Obituary of Grant Daniel Wells

Grant Daniel Wells, known fondly to many as “Big Son”, passed unexpectantly from this life on June 21, 2019, while visiting his parents in Fort Scott, Kansas.

He was born on July 12, 1993, to Dan Wells and Marti Wells-Smith in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. He came into this life with enthusiasm for nature, animals, the wide-open prairie, sports, campfires, grilling, hunting, fishing, music and so much more.

He left quietly, serenely, when his Lord Jesus chose to take him to his heavenly home for a greater purpose.

Grant was a special soul who befriended people from all walks of life. He loved to surround himself with kindred spirits and have good, old fashioned fun at every opportunity.

He attended school in Fort Scott from 5th grade through his sophomore year and returned to the prairie where he was a 2011 graduate of Copan Oklahoma High School.

He gained welding certification at Coffeyville Kansas Vo Tech and launched a career in the oil field business.

The family was informed that he was a rising star with White Tail Oil Field Services and was employed as a Lead Field Technician at the time of his passing. It was a traveling job, and Grant loved to travel the nation, making friends wherever he hung his hat.

On Facebook you will see literally hundreds of friends sharing memories, pictures, and musical tributes as they both celebrate Grant’s life and mourn his departure. This is not surprising. Grant would give you the shirt off his back, and did. He would change tires for strangers, offer you his last dollar, cook for you, help with chores and sit up all hours just listening and encouraging friends who needed support and love.

He leaves behind his dad, Dan Wells and second mother, Lori Wells, his sister by heart, Lauren Gavin, second dad, Scott Smith and mom Marti. He has a large extended family who hold unique places in his heart, and too many good friends to count. But a grateful thank you is extended to Cole, Emily, Jerad, Paul, Ty, Curt, and our other family members who are helping in so many ways.

Grant was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Ben and Mardy Wells, and maternal grandparents, Ted and Maxine Simkin.

Following cremation, a visitation will be held at Konantz-Cheney Funeral Home from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 29, 2019, with a memorial service in Oklahoma to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or donations, please do a kind deed for someone in Grant’s memory. That is exactly what Grant Wells would love for you to do.

Bourbon County Commission Agenda June 25

Agenda

Bourbon County Commission Room

1st Floor, County Courthouse

210 S. National Avenue

Fort Scott, KS 66701

Tuesdays starting at 9:00

Date: June 25th, 2019

1st District-Lynne Oharah Minutes: Approved: _______________

2nd District-Jeff Fischer Corrected: _______________

3rd District-Nick Ruhl Adjourned at: _______________

County Clerk-Kendell Mason

COMMISSIONER’S MEETING FROM 1:00-4:00!!!!

1:00-1:45- Jim Harris

1:45-2:00-Jody Hoener-Economic Development

2:00-2:45-Justin Meeks

Executive Session- Privileged in the attorney-client relationship contracts and ongoing litigation-15 min.

Executive Session- Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel-15 min.

Update on KORA/KOMA-10 min.

Legislative Update-5 min.

3:00-3:15-Dave Bruner-EMS Update

Justifications for Executive Session:

          Personnel matters of individual non-elected personnel

          Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship

          Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative(s) of the body or agency

          Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships

          Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property

          Matters relating to the security of a public body or agency, public building or facility or the information system of a public body or agency, if the discussion of such matters at an open meeting would jeopardize the security of such public body, agency, building, facility or information system

FSCC Trustees Meet This Evening at 5:30 p.m.

Board of Trustees of Fort Scott Community College, 2108 S. Horton Fort Scott, KS,  will meet in regular session on Monday, June 24, 2019. The meeting will be held in the Heritage Room at Fort Scott Community College. 5:00 p.m. Dinner in the Heritage Room at 5:00 p.m. followed by a regular board meeting at 5:30 p.m.

*** FSCC features over 20 student organizations for students to experience growth and fulfillment outside of the classroom.

