Superintendent Endorsement Program earns national recognition, certification

October 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Kristi Mathis – Southern Illinois University News Service 

CARBONDALE, IL – Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s recently redesigned Superintendent Endorsement Program has recently been evaluated, earning certification and national recognition.

The Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation replaced the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education as the accrediting agency for the superintendent’s program in 2016, setting forth more stringent standards. In addition, Illinois law regarding the program structure changed and SIU’s updated program reflects and implements those modifications. They include higher admission standards and more detailed internship experiences for program participants, according to Saran Donahoo, associate professor and chair of the College Student Personnel Program and doctoral program in the Department of Educational Administration and Higher Education within the College of Education and Human Services.

Donahoo said CAEP emphasizes practical preparation, communicating and assessing clear learning objectives and ensuring that candidates are “job ready” when they complete the superintendent’s program. The evaluation process requires a self-study “that includes information on what we teach, how we teach, who we have taught, how these students performed, how we assessed their performance and how they applied this knowledge in their practical experience,” Donahoo said.

The work of faculty, staff and administrators in redesigning the superintendent program, which prepares participants to be school superintendents and administrators, paid off in multiple ways. The Illinois State Educator Preparation and Licensure Board, an Illinois State Board of Education unit, approved the redesigned program this fall. The SEPLB includes teachers, school administrators and higher education faculty and administrators and their review ensures that the program thoroughly addresses both the academic and practical components.

In addition, SIU’s superintendent program earned “National Recognition Status” from CAEP, the first program within the college to do so.

“The fact that the superintendent program has obtained national recognition shows that SIU remains at the forefront of implementing updated national and state standards,” Donahoo said.

SIU’s education program covers the entire gamut for people who want to teach and/or be school administrators. The university offers teaching programs for all age levels as well as a Principal Preparation Program and the Superintendent Endorsement Program

 

Filed Under: Featured

Students, leaders share stage at 2017 RLC Criminal Justice Scholarship Roundup

October 25, 2017 By Leave a Comment

MT. VERNON, IL – The future of local law enforcement and some of their most ardent supporters gathered in Mt. Vernon this week for the sixth annual Rend Lake College Criminal Justice Program’s Roundup for Scholarships event.

Every year, the fundraiser brings in approximately $3,000 – enough for at least six students to receive financial help for classes in the criminal justice program. This year, the six students who received those scholarships were on hand to meet with members of local law enforcement who took the opportunity to share words of wisdom and encouragement.

 

Jefferson County State’s Attorney Sean Featherstun, center, presents a $1,000 donation to the Rend Lake College Criminal Justice Scholarship Fund. There to receive the gift was RLC Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, Ron Meet, left, and RLC President Terry Wilkerson, right.  (Reece Rutland, Rend Lake College public information)

Jefferson County State’s Attorney Sean Featherstun started the event off with a bang when he presented the criminal justice scholarship fund with a $1,000 donation out of the State’s Attorney’s Drug Forfeiture Fund.

“We seize money from drug dealers and hold on to it until we can find something positive to do with it. So, tonight we are here to donate this money to the scholarship fund. This is our opportunity to take money from the bad guys and use it to fight against them,” said Featherstun.

Dave Severin, State Representative for the 117th District, shared his message of gratitude and encouraged the students to remain local to help build Southern Illinois up.

“You are the future of Southern Illinois. I’m so glad to be here this evening to not only congratulate you but also to challenge you to go get an education or start your own business, have a family and stay in Southern Illinois,” Severin expressed.

Mt. Vernon Police Chief Chris Deichman echoed those thoughts.

“I would like to commend all these students on your chosen path. You’ve taken a great first step. Like Representative Severin made mention, I would challenge you as well to stay right here. Stay local. When we are recruiting, we are looking for folks who came from our local community colleges. What we have found in our department, the ones that have worked their way up and are now leaders in the department are local. So, when we are looking for new officers we like to look right here in our own back yard. Those people tend to love the community and stick around,” Deichman expressed.

Deichman also told the students that they were getting started with their careers by taking advantage of Rend Lake College. The chief shared his experience of being a RLC criminal justice student and how that helped him along the path that he is on today.

