Learning briefs 6/22/04

Thomson gets doctorate from St. Louis University

Nicole Renick Thomson recently received her doctorate from St. Louis University. A 1991 graduate of Notre Dame Regional High School, Thomson graduted from Southeast Missouri State University, summa cum laude, with a bachelor's degree in psychology. Thomson has taken a position with the University of Missouri-Columbia as a research assistant professor. She is the daughter of George and Donna Renick of Cape Girardeau.

Scott City student named All-American Scholar

The United States Achievement Academy recently named Jason Schenimann from Scott City an All-American scholar. Schenimann attends Scott City High School and is the son of the late Darrell Schenimann and Tammy Schenimann.

Walker receives doctorate from Belmont University

Jessica Dees Walker graduated recently from Belmont University of Occupational Therapy in Nashville, Tenn. Following a doctoral hooding ceremony held at Nashville's Union Station, Walker was awarded the degree of Doctor of Occupational Therapy. She is a 1998 graduate of Scott City High School and is the daughter of Larry and Melba Dees of Scott City. Walker has accepted a position with Cox-Monett Rehabilitation, a subsidiary of Cox Health Systems based out of Springfield, Mo., with specialization in pediatrics.

Beussink joins national collegiate society

Cory John Beussink of Jackson accepted membership in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and will be honored during a campus ceremony this fall at Unversity of Missouri-Columbia. Beussink is the son of Mark and Geri Beussink of Jackson.

National mathematics award goes to Matthews

The United States Achievement Academy recently named Samantha Matthews of Cape Girardeau a National Award Winner in Mathematics. Matthews is the daughter of Dean and Judith Matthews of Cape Girardeau. Matthews, a 2004 graduate of Eagle Ridge Christian School, was also among 100 area valedictorians honored during KFVS12's recent Heartland's Best ceremony at Southeast Missouri State University.

Bell makes Westminster College dean's list

Devin Bell of Cape Girardeau has been named to the 2004 dean's list at Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. Bell is entering his junior year this fall majoring in biology.

Honor society announces inductees from area

Several local students were recently inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society.

From Cape Girardeau were: Justin Lee Cook, son of Steve and Teresa Cook; Darrell Allen Davidson, son of Richard Davidson; Vikram Kundu, son of Rattan Singh and Sheela Kundu; Jill Marie Little, daughter of Roger and Cathy Little; Jessica Marie Morrow, daughter of Robert and Dana Morrow.

From Jackson: Katie Diane Fink, daughter of Mrs. Susan Brainard and Richard Fink; Scott F. Lane, son of Russell and Susan Lane.

From Millersville, Mo.: Karie Anne Gaskill, daughter of Marsha Norman.

Central senior to play in Lions Parade in Detroit

Drew Kiel, a senior at Central High School and a member of the trumpet section of the Tigers Marching Band, will participate in the International Lions Parade in Detroit, Mich., this summer. The band also will perform at the Lions All-Star Football game in Warrensburg, Mo., in July. This is the second year Kiel has been selected to be a member of the 100 piece Missouri Lions All-State Band. Selection for the band was based on musical ability, attitude and moral character. Kiel is the son of Bill and Donna Kiel of Cape Girardeau.

ACU names Davis to dean's honor roll

Ashley Davis of Scott City was named to the dean's honor roll at Abilene Christian University for the spring 2004 semester. Davis is working toward a bachelor's degree in interior design.

Pharmacy college dean's list names area students

The following local students were named to spring 2004 dean's list at St. Louis College of Pharmacy: Heather Tuschhoff of Jackson, a 2003 graduate of Jackson High School and the daughter of Tim and Bev Tuschhoff; Amber Nigel of Jackson, a 2002 graduate of Jackson High School and the daughter of Dennis and Linda Nagel; Justin Lusk of Cape Girardeau, a Central High School graduate and the son of Lonnie and Debbie Lusk; Adam Duncan of Chaffee, Mo., the son of James and Marilyn Duncan.

Peabody conservatory accepts SEMO graduate

Patrick Rafferty, a 2004 graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, has been accepted to the Peabody music conservatory at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. Rafferty graduated in 1998 from Jackson High School and received his bachelor's degree in guitar performance from Southeast. He is the son of Susan and Robert Rafferty of Jackson. He plans to pursue his master's degree in guitar performance at Peabody.

Jackson graduates with honors from Westminster

Daniel Jackson, son of Debbie and Mike Jackson of Cape Girardeau, graduated summa cum laude from Westminster College in Fulton, Mo. Jackson received a bachelor's degree in biology. He was also named to the spring 2004 dean's list at Westminster. He plans to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia this fall.

Nussbaum takes third place in King contest

Sarah "Lizzie" Nussbaum recently won 3rd place and a $50 savings bond in a Martin Luther King Jr. poster contest sponsored by the Missouri National Education Association. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Nussbaum of Cape Girardeau.

