Indianapolis, IN
Caring choir teacher instills confidence in students
![Caring choir teacher instills confidence in students Caring choir teacher instills confidence in students](https://www.wishtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Golden-Apple-winner-updated.jpg)
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — February’s Golden Apple Award winner helps college students shine on and off the stage in Pike Township. Now, her choir and musical theater college students are singing her praises.
Mrs. Amy Kamwendo makes all of her college students the celebrities at Guion Creek Center College by supporting them with love. By way of singing, she sparks confidence and shapes college students for years to come back.
Kamwendo is the February winner of the WISH-TV Golden Apple Award. WISH-TV is Indiana’s schooling station, and each month, Information 8 honors excellent academics with the Golden Apple Award.
Inside Guion Creek Center College, you’ll seemingly hear the musical magic and the trainer that makes the track inside her college students come alive.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.wishtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ga-sing-2.jpg?resize=640%2C481&ssl=1)
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“She made me notice that I can act and I can sing. And never really feel ashamed or embarrassed. And he or she simply makes me really feel actually liked and I’m actually grateful for her,” Jasmine Martinez, a seventh-grade pupil, stated.
Martinez is speaking about Kamwendo and her capability to get college students to shine in choir, in musical theater, and most of all, in life.
“She positively pours her happiness and brightness onto different college students,” Rhian Brooks, an eighth-grade pupil, stated. “To know that there’s somebody that does take care of us and that does need us to be who we actually are. And I believe everybody appreciates that as an entire.”
“She is simply shiny, energetic, and comfortable all the time,” one other eighth grader, Cannon Johnson, stated. “She simply makes the expertise actually comfortable for everybody and I like that.”
“She has simply this stunning persona,” Martinez added. “When you’re having a extremely unhealthy day and also you go into her class, you’ll instantly begin to really feel higher as a result of that’s simply how wonderful she is. It’s like she has slightly superpower.”
Love is her superpower. Music is her magic. And staying optimistic is essential to her success.
“She is type of a bubble of positivity,” Guion Creek Center College Principal Trachell Taylor stated.
In accordance with Taylor, Kamwendo can spark confidence in anybody.
“Placing them ready the place they will see themselves shine – routinely boosts their confidence and makes them need to take part within the arts,” Taylor stated.
Kamwendo even has workers sing and dance alongside college students. She pulls off large productions starting from “Annie” to “Aladdin.”
“She places on this elaborate theater efficiency that’s simply wonderful for center faculty college students,” Taylor stated.
Kamwendo is popping “Excessive College Musical” right into a center faculty actuality.
“It’s an occasion. They promote tickets and it’s arrange within the auditorium like a musical theater. There are tables and the stage and props and set and costumes and lighting. I imply it’s not your typical center faculty efficiency,” Kelly Looper, faculty librarian, stated.
Kamwendo’s coworkers can’t cease singing her praises.
“She is an unbelievable human with the persistence of a saint, as a result of it takes a lot vitality to do choir and theater, and do that each one day lengthy, and she or he simply does it with a smile,” Crystal Riley, considered one of Kamwendo’s fellow academics, stated.
Kamwendo teaches by instance and doesn’t miss a beat.
“She will be able to carry the quantity when she must. If a mic dies – she is able to belt it out,” Riley stated.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.wishtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ga-video.jpg?resize=640%2C481&ssl=1)
“She is type of that ball of fireplace — however all the things is comfortable,” Looper added.
Happiness is how she units the stage at college and units college students up for achievement. Some have even sung at Indiana Pacers video games or carried out in neighborhood theater.
“She modifies the children’ lives. She fights for these youngsters. She loves these youngsters. She needs the very best for them now and the very best for them sooner or later,” Looper stated.
So, she deserves the very best too. Taylor nominated Kamwendo for the WISH-TV Golden Apple award and was thrilled when she received.
“I assumed it was simply completely wonderful and I do know she might be going to cry, however I’m excited to see her get acknowledged and celebrated as a result of she is really deserving of it,” Taylor stated.
Information 8’s Hanna Mordoh went to place her within the limelight on Kamwendo and stunned her throughout class.
The Golden Apple Award comes with a trophy, a $500 faculty provide buying spree at Academics’ Treasures, and a particular video that includes college students and workers.
“I’m shocked,” Kamwendo stated. “Simply all the faces of household and buddies, wow! Thanks.”
Kamwendo says she was impressed to be a trainer by her personal music trainer.
