time in the Teacher Education Program, Mrs. Lemke was a tremendous help and worked hard to ensure I always felt supported and prepared to accomplish the goals I set for myself.
Since meeting her during my second year in the program, she has been someone I have been able to rely on for guidance and support. Mrs. Lemke truly has a heart for serving others, she is a compassionate and caring individual, and I hope to be able to exemplify my love and dedication for the education profession the way she does each and every day. I would not be the person or educator I am today without her guidance.
What are your hobbies?
During my time outside of the classroom, I enjoy traveling to disc golf tournaments with my husband and spending time with friends and family.
Pittsburg Ice Bowl Benefit Tournament set for Feb. 26
The Pittsburg Parks and Recreation Department and Pittsburg Disc Golf Club are teaming up to host the Ice Bowl Benefit Tournament on Feb. 26 starting at 11 a.m. at the Schlanger Park Disc Golf Course.
Registration will take place from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the day of the event and the entry fee for the tournament is five nonperishable food items or a $10 cash donation, with all proceeds being donated to the Wesley House in Pittsburg.
For additional information regarding the Ice Bowl Tournament, contact the Pittsburg Parks & Recreation Department at 620-231-8310.
Negro Leagues Baseball Museum added to U.S. Civil Rights Trail
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is the third site in Missouri to be included on the trail, which highlights individuals, events, and locations in 15 states and the District of Columbia that have been vital to the advancement of civil rights in the United States.
“The fight for racial equality in our country has taken on many forms, including marches, conflicts and court cases. The inclusion of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum adds yet another layer to the history that is preserved by the U.S. Civil Rights Trail,” said Stephen Foutes, director of the Missouri Division of Tourism.
MDT nominated the museum for inclusion on the trail, which was created through a collaboration of participating states in 2018.
The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum opened in Kansas City in 1991. It tells the story of why the leagues were formed and how they ultimately contributed to social advancement in the United States. The Negro Leagues produced some of baseball’s greatest players including Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and James “Cool Papa” Bell.
The Negro National League — one of seven leagues nationwide — was established in Kansas City in 1920 and included the Kansas City Monarchs.
Robinson, a member of the Monarchs, was the first player to break baseball’s color barrier when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers. Buck O’Neil, a 2022 inductee in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, was the first Black coach in Major League Baseball and was instrumental in establishing the museum.
“We are deeply honored to be part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail,” said Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “The Negro Leagues played a tremendous role in the social advancement of America. Our inclusion to the trail will undoubtedly help more people understand that the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum is a Civil Rights and Social Justice institution that documents a powerful story of triumph over adversity as seen through the lens of baseball.”
Missouri’s other two sites on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail are the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, where the Dred Scott trial was heard, and the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum in Independence. Truman is recognized for his executive order to desegregate the military — a decision that helped pave the way for desegregation throughout society.
Learn more about Missouri’s sites on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail and other civil rights history in the state at visitmo.com/in-the-spotlight/missouris- civil-rights-stories. For more information about the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, visit civilrightstrail.com.
WGU Missouri launches new scholarship
In celebration of WGU Missouri’s ninth anniversary, the nonprofit, fully accredited, online university has announced it is awarding $450,000 in scholarships to new students who are interested in furthering their education. Since its establishment in February 2013, WGU Missouri has been committed to providing high-quality, convenient and career-boosting college education to residents across the state, including working adults who have some college experience but no degree. The WGU Missouri ninth anniversary scholarships, valued at up to $9,000 each, underscore WGU’s mission of helping make higher education even more attainable for adults across Missouri, especially those looking to strengthen their skill sets as the ongoing pandemic continues to impact the local workforce.
While many universities have experienced a decline in enrollment since the onset of the pandemic, WGU Missouri’s enrollment continues to hold steady and actually managed to grow over the past 12 months. The university, which was created through a partnership with the national Western Governors University and Gov. Jay Nixon, currently has 3,340 enrolled students, an increase of 2.8% over last year, and has conferred degrees to 6,011 graduates, a fifth of whom graduated in the past 12 months. In fact, WGU Missouri has shown consistent growth since its establishment nearly a decade ago. Across the state, WGU Missouri employs 191 staff members, has awarded more than $3.4 million in scholarships and has built partnerships with more than 85 businesses, institutions and organizations in an effort to create new opportunities for their employees to pursue higher education at an even lower cost and advance their careers.