Jefferson County Sheriff Travis Allen, a fellow RLC criminal justice graduate, agreed wholeheartedly.
“Rend Lake gave me a great base where I was able to go on to graduate school. I believe all of that is because of the college and the Foundation, providing me the support and tools I needed. We have something in our backyard that we should take advantage of, and that’s Rend Lake College. You will not find a more intelligent and better prepared man than Ron Meek,” said Allen.

Two of the student scholarship recipients also took the opportunity to speak.

Six criminal justice students were on hand at the 2017 Roundup for Scholarships event. From left, Jordan Pike (McLeansboro), Alan Fox (Tamaroa), Anthony Amato (Ina), Jena Holden (Christopher), Associate Professor Ron Meek and Chelsey Bundy (Thompsonville). Not pictured was Amanda Queen (Reece Rutland – Rend Lake College Public Information.)

Chelsey Bundy (Thompsonville) has already begun working as a full-time officer with the Sesser Police Department while continuing her education. She hopes to use this opportunity to go on and earn her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

“I just want to thank everyone for coming tonight. It’s been an honor to receive a scholarship this year. It’s helped me out a lot. We all know college is expensive. Thank you professor Meek for being a great instructor and making class interesting and leading us all in the right direction,” Bundy stated.
Fellow scholarship recipient Alan Fox (Tamaroa) had nothing but praise for the program.

“I have personally learned more about criminal justice than I ever could have imagined over the past year and a half. Professor Meek is a great teacher. All of the teachers in the program are great and very knowledgeable,” Fox said.

Rend Lake College President Terry Wilkerson and Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron also took a turn at the podium to thank the students for attending RLC and to encourage them to become quality representatives of the Criminal Justice Program as well as the college.

Ron Meek, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice, closed the night by thanking all the supporters of the program and making two announcements of his own.

“I just want to take a moment to thank the college, local law enforcement and the community for their support of the program. Because, without them, we wouldn’t have the success that we enjoy. We are always trying to come up with new things to keep our program on the cutting edge of the field. This year, I’m pleased to announce that in January we are starting a new class called Law Enforcement Scenarios. It will be a whole semester of spending one class period learning about a topic and then the next class period of actually roleplaying that scenario out,” said Meek. “A lot of our local law enforcement has come to me and expressed a need for scenario-based training. So, we are working towards addressing that need.”

“Also, with the president of the college’s support and the cooperation of local law enforcement, we are about to get Illinois to move the part-time Police Academy from Carbondale to Rend Lake College Starting in January. So, we are going to be the site for Southern Illinois part-time, police training program.”

To learn more about RLC’s Criminal Justice program, visit www.rlc.edu/criminal-justice, or contact Meek at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1239 or meekr@rlc.edu.

 

Filed Under: Christopher News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, Sesser News, Thompsonville News

50 Influencers of Rend Lake College: Mary and Bill Roe, the Dynamic Duo

October 22, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Reece Rutland – Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, IL  – The impact a single person can have through their positivity and generosity can be tremendous. Throughout this entire series, individuals have been heighted for selflessly giving of themselves to help the students of Rend Lake College and the district at-large. For this particular entry, double that.

Mary M. Roe and Dr. Charles W. “Bill” Roe are a powerful pair. Both together as a couple and individually, they have helped shape the course of RLC and, by doing so, provided countless opportunities to students.

When Mrs. Roe graduated magna cum laude from SIUC in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mathematics, she was recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa Commencement Prize as the highest ranking senior. She earned her Master’s Degree in Education / Guidance and Counseling a year later, also from SIUC.

Mary retired from Rend Lake College in 2004 after 16 years of service. During her tenure with the college, she was the director of the highly successful Title IV Student Transfer and Retention Support (STARS) project. In 1999, she was named Interim Dean of Student Services, with the “interim” tag falling off a year later.

In that position, she supervised Admissions and Records, Counseling, Financial Aid, STARS, Special Populations, Tutoring, the new “Upward Bound” Grant and student organizations. Additionally, she was responsible for designing and implementing systems for student retention and recruitment activities which emphasized student outreach and student matriculation through academic planning, advising, counseling, orientation and career development.

To say Mary was involved would be an understatement. At one time or another, she has been active with the Rend Lake College Foundation Board, Pinckneyville High School Board of Education, Board of Directors of the Perry County Workshop for the Handicapped, Friends of Morris Library at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, SIU Alumni Association Board of Directors, and the Southern Illinois Workforce Investment Board of Directors Executive Committee.

