Missing Children's Poster Contest

I had the honor of being a judge for the Missing Children's poster contest in Iowa. The Iowa Department of Public Safety organizes the event for our state. It's a way to recognize an important public safety issue while giving kids a chance to express themselves creatively. This year, more than 100 fifth graders submitted a poster. The awards ceremony was a nice event, Governor Branstad spoke and we handed out awards for 10 honorable mentions, and one winner. Here are some photos.

The winner's name is Olivia Lapke from Logan Magnolia Elementary. I've posted a photo of her poster. It said, "Open your eyes America." It was so detailed with hundreds of blank children's faces. In an interview with Olivia I asked why the faces were blank. She said it was to represent the children who have gone missing but don't get any recognition. Brilliant! That's why she won :)

-Amanda

Joplin on our minds...

The tornado in Joplin has been at the forefront of our news coverage and the forefront of our minds the last few days. In our news scripts lately we've been using words like tragic, deadly, destruction, loss, devastation, survival, etc. But really, I just look at this photo comparison and cannot even begin to comprehend let alone try to put into words what this town and its people are going through.

Sending many heartfelt thoughts to the storm victims and the relief workers...

-Amanda

One Classroom at a Time

Hey Teachers! The school year may be close to over but lets think about next year! Do you have a classroom project that needs funding or are you spending your own money for classroom materials. ABC5, Banker's Trust and Praire Meadows is ready to help with our "One Classroom at a Time" one thousand dollar educational grant. During the school year we select a winner from those that fill out an application and then surprise that winning teacher.

Above is a picture of our last winner for this school year. The story will air on 10 at 10 on ABC 5. Here's the link to see this year's winners and to fill out an application: http://www.myabc5.com/Global/category.asp?C=81042

Rachel Pierce

rpierce@myabc5.com

Goodbye Whitney!

Many of you will be sad to hear that our friend, ABC5 Reporter Whitney Givens, is leaving. She has been at ABC5 for three years and has decided to move on to a new opportunity. We wish her the best of luck! And not just with her new career, but her marriage as well. She's getting married this fall. Congrats Whitney and Good Luck!!!

ps - Would you just look at that beautiful cake?!?!? I wonder who made that.

Thanks for reading!

Amanda

akrenz@myabc5.com

Garden Planted!

Lydia and I were busy this morning planting and watering our veggie garden. Well she just kind of played in the dirt and did manage to sit and squash a tomato plant...but it was fun.

We planted okra, kohlrabies, Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, big boy tomatoes, watermelon cilantro, red and green peppers, green beans, cucumbers and our mint came back from last year.

I'm hoping this is a better year for tomatoes, last year I did not get very many. I put them in a different spot in the garden this year hoping the sunnier spot with help them thrive.

We can't wait for things to start to grow!

Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

Best of the Class

Yesterday those named "Best of the Class" were honored at the Iowa Hall of Pride. One part of the program was taking video of each student that will begin airing on our station this week. So how do you become "Best of the Class", well each high school in central Iowa names one outstanding student to be given the honor.

Amanda and I emceed the fabulous Jethro's BBQ lunch at Forte. The keynote speaker was Sarah Brown Wessling, a Johnston English teacher who is the National Teacher of the Year. She was amazing! What an honor to hear her speak, I wish I was one of her students!

Here's a little video of the event:

http://www.myabc5.com/Global/category.asp?C=190187

Rachel Pierce

rpierce@myabc5.com