When our crew instructed Kamwendo that her college students stated she offers them confidence, she stated, “As a trainer, that’s your dream. You need to give youngsters confidence and that’s simply actually shifting. Thanks.”
After the video that includes college students and workers, Kamwendo was in tears and will hardly communicate. She was in a position to say: “I’m simply so blown away.”
When requested what retains her so motivated, Kamwendo replied, “I believe we have now the very best youngsters right here. We’re so blessed at Guion and Pike. I believe our children are phenomenal. They’re like household to me.”
She added, “By no means underestimate what a baby can do. I believe they rise to the extent of expectation we have now for them, and while you count on nice issues, they’re going to be nice.”
![](https://i1.wp.com/www.wishtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ga-grouup.jpg?resize=640%2C481&ssl=1)
On this class, it’s not the tune or tempo that actually counts. The hook’s on this trainer, the voice she offers her college students — a sound that’s merely pitch-perfect.
Kamwendo and her college students are at the moment engaged on “Shrek the Musical Jr.” It should debut in April.
To look at different Golden Apple Award recipients, click on this hyperlink.
To appoint a deserving trainer for subsequent month’s Golden Apple Award, submit an in depth nomination right here.
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Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis-area restaurants that opened and closed in July
August’s arrival marks the end of summer vacation and the start of a new school year. The ever-churning cycle of endings and beginnings is nothing new to Indy’s dining scene, which welcomed a fresh crop of eateries while saying good-bye to others last month.
For the third consecutive month, a beloved neighborhood spot said farewell after a 20-plus-year run. Meanwhile, regional chains expanded throughout the Circle City and the North Perry neighborhood received an infusion of Filipino flavor. Here are the restaurants that came and went in July — plus one to kick off August.
Restaurants that opened in July
Mambo’s Cheesesteak Grill, Salesforce Tower
111 Monument Circle Suite 120, mamboscheesesteakgrill.com, opened July 9
While the closure of City Market shuttered the original Mambo’s, the cheesesteak outfit has maintained booths at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and The AMP at 16 Tech. Last week it opened a new brick-and-mortar location in Salesforce Tower. Situated next to the recently closed Yolk location, Mambo’s brings its renowned cheesesteaks and other sandwiches to the corner of Pennsylvania and Ohio streets.
His Place Eatery
1411 W. 86th St., (317) 7990-3406, hisplaceeatery.com, opened July 10
The popular Arlington Woods soul food spot opened its second location at the corner of Ditch Road and West 86th Street in St. Vincent-Greenbriar. The menu at His Place is stuffed with smoked meats, fried fish and classic comfort foods like macaroni and cheese, candied yams and mashed potatoes.
Kyuramen x TBaar Mass Ave
530 Massachusetts Ave., (317) 961-8888, kyuramen.com, opened July 10
Kyuramen, a New York-based chain with nearly 40 locations nationally, opened its first Indiana restaurant on Mass Ave. The Japanese-American eatery sells ramen, omurice and tempura among other Asian-inspired dishes. Joining Kyruamen in the space is TBaar, a bubble tea chain with over 40 United States locations.
Yollie’s Filipino American Kitchen
4141 S. East St., (317) 455-5123, yolliekitchen.com, opened July 23
The flagship restaurant of Indianapolis’ Philippine Cultural Community Center, Yollie’s brings traditional Filipino flavors to the Circle City. Dishes like tangy chicken adobo, peanut butter-stewed kare kare and banana blossoms in coconut milk offer familiar flavors to Hoosier Filipinos and a chance for others try something new.
Wing Zone on Keystone
5527 N. Keystone Ave., (317) 419-3604, wingzone.com, opened July 24
The Gainesville, Florida-based chicken joint opened its first Indiana location on Keystone Avenue in Millersville. Wing Zone, which sells fried chicken, sandwiches and salads in addition to wings, has nearly 30 locations nationwide.
Java House, Simon Building
225 W. Washington St., javahouse.com, opened July 25
The Carmel-based coffee shop’s twelfth café opened on the ground floor of the Simon Building. Java House offers a variety of sweet signature lattes alongside juice, lemonade, tea, black coffee and select food items.
More coverage: Java House bringing another coffee shop to downtown Indianapolis
California Burger
2831 E. 38th St., (317) 426-3021, californiaburgerinc.com
Speedway-based California Burger’s third location opened in the Meadows neighborhood Aug. 1, serving free ice cream cones for its first six hours of operation. The smashed-patty purveyor also has a location in Castleton, which opened in summer 2021.
