Dear Model Families,

With the Term 3 Midterm behind us, we are quickly approaching Spring Break!

This time of year often brings what I like to call the “Third-Quarter Slump,” making it more important than ever to stay engaged. I encourage you to support our students by attending upcoming athletic tournaments, performances, and events—your presence makes a meaningful impact on our school community. Please also join us in cheering on our clubs, organizations, and teams as they compete at the regional and state levels in the weeks ahead.

Recently, I had the privilege of directing our secondary production of Blood Brothers, a musical I first directed at the beginning of my teaching career. Our student performers were exceptional, demonstrating creativity, collaboration, and growth throughout the process. This production marks the start of a season filled with opportunities for students to create, perform, and design across disciplines—from science fairs and concerts to exhibits and presentations—all culminating in the Senior Thesis presentations. These experiences highlight not only the final products, but the meaningful learning behind them.

Looking ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, the Counseling Office will begin scheduling academic planning meetings next week for students entering grades 9-12. Parents who would like to participate in their child’s scheduling process at any grade level are encouraged to reach out. For questions or assistance, please contact the Counseling Office at ModelCounseling@eku.edu.

Thank you for choosing Model for your child’s education.

Sincerely,

John R. Williamson

Superintendent & Dean of P-12 Programs

1. Check Out Model's Latest LEX18 Features

2. Model Celebrates Two National and State Recognitions

3. Mock Trial Qualifies for State

4. Academic Teams Rank High in the District

5. Athletic Achievements: Archery, Swim, Cheer

6. Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions

7. High School Scheduling Meetings

8. Model Theatre: Annie Jr. Auditions

9. SAT Workshop

10. District Basketball Tournament: Monday, February 23

11. Follow Us on Social Media: @ekumodel

12. Events & Athletics Calendars

Watch Model Lab's segment with EKU's College of Education & Applied Human Sciences on LEX 18’s Best of the Bluegrass with Jennifer Palumbo. This feature highlights the powerful partnership between Model and EKU, and the hands-on, real-world learning that makes our school community so special.

The interview and feature includes Superintendent John Williamson, Dean Elizabeth Smith, EKU students Trever Smith & Tayteum Vigansky, and several of our talented Model students and faculty!

We’re also excited to share our latest feature on LEX 18—a special piece that captures what makes Model one-of-a-kind as a P-12 school. Watching their development over time is a powerful reminder of what a connected, hands-on, world-class education truly looks like.

This project was especially meaningful because it was student-driven from the very beginning. A huge thank you to our Student Consultants who developed the idea and helped bring it to life: Delaney Brown ('29), Cal Hall ('29), Jessi King ('26), Ashvita Sherigar ('26),  Tobey Sowders ('27), Eden Trimble ('31), and Colin Wangler ('29).

We’re also incredibly proud of our on-screen talent: Leighton Berntsen, Everli Hunt, Lindy Hudson ('26), Leighton Johnson, Connor McFaddin, and Hayden Ramsey ('30). And to our outstanding voiceover talent: Maeve Murphy, Alice Schneider ('27), and Spencer Wilson ('27). Your creativity, professionalism, and pride in Model shine through in every second of this video. We are so proud of each of you and grateful for the way you represent our school community.

ECDC Earns 5 STAR Accreditation

The Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) was recently approved for the 5 STAR accreditation, the highest quality designation from the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. With 5 stars, ECDC ranks in the TOP 10% of all childcare providers in Kentucky!

This achievement showcases the outstanding work and commitment of our staff in creating a top-tier learning environment for our youngest students. Join me in offering a special congratulations to Vicki Crowe, Jaime Priode, Jennifer Duty, Megan Fisher, Monique Mathena, Sarah Winkler, Tiffaney Estill, and Deborah Dyrssen!

Model Named AP Platinum Distinction Third Year in a Row

Model Laboratory School was officially ranked as an AP Platinum School of Excellence by the College Board for the 2024-2025 school year. The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that have done outstanding work to welcome more students into AP courses and support them on the path to college success.

Our students have collectively done outstanding work not only earning college credit but developing the skills necessary for success beyond Model.

A big congratulations to the Model Lab Mock Trial Team!

Mock Trial has qualified for the state tournament after competing at Regionals. The team will compete for a state title next week February 27-March 1 in Louisville. 

Congratulations to our Elementary, Middle, and High Academic Teams for outstanding performances and for representing Model with excellence and integrity in their respective district tournaments.

