Technical Education

Applying to medial school? Take a moment to consider some of the short-term consequences of your enrollment: an intense curriculum coupled with a steep reduction in social and leisure activities, enormous tuition bills with correspondingly large debt, and concerns regarding long-term financial security and medico-legal dangers. Its enough to make any would-be medical student fall prey to at least a few moments of self-doubt.

Admissions committee members know this and are looking for applications that convey a sense of motivation and enthusiasm durable enough to withstand the various assaults a medical education will invariably deliver.

While the personal statement is the figurative “heart” of the application and the component most conducive to relaying your passion for medicine, it is merely a part of the “package” you are presenting.

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After battling with Leukemia since 2008, Sam Blankenship passed away this past Sunday evening, July 3, 2011 at age 39. Sam, his wife Jackie, and his two daughters moved to Colorado Springs in 2003. He and his wife both attended Nazarene Bible College on campus and instantly became part of our family. He loved to hike, fish, paint, quilt, and most importantly spend time with his family. One NBC staff member said, “The Blankenship family has blessed our college with their love and support for many years, and we will always continue to do the same for them.”

The funeral service was held in Strickland Chapel on Thursday, July 7. The room proudly displayed Sam’s Irish heritage and listening to the bagpipes echoing in the chapel gave a surprising feeling of peace that was particularly special. People from all over came to say goodbye and pass along their condolences to the family.

Sam had a one of a kind personality, he even wanted to attend his own funeral so he could correct the stories told to match his recollection. He was always one to have a good time and because of his contagious smile and personality, those around him did as well. He was so clearly loved by many and as we reminisced about his time here, not a single person could help but smile at the joy he brought. Sam will forever be an important part of NBC and will never be forgotten. Just as his closest friends and family said, that was Sam.

To view Sam’s obituary, please visit Sam’s Book of Memories.

Maddie Meyers (Northwest School) and Amy-Eloise Neale (Glacier Peak) have already established their names nationally after several impressive performances in major meets.

After last week’s performance at the IAAF World Youth Championships in Lille, France, the local teenagers have now proven themselves capable against some of the top runners from around the world.

Meyers, who was fresh of setting the national high-school record in the 2,000-meter steeplechase, topped her own record with a time of 6:29.20 good enough to finish sixth in the event.

Neale finished 11th with a time of 6:37.27.

Indianapolis Public Schools was among 70 Indiana school districts that saw fewer students pass both math and English on the state ITSEP test this year.

That is a big jump from last year when just 15 districts lost ground. IPS saw just 44.6 percent of its students passing ISTEP, slipping to second worst in the state behind only East Chicago. Last year IPS was third from the bottom.

Two other local districts were near the bottom among 293 Indiana districts — Wayne Township at 13th worst and Pike Township at 14th worst.

ISTEP is given annually to students in grades 3 to 8. The scores are considered in the state accountability system, which this year will result in school districts receiving letter grades. Those grades are due out in August.

Indianapolis-area districts also dominated the top of the rankings, however.

Carmel remained the state’s top scoring district with 92.5 percent of students passing both parts of ISTEP.

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University of Southern Maine Professor Mark Silber will present a talk at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College entitled “Herbs! How to grow them and what to do with them.” The talk takes place on Thursday, June 2, from 2 pm – 3 pm in USM LAC’s room 285 and is free and open to the public.

Professor Silber is a master gardener and owner of Hedghog Hill Farm in Sumner. In 2005 his farm was selected as one of only six farms in New England as Yankee Magazine’s Editor’s Choice for farms to visit. He is the co-author of several books including “A Small Farm in Maine” and “Growing Herbs and Vegetables from Seed to Harvest.” Silber’s talk will discuss planting and cultivation methods of herbs and the different various ways to use these herbs in everyday life.