International students dealing with feelings of isolation amid coronavirus epidemic

March 24, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

Unable to travel back to their native countries, University of Southern Indiana international students, like many others in the Tri-State, have felt confined by the increased restrictions caused by the coronavirus.

USI senior Daniela Gonzalez, who lives in Mexico City, said the impact of the worldwide pandemic has been a major issue for her and other international students, as many of them have been forced to remain on campus and away from their families.

Coronavirus: How to keep students learning during Evansville, Tri-State school closures

March 22, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

With area schools, libraries and community centers closed due to risks of coronavirus exposure, several national organizations have provided online educational resources for students forced to learn from home.

Here's a list of online activities and websites students can visit during their break from traditional classroom settings.

Coronavirus: Warrick County schools to go virtual through rest of the year

March 22, 2020 by Earl Hopkins

Warrick County School Corp. Superintendent Brad Schneider announced Friday that students will finish out the academic year virtually.

The decision was made due to the increasing spread of the coronavirus across the state and country, which has forced several area school corporations to suspend in-person instruction. EVSC has maintained in-person closure through May 1.

EVSC students receive free 'grab and go' meal packages during school closures

March 19, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community

Walking alongside her two siblings Tuesday, 15-year-old Angela Snodgrass joined several community members outside Cedar Hall Community School's doors to receive free "grab and go" meals.

With Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. schools closed through April 13 due to the coronavirus pandemic, Snodgrass, a freshman at Central High School student, said the district's free meal program has made it easier for local families.

Coronavirus: Some USI students 'overwhelmed' by abrupt move-outs

March 19, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community

With thousands of University of Southern Indiana students rushing to move their belongings after hearing university housing has abruptly closed for the semester, some expressed stress with the process.

Students received an email Tuesday from USI Housing and Residence Life saying all students must move from campus housing by 6 p.m. Sunday.

Coronavirus: Area colleges virtual through end of semester, EVSC and Diocese add two more weeks

March 18, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Education, Community

During a press conference Tuesday, school officials announced that the University of Southern Indiana, University of Evansville and Ivy Tech Community College will go solely to online instruction through the end of the school year as the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to rise across the state and nation.

The Evansville Vanderburgh School Corp. and Evansville Diocese Schools announced their buildings will be closed an additional two weeks with classes not scheduled to resume in person until April 13. That date may change as more information is known.

Coronavirus: USI senior remains positive despite 'loss' of final semester

March 18, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education, Sports

With the recent transition to only-online classes for the remaining semester, University of Southern Indiana senior Ian Graves said he and his friends are "discouraged" by the move.

Last week USI announced the suspension of in-class instruction through at least April 6 due to precautions concerning COVID-19. And Tuesday the school announced the remainder of the semester would be online only.

Curtain call: Retiring Castle South teacher hopes lessons from performances will endure

March 10, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education, Music

When Treva Pruden first arrived at Castle South Middle School in 2009, her goal as choir director was to provide memorable experiences for her students.

In a year's time, Pruden established the school's first musical production, "Wipe Out," and from there, she would continue to organize these performances for 10 years, all of them varying in style and execution.

New Tech students interview WWII veterans, bringing deeper meaning to their coursework

March 05, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education, Politics/Government

Nostalgic thoughts ran through Gerald Kinsey's mind as he spoke to several New Tech Institute students Wednesday for the school's Seventh annual Hoosier Veterans Consortium.

Kinsey, an Army and United States Air Force veteran, was nearly speechless when asked how it feels to share his life story. Stories like Kinsey's are what many of the students at the event have been studying in books in their U.S. History and freshman English classes.

Sig School principal selected for top education honor for ATHENA

March 02, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

After hearing she was honored for her contributions in education this past year, Signature School Principal Jean Hitchcock was filled with disbelief.

Once her feelings of doubt subsided, Hitchcock felt a rush of fulfillment knowing she received such a distinguished honor of top educator for ATHENA.

Ivy Tech students, staff form living wax exhibit of African American leaders

March 02, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Culture

Decked out in outfits inspired by prominent black leaders, Ivy Tech Community College students and staff portrayed historical figures for the school's first African American History Month Live Wax Museum.

Kindergarten students form marriage between letters "Q" and "U"

March 02, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

Good Shepherd kindergarten students came dressed in suits, bridal dresses and wedding veils Friday to celebrate the traditional ritual of matrimonial union — alphabet style.

To underline the relationship between "Q" and "U," Good Shepherd teachers hosted the annual wedding event to honor the marriage between the two letters. Each student recited their vowels and screamed "I do" to officially form their marital bond.

New Tech's STEM Fest continues to feed locals' hunger for science

February 22, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

Hundreds of children pulled away from their parents' tight grips to rush toward the various interactive booths on display during Saturday's annual STEM Fest.

Even with lines jamming the hallways of New Tech High School and the Southern Indiana Career and Tech Center, each participant made their way to tables dedicated to Nerf archery targets, strawberry DNA extractions, paper-made rockets and other activities.

Ambition basketball moves into historic Evansville Downtown YMCA gym

February 16, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Sports

Before Mitch Lewis stepped inside the old Downtown YMCA, the only sign of life from the 93-year-old building was the faintly-lit logo above its entrance doors. Still, Lewis believed the vacant building had more to offer the local community.

Angela Davis speaks to overflow crowd at USI's Nelson Mandela dedication

February 06, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Culture

Maybe one lecture cannot change the world, as renowned social activist Angela Davis noted Wednesday night at the University of Southern Indiana.

But judging by the resounding applause from the packed house at USI's 2020 Nelson Mandela Social Justice Day, the keynote speaker's appearance was a memorable one.

Former homeless teen overcomes life struggles with elegant grace

February 06, 2020 by Earl Hopkins in Community, Education

Bre'Monyaa Jones says every dance movement she makes is an expression of her story — a way for her to convey her life's journey.

"I feel like when I dance I'm trying to show you what I've been through — like I'm stronger," Jones said. "I just feel like it just shows how passionate I am, how nothing can break me down. Sometimes I feel like I have to cry because I'm doing so good."