Elementary Academic Team – 1st Place Overall

Team Events

• Quick Recall – 1st Place

• Future Problem Solvers – 1st Place

Individual Assessments

• Mathematics: Keeden Day – 3rd
• Science: Weston Kitts – 1st; Carley Jones – 2nd
• Composition: Dakota Parton – 3rd; Carley Jones – 4th; Shannah Zeng – 5th
• Language Arts: Ian Hoven – 1st; Anishka Sherigar – 5th
• Arts & Humanities: Henderson McCardle – 2nd; Dakota Parton – 3rd; Arevia Gump – 4th

Middle School Academic Team – 2nd Place Overall

Team Events

• Quick Recall – 3rd Place
Davis Abney (’31), Jalen Liby (’31), Haleigh Martin (’31), Jahnu Shrivastava (’31), Parker Wilson (’31), Dawson Abney (’32), Emma Lingenfelter (’32), Amelia Stansel (’32), Will Stumbo (’32), Wyatt Williams (’32)

• Future Problem Solvers – 1st Place
Parker W., Emma L., Ethan Sadler (’32), Camden Wilson (’32)

Individual Assessments

• Mathematics: Dawson A. – 4th; Jahnu S. – 5th
• Science: Milo Stanley (’31) – 3rd
• Social Studies: Parker W. – 3rd
• Language Arts: Haleigh M. – 2nd (tie); Jalen L. – 4th; Kellen Talley (’31) – 5th
• Arts & Humanities: Wyatt W. – 2nd; Jalen L. – 3rd

The middle school team also received the Katherine Hume Sportsmanship Award, recognizing exemplary integrity, manners, and positive sportsmanship throughout the competition.

High School Academic Team

Team Events

• Quick Recall – 2nd Place

Individual Assessments

• Mathematics: Logan Combs (’29) – 5th
• Social Studies: Caleb Crispin (’29) – 2nd
• Language Arts: Bea McCoy (’29) – 4th
• Arts & Humanities: Bea M. – 4th; Caleb C. – 5th

We are incredibly proud of these students for modeling the best and continuing our tradition of academic excellence. Join us in congratulating them and wishing them luck at Regionals!

The Model Patriots hit the target once again as they were crowned the archery All A Region Champions for the fourth year in-a-row with a team score of 3304. The team will compete at the All A State Tournament on Friday, February 20.

The Patriots also brought home hardware individually:

Individual Awards
Ricky Marlow ('26) – 1st place (male) 
Addy Webster ('27) – 2nd place (female) 
Drake Ingram ('29) – 2nd place (male) 
Jaxten Wilson ('28) – 5th place (male)

All Region Championship Team members: Addy Webster, Ricky Marlow, Drake Ingram, Jaxten Wilson, Eli Lay, Ruth Rogers, Jayden Pham, Emma Witt, Ethan Witt, Avnita Sherigar, Annabelle Bobbitt, Brooke Rentfrow, Blye Baker, Rachel Hart, Lillian Dale, Paityn Shoopman, Durand Waterbury, Eli Barker, Aaron Jenkins, Ellery Cogdill, Max Fronczek, Connor Fitzgerald, AJ Leach, Avery Barnett

Congratulations to Darby Nelson ('26) for her newest championship titles!

At the Region 9 Swim & Dive Meet, Darby earned gold in the girls 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, while also setting new meet and region records in each event.

Congratulations, Darby, for being a student-athlete who sets the standard and represents Model with excellence.

Congratulations to Model Middle Cheer! They placed first in their division (large game day) at the Rock Cheer Challenge Competition on Saturday, February 7.

We were honored to induct Fran Skye McCloud ('79), Gus Benson ('14), and Ephraim Otieno ('16) into the Model Laboratory School Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026. From record-setting performances and championships to leadership, service, and impact far beyond competition, each inductee represents what it truly means to be a Patriot.

Read the full story: model.eku.edu/athletichof2026

Hear from the inductees: youtu.be/SRRa_yg8IMs

Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Inductees:

- Ephraim Otieno ('16), Boys Basketball *Right: family pictured

- Gus Benson ('14), Boys Tennis *Left

- Fran Skye McCloud ('79), Girls Basketball and Track & Field

Scheduling meetings for incoming students in grades 9-12 will begin next week, February 23-27, 2026.

Incoming freshmen and their parents will meet with Mrs. Mayer at your chosen meeting time. A link to sign up for a scheduling meeting will be emailed from the Counseling Office.

All other high school grades will meet with counselors to begin planning for next year. Parents are always welcome to meet with a counselor and their child to make decisions about their upcoming schedule.

