Latest news with #MCHS
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MCHS' Ranburger receives OCTC Pathfinder Award
McLean County High School's (MCHS) guidance counselor Caitlin Ranburger has been announced as the 2025 recipient of the Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) Pathfinder of the Year Award. The Pathfinder of the Year Award was established by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) as a way to recognize high school teachers and counselors for their efforts in supporting students' college and career goals. Each institution within the KCTCS system, 16 total, selects one recipient. 'It is truly an honor just to have been nominated for this award,' Ranburger said. 'I am shocked to have been selected, as I know that so many educators are equally deserving, but I am also extremely appreciative for the recognition. McLean County is a special place, and we have great kids here. They deserve people in their lives who are advocating for them and doing all that they can to help them be successful.' Ranburger, herself a graduate from the McLean County Public School (MCPS) system, said that it's even more special to be able to bring the award home to McLean County. 'It feels so awesome to give McLean County some positive publicity,' she said. After graduating from MCHS, Ranburger went on to earn a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Owensboro's Brescia University and followed that degree with two masters of arts degrees, one in teaching and one in school counseling. She began teaching as a substitute in 2016, taught eighth graders at McLean County Middle School English and language arts and then transitioned to the role of guidance counselor at the high school four years ago. Representatives from the college, along with Ranburger's colleagues from the high school and her friends and family, surprised her with the award on Friday, May 23, with a ceremony held at the high school. 'It's still a little bit surreal because, whenever they surprised me with this (award); I had no idea I was getting it. So, I was like, 'Are y'all punching me? Are you serious? Did anyone else get nominated?' You know, I'm not very good at accepting praise and compliments, but winning feels awesome,' she said. OCTC's President Scott Williams presented Ranburger with the award, along with other representatives from the school's student affairs and marketing teams. 'Ms. Ranburger exemplifies what it means to be a Pathfinder,' said Williams. 'Her passion, commitment and tireless support for students are inspiring. We deeply value our partnership with McLean County High School, and Caitlin's impact on her students and her school community makes her a remarkable choice for this award.' Ranburger said that as she's gotten more comfortable in her role as the high school guidance counselor, she's been able to form close relationships with the students, which allows her to gain more perspective in leading the students towards careers, college or technical school after graduation. 'I feel like as a team we do a good job of looking at the individual student, and helping them to make goals. We are setting some type of bar to say, 'Hey, here's this goal if you wanna be able to take these classes then this is what we need from you',' she explained. 'So I feel like even having that (college classes) as an option, the kids are a lot more motivated to show up to school to make the grades to do the things they need to do because they really love the idea of going to college early. I've definitely seen a lot more interest in the college route. I feel like even eighth graders are coming up and talking about scheduling, asking, 'What do I need to do to be able to do college classes?' I tell them to not get too far ahead of themselves, but I love seeing their interest.' She said that, since she began her full-time teaching career at the middle school, it's also been fulfilling to watch her students grow and continue through their high school years. She said she tries to make it a point to get to know each student, which is much easier to do in a small school like MCHS, so that she can help guide them down a future pathway that would be right for them. The college stated in a press release that Ranburger has been nominated for the Pathfinder of the Year Award every year since the award's inception. This year she was nominated by a colleague and close friend Shannon Wood. 'She celebrates her students' strengths and knows our students are worth the extra effort and always makes them feel confident they have the best plan for their future in motion. She never minds spending extra time meeting with students and reviewing their options,' wrote Wood in her nomination entry. In addition to receiving this year's Pathfinder Award, Ranburger was also recognized earlier this spring semester for her efforts in implementing the Teen Mental Health First Aid program for all freshman students at the high school, the first traditional high school in the state to train an entire class of students in the program. 'Dedicated to keeping students and families informed, she uses social media to share information on scholarships, summer programs, clubs and more. Above all, she never misses a chance to celebrate her students' successes,' detailed the press release from the college. Ranburger, in addition to preparing students for the next steps after high school, also coordinates all course scheduling for students, manages dual credit enrollment with OCTC and other area post-secondary institutions for students and helps to guide students through navigating financial aid and scholarship opportunities, including FAFSA guidance, finding resources through the KHEAA and utilizing the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship program. 'Receiving the OCTC Pathfinder of the Year Award for 2025 feels like my biggest success so far!' Ranburger said.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Muhlenberg Class of 2025 move to next 'journey'
