Honors Wednesday Memo: Volume 10, Issue 6, Wednesday, September 23, 2026
edited by Melanie Kershaw
Dear Honors College Students,
As the semester gets busier, it's easy for school to start feeling like a list of things to get done. Kayla Scimeca's experience with Orff Schulwerk offers a nice reminder that learning should also be playful. This week, I hope you'll make space in your schedule to try something new. Give yourself permission to explore your creativity and be a beginner again. Those moments can help us reconnect with the interests and questions that brought us here in the first place.
Warmly,
Vicky
Upcoming Opportunities
Dr. Klima is happy to help you apply; send her an email.
Global Symposium Study Abroad Scholarships
Join the Office of International Programs (OIP) for the 15th Annual Global Symposium on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at 9:00 am in the Student Union. Enter the Best Student Presentation competition to win study abroad scholarships for up to $1,000. Students who attend at least three sessions will be entered into a drawing to win one of three $500 scholarships. Attendees are invited to the Global Leadership Award Luncheon from 12:00 to 2:00 pm for scholarship distributions. Submit a presentation proposal by Tuesday, Sept. 29. Contact James Holden for more information.
Career Development Center’s Internship & Job Fair
Stop by the Holmes Convocation Center for the Career Development Center’s Internship and Job Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. All class years and disciplines are welcome to attend. Build connections with nearly 100 employers. Students are encouraged to bring copies of their resume and dress professionally. Contact Hannah Little with any questions.
Volunteer Opportunity with App Builds a Home: Blitz Build for Homecoming
Join App Builds a Home (ABAH) for the first-ever Blitz Build from Tuesday, Sept. 29 to Saturday, Oct. 10 on West King Street. Help build the exterior of the Jones Family home. The house will be built with a modular design and moved to its permanent location after Homecoming. Sign up to volunteer or contact ABAH for more information.
Empowering Educational Leaders: Women in Educational Leadership Symposium
Attend the Women in Educational Leadership Symposium (WIELS) from Thursday, Oct. 1 to Saturday, Oct. 3 in the Student Union. The 2026 theme, “The Power of We: Women Shaping a Lasting Legacy in Education,” includes expert speakers and a keynote presentation by Dr. Monique Perry-Graves. Check out the daily schedule. Tickets are $100 for students and $250 for faculty. Contact Carey Driskell with any questions.
Applications Open for Panorama 2027
Apply for the Department of Communication’s annual Panorama by Monday, Oct. 19. This TED Talk-style event features student presentations and organizers and will be held in Spring 2027. Speakers are encouraged to discuss their passions and areas of knowledge. There are also roles for students to serve on the promotions/event planning team. Participants can earn up to 3 hours of elective credit (COM 2115). Contact Dr. Valerie Wieskamp for more information.
Stay in the Know
Gus the Facility Dog Hangs with MRC
Visit Gus the Facility Dog at the Mountaineer Recovery Community’s (MRC) picnic on Valbourg Lawn on Thursday, Sept. 23 from 2:00 to 4:30 pm. Relax and unwind with light snacks, coloring, and yard games. In case of rain, the location will be moved to the MRC Lounge in the Miles Anna Student Building. Contact Rachel Peterson with any questions.
Theatre & Dance Presents “Flight: A First Year Performance”
Join the Department of Theatre and Dance for “Flight: A First Year Performance” from Thursday, Sept. 24 to Saturday, Sept. 26 at 7:00 pm in the I.G. Greer Studio Theatre. The ensemble explores movement, architecture and environment through a blend of theatre and dance. Tickets are $7 for students.
The Power to Plan: Homeowners Shaping Greater Boston
Join the Department of Geography and Planning for an author talk with Andrew Whittemore on Friday, Sept. 25 from 12:30 to 3:30 pm in the Student Union. Whittemore will be discussing his new book, The Power to Plan: Homeowners Shaping Greater Boston, 17th – 21st Centuries, exploring regional community development, urban planning, and property management. No registration is required.
Queer Kudzu Community Stories & Craft Workshop
Stop by Wey Hall for the Queer Kudzu Community Stories and Craft Workshop on Friday, Sept. 25 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Grow community and contribute to artist Aaron McIntosh’s Queer Kudzu project with a quilted kudzu vine. The workshop is free and open to all. Contact the Department of Art with any questions.
Mountain Stage with Host Kathy Mattea
Visit the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts for Mountain Stage on Friday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 pm. Be part of the live radio audience as Mountain Stage records an episode for NPR Music with host Kathy Mattea. This long-running program features performances by emerging and established bluegrass artists. Tickets are $20 for students and $39 for general admission. Contact the Schaefer Center for more information.
In the Honors Spotlight
Honors Student Kayla Scimeca Completes Level I Orff Schulwerk Certification
Honors College student Kayla Scimeca recently completed the Level I Orff Schulwerk certification program through the Hayes School of Music. Scimeca, a music major concentrating in K-12 instrumental music education who plans to graduate in spring 2027, completed the two-week program in June 2026 featuring more than 60 contact hours of instruction. Based on the teachings of Carl Orff, the program delivers a child-centered approach to music education that emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and active learning.
Working alongside a cohort of 13 educators, Scimeca explored elemental music concepts using singing, movement, speech, and pitched and unpitched instruments. Guided by program instructors Erin Ellington, Dr. Maribeth Yoder-White, and Jennifer K. Prestridge, the training focused on enactive learning, helping students process abstract musical ideas through physical movement before advancing to notation. Scimeca noted that the hands-on experience provided a supportive space to foster play, cultural appreciation, and joy in music making.
The Hayes School of Music will offer Level I and Level II certification programs for students and professionals in Summer 2027. Contact Erin Ellington for scholarship opportunities and any questions.
Read the full story by Melanie Kershaw.
Have announcements to share? Submissions can be made to honors@appstate.edu. Any content received by the prior Wednesday will be considered for the following week’s issue.
Have a story to share? Share what you have done, what you are doing, or what you will be doing by submitting a story here.
To stay in the know, learn about opportunities, and take part in the Honors community, find us below!