WGU Missouri has been credited with helping individuals earn their college degrees who otherwise couldn’t easily complete or afford a traditional college program. The average student age is 35, with more than 65% of attendees coming from underprivileged populations or being first-generation college students. Additionally, 72% of students work full time while pursuing their degrees. These grads are quickly seeing a difference in their lives as more career opportunities become available. As a result, students earn an average of $21,800 more within four years of graduation, which is significantly higher than the national average of $11,500.
“As we commemorate the ninth anniversary of WGU’s establishment in the state of Missouri, we want to recognize our students, many of whom have previously faced challenges in completing their degrees through traditional means,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, chancellor of WGU Missouri. “We are proud to provide the 900,000 Missourians who have some college but no degree with an alternative, affordable pathway to earning their bachelor’s and master’s degrees — and, ultimately, advancing their careers and transforming their lives. We look forward to continuing to empower many more adults to go back to school and earn their degrees in the years to come.”
WGU Missouri offers more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, K-12 teacher education and health professions, including nursing. Unlike a traditional college program, WGU caters to adults with previous or current work experience who are looking to further their careers through education. WGU Missouri’s competency-based education model allows adult students to take advantage of prior learning and experience to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn.
To be considered for WGU Missouri’s 9th Anniversary Scholarship, new and prospective students must be Missouri residents, be admitted to WGU Missouri, and submit a scholarship application by June 30, 2022. Scholarships will be awarded based on the student’s academic record, previous college experience, readiness for online study, current competency, and other considerations. The scholarship will be applied at the rate of $2,250 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms toward WGU’s already-low tuition of approximately $3,800 per six-month term for most programs. For more information about this scholarship, visit missouri.wgu.edu/9th.
Thank a Farmer week wraps up March 7
Farm Bureau’s presidents Lana Couch and Ben Fizette from Barry & Lawrence, join forces to co-sponsor a free-of-cost Market Outlook and State of Industry meeting featuring Kelly Smith and Sam Polly for farmers and future farmers in our area.
Following the chili dinner and dessert, we will begin the evening with Sam Polly, Missouri’s new state director of pesticide safety education with MU Extension.
“The greatest threat to modern agriculture is a negative public perception leading to over regulation. The ensuing runaway costs of regulatory compliance, lawsuits, and enforcement actions is stripping both our agricultural economy and heritage.” said Polly.
Sam will discuss the roots of this problem and what we can do about it while there is still time.
Then Missouri Farm Bureau’s senior director of marketing and commodities, Kelly Smith, will take the stage to provide an expansive summary of agriculture market outlook.
“Kelly will cover a wide range of topics that impacts our ag market including the pendulous cattle market, input costs, supply chain hiccups all the way to the impact of Russia stand-off’s on your feed grain flows,” said Ben Fizette, Lawrence County Farm Bureau president.
We hope you’ll join us for the opportunity to learn from these knowledgeable speakers on the final day of “Thank a Farmer Week” — Monday, March 7, 2022, at 6 p.m. beginning with chili dinner at the University of Missouri’s Southwest Research Center, 14548 Hwy H, Mount Vernon, MO 65712. Please kindly RSVP by Friday, March 4, by calling Tosha at 417-466-7679.
UScellular announces $70.3 million network investment in Missouri in 2021
UScellular announced that it made a $70.3 million investment in its Missouri network in 2021. This includes $11.3 million in general network upgrades, $24 million in 5G modernizations, and $35 million in 5G spectrum that will bring additional benefits in the coming years while advancing the company’s multiyear 5G network strategy.
Additionally, in 2021 UScellular provided $38,405 in funding to nonprofit organizations, teachers and youth organizations across Missouri, including $30,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia, $4,094 to teachers through donations to DonorsChoose.org and $4,311 through its Community Connections program. Three Boys & Girls Clubs in Missouri also received $316,525 worth of hot spots and service to help their members connect to the internet at the clubs or at home as part of the company’s After School Access Project.
“Connectivity is more important than ever right now, and at UScellular we are committed to keeping our customers connected to the people and places that matter most to them,” said Joe Cabrera, director of sales for UScellular in Missouri and Kansas. “We will continue to invest in creating a great wireless experience for customers, while also ensuring we provide critical resources for youth in our local communities.”
To help ensure customers have a great shopping experience, UScellular also invested $1.15 million in its Missouri retail store environments in 2021. This includes 12 new, relocated, redesigned or upgraded stores that better showcase the variety of products and services the company provides, making it easier for customers to find what they need.
For more news and information about UScellular, please go to newsroom.uscellular.com.
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