She was also a member of the Pinckneyville Women’s Club and the American Association of University Women. In 1982, she was a member of the Illinois Study Commission on Public Pension Investment Policies.

Hold on, we aren’t done yet.

Mary also was a Perry County Chair for the Southern Illinois Cleanup Campaign in 2005; Five Star Industries Board member for a decade; Southern Illinois Case Coordinator Services Board member for 10 years; Shagbark Girl Scout Council Board for eight years, a Director on the Pinckneyville Public Library Board, and a member of the RLC Murphy-Wall Campus advisory board.

Her husband, Dr. Roe, also has made a tremendous impact on the college, primarily through the foundation. He’s no slouch with community involvement either.

Born and raised in Pinckneyville, Bill graduated from Pinckneyville Community High School and attended Washington University for three years. He then transferred to Southern Illinois University Carbondale and graduated with a degree in Zoology.

Shortly after he and Mary married in 1966, Bill was drafted in the U.S. Army where he was encouraged to become an officer. Given the survival rate of Second Lieutenants at the time, he tried instead to get a job at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Washington, D.C., and was awarded the position for his two years of service.

Leaving the Army, he returned to education, attending University of Illinois at Chicago for his degree in Dentistry and opened a practice with Dr. H.H. Chapman in Pinckneyville in 1972.

In regards to RLC, Bill has been an active force on the Rend Lake College Foundation Board. In fact, according to a publication at the time, he was “instrumental in acquiring the Rend Lake College Murphy-Wall satellite campus in Pinckneyville.”

For his efforts, he was awarded the 2003 RLCF Presidential Award.

Like his wife, he also is a driving force for good in Southern Illinois.

“I believe you have to have a passion in life, a reason to get up in the morning,” he was once quoted as saying.

Bill played a role in the Optimist Gift Program, a program that gives presents to needy children in the community. Once, a mother presented Roe with a $500 check, thanking him for helping her family when they “had no Christmas.”

He has been an active member of the Chamber of Commerce, Murphy-Wall State Bank Board, Pinckneyville Community Hospital Board, and the advisory board for the RLC Murphy-Wall Campus.

Bill coached baseball and softball for 12 years, served from 1976 to 1989 on the Pinckneyville Grade School Board, from 1988 to 1994 on the Five Star Industries Board of Directors and on the Pinckneyville Cemetery Board since 1998.

So, that’s what they’ve accomplished individually. Together, they are a force to be reckoned with.

Scholarship recipients Taylor Griffin (Pinckneyville), SECOND FROM LEFT; and Jeremiah Ellison (Tamaroa), THIRD FROM LEFT, are pictured with donors Mary Roe, LEFT; and Dr. Bill Roe, RIGHT, at the 27th Annual Rend Lake College Foundation Scholarship Dinner, held Oct. 20, 2016.

“One of the greatest joys of working for the Foundation is the opportunity to work alongside extraordinary people, like Bill and Mary Roe. Because of their incredible generosity, a strong desire to help others, and a passion for education, countless students have had the opportunity to attend Rend Lake College. I am very grateful for their active interest in our students and Dr. Roe’s leadership on the RLC Foundation Board of Directors,” said RLCF CEO Kay Zibby-Damron of the pair.

A donation from the Roes served as the lead gift in establishing a “community endowment” to provide student scholarships for Pinckneyville-area students. Not content to stop there, the Roes are encouraging others to contribute to the cause as well.

Endowed scholarships are perpetual in nature and provide ongoing financial assistance for future students. Only the interest is used annually to cover scholarships awarded.

“We have a group of advocates of Rend Lake College here in Pinckneyville, and we have done a couple other activities in the past for the students, but it was apparent to us that Pinckneyville lacked dedicated scholarships for the students at the high school,” said Dr. Roe

In fact, Mary convinced her father, retired attorney and former State’s Attorney Lloyd Middleton, to make a major gift donation toward the RLC Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville Campus in memory of his wife and her mother, Florence Middleton.

Previously, Bill and Mary Roe were responsible for starting the Jane Waugh Memorial Scholarship and have continued to give to that fund, in recognition of the youngest daughter of longtime Rend Lake College faculty member and coach, Jim Waugh, and his wife, former Developmental Instructor at RLC and Big Muddy River C.C. Lila Waugh. Jane Waugh was killed in an automobile accident in 1995.

