Education acheivement: McKinney named semifinalist in scholars program

Leah McKinney, a graduating senior at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass., is a semifinalist in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

The program recognizes distinguished graduating seniors from around the nation. Finalists are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in their community and school.

McKinney is the daughter of Matt and Rika McKinney of Gardnerville. When home on breaks, Leah is active in the Douglas County 4-H and helps with the family livestock. She plans to attend Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., in the fall.

Grace Christian Academy welcomes teachers

Two teachers are joining the seventh and eighth grade program for the 2016-2017 school year at Grace Christian Academy, 2320 Heybourne Road, Minden.

Deana Madraso will be the primary homeroom teacher for seventh and eighth grades. She will teach math, science, computers and Spanish. Licensed in secondary education in Nevada, Madraso holds a Bachelor of Science in Biological Science and a Master of Arts in Mathematics. She has nine years of teaching experience in the U.S. and abroad.

Suzanne Barulich will teach seventh and eight grade English. Barulich has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and a Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language. She has been licensed in Nevada secondary education since 1990 with teaching endorsements in Spanish, English, and ESL.

Enrollment for Grace Christian Academy is open for grades K-8. For more information or to schedule a visit to the school, call 775-782-7811.