News

December grad overcomes obstacles to earn dental school admission

KOKOMO, Ind. — As Gracie McClain’s parents drove her to an emergency room, she couldn’t help but think her lifelong dream of becoming a dentist was gone. “It was really scary,” she said. “I temporarily lost my ability to speak properly. Everything that came out of my mouth was gibberish, and I couldn’t see very well. It was a very unusual experience.” McClain, who was 17 at the time, learned within a few days she’d had a stroke. Luckily, it didn’t have long-term effects — and did not keep her from

NMAT Students Create Logo for Local Not-for-profit Science Fair

KOKOMO, Ind. — When the 63rd annual Howard County Science Fair takes place in February 2027, it will include a new logo created by an Indiana University Kokomo student. Erika Creighton’s design was chosen from eight submitted by students in the Identity, Design, and Branding class taught by Michael Koerner, associate professor of new media, who said the project mimicked the competitive process students might experience as graphic design artists, and allowed them to practice what they’ve learned during

Graduating Teachers Honored at Recognition Ceremony

More photos here Graduating teachers honored at recognition ceremony KOKOMO, Ind. — Faculty and staff in the Indiana University Kokomo Division of Education, along with the 2026 Indiana Teacher of the Year, welcomed 50 new teachers into the profession at its annual recognition and pinning ceremony. Scott Jones, executive vice chancellor of academic affairs, congratulated the graduates on becoming teachers, noting they have a great responsibility to the children they will teach. “Each of you will have

Larson to Take Lead for Marion High School Athletics

Marion High School’s next athletic director is a familiar face, as he has been a part of the MHS staff for many years. Nate Larson will take the reins for MHS athletics, building on his experience as a teacher and a coach.   The Marion Community Schools Board of School Trustees approved his hiring as Marion High School athletic director at their regular meeting on April 28. He will start in this new position July 1.   “I am truly honored to serve as the new Athletic Director at Marion High

Marion High School Alumni Association Honors Scholarship Recipients

Marion High School Alumni Association is pleased to announce 45 scholarship awards totaling more than $37,000 for 20 outstanding Marion High School graduating seniors!  MHSAA is proud to note that this is another record-setting amount, and it includes two new scholarships awarded for the first time this year. MHSAA is grateful for our collaborative relationship with Marion Community Schools and the community, which enables us to help provide excellent opportunities for Marion students! The following

GRAE Open House & Ribbon Cutting

On behalf of Grant Regional Adult Education, I am pleased to invite you to a special Open House and Ribbon Cutting event on Wednesday, May 14th, from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM. This event marks an exciting milestone for our program as we continue expanding opportunities for adult learners in our community. Our mission is to empower individuals through education, workforce readiness, and lifelong learning, and this celebration is an opportunity to showcase the impact of that work. We would be honored to have

HR Skills Training at IvyTech

Through Ivy Tech Community College, gain real-world HR skills through practical, hands-on learning. Build a strong foundation in HR through real-world scenarios and gain the confidence to handle everyday workplace challenges and succeed in today’s workforce. Registration Open Now!! Seats are limited. Don’t miss out. No prior HR experience required Dates August 4, 2026 – September 1, 2026 Format Live, instructor-led (online) Registration Fees $995 Flexible payment plans available HR Skills

Summer Learning: GRCC offers Advanced Manufacturing Camp

Summer learning: GRCC offers Advanced Manufacturing Camp   Grant Regional Career Center has a new opportunity for area students this summer: an Advanced Manufacturing Camp in partnership with Wiley Metal.  Students ages 12 to 16 from around the region are invited to participate in this special opportunity.  This free camp will offer students the chance to explore modern manufacturing in a real-world setting, with hands-on learning in a safe environment. Using CAD software, students will actually

All-City Art Show to Feature Marion Students' Visual and Performing Arts on May 15-16

The All-City Art Show features work from Marion students at all grade levels. The show will be open to the public from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 15, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 16. Visitors will enter through the Walton Performing Arts Center, where some of the artwork will be displayed, and continue on into the art hallway to view more displays.  The All-City Art Show features will include:Interactive art experiencesPerformances by Marion Community Schools music ensembles (times to be

Radiant Health to Host Free ''Mental Health Matters'' Event for Youth and Families

[Marion, IN – 4/16/26] Radiant Health will host Mental Health Matters, presented by TJR Group, on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gardens of Matter Park. This is a free community event focused on supporting youth mental wellness and overall well-being. Designed for youth of all ages and their families, the event will feature engaging, hands-on activities that help young people build emotional self-regulation, learn healthy coping strategies, and strengthen their overall well-being.

Culture Fest invites campus community to celebrate its people

KOKOMO, Ind. — The sweet scent of coconut soup and the sounds of percussion filled the air in Indiana University Kokomo’s Alumni Hall Tuesday (April 14), as students, faculty, and staff celebrated Culture Fest. The event invites all to experience a day centered on culture, community, and connection. Hosted by the Multicultural Center and the International Student Organization, it offered tastes of international food and candy, informational posters, and the chance to meet and talk to people from a

McCulloch Junior High Invites Community Professionals to Participate in Career Day

Marion, IN — McCulloch Junior High School is inviting community members to participate in its upcoming Career Day on May 15, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.The event will include four 20-minute sessions scheduled throughout the morning, giving students the opportunity to learn about a variety of career paths and gain insight into the education, skills, and experiences needed to achieve their goals."Our students are eager to learn about a variety of career paths and gain insight into the education, skills,

Free Workshop to Explore the Role of Play & Storytelling in STEM Learning

Free workshop to explore the role of play, storytelling, in STEM learning KOKOMO, Ind. — Teachers are invited to learn how to enhance STEM education through storytelling and play, at a free workshop Thursday, April 23, at Indiana University Kokomo. Playing with Dolls & STEM in the Classroom incorporates Friends Forever Club dolls, each of which has a STEM interest and story.   Christina Romero, associate professor of education, and Jennifer McNeany, assistant clinical professor in school psychology,

Marion High School to Present Beloved Stage Classic Annie

MHS to present beloved stage classic Annie   Marion High School is bringing the well-loved, family-friendly musical Annie to the main stage at the Walton Performing Arts Center this week! The cast features students from Marion High School as well as McCulloch Junior High.    Come out and enjoy this heartwarming tale of the orphan who rises above a cruel and bitter start to bring light and love to the world around her, featuring some of the greatest musical theatre hits ever written, including the

Wildcat Summer Academy: Creative Arts Camps (June 21-26)

Develop Skills & Explore Interests at WSA at Indiana Wesleyan University! The Wildcat Summer Academy delivers a college-like experience to high school students on campus from June 21–26. Students will:Experience dynamic learning and enriching social interactions in a supportive environmentDevelop new skills and engage with vibrant IWU faculty in exciting and thought-provoking waysExplore their interests and passions alongside like-minded students from around the countryIf you have students entering 9th

Grant Regional Adult Education Graduation