Both Roes are listed among Sustaining Charter Members of the Foundation for Pinckneyville, formed in 2008 as a catalyst for implementation of a long-term Vision Statement for the community and surrounding areas of Perry County. According to the Foundation’s Mission: “Our goal is to make Pinckneyville a destination – a community with quality education, state-of-the-art healthcare and economic stability.

For their commitment to their community, the Roes were named Pinckneyville Co-Citizens of the Year in 2005. In the resulting story, The Southern reported, “Chamber officials say the Roes have dedicated their lives to Pinckneyville and the surrounding area and are worthy of the title ‘Persons of the Year’ for many reasons.”

“It’s an honor to be considered and even more to be selected by the chamber for this recognition,” Mary said. “I’ve always thought I’ve gained more from any community involvement than what I was able to contribute.”

Filed Under: Featured

RLC cast of “Sleeping Beauty of Loreland” bringing classic story to life

October 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information 

INA, IL – After 100 years asleep, the beautiful princess is waking up on the Rend Lake College stage for the 2017 Fall Play “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland.” The cast and crew are working hard for opening night, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 in the RLC Theatre, with evening shows at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4, and a matinee final show at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5.

The version of Sleeping Beauty coming to RLC’s stage is a three-act play written by Frances Homer in 1935, and more closely resembles the original “Grimms’ Fairy Tale” than the popular 1959 Disney film.
In this performance, Sleeping Beauty is cursed by a spiteful character – the Black Fairy, ruler of the moon and stars – who is not invited to the baby princess’ Christening party. The Black Fairy curses the princess to death by a prick on her finger from a needle during her 15th year. The Sunlight Fairy, the Black Fairy’s opposite as the ruler of the sun, softens the curse by ruling the princess will sleep for 100 years.

As the princess grows, the Queen promises her to marry Prince Rupert, the only eligible bachelor nearby, who disapproves of her free and happy life, constantly wishing to change her. Sleeping Beauty is not happy about the union and decides to prick her finger on purpose to escape her mother’s plan. Not only does Sleeping Beauty fall asleep, but so does the whole palace, and the story resumes with a twist when they all wake.

Director Tracey Webb will make this her 44th show for RLC, not including the annual “Flummoxed Fairytales.” She said this performance offers a different message to young audience members than the popular animated film.

“The prince who awakens Sleeping Beauty is actually in love with her before he ever actually sees her. This, to me, is a stronger message than the one in Disney’s story. Good looks will fade in time, but to truly love a person, you have to love the way their mind works,” said Webb. “It’s a lively show and full of comedy.”

As for the cast and crew, Webb said she’s thrilled to have such an amenable group filling multiple roles and learning many new skills.

“The cast is so talented and that makes directing a joy. The most challenging part has been building the castle, because we don’t have a separate crew to do it. My actors have doubled as talent and set crew. Volunteers and parents have stepped in to help too,” said Webb. “There are also two dances in the show, so the actors have had to become dancers in just a few weeks. Some of the actors have never danced before. Performing on stage takes a lot of discipline. What has truly been rewarding is how the group has pulled together and become like an extended family.”

The actor playing the part of Sleeping Beauty is no stranger to RLC’s stage. Kyla Mitchell of Benton is an art major who performed in the 2016 Fall Play “The Legend of Robin Hood” and in the 2017 showing of “Flummoxed Fairytales.” Despite not landing the role she wanted – as the villain Black Fairy – Mitchell said she’s enjoying the lead role because of her character’s personality.

“I love that Sleeping Beauty is so spirited. She has more to say about the things going on around her than I thought she would,” said Mitchell. “She willingly goes into the 100-year sleep rather than marry the wrong guy.”

Playing the role of Sleeping Beauty’s mother is veteran RLC actor Deborah Petitt of Sesser. Petitt is a 2017 RLC graduate who has performed in no less than seven shows, plus backstage work as Assistant Stage Manager for two more. Like Mitchell, Petitt also wanted the role of the Black Fairy, but is excited to take on a different villain.

“The Queen has a very dominant personality, which is exhibited in her relationship with the King,” said Petitt. “My favorite line is, ‘I made so many plans for her. But they didn’t turn out how I expected,’ and that says a lot about her. This is a family-friendly show filled with tons of humor, so come out and let us entertain you.”