Restaurants that closed in July
MOTW Coffee Castleton
6706 E. 82nd St., closed early July
Carmel-based MOTW (Muslims of the World) Coffee announced the closure of its Castleton location with a note posted to the shop’s front door. The note from the MOTW staff attributed the closure to the end of the store’s lease and said the location would move to Illinois. On June 23, MOTW announced on Facebook the opening of its Naperville, Illinois location, the chain’s second in the Prairie State. MOTW still has three Indiana locations: Eagledale, Fishers and Carmel.
Rene’s Bakery
6524 Cornell Ave, closed July 14
After more than 20 years in Broad Ripple, this beloved bakery announced it “will most likely be closed indefinitely” amid owner Albert Rene Trevino’s ongoing health concerns. Rene’s opened on Cornell Avenue in 2004 and sold a variety of pastries while amassing a loyal customer base throughout its neighborhood and beyond. That community showed out in full force when Trevino’s daughter Olivia launched a GoFundMe to help pay for her father’s medical bills — the fundraiser has netted more than $85,000.
Full story: Rene’s Bakery ‘most likely’ closed after 20 years
Did we miss an opening or closing in your neighborhood? Contactdining reporter Bradley Hohulin at bhohulin@indystar.com. You can follow him on Twitter/X @bradleyhohulin.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis-area restaurants that opened and closed in July 2024
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis teacher talks new challenges ahead of first day of school
![Indianapolis teacher talks new challenges ahead of first day of school Indianapolis teacher talks new challenges ahead of first day of school](https://ewscripps.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3fd0909/2147483647/strip/true/crop/2112x1109+0+0/resize/1200x630!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fewscripps-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F3c%2F40%2F8363d5ae403d8d0de4c9239d304e%2Ftp.jpg)
INDIANAPOLIS — For the past 25 years, North Central journalism teacher Tom Gayda has looked forward to the first day of school.
“I think it comes a little easier with knowing you know what to do on the first day,” Gayda said.
WRTV
On Thursday, Gayda will join teachers in Washington, Pike, Lawrence and Franklin Townships as they embark on another school year.
Indianapolis Public Schools and Center Grove are also back in session on August 1.
“You can always kind of reinvent yourself,” Gayda shared while reminiscing on his past 24 first days. “Even at the semester, you get a little chance to change things up. Every year is a new start and that’s kind of fun.”
WATCH RELATED COVERAGE | Beech Grove students return to the classroom starting today
Beech Grove students return to the classroom starting today
Gayda is part of a teaching workforce that has seen its fair share of challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a 2022 National Education Association survey, More than 55% of educators said they were ready to leave the profession earlier than planned.
The survey claims it is largely due to teacher salaries.
WRTV
Gayda says an evolving classroom has taken it’s toll.
“It’s been a lot of a lot of change,” Gayda explained. “My grade book used to be a notebook, and now it’s instantly online. There’s good and bad with that.”
Gayda faces a new challenge as a new Indiana state law prohibits the use of cellphones in the classroom.
“I mean, everyone has got their phone in their hand,” Gayda said. “I think (the students) will live.”
WRTV
Despite the challenges that come with a new school year, the end of each summer marks an opportunity for Gayda to reconnect with his students.
“Tomorrow, it’s more about getting to see people you’ve not seen in a while and reconnect,” Gayda said. “That’s kind of a fun thing.”
Indianapolis, IN
Lisa Loeb's guitar found by bar owner after a 'conversation'
![Lisa Loeb's guitar found by bar owner after a 'conversation' Lisa Loeb's guitar found by bar owner after a 'conversation'](https://www.wishtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/31/Lisa-Loeb-guitar.jpg)
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — After a show in Hendricks County Monday night, famed musician Lisa Loeb’s guitar was stolen outside the Conrad Hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
Her crew was packing up after the show.
After she put out an acoustic APB on X, a local bar owner spotted a man walking in front of his establishment with the same guitar case he saw in Lisa Loeb’s post.
Joel Reitz co-owns the O’Reilly Irish Bar and Restaurant. He said he saw a ‘disheveled’ man walking on the street with the guitar case he recognized from Loeb’s post.
O’Reilly’s is on South Pennsylvania, just a few blocks away from the Conrad Hotel.
Reitz says after a drama-free conversation with the man and a couple of requests, the man gave the guitar to him.
The police picked up the guitar, as it was stolen property. Loeb later shared on Instagram that the guitar is already on the way back to her after IRC Music shipped it out.
Reitz said he wants to be a steward for the Indianapolis community.
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