THE AGENDA
5:30 ROLL CALL, 3 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE CALL TO ORDER,

4 A.Comments from the Chair,

4 B.CTEC Program Update,

4CONS ENT AGENDA,

5 A.Approval of Agenda,

5 B.Approval of Minutes of previous Regular Board Meeting conducted on May 20, 2019,

6 C.Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills, and Claims,

8 D.Approval of Personnel Actions, 5 ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS,

64 A.Consideration of July and August Meeting Dates,

64 B.Consideration of National PASS Center Agreement,

64 C.Consideration of KASB Worker’s Compensation Member Participation Premium Agreement,

69D. Consideration of HEP Collaboration Station,

73E. Consideration of Replacement Faculty Computers,

83F. Approval of Annual CAMP Laptop Purchase,

92G. Consideration of Disposal of Property – Copiers,

123H. Consideration of Lease Request for Passenger Vans,

124I. Consideration of Lease Renewal for 52 Passenger Shuttle,

129J. Approval of Property/Casualty/Auto/Excess Liability Insurance,

133K. Approval of Purchase of eSports Computers and Accessories,

134L. Consideration of Proposed Continuation Agreement Between the Iowa Department of Education and Fort Scott Community College,

154M. Approval of Consortium Memberships and Dues, 155
1

REPORTS, 156 A. Administrative Updates,

156 EXECUTIVE SESSION,

163 ADJOURNMENT,

164 UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES:

• June 24, 2019: Board Meeting

• August 13 – 16, 2019: In-service

• August 19, 2019: Fall semester begins • September 2, 2019: Labor Day – Campus Closed

• November 25 – 29, 2019: Thanksgiving Break – Campus Closed

• December 23 – January 5, 2020: Winter Break – Campus Closed

Sincerely, John Bartelsmeyer, Chair Alysia Johnston, President

FSCC’s vision for the future is to support “Students First, Community Always” through a central focus on teaching and learning; advancing strong, innovative programs and departments; maximizing and leveraging opportunities; initiating efficient and effective processes; and developing the region’s workforce.

APPROVAL OF PERSONNEL ACTIONS

Additions

a)Mark Emerson, Assistant Track/Cross Country Coach, effective June 11, 2019

b) Jessica Castaneda, IRRC Director, effective July 1, 2019

c) Wendy Razam, Regional Recruiter for Iowa Department of Education Migrant Programd) Colette Stotts, Iowa Migrant Data Specialist, effective July 1, 20192)

Separations

a)Lori Cable, Director of TRIO, effective May 21, 2019

b)DeAnn Cambers, Director of Student Success Center, effective May 22, 2019

c) Robert Cable, Director of Endowment, effective May 30, 2019

d) Lane Hendricks, Assistant Football Coach, effective May 31, 2019

3) Transfers

a)Preecia Humble, from TRIO Database Specialist to Assistant to Student Services, effective June 1, 2019

b) Nacoma Oehme, from Program I

FSCC Trustees Minutes of May 20, Unapproved

FORT SCOTT COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Minutes of the Board of Trustees Training
May 20, 2019

PRESENT: John Bartelsmeyer, Jim Fewins, Bernita Hill, Dana McKenney, Liz Meyer, and Robert Nelson

ALSO PRESENT: Alysia Johnston, President, Julie Eichenberger, Acting Board Clerk, faculty, staff, and community members.

Chairman John Bartelsmeyer called the meeting to order at 5:32 pm. The meeting was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.

COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: Community member Richard Clark spoke about his desire to have FSCC start a flight school.

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIR: Chairman Bartelsmeyer stated that FSCC offers of 40 fields of study, with over 70 courses guaranteed to transfer to any Kansas college or university.

MUSIC PROGRAM UPDATE: Music Instructor Seth Ernst presented an update of the Music Program’s activities over the past year. He also shared videos of recent performances.

CONSENT AGENDA: A motion was made by Hill, seconded by McKenney, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the consent agenda.

ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS:

  1. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by McKenney, and carried by unanimous vote to approve disposal of culled library books as proposed.
  2. A motion was made by Nelson, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the resolution in regard to non-renewal of a non-tenured teacher’s contract.
  3. A motion was made by Meyer, seconded by McKenney, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the purchase of the Hovercam Pilot 3 Plus systems and the necessary accessories from PCM-G for $17,128.00.
  4. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Meyer, and carried by unanimous vote to approve the proposal submitted by SG360 for $131,852.40 for the dorm cleaning contract.
  5. A motion was made by Fewins, seconded by Nelson, and carried by unanimous vote to accept the quote from 06Env for approval for removal of the multipurpose floor in Arnold Arena.