Playing the part of the King is Matt Loucks of Sesser, an RLC musical theatre student. “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland” will be his fourth show on stage, logging spots in the 2015 Spring Musical “Les Miserables,” the 2017 Spring Musical “The Wizard of Oz,” and in “Flummoxed Fairytales.” Loucks said he had his eye on one of the Prince roles, but is looking forward to bringing the King to life on stage.

“The King is a very passive character who wants what’s best for the kingdom and his daughter, but also wants to be the nice guy while doing all of it,” said Loucks. “After reading the script, I am quite happy with the role. I would suggest to anyone who loves theatre to come out for one night.”

Two different Princes will take the stage opening night. The first – Prince Rupert – is the man Sleeping Beauty is promised to marry, leading her to prick her finger in protest. Prince Rupert will be portrayed by Zion McMillan of Mt. Vernon, a music education major at RLC. This will be his debut performance.

“I like the role a lot. Rupert is the prince Beauty is supposed to marry, but he’s mean and disrespectful. It’s a fun role to play,” said McMillan. “The fight scene is my favorite. Everyone needs to come out and see the most majestic fight scene live.”

Playing his opposite is Prince Delmar, portrayed by Garrett Jones of Bluford. This will be his third role on RLC’s stage, having performed in the 2016 Fall Play “The Legend of Robin Hood” and in the 2017 showing of “Flummoxed Fairytales.” This engineering major had not planned to audition, but did so to appease his actor friends.

“I hadn’t planned on auditioning, but Tracey asked me to come to help, and when I got there, one of my friends wouldn’t take no for an answer. Then I came out with a lead role. Prince Delmar is essentially the prince charming of the play, so he’s kind of important,” said Jones. “It’s looking to be a great show. The casting is wonderful, the set looks spectacular, and the fight scene at the end is going to be awesome.”

Webb said Prince Delmar is a key character in the show, one that sends an important message about love to the audience. In the show, he finds a 100-year-old diary written by his grandfather about Sleeping Beauty, and falls in love with her character before ever meeting her or kissing her awake.

Joining Jones, Loucks, McMillan, Mitchel, and Petitt on stage are 33 actors ranging from college students to grade schoolers. For 14 actors, “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland” is their first performance on stage at RLC.

The cast of “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland.”
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

• Schuyler Bailey (Thompsonville) as Lady Jane
• Alex Brue (Chanderville) as Lady Charlotte
• Ariannah Burzynski (Opdyke) as Anna the Flower Girl
• Rachel Dahl (Benton) as the Sunlight Fairy
• Aaron Dawson (Benton) as King Tuffy
• Aidan Ezell (Mt. Vernon) as the Caretaker
• Connor Fauset (Akin) as Russ the Palace Guard
• Taylor Frank (Valier) as the Red Fairy
• Kailey Greer (Pinckneyville) as the Orange Fairy
• Claire Gulley (Benton) as April the Village Girl
• Bianca Hernandez (West Frankfort) as the Yellow Fairy
• Carter Hertenstein (Mt. Vernon) as Jake the Village Boy
• Jonelle Jones (Sesser) as Bonnie the Flower Girl
• Adrianna Maxwell (Macedonia) as Lady Vanessa
• Garrett McFarlin (Texico) as Jeb the Footman
• Zoie Nitz (Sesser) as Cynthia the Flower Girl
• Benjamin Payne (Bonnie) as Bumps
• Sierra Porritt (West Frankfort) as Nanny
• Riley Rodgers (Wayne City) as Nate the Page Boy
• Maggie Sanders (Pinckneyville) as Lady Meredith
• Danielle Skidmore (Mt. Vernon) as Hilda the Cook
• Danielle Stricklin (Mt. Vernon) as the Black Fairy
• Kaleb Tiberend (Benton) as Gus the Palace Guard
• Sierra Tiberend (Benton) as Madge the Cook
• Falyn VanDyke (Mt. Vernon) as the Violet Fairy
• Eyson Vaneycke (Mt. Vernon) as Johnny the Village Boy
• Dereke Waithe (Mt. Vernon) as Joe the Footman
• Josie Webb (Ewing) as May the Village Girl
• Madison Webb (McLeansboro) as the Blue Fairy
• Emma Wisehart (Whittington) as the Green Fairy
• Ethan Wisehart (Whittington) as Nick the Page Boy
• Emmaline Wolf (Ina) as the Indigo Fairy

Webb encourages everyone to spend an evening with the cast and crew of “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland,” and hopes everyone will enjoy the show as much as they have enjoyed getting ready for opening night.

