Student and teacher honored (10/31/06)

Ian A. Thomas, the son of Randy and Jo Thomas of Pennville, was honored as a first generation college student in his family at a banquet on Saturday in Indianapolis. Ian is a sophomore at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and is majoring in computer engineering.

"Realizing the Dream" banquet is held to honor first generation college students and the teachers who inspired them. Thomas chose Jay County High School German teacher Annemarie McClung as the teacher who most inspired him to seek a college degree. "I feel very honored to have been chosen." McClung said. "I do encourage them (her students) to do the most they can do."

Ian took five years of German while at JCHS and passed his advanced placement test with such a high score that he tested out of all foreign language classes at Rose-Hulman. Ian's twin brother, Mitchell, took German classes as well. "They respect her (McClung) very highly as a teacher and a friend." Jo Thomas said.

Students are chosen who demonstrate superior academic performance during their first year in college and exhibit leadership in campus or community activities and receive a $1,000 grant. Jo Thomas said when she and her husband Randy found out her son had received the award, "(We were) of course proud, we were just thrilled that they would bestow this honor upon him."

McClung also received a $1,000 professional development award that she will use toward taking classes for her teacher recertification.

Thomas was the recipient of the Lilly Endowment Scholarship while a senior at Jay County High School. Ian's twin brother Mitchell is also studying computer engineering and the two are roommates at Rose-Hulman.

Library events

Jay County Public Library is once again sponsoring the annual Get Caught Reading Contest in which entrants stage a photograph showing someone getting "caught" reading in an unusual or amusing manner.

Entries will be accepted in four age categories - six to 10 years, 11 to 14 years, 15 to 18 years and 18 years and older. Photos must be at least 3 x 5 inches and no larger than 8 x 10 inches and they must be matted or framed.

Entries must be submitted between 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 6, and 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, at the library.

Entry forms are available at the library and questions should be directed to Linda Shreve, youth services librarian at (260) 726-7890.

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Jay County Public Library will have an after school special on Friday from 2:45 until 4 p.m. The program is for children in kindergarten through third grade and registration is necessary. There will be a story, a craft or activity and a snack. To register, call the library at (260) 726-7890.

Art exhibit

"Out of Tradition," an art exhibit will be held Nov. 3 through Dec. 23 at Arts Place in Portland. The exhibit is the works of the tradition bearers of the National Center for Great Lakes Native American Culture.

An artists reception and opening will take place Saturday, Nov. 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. Hours at Arts Place are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon until 4 p.m.

Famous Masons

Robert Cotner, a former teacher and pastor in Fort Recovery, presented The Masonic Lodge of Fort Recovery with a plaque of the names of famous people who have been members of the organization. Names on the plaque include George Washington, Buzz Aldrin and John Glenn, as well as other past presidents and entertainers.

Cotner taught English at Fort Recovery High School from 1958 until 1962, then left to teach at Portland High School. He had also been the Pastor of the United Church of Christ in Fort Recovery.[[In-content Ad]]