ITEMS FOR REVIEW:

Letters of appreciation and correspondence were reviewed by the Board.

REPORTS:

  1. ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: The Board reviewed and heard reports from the Miami County Campus, Student Services, Instruction Office, Finance and Operations, and the President.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Trustees, a motion to adjourn was made at 6:58 p.m. by Nelson, seconded by Hill, and carried by unanimous vote.

Chairman Clerk

Transgender: Kansas Amending Sex Designations on Birth Certificates

Governor applauds action that clears way for transgender Kansans to amend sex designation

 

Gov. Laura Kelly applauded action Friday that cleared the way for transgender Kansans to amend the sex designation on their birth certificates.

 

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) entered into a consent decision Friday, resolving a federal case filed in October 2018 regarding the amendment of Kansas birth certificates.

 

The plaintiffs had argued the KDHE denied Kansans an accurate birth certificate in violation of Equal Protection and Due Process clauses of the U.S. Constitution. In addition, the suit said, forcing transgender individuals to identify with a sex “that is not who they are” violated free speech rights.

 

Kansas was among just three states, along with Tennessee and Ohio, that blocked modification of birth certificates to reflect a person’s sex consistent with their gender identity.

 

“It was time for Kansas to move past its outdated and discriminatory anti-transgender policy,” Governor Kelly said. “This decision acknowledges that transgender people have the same rights as anyone else, including the right to easily obtain a birth certificate that reflects who they are.

 

Stephanie Mott, known for her work on transgender issues, sued the KDHE so she could change the gender on her birth certificate to female. While Mott eventually dropped her lawsuit, the Kansas Statewide Transgender Equality Project was a plaintiff in the 2018 federal lawsuit filed on behalf of transgender Kansans seeking to change their birth certificates.

 

Mott died in March.

 

“Her advocacy to make Kansas better is remembered in this important decision and in other progress she achieved for transgender people,” Governor Kelly said.

 

As a result of Friday’s consent decision, the Office of Vital Statistics under KDHE now will allow a transgender person born in Kansas to obtain a certified copy of his/her amended birth certificate reflecting a change in sex designation.

 

In order to request a certificate, the individual will need to submit a sworn statement requesting the change and accompanied by one of three things:

  • A passport that reflects the person’s true sex; or
  • A driver’s license that reflects the person’s true sex; or
  • A certification issued by a healthcare professional or mental health professional with whom the person has a doctor-patient relationship. The certification must state, based on his or her professional opinion: 1) the true gender identity of the applicant; and 2) that it is expected that this will continue to be the gender with which the applicant will identify in the future.

For media questions, please call either (785) 296-5795 or (785) 296-1317. For questions on amending your birth certificates, please contact the Office of Vital Statistics at (785) 296-1438.

Quarterly Downtown Meet and Greet July 2

Join the Chamber of Commerce
for the
Quarterly Downtown
Meet & Greet
Tuesday, July 2nd
Quarterly Downtown
Meet & Greet
Tuesday, July 2nd from 8:30-9:30am
La Hacienda Restaurant, 24 N. Main St.
The Chamber of Commerce hosts Quarterly Downtown Meet & Greet at a different location for Downtown business owners or representatives, or anyone in the community with an interest in Downtown to attend and share thoughts and ideas related to Downtown, and to stay current on new happenings.
For more information,
call 620-223-3566
or visit the Chamber’s website
by clicking HERE.

