Volume 28 | September 2022

The Bear Facts

Welcome to the official newsletter of the Ballard High School Alumni Association. Our mission is to keep graduates and friends up-to-date on both school and alumni news.

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ELECTION RESULTS red Rubber Stamp over a white background.

Meet Your New Alumni Association Board of Directors for 2022-2023

A new slate of Board members has been nominated and accepted for the 2022-2023 Alumni Association Board of Directors. Newly elected Board members include:

Bob Schiavone - Class of 1981
Liz Cassidy - Class of 2000
Kasie Jackson - Class of 2001
Justin Morris - Class of 2008
Rudy Moeller - Class of 1975

Our new Board members will be installed at the October meeting, with new officers elected at that time. We offer our sincere thanks to departing Board members Ann Furnish and Barbara Trager for their time and service to the Alumni Association.

Alumni Night and Homecoming Scheduled for October 14. Save the Date!

We will be celebrating alumni on our annual Alumni Night at Ballard's Homecoming on October 14. Come join your friends and classmates for a great night of football versus Eastern starting at 7:30pm, and plan to join us for dinner with four food truck choices beginning at 5:30pm

Neon sign of comedy show with retro microphone symbol on a brick wall background. Humor glowing signboard.

Comedy Night Rescheduled for February 25. Save the Date!

The Alumni Association is pleased to announce that our first Comedy Night has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 25 at 7pm. Our show will star:

Steve Smith, Ballard Counselor
Jeff Ramsey, Ballard Grad
John Ramsey, Ballard Grad
Bernie Lubbers, Ballard Grad

Ticket will go on sale soon for $20 each, with all proceeds going to support the renovation of the Sandy Allen Fine Arts Center.

Watch your email and the Bear Facts for further information. Questions? Contact Greg Smith.

Yearbook Memories - Class of 1980

Above: Seniors clowning around

Upper Right: Mr. Ricketts

Middle Right: Student Advisory Committee

Lower Right: Sally Evans, Homecoming Queen

Below: Shelly Clarkson cheering

It's Not Just for Sports Anymore.

Ballard Hall of Fame is Seeking Nominations October 1 - December 16.

After two successful Athletic Hall of Fame inductions, Ballard is excited to announce the expansion of the recognition process. Ballard's long-standing tradition of Excellence in Academics, Arts and Athletics has resulted in alumni who have significantly impacted our community. To better capture Ballard’s mission - Excellence in Academics! Excellence in Arts! Excellence in Athletics! - Hall of Fame nominations have been opened to include former staff and alumni who have made significant contributions in the academic, arts, and athletics communities. Our goal is to not only recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the men and women who once walked the halls of Ballard, but to inspire current and future Bruins to pursue their passions in hopes that they become change agents in their respective fields.

The first round of inductees in this new format will be recognized in the Fall of 2023. The nomination window will run from October 1-December 16. Nomination forms can be accessed by completing the Hall of Fame Nomination Form or you can scan the QR code to access the form as well

Alumni Hall of Fame nominees must have graduated from Ballard at least 10 years before they are considered. We are looking for candidates in all three areas who have made Ballard proud through:

Significant career accomplishments; and/or
Impactful philanthropic work; and/or
Support for/involvement with Ballard

As an alumni, your participation is crucial to the continuation and growth of this program.

If you have questions or would like to help with the event, please reach out to Kim Barber (kim.barber@jefferson.kyschools.us)

We look forward to the nomination process and hope you can join us in the Fall of 2023 for the ceremony.

Want to Keep Track of Your Favorite Team Sports at Ballard?

You can check the most recent game score or the upcoming events on the schedule for your favorite Bruin team by simply clicking on the links shown below. Go Bruins!

Girls Fast-Pitch Softball

Girls Field Hockey

Ballard Choir Alumni Gather to Celebrate the Retirement of Mr. Weaver

A Ballard Alumni Choir gathering was held on July 22, 2022. It was a great evening of fun, friendships, and remembering our time in BHS Choir and Madrigals! Most of all, this event celebrated the retirement of a wonderful leader, Mr. Noel Weaver. Mr. Weaver dedicated 27 years to Ballard as Director of Choral Activities and Chair of the Music Department. We certainly want to wish him well as he enjoys retirement. The evening ended with Mr. Weaver directing his students one more time as they sang “Set Me as a Seal (Upon Your Heart)” composed by Rene Clausen.

