CNN...thank you!!

A special "thank you" to CNN for this article that relates what myself and nearly 11,000 high school and higher education colleagues are involved with for the next two weeks.  There are 1200 US History educators and 350 Chemistry educators reading exams in Louisville with me and I currently have friends reading in Cincinnati, Ohio and Kansas City, Missouri right now with other subject areas.  Next week I have even more friends headed off to Louisville, Cincinnati, Kansas City, and Salt Lake City, Utah for their turn.

June 6th Update:

Was able to connect with two AP Chemistry teachers from my school district: Valerie Ferguson from Moore High and Janice Willingham from Westmoore High.  Kind of cool that Moore Public Schools had all three high schools represented in Col. Sanders land at the same time.  Additionally, I was able to connect with a couple of friends from the OKC area who teach at Edmond Memorial High to watch the Thunder's final game against the San Antonio Spurs.  Special thanks to Kevin McDonald, AP English Language, and T.J. Dortch, AP Chemistry...THUNDER UP!

Vault in the Ville

One of the great things about exploring urban areas is finding the wonderful ways in which communities seek ways to revitalize their inner cities and attempt to re-attract suburbanites back into the original core.  My home community of Oklahoma City has done this through our MAPS (Metropolitan Area Projects) program.

I've been traveling to Louisville, KY, each June for the past six years to help score the essays written for the College Board's AP United States History exam.  During this time I've been able to explore some of the wonderful places which "the Ville" has created or redesigned to help draw people back to its downtown core.  One such area is called "Fourth Street Live".  A section of Fourth Street has been blocked off and all sorts of entertainment opportunities abound.  Restaurants, clubs, a bowling alley, etc.  Additionally, they have live concerts and other activities right in the middle of the street.

Last night I encountered "Vault in the Ville".  A group of competitive pole vaulters were putting on an exhibition of their talents.  Check out the video I put together:



Whether in your home community or within a city which you might visit take the time to get out of your suburban comfort zones and roam the remote roads back into the original core or central business district (often called "downtown") and see what excitement you might find.