Michelle Burden, 17, said that from a young age that she wanted to be a soldier. 'I actually have a paper from when I was in kindergarten, I think, and I was in a little OCP (Operational Camouflage Pattern) dress. It's the uniform, but it was a dress. And it (the paper) said that when I grow up, I want to be 'an army' (soldier),' she said. Burden walked the line Friday night as a member of Muhlenberg County High School's (MCHS) class of 2025, and, she said, she's also taking one step closer to her kindergarten dream. 'I am so nervous,' Burden said. 'Next month I leave for basic training for the Army, so, I'm extra nervous because this means I'm pushing forward into a new journey.' Assistant Principal Jill Stewart said that this year's graduation is commemorated by changes and transitions for the students. 'This class is going to be the first ones to graduate from the consolidated high school. Students moved from what was East and West to here, and they are the first class who did all four years here,' Stewart explained. 'And then, of course, this is our principal, Ken Carver's, last year, and his daughter graduates, too. So, there's a lot of big moments or a lot of, you know, big things. Big changes.' The class of 2025's valedictorian Jacob Whitehouse also understands that changes are happening. The 18-year-old is planning to enroll at Murray State University in the fall to major in engineering and physics with the goal of becoming a professional engineer. He said he's thankful that his hard work in high school paid off and allowed him to become class valedictorian, and that he spent some great moments going to the state championship with the academic team his sophomore year. 'I was a little nervous at first (for graduation), but now that I'm here, I really just feel excited and ready for it,' Whitehouse said. Stewart provided some words of wisdom to the class of 2025 as they prepared for their next season of life. 'It's OK if you don't know what you want to do right now. You'll figure it out eventually,' Stewart said. 'For some of you, it will take a little longer, and some of you will automatically know what you want to do, but it's OK if you don't know, too.' She closed by offering her former students, who she describes as 'phenomenal' and 'talented,' one more valuable piece of advice. 'One thing I always tell kids is to stay home as long as you can with Mom and Dad to give you mental support, monetary support,' Stewart said.'Stay as long as you can because you always have time. You're going to grow up anyway. So, don't rush it. You're rushing to graduate, and then you're going to be like, oh my gosh! Now, what's next?'
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
MCHS promotes student leadership with Cougar Council
McLean County High School (MCHS) is focusing on preventing student alcohol, nicotine and drug use through a student leadership organization called the Cougar Council. Led by Leandra Keister, the McLean County Public School (MCPS) community education director, and Becky Tanner, the high school's Youth Services Center coordinator, the Cougar Council recruits students who display leadership skills for membership in the organization. 'Sometimes we operate on an invitation-only basis but sometimes we open up applications to students that want to participate in Cougar Council,' said Keister. 'We try to select members to represent all areas of student life like athletes, band members and ROTC participants.' Cougar Council, according to Keister and Tanner, focuses on alcohol and substance abuse prevention at the high school. 'Other schools might have similar clubs or programs, but we're always getting recognized at events and conferences for being leaders with the Cougar Council, along with Webster County,' Keister said. The club has existed since before Tanner took the position as Youth Services Center coordinator at MCHS, but Keister said that, like many clubs and organizations, Cougar Council had to revamp following the COVID-19 pandemic. Student members of the Cougar Council help to design events and activities surrounding October's Red Ribbon Week and dress-up dates during prom week to help promote the abstinence of alcohol, nicotine or drugs during the prom festivities. 'Some of our students were also able to attend a workshop about grant writing,' Keister said. 'Their grant application finished third in the state and it focused around creating 'Quit Kits'.' A Quit Kit is a collection of items and resources that are passed out to individuals in the community who are seeking a means to help with smoking cessation. 'I love that we've been able to help members of the community with the Quit Kits,' said sophomore Cougar Council member Mason Howard. 