We Need Volunteers to Help with Student Testing on October 12

The school is looking for volunteers on October 12 to help proctor PSAT prep test going on at between 7:30 and 12 noon. The job will include helping students get to their assigned seats, setting up computers, passing out pencils and test tickets and walking the aisle monitor for questions.

If you are available, please contact Kim Barber at the link below to volunteer. Thanks for your help!

kim.barber@jefferson.kyschools.us

Students Welcomed to the Newly-Renovated Library This Fall

Librarian Stephanie Conrad tells us that when Ballard High School students returned for the fall semester they were greeted with a newly-renovated library for the first time in 50 years. Over the years, the library had undergone minor improvements and upgrades; this was the first time since the school opened that the library had undergone a complete facelift.

With the help of Betsy Hultman Wall '73 of the Alumni Association, the Ballard librarians studied the direction in which modern libraries are headed. The new approach to how students use libraries today is much more flexible, integrated and technology-centric. To ensure that the new Bruin library met the needs of students now and for years to come, new modular furniture was chosen. Bookshelves that float on casters may be rearranged to create more flexible spaces. And instead of desktop computers, the library now uses laptop carts that add to the multi-use facility.

The library office was also converted into a modern workspace for daily tasks and can be rearranged to be used as a conference room. Even the teacher's workroom received a facelift with new storage cabinets and tables.

Alumni are encouraged to stop in and visit if they find themselves in the school! Thanks Dr. Neuss and the Alumni Association for your help.

The alumni association has a Library Fund ready for donations to provide books for students’ needs in a timely manner. The Library Fund also donated 20 ChromeBooks during COVID.

To make a donation, go to:

https://chip-in.us/ballard

Teacher Feature: Todd Howard

Exploring Civics for Freshmen

Todd Howard prepared for his teaching career by securing a Bachelors in Education from Indiana University Southeast and a Masters in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University. After early stints at Union County (IN) High School and Salem (IN) High School, he joined the Ballard faculty 24 years ago. When asked about his Ballard experience, he had the following things to say.

Who on the Ballard faculty or staff has had the greatest influence on you thus far?

"While there have been a number of individuals who have influenced my teaching and my time at Ballard, the one who stands out above all was Mrs. Sandy Allen. Mrs. Allen hired me and gave me the opportunity to work along side other incredible educators. She saw something in me, and the opportunity she afforded me has led me to where I am today."

What are your best memories of your time at Ballard?

"Between service learning projects, pep rallies, sporting events and more, some of my most memorable experiences have been when I have followed the boys basketball team to Rupp Arena to the Sweet Sixteen tournament over the years."

What can the alumni association do to help you do your job better?

"The Alumni Association can help our students become more successful by offering support and supplemental materials and supplies that that the school needs. This would allow our students to be more equipped and set up for success both inside and outside the classroom."

Ballard has benefited in many ways from your service over the past twenty-four years, Todd. We're glad you have found a home here and that you put so much of your heart into the school every day!

The Academies of Louisville:

Business Services Academy

This month, we spotlight the Business Services Academy. We have four pathways in this Academy: Management & Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Retail Services, and Teaching & Learning. Below is a table that outlines the course sequences for each of these pathways. Students will take each course during their four years at Ballard.

Management & Entrepreneurship

Introduction to Management

Microsoft Office

Accounting and Finance Foundations

BAS 160/ BAS 120 (for personal finance)

Marketing

Marketing Principles

Sports & Event Marketing

Accounting and Finance Foundations

BAS 160/ BAS 120 (for personal finance)

Retail Services

Marketing Principles

Fundamentals of Social Media Marketing

Promotional Applications and Media

Retail Operations Specialist/ Fashion Marketing

Teaching & Learning

EDTP 201 - The Learning Community

EDSP 240 - Intro to Exceptional Children

EDTP 215 - The Professional Educator

EDTP 107 - Human Development and Learning

Students in the Business Services Academy have more total dual credit options than any other Academy. The Teaching & Learning pathway has all four courses aligned to dual credit courses at the University of Louisville, while the Management and Marketing students finish out their pathways with a couple of dual credit courses through JCTC. Thanks to KHEAA, students are able to use scholarships each year to cover the cost of tuition for these courses.