Last week, we were excited to welcome our rising 9th Grade and new secondary students—thank you to all who attended!

Students and families received course catalogs, connected with our Counseling Center, and met with faculty to explore the many course offerings available at Model.

Do you know someone who should join the Model Family? Invite them to learn more and apply at model.eku.edu/enroll.

It’s time for the next Model musical production—and this time, we’re excited to present a schoolwide show for students in grades 4-12!

Join us for Annie Jr., running April 23-26, 2026, on the EKU Center for the Arts main stage!

Auditions:

• Tuesday, February 24, 3:15-6:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, February 25, 3:15-6:00 p.m.

• Auditions will last approximately 5-10 minutes

• Click here to sign up for a 10-minute slot audition time. 

• What to Expect at Auditions: monologue, script reading, and a short excerpt of a song from the show

• All audition materials will be provided. All materials and required forms will be emailed to students and parents no later than Thursday, February 19.

We look forward to another outstanding production showcasing the creativity and talent of our Model students across grade levels. We can’t wait to see our talented students take the stage in this beloved production!

-Rachel Cornelius & Jana Mayer, Co-Directors; Justin Felix, Music Director

Bravo to the cast and crew of Blood Brothers for a successful show and top-notch performances! The show closed its curtains Thursday, February 12, after running for four showtimes.

When Kentucky transitioned to the SAT this summer, educators across the Commonwealth stepped up to ensure students are prepared with confidence. Recently, Eastern Kentucky University’s Center for Educator Excellence partnered with The College Board, Khan Academy, and the Kentucky Department of Education to provide a full day of professional learning focused on the digital SAT.

Fifteen Model faculty members, counselors, and administrators participated in the session, gaining insider insight into the digital SAT, classroom-ready strategies aligned with Khan Academy, and clear connections to KDE’s Vibrant Learning Framework. Educators left with practical tools they can implement immediately to support student success.

We are proud of our team for representing Model and continuing to lead with collaboration, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence for our students.

We can’t fit every celebration into the newsletter, but our social media can! Follow us on social platforms (@ekumodel) or visit our website (model.eku.edu) to catch the latest highlights, everyday happenings, behind-the-scenes snapshots, event photography, and celebrations from across campus.

Friday, February 20

• Tuition & Fees Payment Due

Saturday, February 21

• Governor's Cup / High School Academic Team Region Tournament (Assessment & Quick Recall)

• Snow Ball (Grades 6-8), 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Sunday, February 22

• NHS Induction Ceremony, 2:00 p.m.

Monday, February 23

• Governor's Cup / Elementary Academic Team Regional Tournament

Tuesday, February 24

• Annie Jr.  Auditions, 3:15-6:00 p.m., Choir Room

Wednesday, February 25

• Advisory Council, 3:30 p.m., Library

• Annie Jr.  Auditions, 3:15-6:00 p.m., Choir Room

Thursday, February 26

• Model's World Summit (Marsili Classes), 4:30-7:00 p.m.

Friday, February 27

• Spring Picture Day

Saturday, February 28

• Governor's Cup / Elementary Academic Team Region Tournament (Assessment & Quick Recall)
• Homecoming Dance (Grades 9-12), 8:00-10:00 p.m.

Wednesday, February 18

• Athletic Signing: Darby Nelson (Swim), 3:30 p.m., Library

• Spring Coaches Meeting, 5:00 p.m., Library

Friday, February 20

• Varsity Girls Basketball @ St. Patrick, 6:00 p.m.

• Varsity Boys Basketball @ Barbourville, 7:30 p.m.
• Archery @ All A State Tournament

Monday, February 23

• Athletic Signing: Ricky Marlow (Archery), 4:00 p.m., Library

• Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Berea (44th District Tournament), 6:30 p.m.

• Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Berea (44th District Tournament), 8:00 p.m.

Tuesday, February 24

• Varsity Girls Basketball Madison Southern vs. Madison Central (44th District Tournament), 6:30 p.m., EKU Alumni Coliseum

• Varsity Boys Basketball Madison Southern vs. Madison Central (44th District Tournament), 8:00 p.m., EKU Alumni Coliseum

Thursday, February 26

• Varsity Girls Basketball 44th District Tournament Championship, 6:30 p.m.

• Varsity Boys Basketball Madison Southern vs. Madison Central 44th District Tournament Championship, 8:00 p.m.

Model Laboratory Schools at Eastern Kentucky University
521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
859-622-4000  •  model.eku.edu  •  @EKUModel