Posts by Ashley Thornton
Where do we go to learn to be citizens in a democracy?
By Ashley Bean Thornton I was visiting with my friend Austin Meek (host of the fantastic KWBU program Downtown Depot) the other day and he asked me, “What’s the best thing happening at Baylor right now?” Wow! So much to choose from…we just named our first woman president, who by all accounts will be a…
Read MoreThe Difficult Task of Inquiry
By Elizabeth Ligawa We wear the mask that grins and lies, It hides our cheeks and shades our eyes- This debt we pay to human guile; With torn and bleeding hearts we smile — Excerpt from Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poem, “We Wear the Mask” We wear the mask the grins and lies The last time…
Read MoreLearn Something New this Summer at MCC!
By Madison Albee Summer is the perfect time to have unique experiences and learn something new. MCC Continuing Education is committed to the development and enrichment of Waco and McLennan County. Our continuing education programs are designed to help individuals grow, explore their interests, develop their skills, or help them shift careers. Check out what…
Read MoreCicada Summer Love Song
By Russell Ritchey We moved to Waco in 1990 and raised four beautiful children born and raised on what to me is now hallowed ground. My wife, Angie, passed away last year, God rest her soul. But she poured her heart and soul into our kids. It was so beautiful. (She was actually born in…
Read MoreThe Art of Coping
By Jennifer Alumbaugh The integration of creative process with therapy has been a long tradition in the mental health field. It is used to “explore feelings, reconcile emotional conflicts, foster self-awareness, manage behaviors, addictions, and coping, develop social skills, improve reality orientation, reduce anxiety, and increase self esteem,” according to the American Art Therapy Association,…
Read MoreMeals and Wheels: The need is great and you can help
By Melody McDermitt Please don’t stop bringing Meals on Wheels to me… I’m not sure how I will make it without you,” has been the most common call we have received since the media attention focused on Meals on Wheels funding. We are reassuring our clients that their meal service will continue and making sure our…
Read MoreAVID-ly Increasing College Readiness for Waco ISD Students
By Robin Wilson Students enrolled in the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) classes in Waco Independent School District (ISD) have increased over 200%! In the school year 2014-2015 just fewer than 400 students were enrolled in the Waco ISD AVID classes. The current school year has AVID enrollment over 800 students in the 7th -12th…
Read MoreEarth Month Part 4: Paint!
April is Earth Month! To help us get in the spirit of sustainability, Anna Dunbar, Recycling and Public Outreach Administrator for the City of Waco Solid Waste Services, shares some tips, expertise and hopes for our community in a series of four blog posts. For all the posts so far, click here. Thanks for writing,…
Read MoreBilingual Education: It’s Not Just for English Learners
By Jessica Padrón Meehan, Ed.D Each semester I have my students journal about their experiences with English learners. As one can imagine, they have a range of experiences. Inevitably, there is an individual that expresses uncertainty about being in my ESL/Bilingual Foundations course. The students disclose that this uncertainty comes from their lack of knowing…
Read MoreHow do we grow the next generation of entrepreneurs? Let’s start with Lemonade Day Waco on May 6!
By Lindy Reamer What is the most iconic kid business there is? A lemonade stand of course! Lemonade stands are fun…but that’s not all. Just think about everything a kid is learning when she puts together and runs a lemonade stand… Where do great businesses come from? From people who have a dream and the…
Read More