Our CTSO (Career & Technical Student Organizations) for this Academy are FBLA on the business side and then Educator's Rising for Teaching and Learning. Both of these CTSO's had numerous awards and wins at State competitions this year, as well as several members from each group moving on to compete at the National level. We also have some wonderful Business Partners such as Republic Bank, the J. Wagner Group, Wilder Elementary and Kammerer Middle. We even did a project with Lou City FC this past school year.

Let Us Help You Promote Your Class Reunion -- This Year or Next Year

Is your class holding a reunion this year? Or are you a member of the Classes of 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013 or 2018 starting to make plans for a reunion next year? Please share any reunion information with us -- we'd love to publish the details in The Bear Facts. We would also like to connect with any reunion organizers to see if we can share any contact information. Our hope is that more alumni will stay connected post-reunion to the Ballard Alumni Association. Please contact Caroline Robinson at ballardalumni@gmail.com.

3D render of a blackboard with text Class reunion

Upcoming Reunion News. Make Your Reservations Now!

Class of 2002

The Class of 2002 will be celebrating their 20 Year Reunion on Saturday, October 15. Those looking for more information and interested in attending can learn more at the Class Reunion Page on Facebook by clicking here.

If you have questions, email Reunion organizers Erin LeGro Schaeffer and Jeffrey Nefouse at Ballard2002Reunion@gmail.com.

Class of 1973

The Class of 1973 celebrates 50 years in 2023! In September, we will be forming a reunion committee to begin the planning. If you would like to get involved, please email Laura Donley King at lauraking2505@gmail.com.

Meet our Ballard Alumnus of the Month

Stephanie Hamilton Burres

MSN, APRN

Our featured alumnus this month is Stephanie Hamilton Burres, Class of 1997. After leaving Ballard, Stephanie moved on to the University of Kentucky for her Bachelor's degree in Nursing. After that, she earned a Master's degree in Nursing at Purdue University. Since then, she has become a Board-certified adult and geriatric care nurse practitioner.

Stephanie has been with the Norton Medical Group for 7 years within their Geriatric practice. She specialized in chronic disease management of geriatric patients, with a special focus on those experiencing dementia.

She has been published in Rehabilitation Nursing with an article titled "Incorporating Pets into Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation: A Case Study".

Stephanie, you have blazed quite a trail to launch the 21st century. Your talents and passions are evident in what you do and have accomplished. All of us are proud to count you among the ranks of Ballard alumni!

Do you have personal news you'd like to share with Bruin Nation? A new job, a published article, a professional recognition? Here's your chance to let everyone know "What's Bruin" in your life. Send your submissions for inclusion in our next issue to rmoeller@change-managed.com.

Want to Get Involved or Send Us a Question?

We are always looking for new volunteers for our Board committees. Here is a list of the Board members and committee chairs. Feel free to to contact any of us to get involved or just ask questions.

Steve Gowers Email 502-291-3916 Chairman

Greg Smith Email 502-773-7920 Vice-Chairman, Special Events Committee

Paul Fischer Email 502-592-3551 Treasurer

Tony Waits Email 502-394-3509 Secretary

Ann Furnish Email 502-443-6527 Student & Staff Engagement Committee

Linda Fry Mulloy Email 502-419-6555 Student & Staff Engagement Committee

Rebekah Mulloy Email 502-608-0234 Student & Staff Engagement Committee

Caroline Robinson Email 502-551-6316 Membership/Reunions Committee

Kim Barber Email 502-552-8631 School Administration Liaison

Betsy Hultman Wall Email 502-797-5834 Library/Fine Arts Center Renovations

Rudy Moeller Email 502-415-5264 Communications Committee

A Preview of Coming Events

September 30

October 3

October 14

November 3

November 7

December 5

December 10

December 16

January 3

January 9

January 10

February 6

March 6

March 15

April 10

May 8

May 30

Lunch and Learn Symposium