Education Briefs: Jan. 23, 2010

College Savings Iowa has new deduction

DES MOINES, Iowa — There is a new deduction amount for those saving for their children or grandchildren’s higher education through College Savings Iowa. This year, Iowa taxpayers can deduct up to $2,811 in contributions per beneficiary account from their adjusted gross income; a married couple with two children will be able to deduct up to $11,244.

College Savings Iowa is a program that lets anyone invest for college on behalf of a child.For more information about College Savings Iowa, visit www.collegesavingsiowa.com.

PEBC offers two classes

LAKEFIELD — The Prairie Ecology Bus Center will offer two classes in February for youths and families.

The first, Ag Gone Wild, will allow students to explore everyday items with roots in agriculture. The class will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at the center, and is open to students in grades three and older.

The Garden in a Card Class will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Sparks Park, 935 N. Minnesota 86, Lakefield.

Participants can make their own homemade, recycled paper to be turned into a valentine. The class is open to youth and families.

Pre-registration is required. Call (507) 662-5064 for more information or to register,

Drifke accepted to Luther College

LAKE PARK, Iowa — Allie Drifke, Lake Park, Iowa, has been accepted for admission for the 2010-11 academic year to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.

Area students to showcase art

SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa — Art students from three area high schools will showcase their artwork during the coming months at host gallery A Piece of Work Inc. During the month of February, the gallery will be showcasing the work of Harris-Lake Park High School, March will showcase Jackson County Central High School, and May will showcase the work of Spirit Lake High School.

The “Classroom to the Gallery Project” provides students the opportunity to exhibit and sell their creations in an open gallery, which currently showcases the work of professional artisans. Special activities will also provide an environment for the young artists to network with and receive tips from the more seasoned artists. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

Area students in Auggie band tour

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Augustana Band will tour Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska during its interim tour Jan. 28 through Feb. 3.

During the week the band will have nine performances in eight different cities, including an 11:20 a.m. Feb. 3 concert at Worthington High School. The tour culminates with a home concert Feb. 5 at the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science in Sioux Falls.

Local students in the band include: Luverne: Lindsey Olson; Pipestone: Berit Henriksen; Worthington: Miranda Andersen, Brian Juber and Matthew Tims.

Ticket information is available online at

www.augietickets.com.

NCC Foundation awards scholarships

SHELDON, Iowa — The Northwest Iowa Community College Foundation has awarded the following scholarships to area students:

Northwest Iowa Community College Student Government Association Leadership Scholarship: Lori Adrian, Hartley, Iowa.

Eilders Endowed Accounting Scholarship: Pratiksa Desai, Primghar, Iowa.

Carl H. Rolf Scholarship for Leaders: Ambar Robinson, Sheldon, Iowa.

Gordon R. Jurrens Memo rial Scholarship: Gerri Foreman, Sheldon, Iowa.

Osceola Community Hospital Scholarship: Roberta Wills, Sibley, Iowa.

Iowa Land Improvement Contractors Association Northwest District Heavy Equipment Scholarship: Sam Huey, Sheldon, Iowa.

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