'Being a part of helping someone make a positive change has been rewarding.' Keister said that club members were also able to meet with members of the Kentucky state Congress to discuss SB 100, a bill to help with keeping vaping devices out of the hands of minors. 'I enjoyed being a part of the Frankfort trip. 'It was great to see how we could make a difference as students,' said Howard. 'And the students recently received word that the bill had passed,' Keister said. 'So it was neat for them to be able to see that they can make a difference in the state.' Keister said members of the Cougar Council also host the McLean County Community Coalition meetings. 'Each student presents a topic from the agenda to the group attending the meeting,' she said. Addison Benningfield, a junior, said that she's enjoyed participating in those meetings and watching her peers get involved in school activities and around the community. 'I like that we're able to participate in the Community Coalition meetings and that we get to talk about what we do with Cougar Council during the meetings,' she said. Senior Cougar Council member Kate Hayden said that she even got the opportunity to participate in a national anti-vaping advertising campaign thanks to her participation in Cougar Council. 'The campaign had a theme of 'More than the Boxes' suggesting that we are more than the stereotypes that people give us as students because lots of people believe that all high school students vape or drink alcohol,' she explained. 'It was such a cool experience and volunteer opportunity. I had friends calling and texting me to say that they saw me on a commercial.' Keister said that the club tries to add new members during the spring semester so that when the next semester comes around, the Cougar Council members already know the rules and what happens during club meetings. 'That way we're not having to start the new school year off with all brand new students who don't understand how Cougar Council operates,' she said. Freshman Eli Brown said that knowing that he's been able to make a difference in the community is what keeps him coming back to meetings and events. 'I'd heavily encourage any student interested in joining to fill out an application or accept the invitation. 'Just knowing that we, as students, can make a different in the community while making friendships is something that makes Cougar Council something exciting to join,' he said.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MCHS holds its annual meeting
Mar. 25—The Mower County Historical Society held its annual meeting on Thursday, March 20, in the Pioneer Building on the grounds of the Mower County Historical Society. Jeff Anderson, current president of the society called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with a total of 53 members, volunteers, and guests in attendance. Highlights of the annual meeting included: —Election of Trustees to the MCHS Board of Directors: Pat Kitchings and Barbara K. Lewis were elected to serve a three-year term on the board of directors. —Volunteer Awards and Recognition: Judy Bruggeman was honored as Outstanding Volunteer of the Year. Gene Anderson, Jim Braaten, and Diana Witt were honored with Distinguished Service Awards as retiring members of the MCHS Board of Directors. After the business meeting, Tom Robbins from Austin Area Arts, gave a short presentation on the Historic Paramount Theatre. He shared plans from the renovation project currently underway at the historic structure and answered questions about the project. The Paramount Theatre first opened in 1929 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. "This is such an important and exciting project," Robbins said. "I look forward to seeing everyone at the Paramount for a soft opening during the Artworks Festival at the end of August." Guests also had the opportunity to view several artifacts from the Paramount Theatre that were on display from the MCHS Collection.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Annual meeting and volunteer appreciation coming later this month
Mar. 3—The Mower County Historical Society will hold its annual meeting on Thursday, March 20 in the Pioneer Building. MCHS President Jeff Anderson will start the official business meeting at 6:30 p.m. and Executive Director, Randal J. Forster, will give an update on major accomplishments from the past year and state goals for the upcoming year. Official items on the agenda for the annual meeting include the following: * Election of new members to the MCHS Board of Directors. * Awards and recognition of volunteers from the past year. Following the official business of the annual meeting, Tom Robbins from Austin Area Arts will provide an update on the planned renovations for the Historic Paramount Theatre. Those attending will have the opportunity to ask questions about the project and learn more about the theater that was built in 1929 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. This is a free event for all members and volunteers of the Mower County Historical Society. Snacks, dessert, and coffee will be served following the presentation. Anyone wishing to attend the annual meeting should RSVP by Monday, March 10, by calling 507-437-6082 or by emailing: director@
