Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Poplar Bluff R-I educators were awarded Missouri State Teachers Association mini-grants for additional classroom resources on Thursday, Oct. 5.

Eugene Field first grade teacher Kristen Spain will receive a subscription to the Science Spin edition of Scholastic Magazine for its curriculum-based activities. Lake Road librarian Shiela Boyles chose a set of books on the concept of ‘growth mindset’ so elementary teachers can have conversations with students about finding learning opportunities even in failure. Junior High communication arts teacher Julie Gambill will purchase computer microphone equipment so students can work on their verbal skills by producing podcasts online.

A total of 123 entries were submitted from the organization’s Southeast Region, according to Poplar Bluff MSTA president Karmen Carson, a Middle School math and science instructor. The winning proposals were reviewed anonymously by a retired teachers group. The educators were granted $100 apiece toward their projects.

Pictured: Kristen Spain and her first graders celebrate the grant news.

Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Industry professionals encouraged Poplar Bluff and Twin Rivers sophomores to begin thinking about their futures during the 15th annual Career Fair held Thursday, Oct. 5, at Three Rivers College.

Students learned about opportunities available to them through the Technical Career Center, as well as dual credit options at the community college. Then the high schoolers broke off to hear from representatives in the fields of industrial technology, arts and communications, human services, health occupations, natural resources and the business sector.

Discussing a career in education, R-I Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum Patty Robertson shared a story about how she did not have a plan to reach her career goals until midway through her senior year since—as a first-generation graduate—she did not realize higher education was an option. She eventually was informed about scholarships, Pell grants and student loans.

“The college part is hard, but please know it is worth it, as it can put you in a position for the rest of your life, and there will be opportunities for advancement along the way,” Robertson said. “Your life is a long time and you want to be happy doing whatever you choose to do.

During a session about jobs in social services, PBHS counselor Tina Wilkins expressed a similar sentiment. “It doesn’t matter about your circumstances, if you have the ability and the drive, you can work through it,” Wilkins said.

AmeriCorps member Alyssa Cook, a senior at PBHS, suggested to the younger students to apply to three colleges: one institution that is a safe bet, another that may be a reach and lastly what she referred to as a ‘why not?’

The event is organized each year by AmeriCorps as a way for the volunteers of the program to fulfill their service project requirement. Next month the students will get an opportunity to tour the TCC to learn in more detail about the various programs available to them beginning junior year.

 

Pictured: R-I social worker Donna Moore (standing) and Alyssa Cook of AmeriCorps field questions about some of the intricacies of human services careers.

Photo and article submitted by Tim Krakowiak, Communications/Marketing Director, Poplar Bluff R-I School District

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College student and Naylor resident Delaney Lutes was awarded the Arnold Duncan Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a sophomore majoring in Business Administration.

 

The Arnold Duncan Memorial Scholarship is administered by the Three Rivers Endowment Trust. To learn more about investing in Three Rivers College students through scholarships, contact Director of Development Michelle Reynolds at 573-840-9077 or michellereynolds@trcc.edu.

From L-R: Allen Brooks, Three Rivers Endowment Trust Board Member; Mark Stidham, Three Rivers Endowment Trust Board Member; Delaney Lutes, scholarship recipient; Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College; and Eric Schalk, Chair of the Three Rivers College Board of Trustees.

Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College students Derek Fowler, Jamal Hughes, James Lewis, and Robert Moore have received the Lambert C. Drury Memorial Scholarship. The Lambert C. Drury Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students enrolled in Associate of Applied Science programs such as Agriculture, Applied Technology, and Forestry.

 

The Lambert C. Drury Memorial scholarship is administered by the Three Rivers Endowment Trust. To learn more about investing in Three Rivers College students through scholarships, contact Director of Development Michelle Reynolds at 573-840-9077 or michellereynolds@trcc.edu.

Pictured from left to right: Allen Brooks, Three Rivers Endowment Trust Board Member; Mark Stidham, Three Rivers Endowment Trust Board Member; Jamal Hughes, scholarship recipient; Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College; and Eric Schalk, Chair of the Three Rivers College Board of Trustees. Not shown: Derek Fowler, James Lewis, and Robert Moore.