By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Cassopolis Vigilant
CASSOPOLIS -- Though he liked the Science Olympiad the best, Cassopolis fourth grader Ryan Nickel told members of the Lewis Cass Intermediate School District (ISD) Board that he worked hardest for the county spelling bee. His team from Sam Adams took first place,
Nickel and Abby Rupchock, 17, a junior at Edwardsburg High School, were chosen by Dawn Atkinson, ISD Instructional Services Consultant, to represent the many students throughout the county who take part in extra activities which also include the Math-a-Rama.
Nickel, 10, the son of Kelley and Bob Nickel, described some of the activities the students get to do during the Science Olympiad, such as the egg drop. They try to cushion an egg so that it doesn't crack when dropped.
Abby is the daughter of Dan and Carolyn Rupchock.
These students find it "fun to work," said Atkinson, and "genuinely enjoy learning."
Also at the meeting, Marilouise Hagenberg of Niles, former Dean of Southwestern Michigan College (SMC), was recognized for her many years of work with the ISD students and programs, including starting the College Pathways.
Joan Fish, head of the Career Technical Education presented a power point view of what is happening in the district and "the wonderful things in the county to help kids with technical career education."
Each of three counties, Berrien, Cass and Van Buren, work with a different grant. She also expressed how they are working with our legislators to try and get the career programs which are being eliminated back in the state budget.
Other programs she outlined were Teachers in Industry, where teachers have the opportunity to spend three days job shadowing and the Academies, where students can earn college credit and attend SMC while still in high school.
Career Awareness Day will be held on May 7-8 at both the Niles and Dowagiac SMC campuses, she said.