Notes from a camper...

This post generously provided by Kiefer A. C. Mecham.

For 27 years, Drury Pre-College Programs has been a beacon of knowledge and friendship. It has provided gifted students an understanding of all aspects of the world. It has also become a second home for countless individuals. I, as a former Summerscaper and current DLAer, am among those who have found Drury Pre-College Programs to be a home away from home.

I was first introduced to Summerscape in 2006, after taking the Pre-SATs. Upon completing the test, I was given a handbook listing pre-college programs all across the nation. This was everything I had ever dreamed of. I came across one that was located in Springfield, MO, called Summerscape. From the moment I entered the doors, I truly felt that this was my second home. I was introduced to a dorm-life experience, well-informed classes, and fun activities all on Drury’s beautiful and historic campus. I gained knowledge that I could never find in a classroom, and befriended some of the brightest individuals I have ever met.

In the summer of 2008, I become involved in Drury Leadership Academy (DLA). DLA is the high school portion of the program, whereas Summerscape involves middle school aged students. I found that DLA was very similar to Summerscape, and that was a good thing. Again, I was engulfed in knowledgeable classes and fantastic events with friends, while also learning how to be a leader. I will always cherish the years I have spent there, and look forward to my two remaining ones.

The individuals involved with Drury Pre-College Programs represent a flood of different lifestyles and ideas, which makes us all ever closer as a family. I encourage any student to come and experience the friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

Congrats to Beth Nickle!!

Congratulations to our very own Residential Living Director for Summerscape/DLA Beth Nickle! She was recently named 2008-09 Springfield Public Schools Teacher of the Year. See below for the article in the Springfield News-Leader:

April 22, 2008
Teacher of the year: Beth Nickle

"Kids love her. She has undiminishing faith in children and what they can learn and achieve."

Cory de VeraNews-Leader

The 2008-09 Springfield Public Schools teacher of the year is Beth Nickle, a communication arts and drama teacher at Bailey Alternative School.
"Beth puts the way the student learns and the way the student feels above everything else," said counselor Margaret Skidmore, after the award was announced at the 15th annual Teacher Appreciation Banquet at the University Plaza Convention Center. "Kids love her. She has undiminishing faith in children and what they can learn and achieve."
Bailey is an alternative high school for students who for various reasons have fallen behind in Springfield's regular high schools. Nickle, a third-generation teacher, began teaching in the school's computer lab and was hired as a full-time teacher 20 years ago.
She said she was "shocked and overwhelmed" to receive the honor Monday.
"I think this is really Bailey's award," she said. "I hope that we are able to celebrate the things that happen at Bailey."
Skidmore said one of the special things Nickle has done for many years is make it possible for Bailey students to attend and make presentations at a national conference on service learning.
"A lot of our kids don't ever get to travel," said Skidmore. "For a lot it may be their first time out of Missouri. It doesn't matter where the conference is, she raises enough money so they can go without having to pay."
Service learning integrates classroom objectives with real world experience volunteering in community projects. Nickle said this year, for example, her reading students tutor students at an alternative elementary school.
Nickle's mother, Judy Thompson, said she's seen her daughter approach teaching like a mission.
"She's taken them into her home when there is a need to do it, and she's gone with them to the hospital," Thompson said. "She's been a mother when there is a need for that."
Nancy Fazzino, the executive director of the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools, said anyone is able to nominate a teacher for the annual award. This year the committee considered about 40 nominations. While there are typically five finalists, the committee accepted six in 2008 because the quality of the nominees was so high.
As teacher of the year, Nickle will represent the district at a variety of events and is the Springfield district's nominee for the statewide teacher of the year award. She receives a $2,000 prize; Bailey will also receive $2,000.
The five finalists receive $200 for themselves and $200 for their schools.
They are:
- Stephanie Blake, science teacher from Parkview High School;
- Tracy Bruton, art teacher from Glendale High School;
- Phil Hockensmith, social studies teacher from Kickapoo High School;
- Troy Kuchta, fourth grade teacher from Boyd Elementary School;
- Alberta Smith, choir teacher from Central High School.
Almost 1,000 educators and their supporters attended the banquet which honored not only the finalists for the teacher of the year award, but all teachers. Also recognized were those who had won teacher of the month awards, Star Catcher awards, the Linda Luke Librarian of the Year, winners of the Turner Family Reading Award, and graduates of a leadership training course for teachers.

http://news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008804220367