Jim Connell of Connell Aviation in Independence was honored with the Charles E. Taylor “Master Mechanic Award” at the 2010 Midwest Regional P.A.M.A. (Professional Aviation Maintenance Assoc.) Aircraft Maintenance Symposium & Trade Show held at the Holiday Inn Conference Center in West Des Moines.

St. Athanasius gets grant — Three teachers at St. Athanasius School were recently awarded the McElroy Excellence in Education Enrichment Grant.  Jenni Schares, Kelli Sitzmann, and Kelli Nolta were awarded $1000.00 for their grant called Connected Mathematics - Problem-based Learning.  The teachers used the money to purchase Connected Mathematics materials.  The materials will help students improve their problem solving skills because they are being immersed in hands-on, real world problems.  Students use manipulatives to model their thinking and do investigations.  At the end of each unit students incorporate technology to show other students what they have learned. Pictured above, Zach Nie and Ethan Kayser work on a probability unit in Miss Sitzmann’s class.

The Red Hot Flames - 12’s took 2nd place on Feb. 27 at the Ram-Slam volleyball tournament in Dubuque. The tournament was held at Dubuque Senior High School. Pictured above, left to right are, front row, Savannah Kelley, Lauryn Luckeroth, Lexy Hogan, and Abbie Frost. Back row, Coach Annie Horrigan, Molly Severin, Hanna Halverson, Erin McFadden, Lauren Becker, and Coach Katie Horrigan.

The Sizzlin Flames - 14’s won the championship in the Consolation Bracket at the Mt. Mercy Volleyball Tournament held Feb. 27 at Regis Middle School in Cedar Rapids.  Left to right are, Coach Courtney Vane, Maddie Gardner, Baylee Rhoads, Olivia Schmit, Maggie Horrigan, Stephanie Wroe, Tori Even, Molly Dvorak, Kaitlyn McGarvey, and Coach Bri Weber. Not pictured, Brandi Even.