“This is a family-friendly show. Good conquers evil and true love wins in the end. Best of all, there are moments of great tension and other moments of great comedy. The entire ensemble is working very well together, and I don’t think anybody in the audience will go away disappointed,” Webb said.

Ticket are on sale now for “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland” and cost $12 each. Contact the Box office to reserve a seat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1467. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2 through Saturday, Nov. 4 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, all in the RLC Theatre.

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News

Charlie Daniels Band guitarist shares memories of life in music, growing up in West Frankfort

October 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wfgazette.com/news/charlie-daniels-band-guitarist-shares-memories-of-life-in-music/article_96179082-b285-11e7-af75-03a9e09ce9b3.html

Bruce Ray Brown an FCHS grad from the class of ’73 has enjoyed a long career in music, playing for nearly three decades with Charlie Daniels, and also producing music for the hit television shows Duck Dynasty and Hell on Wheels. (William McPherson-West Frankfort Gazette)

WEST FRANKFORT, IL – (William McPherson, West Frankfort Gazette.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

For nearly thirty years, when country music superstar Charlie Daniels has stepped out on stage to play his biggest hits, West Frankfort’s own Bruce Ray Brown has been right there with him.

Brown, a noted guitar player who has also released a solo album as well as produced music for numerous television shows and popular films, is an FCHS graduate from the class of 1973.

“When I was in high school I played with some local bands. I started when I was around 15 when I was a sophomore and then also continued on as a junior.”

Around that time Brown played in a horn band called ‘Sidetrak Plus’ out of Herrin which specialized in jazz music and all the standards.

Filed Under: Featured, Uncategorized, West Frankfort News

Redbird LB worked midnight shift during two-a-days

October 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford 

WEST FRANKFORT, IL  –  I had this idea to write this story when the 11 year old kid mowed the Rose Garden for President Donald Trump.  “That’s the real future of the country right there — we’re lucky,” the president said. “Maybe he’ll be president someday.”

Shane #56 with his Father Kenneth Veil and his mother Schannone Steinberger (Thank You Jade Novak)

When this story became viral, I thought of Shane Richardson-Veil.  He is a backup linebacker for the West Frankfort Redbirds, and plays on special teams.  During two a day practices at the start of the season, he was putting in up to 12 hour shifts, working midnights at Pepsi-Mid America.

“It was tough. I would have been lucky to slept 10 hours in a five day period and hardly slept in three days,”  Shane said.  His teammates Brandyn Kahl and Tyler Broy told me basically the same thing, “He is one of the hardest workers on the team.  During that stretch he did not miss a practice, and was always on time.”

It was Senior Night and Black Out Cancer night, last Friday at Johnson Field.  Shane was in there the majority of the second half in a 49-8 win over Massac County last Friday night.  One one drive, he had two tackles and nearly a sack.

Other media sources well documented the game Friday night.  There will be times that you will see me “go off the beaten path,” especially in a blowout.

Shane #56 in action against Massac County (Thank you Caryn Novak)

Players like Shane are the heartbeat of a program.  He has a big part of what happens during the week to get the team ready for Friday night.   “Shane is a good kid that works hard both at practice and at work.  He always gives a 100% to the WF Redbird Football Team.  We are glad to have him on the team, and that he is able to balance his school, athletics, and work.”, said West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery.

For the second year in a row the Redbirds are one of the surprise teams in Southern Illinois.

I know from first hand experience how hard he works, because he lives across the alley from me.  I had the privilege of sharing Thanksgiving with him, as well as his mother Schannone, brother Nicky, and mutual friends Dale and Kim Justice, with their son Spencer Metro.

Richardson-Veil (center) as an Honor Flight Escort this week. (Swiped from a proud mama)

Shane is also a wrestler for the Redbirds.  He had a season ending injury last year with a broken leg.

Shane has one project before he becomes an Eagle Scout.  He had the pleasure of serving as an escort on the Honor Flight this week.

He plans to major in History in college and become a coach.  (A man after my own heart)

Athletics is the extension of the classroom.  The discipline it takes to play a sport or an instrument in the band will carry through your life.  Shane has a very bright future.