Local students to attend Boys State this month

Eric Williams, Travis Randolph and Eric Poythress were selected to attend the American Legion Boys State of Missouri this month on the campus of Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg.

Williams is sponsored by Noon Optimist Club of Jackson. His accomplishments include three years membership in FBLA, FBLA Vice-President, Hi-Step, FBLA State Winner in Business Plan Competition, and FBLA National Qualifier. Williams also attended the National Fall Leadership Conference in Indianapolis. He is the son of Duayne and Nancy Williams.

Randolph is sponsored by Oran Jaycees. He has completed his junior year at Oran High School and is involved in student council, drama club, CYC and science club. He has received numerous public speaking awards and received academic awards in English and government. Randolph is the son of Richard and Janet Randolph.

Poythress is a student at Jackson High School and is sponsored by Professional Packaging. His accomplishments include student council, National Honor Society, FBLA, football and basketball. He is the son of Roger and Bonnie Poythress.

Brueckner graduates with honors from StLCoP

Christy Brueckner, a 1996 Central High School graduate, recently graduated cum laude from St. Louis College of Pharmacy with a doctorate in pharmacy. At the college, she was a member of Rho Chi and American Society of Health System Pharmacists. She is the daughter of Jerry and Sharon Brueckner of Cape Girardeau.

Miller chosen to attend Boys State at CMSU

Matt Miller, 17, a student at Scott City High School, has been selected to attend the American Legion Boys State of Missouri this month at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg. He is involved in baseball, football and FBLA and was recently named an All-American Scholar in addition to being named a United States National Award winner in recognition of his honor roll status by the United States Achievement Academy. He is the son of Gary and Gail Miller of Scott City.

Central student chosen to go to Girls State

Christie Cato, a student at Central High School, was selected to attend American Legion Girls State at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Mo., this month. Cato is sponsored by American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Unit 63 in Cape Girardeau. She is the daughter of David and Debbie Cato, and is a junior auxiliary member and president of FBLA. She attends Grace United Methodist Church.

Jackson natives named to CMSU dean's list

Lisa Millham and Ashley Millham of Jackson were both named to the spring 2004 semester dean's list at Central Missouri State University. Lisa Millham was named to the 4.0 GPA dean's list. Ashley Millham was named to the 3.5-3.99 GPA dean's list.

Shearon chosen to attend democracy program

Kelsey Shearon, a 2004 graduate of Jackson High School, was chosen to attend the Presidential Classroom's law and justice and democracy program this summer in Washington, D.C. The program is civic leadership-based and includes a week-long trip to Washington for interaction with political leaders, military officials and business people.

National society accepts Newell as member

Alana Newell of Scott City has been accepted into the National Society of High School Scholars for academic achievement. Membership in the society is by invitation only. Newell is the daughter of Mark and Dorothy Newell of Scott City.

SBU names New to spring 2004 trustee's list

Kristina New was named to the spring 2004 trustee's list at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. New is a 2003 graduate of Kelly High School. She is the daughter Ellen New of Charleston, Mo., and Kenny and Cynthia New of Cape Girardeau.

Lee named All-American Collegiate Scholar

Ashley Lee of Scott City has been named an All-American Collegiate Scholar. She is a student at John A. Logan College and is the daughter of Butch and Sharon Lee of Scott City. The award is offered to students who excel academically. Lee will appear in the All-American Collegiate Yearbook.

Meyr accepted to Harvard urban design program

Tyler Meyr has been accepted into the Harvard School of Architecture master's program in urban design for the fall semester. Meyr received a bachelor's degree in architecture from Tulane University in 1999. He is a 1993 graduate of Chaffee High School and the son of Larry and Judi Meyr of Chaffee. Meyr has worked in the Netherlands and Los Angeles, where he won a 2003 design award for a Boys and Girls Club.

Meyr gets business degree from WUSTL

Tory Meyr, a 2000 graduate of Jackson High School, recently graduated with a bachelor's degree in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis. Meyr is the son of Larry and Judi Meyr of Chaffee. At the university, he received All-Academic Recognition and All Association second team defense honors in football. He has accepted a position with Kent Landsberg in St. Louis.

Hoffstetter receives degree from MVC

Talitha Hoffstetter of Cape Girardeau graduated recently from Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Mo., with a bachelor's degree.

Central students attend snare drum camp

Central High School students David Berry, Alex Bettinger, Stephen Coleman, Bekah Pfanstiel and Megan Wright recently attended the Phantom Regiment Snare Drum Camp in Rockford, Ill., with Central instructor Josh LaMar. The camp featured instructor Paul Rennick from the University of North Texas and is held in conjuction with the Phantom Regiment drum and bugle corps' spring training on the campus of Rockford College.

-- From staff reports