Are you the parent of a student that accomplished something exciting? A teacher who came up with an innovative lesson?
The Republic seeks to shine a light on the exciting things happening in education today, and this is your opportunity to have your story told.
We’re looking for story ideas that highlight the people, programs and events shaping education in our community.
If you know of a potential story idea or something going on in local schools you think should be getting more attention, please reach out to bdavis@therepublic.com with a who, what, when, where and why, along with contact information for story subjects.
No idea is too small— we look forward to hearing from you.
IU Columbus plans “Put your best foot forward” walk-in sessions
High school juniors, seniors and anyone considering IU Columbus are invited to the “Put your best foot forward” walk-in week, everyday this week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Head to the IU Columbus admissions office inside door 3 in the Campus Center Building at 4601 Central Ave., to meet one-on-one with IU Columbus staff to learn about undergraduate and graduate programs, get hands-on assistance with the application process, take a campus tour, and have their questions answered.
A Spanish-speaking counselor and materials are also available upon request.
Students may apply for the spring or fall 2026 semester, and there’s currently no fee to apply. Those who plan to apply during their visit should bring:
• Their social security number
• A smartphone; a laptop computer or tablet may also be helpful, but are not required
• Log-in information to request their high school transcripts electronically (through Parchment or Naviance)
• An email address that is not a school email
• SAT or ACT scores for those who wish to self-report them (not required)
• If a student has already started their application online, they should bring their guest account ID (email and password), or their IU account details to access their in-progress application.
“Whether you’re a high school junior planning ahead, a senior still deciding, or an adult thinking about returning to school, we’re here to help you explore your options and take the next step toward an affordable IU degree—right here in Columbus,” explained Jayne Morris, IU Columbus assistant director of enrollment management.
Walk-in hours are also a chance to talk about next steps after admission, financial aid, and scholarships.
Can’t make it during walk-in hours? Schedule an appointment (virtual or in-person), apply online for free, or learn more about IU Columbus admissions at columbus.iu.edu/admissions.
Poetry Reading with Dan Denton
Nov. 20 2pm to 3pm Columbus Learning Center
Poet and Novelist Dan Denton will give a poetry reading and talk about his work during an event at the Columbus Learning Center tomorrow.
Hosted by the IU Columbus Feminism Club, Denton will be in the Summerville Room from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be free food and time for a question and answer session.
Denton, from Toledo, Ohio, is a former union autoworker and chief steward that worked in the assembly department that builds the world famous Jeep Wrangler.
He also served as a constitutional delegate to multiple national United Auto Workers (UAW) conventions and was a part of the progressive movement that fought against Union corruption and passed a one member-one vote democratic initiative, according to organizers.
Denton, who always dreamed of growing up to be a writer, began writing daily in his first days of sobriety 19 years ago. Since then, his writing, influenced by his history of mental health struggles, homelessness, poverty, addiction and lifetime factory work, has been published internationally.
He is the author of two novels, a novella/poetry hybrid book, and most recently his first collection of poetry, “Fight Songs for the Underdogs” (Luchador Press, 2025.) In 2024, he was voted the best writer in his city, Toledo.
Nominations sought for Folger award
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2026 Edna V. Folger Outstanding Teacher Award.
This annual award is designed to raise awareness about the immeasurable influence educators have on their students, and to recognize the image of educators as important community role models. SIHO Insurance Services, the Community Education Coalition, and the IU Columbus Center for Teaching and Learning sponsor the award.
Any full-time elementary or secondary school teacher or educator working in a public, private, or parochial school in Bartholomew County is eligible to receive the award. Classroom, special education, or specials teachers; certified educators; counselors; and administrators are all eligible.
Nomination instructions are available from the IU Columbus Center for Teaching and Learning, the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp. administrative offices, and in the main office of schools throughout Bartholomew County. Nomination forms may also be downloaded at columbus.iu.edu/ctl/folger-award. Any individual or group may nominate a classroom teacher or educator to receive this award. Nominations should include biographical information, reasons for nomination, letters of recommendation and support materials.
The deadline for nominations is 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. The award will be announced at the 2026 Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting.
SIHO Insurance Services, the IU Columbus Center for Teaching and Learning, and the Community Education Coalition sponsor this award. For more information, contact Marsha VanNahmen at 812-375-7576 or mvannahm@iu.edu or visit columbus.iu.edu/ctl/folger-award.