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News, West Frankfort News

RLC’s Quality Initiative Report accepted by Higher Learning Comission

October 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information 

INA, IL  – With another milestone in the rear-view mirror, Rend Lake College is one step closer to re-accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The on-going, 10-year process includes five major components – one of which is the Quality Initiative Report. Last month, the college received word from HLC that the Quality Initiative Report was accepted by the commission.

“We are very proud of the hard work and genuine effort recognized by HLC demonstrating our commitment to our students and their success,” said RLC President Terry Wilkerson.

RLC’s Quality Initiative Report focused on the recently revamped orientation program called First Year Experience (FYE). It was during RLC’s last reaccreditation in 2008 that plans were initially laid for development and implementation of FYE, though the process didn’t kick into gear until the hiring of FYE Coordinator Hillary Halsey in the fall of 2013.

During the following semester, curriculum was developed by the coordinator and many others on campus, instructors were identified and trained, and the program piloted in the spring of 2014 for all first-time, full-time, degree-seeking students. As the semesters came and went, all incoming freshmen students were included, part-time students joined the fold, and most recently, an online program was implemented in the fall of 2017.

Lisa Price, Vice President of Student Services, said the old orientation program was an online class wherein students read modules and answered questions. This version wasn’t as successful in certain areas for all students.

“Our online orientation was getting the necessary student success information to students, but we weren’t addressing one of the major retention issues community college students face: making campus relationships,” said Price. “The only consistent interaction students had with college staff was with their instructors. We changed to a face-to-face module so students would have weekly contact with someone other than their instructors with whom they could build a relationship and who could them navigate through their first year of college.”

Henry Leeck, Dean of Liberal Arts and co-author of the Quality Initiative Report, added that student interaction with student services was high on the priority list.

“We decided the orientation class was not accomplishing some of the things it needed to accomplish, due to a lack of face-to-face interaction. We decided we needed to be more intrusive in helping students learn what they needed to know in order to better navigate college life and be successful,” said Leeck. “One of the biggest goals was to get students connected to the services we offer, and the best way to do that was to have them in a classroom where they have to engage.”

The current FYE program includes curriculum that introduces students to tools in 10 key areas to help them be successful. Some of those areas cover campus resources, college etiquette, team building, study skills and time management, academic policies and procedures, advisement, financial aid, career planning, financial literacy, a service learning project, and others.

“FYE is very interactive. One of our main priorities is to establish a relationship with our students, so we do a lot of team building activities while teaching things like college policies and procedures, and where to find campus resources,” said Halsey. “Each week we have a new topic. They range from talking about advisement and degree requirements, to learning grade point average calculations. Each instructor is able to put their own spin on the class. I always open with a ‘question of the day,’ and all students are required to respond out loud. This always sparks good conversation and builds morale among the students.”

To prove results and changes among the student population seen by increased traffic for faculty and staff, RLC set some goals to increase retention rates from semester to semester and from year to year, both for full-time and part-time students. Retention rates are the number of first-time, full-time students who continue their education at RLC a second year.

Retention rates for full-time students before FYE’s implementation, based on 2012-13 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data, was 61 percent. Most recent data, from fall 2015 to fall 2016, states RLC’s retention rate has increased to 70 percent. Results for part-time students began the analysis phase in the fall of 2017.

Leeck said a connection can be made between faculty and staff getting to know students and their educational barriers with the rise in retention rates.

“In the past three years, we have started to be more involved in student success through reaching out to those we identify as struggling and helping students drop classes they do not attend in the first two weeks. RLCares has also been started as a safe place for students to go if they feel they have issues or barriers that are restricting their ability to come to class and be successful,” said Leeck. “In the past, we did not have a well-defined class to talk about these problems and barriers students encounter, and FYE allows for those discussions to occur in an open environment. That feedback can be shared with other groups on campus, who then can develop initiatives to foster success.”

Halsey, also a co-author of the Quality Initiative Report, added, “I feel like I’ve grown leaps and bounds in terms of understanding our student body since FYE began and truly feel that the class has a positive impact on students.”

And the positive impact doesn’t stop with RLC students. Two years ago, Halsey added a new service learning project called Flat Stanley for in-district elementary schools. Since the fall of 2015, Stanley has served as a gateway to the Ina campus for over 1,200 local second graders in Belle Rive, Benton, Bluford, Dahlgren, Ewing, McLeansboro, Mt. Vernon, Opdyke, Pinckneyville, Sesser, and Woodlawn.

