Full speed ahead
Columbus is fortunate to have Columbus East graduate and Olympic-caliber speedskater Taylor Wentz Burdekin return home with her husband, Michael Burdekin, a fellow speedskater. Together they are trying to develop a prominent speedskating program in the city.
Those who are participating are getting good instruction. He competed in the 2014 Olympic Trials, and she competed in the 2018 Olympic Trials.
Now, they are training young skaters at the Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena, and starting a competition skating team called Full Throttle Speed Skating. That’s a boon for the community and its children, to receive world-class instruction here at home.
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Uncontested races disappointing
We appreciate the candidates that have served as school board members, those who are willing to do so again and the others who step up as vacancies develop on Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. and Flat Rock-Hawcreek boards.
With the importance of K-12 education, however, it’s disheartening that many people aren’t willing or able to make the commitment to serve in this public role. All of the candidates for BCSC and FRHC board positions are running unopposed for the Nov. 6 general election.
That shortchanges voters, who may want to hear fresh voices and perspectives. It also means that candidates don’t have to put forth any effort to champion their ideas or defend their votes and ideas. That doesn’t serve parents and the community well. We hope more people consider seeking a role on the school board in the future.
New way to learn
Technology has always been a strong part of Columbus Signature Academy — New Tech High School’s curriculum, but its virtual reality lab takes its high-tech learning up a notch.
The lab was developed by math Zach Schroeder, who used a $3,000 grant from Bartholomew Consolidated School Foundation to create it. The money paid for headsets, controllers and a computer, which was built by New Tech junior Ivan Lamb.
The virtual reality lab simulate environments through the headsets, and allows students to travel beyond the classroom to explore art, architecture, biology and science. For example, students can look at cells in the body.
This technology enhances the students’ learning experiences and helps them think and learn in new ways. Such creative teaching is welcome.
