News in Brief, May 13, 2022
KHS Esports tournament, H-A Festival concert line-up, Ivy Tech academic honorees
KHS Esports hosts Smash Bros tournament
The Kokomo High School Esports Team is hosting the KHS Open – a FREE Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Tournament – Saturday, May 14, at the KHS Media Center.
Registration for the KHS Open is from 11:30 to 11:59 a.m. with the tourney beginning at Noon. Side events begin at 2 p.m. The KHS Open is open and free to students in Grades 8 through 12, while the side events (smaller tourneys) are open to all ages. KHS Open participants will be competing for prizes and a trophy.
Interested participants should enter Kokomo High School, 2501 S. Berkley Road, at Door 1 (southwest corner of the campus). ALL participants should bring their own controllers.
H-A Festival announces concerts
The Haynes Apperson Festival is excited to announce that this year‘s festival will be in Foster Park on June 30, July 1, and July 2.
“We are excited for this year’s Haynes Apperson Festival.” said festival chairman Paul Wyman. “We are looking forward to celebrating all that is great about our community and honoring our history and heritage.”
This year’s festival has a powerful musical lineup. Opening the festival on Thursday night, June 30, back by popular demand and a crowd favorite, is Here Come The Mummies. On Friday night, July 1, the legendary Jefferson Starship will perform. with classic hits such as, Miracles, Jane, and Find Your Way Back. Closing out the festival on Saturday evening, July 2, is the incredible swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
Opening for the headliners this year are local, award-winning bands Love 4 Zero, Hence The Hero, and Rogers Ritual Band.
“This year’s musical line up is powerful! It has a little something for everyone. There is no doubt Foster Park will be rocking once again. We can’t to welcome everyone and see people enjoying live concerts in beautiful Foster Park.” said Wyman. “On Saturday night, the fun upbeat music of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will be followed by an incredible fireworks show to honor our country.”
The annual parade on will take place Saturday, July 2, at 2 p.m. in downtown Kokomo.
“We love to see all the different cars, floats, and people who participate in the parade each year. It is a tremendous moment of community pride.” Said Wyman. “We will also have an entire section honoring our veterans and active-duty military personnel!”
This year‘s festival will have all the festivalgoers’ favorites.
“Not only will there be great entertainment, but we will also have food vendors, rides, a sports festival, car shows, a parade, and a huge fireworks show.” said Wyman.
For or additional information about the festival, go to the festival website – haynesappersonfestival.org -- or check out its Facebook page: Haynes Apperson Festival.
Ivy Tech Kokomo recognizes student achievement
Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo honored students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and leadership during its commencement ceremonies May 13.
Allison Salkie, Greentown, who graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Operations, Applications, and Technology, was honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence.
Salkie was selected from those students honored with the Dean’s Award in each program who have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Other considerations for this award include leadership, community service, and school involvement.
In nominating Salkie for the top student academic honor, Barbara McFarland, chair of the Business Operations and Applications Technology program for the Ivy Tech Kokomo Service area, cited her accomplishments in and out of the classroom.
“Allison is completing her degree with a perfect 4.0 GPA,” McFarland said. “While in the program, she has earned a lengthy list of certifications topped by ‘Microsoft Office Specialist-Expert.’ Even better, she has willingly shared her knowledge and expertise with her fellow students, offering support as a BOAT tutor in our Learning Resource Center.”
While at Ivy Tech, Salkie has served as Campus Activity Board assistant to the director of Student Life and was active in the Coalition for Christian Outreach and Human Services Student Organization. She also graduated from Ivy Tech’s Student Leadership Academy.
Salkie came to Ivy Tech Kokomo after earning a bachelor’s degree in Film/Video & Theatre Production from Purdue University to pursue another interest – business. She sees a job in the business field in her near future but her interest in theater remains; she recently played the part of Beth in Kokomo Civic Theater’s production of the “Little Women” musical.
Dean’s Awards honor students who are selected by the faculty chair for each program as the program’s outstanding graduate. Recipients of the Dean’s Award for 2022, and hometowns, are:
Accounting: Tracy Herr of Greentown
Automotive Technology: William Bornhorst of Kokomo
Building Construction Management Specialist: Evan Ulery of Logansport
Business Administration: Aaron Offenberger of Peru
Business Operations, Applications, and Technology: Allison Salkie of Greentown
Criminal Justice: A’mya Sparger-Withers of Kokomo
Cybercrime: Rebecca Braun of Peru
Dental Assisting: Aylin Ruiz of South Bend
Early Childhood Education: Jennifer Corcoran of Logansport
Electrical Specialist: Will Sayers of Kempton
Elementary Education: Brandi Schlabach of Logansport
Engineering Technology: John Willett of Andrews
General Studies: Elizabeth Garber of Goshen; Shea Hankins of Kokomo
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning: David Sunday of Denver
Human Services: Elizabeth Ennis of Kokomo
Industrial Technology: Ethan Walls of Alexandria
Information Technology Support: Cheyenne Crider of Winamac
Liberal Arts: Marcus McGee of Indianapolis
Machine Tool Technology: Garrett Jameson of Royal Center
Mechanical Engineering Technology: Zachary Smith of Wabash
Medical Assisting: Alison Cregar of Russiaville
Nursing: Bailly McGrew of Atlanta
Professional Communication: Brianna Perrine of Noblesville
Psychology: Amylia Binkerd of Fairmount
Software Development: Wesley Yoars of Bunker Hill
Surgical Technology: Timothy Yancy of Peru
Jared Boone of Wabash and Rachel Braun of Peru (transfer degree) and Makayla Felda of Star City (workforce certification) were honored as members of the All USA Academic Team for academic performance, leadership, and service to the College and the community. The All-USA Academic Team competition is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today, Coca Cola, and the American Association of Community Colleges.
Students honored as graduates of the Ivy Tech Community College Student Leadership Academy include Allison Salkie of Greentown and Tunisia Douglas, Shea Hileman, Tiffani Husband, Michael Modesitt, and Nghi Vo, all of Kokomo.
Those recognized with Military Veterans Honors include Izriel Bingaman of Fishers; Joel Contreras, Ransom Cornwall, Shelley Shook, David V. Stewart and Sabrina Walmsley, all of Kokomo; Jacob Curtsinger of Pendleton; Lindsay Flanery, Robert Kieninger, Jacob Morris, Jenifer Rae Paxton, Eric Smith and Timothy Yancy, all of Peru; Hilary Schreyer Rine of Royal Center; and Taylor Cline-Wallen of Tipton.