To get the project going, elementary schools have their second graders color and design their own Flat Stanley, which is then mailed to the college and distributed among FYE students. For the following few weeks, RLC students show Flat Stanley around campus, taking pictures to fill a booklet of stories for the second graders to read. RLC students then deliver the booklets to each school to talk to the children about college life.

Halsey said the implementation of Flat Stanley was initially to expose young students to higher education, and has had the unexpected outcome of giving the college students a platform to become role models.

“Service learning has always been a part of the FYE program, but I wanted a project that would tie our campus to surrounding communities,” said Halsey. “Overall, I think our students have really enjoyed this project. Grade schools have loved it too. We have so many classrooms wanting to participate each year that we’ve had to alternate schools to include everyone.”

Because FYE is a program designed around the ever-changing college culture and students, the classes will also change. One future change-up to the module schedule is planned for the spring 2018 semester with the inclusion of a new cultural diversity class. Leeck said this new aspect will highlight some of the best things in the RLC district.

“The cultural diversity module is going to focus on a selection of activities that will highlight some of the things our area has to offer, plus a series of guest speakers with an emphasis on diversity. This is still in infancy, but we are working hard to have it in place for the spring semester,” said Leeck.

A new workbook with a planner and other college materials is also on the horizon. Currently, students need only use a planner for the course.

“This class is a living thing, it is not static. As we identify things that need to be added or changed we will make the adjustments,” added Leeck.

After reviewing RLC’s Quality Initiative Report, HLC submitted a report back to the college with comments and peer reviews. According to the peer review, “RLC demonstrated seriousness of the undertaking, that the initiative had scope and impact, a commitment to and engagement in the initiative, and adequate resource provision. The panel confirmed genuine effort on the part of the institution.”

The HLC finding continues to state, “Rend Lake College has demonstrated a continuous effort to complete the development and implementation of a First Year Experience program. It developed a curriculum and has updated it as necessary with both faculty and student input.”

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News

BCHS SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Cade Thomas

October 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

BENTON, IL –  Today’s Benton Football Senior Spotlight is on wide receiver and defensive back, # 4 Cade Thomas. Cade is the son on Wade and Melinda Thomas.

This is Cade’s 7th season playing football (4 years in high school and 3 years of junior football). His interests include basketball, football and hanging out with friends.

Cade’s plans next year are to attend Rend Lake College for a year to make sure he is confident in his major, and then transfer to Murray State University to finish his education.

Cade says this, “I would like thank both of my parents…my dad for always knowing what is best and pushing me…and my mom for doing all the little things that go unnoticed and being the voice of reason. I would also like to thank my sister for being such a good example in my life. I love all of you guys!”

Filed Under: Benton News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

It’s FAFSA time! Tips and warnings when applying for college aid

October 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bnd.com/news/local/article179330336.html

BELLEVILLE, IL (Elizabeth Donald, Belleville News Democrat.  Please click on the link above for the full story Here is an excerpt below)

’s time for the FAFSA, that rite of college that has become a familiar trial for students and parents wrangling with the cost of higher eduction – and now it starts earlier.

So here’s what you need to know about the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, including the biggest mistakes you can make that can cost you thousands in financial aid, according to Experian and CollegeXpress:

It comes earlier in the year. In the past, FAFSAs were accepted beginning Jan. 1. Last year it was moved to Oct. 1, but some families are still holding off until January. Big mistake, according to Experian: some financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, including the Illinois MAP grant. Assistance in 13 states is awarded in order of application, according to CNBC. In years past, Illinois MAP funds have run out three months or less after FAFSA applications were opened, so it pays to be first in line. There are multiple deadlines as well: the college deadline, state and federal deadlines

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News

BCHS Senior Spotlight: Neal Carlton

October 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Today’s Rangers Football Senior Spotlight is on wide receiver and safety, # 7 Neal Carlton. Neal is the son of Alan and Rhonda Carlton. Neal has played football for 4 years.

In addition to football, Neal can be found hunting and fishing year round. Neal plans to attend college after high school graduation. He says he would like to thank his mom and dad for everything they have done through the years to help him with his football career.

Filed Under: Featured
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