Premier of Chamber Music Series June 27

REMINDER:
The Fort Scott
Chamber Music Series’
first of three concerts
this Thursday,June 27th
Pianist
Baolong Zhang
Soprano
Vanessa Thomas
Kathleen and Ben Clinesmith
Creators of the Fort Scott Chamber Music Series
Last summer, and again at Christmastime, friends of Ben and Kathleen Clinesmith joined them in presenting two classical chamber music concerts at Fort Scott’s Presbyterian Church; support for both events was enthusiastic. From those concerts grew the idea of creating an annual chamber music concert series that could take place with area musicians, as well as musician friends from around the country.
With the generous support of individuals, local foundations, Key Charitable Trust, and the Bourbon County Arts Council, the newly launched
Fort Scott Chamber Music Series
debuts this year with three concerts: the first this Thursday, June 27th, the second on July 7th, and a third sometime in the fall.
This first concert, on June 27th, at 7pm will feature the newly restored Steinway piano at Fort Scott High School, played by competition winning pianist, Baolong Zhang.
The second concert, on July 7th at 7pm will take place in the Presbyterian Church sanctuary and will include flute, harp, cello, bass, and voice.  The Kansas City Symphony featured soprano Vanessa Thomas (who will appear on this concert) last December during their series of holiday concerts.
Fort Scott has a rich musical heritage; music has been valued and supported in our community.
With this history to build on, a chamber music series will add to the life, education, and culture for all area residents.
To read about the individual performers for the upcoming summer concerts, click HERE

Express Employment Professionals: Help With Recruiting Employees

Kai Runnells, Express Employment Professionals Business Developer in her office at 119 S. Main, June 2019.

All across America, unemployment is low.

Nationally, total nonfarm payroll employment went up in May 2019 with approximately 75,000 jobs, and the unemployment rate remained at 3.6 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdfon June 9. Employment continued to trend up in professional and business services and in health care.

 

In Bourbon County, the unemployment rate is 4.1 percent, according to the website https://klic.dol.ks.gov/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Map%20April%202019%20LAUS.jpg

 

A recent business opened an office in Fort Scott to help other businesses find suitable employees in this era where job seekers have diminished.

 

In April 2019, Express Employment Professionals opened an office in Fort Scott at 119 S. Main.  The franchise is based out of Independence,  since 2004.

The location of Express Employment Professionals, in between Fort Scott City Hall and  Crooner’s Lounge on Main Street.

“The staff and company provide businesses with their workforce needs,” Kai Rannells, business developer with EEP and the local representative, said. Rannells can be reached at 620-644-5050.

“There is a small fee for businesses,” she said. “This covers payroll burden liability. (The fee) varies on types of jobs.”

Because of the low employment rate, candidates without jobs need more coaching, Rannells said.

“Businesses are afraid of what it could cost to train and then retain employees,” she said. “That cost will fall on us. When a company brings in a new employee it costs a fair amount of money and if the employee doesn’t end up lasting, they are out that amount.”

EEP provides temporary or contract staff and do temporary to hire staffing.

“That’s where they start out temporary, and after probation is met, the company is able to hire them as a permanent employee,” Rannells said. “A lot of companies do that to make sure it’s a good fit for their team. We also do direct hires and professional searches.”

“We like to focus on helping people find the right candidate and job seekers find good careers,” she said.

“If someone is looking for a job, we do interviews to see what company would be a good fit of those hiring and we try to place them,” Rannells said. “It is a free service for job seekers.”

For more information about the services and EEP: https://www.expresspros.com/

Flags Lowered for Jan Meyers

Governor orders flags lowered honoring Congresswoman Jan Meyers

Governor Laura Kelly has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff Monday, June 24, at the Kansas State Capitol complex in honor of former Congresswoman Jan Meyers, who passed away Friday. Meyers served Kansas from 1985 to 1997 in the U.S. House of Representatives.

 

“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Congresswoman Jan Meyers, whom I respected and admired. As the first Republican woman elected to the U.S. House from Kansas, she was a groundbreaking public servant in many ways, and a role model for all.

 

“Her dedication to Kansas as a member of Congress will be forever remembered,” the governor said. “Lt. Governor Lynn Rogers and I, along with our families, extend our heartfelt condolences to Congresswoman Meyers’ family.”

 

To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, please visit https://governor.kansas.gov/newsroom/kansas-flag-honors.

 

Obituary of David Dwight Bishard

David Dwight Bishard, age 72, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Thursday, June 6, 2019, at his home.  He was born April 16, 1947, in Wichita, Kanas, the son of Dwight E. Bishard and Margaret Pearl Russell Bishard.  David served with the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  After his military service, he worked for several years for the Internal Revenue Service. He continued his education at Wichita State University where he received a degree in accounting.  He later worked in the civil sector at McConnel Air Force Base.  He stayed active with the Army Reserves for several decades and was a member of the American Legion Post #25 of Ft. Scott.  He enjoyed collecting and working on cars, motorcycles, and many other things. He was a man of reason who enjoyed playing chess with his sons.

Survivors include his son, Clint Bishard and wife, Robyn, of Terlton, Oklahoma and eight grandchildren, Hannah, Sarah, Joshua, Allison, Mercy, Jason, Raven and Utah.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Doug Bishard, and a granddaughter, Miranda Bishard.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 28th at the U. S. National Cemetery in Ft. Scott.  Friends and family will meet at the cemetery.  Services are under the direction of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, Ft. Scott, KS 66701.

Lowell Milken Center Welcomes Fellows

The Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas, an international educational non-profit, has awarded its prestigious 2019 Fellowship on the basis of merit to educators who have distinguished themselves in teaching respect and understanding through project-based learning or who have the potential for this distinction. The Center selects exemplary teachers from across America and Europe, drawn from a variety of disciplines, to collaborate on projects that discover, develop, and communicate the stories of Unsung Heroes in history.

These are the fellows coming to the LMC for June 24-28

Heidi Albin, a 2017 Milken Educator, has been the science teacher and character education coordinator at Complete High School Maize (CHSM) for the past 10 years, where she teaches 9-12th grade Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physical Science, Agriculture, Health, Career Skills, and Character Education. Heidi believes in making content relevant to life and develops unique, multifaceted, engaging lessons through interaction with the outdoors and the community. Heidi has helped CHSM receive recognition, both as a Character.org State and National School of Character and as the Kansas Association of Conservation and Environmental Education Green School of the Year. She has also coauthored “186 Days of Character,” a yearlong character education curriculum, has implemented a facility therapy dog program, and established a handicap accessible community garden.

Heidi’s passion for teaching extends beyond her school and has impacted other educators, as well. She is a member of a national 100k-in-10 Project Team which helps to improve teacher preparation. As a member of the Master Angler with Fishing’s Future and Board of Directors for WILD KS, Heidi has written and implemented curriculum for unique science courses in fishing, wilderness survival and camping. Through her presentations at conferences for the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network and the Kansas Association for Teachers of Science, Heidi has shared her resources with hundreds of educators across Kansas.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Heidi’s innovative implementation of both the science and character education curriculums is what we are looking for, as we seek the most inspiring and motivating teachers. Heidi’s experience and expertise will be a great asset to our Fellowship.”

Megan Clark is the Elementary Kansas Teacher of the Year for Region 3 and is part of the 2019 Kansas Teacher of the Year Team. For the last fifteen years, she has served as art teacher for nearly six hundred kindergarteners through fifth graders at Clear Creek Elementary. She promotes an art classroom environment of curiosity and creativity. Her lesson design goes a step further than simply “making,” by growing students’ curiosity in analyzing and discovering the role of art in the world around them and developing students’ unique ideas and perspectives. As a strong advocate for building relationships with families and students in her community, she was honored by USD 232 with the Teacher of Excellence Award in 2007 and the Inspiration Award in 2015.

Megan has served in multiple leadership roles at the building and district levels, including the role of chairman for the district elementary art curriculum writing and materials adoption, four years as a member of the building leadership team and eight years as District Coordinating Teacher for Elementary Art. Outside of the classroom she serves organizations that help students and support children with cancer. The uniting theme to Megan’s work in the classroom and beyond is her passion for improving the lives of all children.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Megan’s expertise in using art to connect students to the world around them is a powerful tool in helping them discover their own talents and potential. We look forward to learning more from Megan as a member of our team of Fellows.”

Lora Marie Durr is the 2018 recipient of the National Art Education Association Eastern Region Middle Level Division Art Educator Award, the 2016 Art Educators of NJ Middle Level Art Educator Award, and was recognized as the 2016 Crockett Middle School Teacher of the Year. Lora currently works at Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, NJ, teaching advanced art courses. She is known for her engaging lessons designed to connect students to their community through art. In recent months, Lora’s students have used their art to support The Memory Project with creative portraits for Syrian children and have also researched and created artwork to support local animal shelters. She is a dedicated educator who supports her students in and out of the classroom.

Lora has served in many roles in her state’s professional art educators’ organization and currently holds the position of President Elect of AENJ. She has worked with countless pre-service and novice teachers over the years to contribute to the future of the field of art education. As a presenter for workshops at the state and national level, Lora believes in the importance of lifelong learning for all educators. She is also an active artist, exhibiting her artwork regularly in the region and curating a group exhibition at Artworks Trenton.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “We welcome Lora to the LMC Fellowship as an innovative educator, who shares her artistic ability and creativity by inspiring students to use their talents to connect with others.”

Wesley Hedgpeth lives and breathes the social studies! Throughout his decade-long career in education, he has taught multiple social studies courses from grades 7-12, at all ability levels, in both public and private institutions. He currently teaches World History at The Collegiate School in Richmond, Virginia and will add Advanced Placement Comparative Government and Politics next year. In addition to teaching, Wesley co-coordinates his school’s Model United Nations Program, preparing students for multiple conferences each year. He also serves as a member of both his School’s Traditions Committee and Physical Wellness Committee.

Wesley currently serves on the NCSS Board of Directors, the VCSS Executive Board as Past-President, and as the Secretary of the Board of Directors of Patrick Henry School for Arts and Sciences in Richmond, VA. From 2014-2017, Wesley served as President of the Virginia Council for Social Studies (VCSS). During his tenure he co-chaired the 2016 National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Local Arrangements Committee for the Washington, D.C. conference and twice co-chaired the Virginia Conference for Social Studies Educators. He regularly lobbies elected officials for social studies education, works on political campaigns supporting social studies advocates, presents at both statewide and national conferences, and consults for various social studies organizations.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Wesley makes history come alive for his students and encourages their real-life involvement in government by the opportunities he provides. His combined passion for social studies and compassion for his students make Wesley an important contributing member of our team of Fellows.”

Thom Knab is the 2018 NAEA National Elementary Art Educator, the NAEA Eastern Region Elementary Art Educator, and the New York State Art Teacher of the Year. While addressing learning standards, Thom always includes components which allow students to make decisions, express themselves, and reach ever upward. He created the BRAG (Brick Room Art Gallery) at his elementary school where over 250 student works can be exhibited, allowing Thom to “brag” about students’ artistic accomplishments. Additionally, he arranged for student-created murals displayed throughout his school and initiated a 2014 “Roadrunner Art Walk on the community’s Main Street, with the artwork of 80 students displayed in business windows. When asked what he does, Thom shares, “I teach children…I just try to reach them through art.”

Mr. Knab believes in service to his profession and passionately advocates for the power and importance of the visual arts. He is the current president of the National Art Education Association (NAEA), the past president of the New York State Art Teachers Association (NYSATA), and has assisted with writing district visual art curriculum, technology curriculum and curriculum for the Albright-Knox Art Gallery Freedom Wall Project. Thom has advocated for the arts on Capitol Hill in Albany, NY, has been a presenter at many NAEA national conventions and NYSATA state conferences, and has provided professional development for his school district colleagues, with an upcoming presentation in Beijing, China.

LMC Executive Director Norm Conard says, “Thomas is a leader in art education and demonstrates great expertise in his field. Recognized as a dynamic, inspiring and compassionate educator by colleagues, students, and community members, Thom possesses the qualities that will make him an outstanding Fellow.”

While in Fort Scott, LMC Fellows gain knowledge, educational resources and ongoing support to enhance their classrooms and help students cultivate a passion for learning by creating projects that initiate positive change. Fellows emerge prepared to develop Unsung Heroes projects with their students as they apply and evaluate the stories of role models who have changed the world throughout history.