[Nfbk] KSB Langdon Award and Essay Winners.

[Nickie Pearl]

KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
NEWS RELEASE                                                                              May 10, 2017
MEDIA CONTACT: Nancy Rodriguez

Office: (502) 564-2000, ext. 4610 | Cell: (502) 330-5063 | E-mail:  nancy.rodriguez at education.ky.gov
 
KENTUCKY SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND ANNOUNCES LANGAN AWARD, ESSAY WINNERS 
 
            (FRANKFORT, Ky.) – The Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB) presented the Paul J. Langan Distinguished Service Award and announced the winners of a statewide essay contest Tuesday, May 9 during its 175th Celebration Dinner and Founder's Day Program at the school’s Louisville campus. 

            The Langan Award, considered the school’s highest honor, was presented to Adam Charles Ruschival, III, a former KSB student and administrator. The award was established in 1992 and is dedicated to former superintendent Paul J. Langan (1945-56) in recognition of his outstanding service and constructive leadership. Langan’s innovative approach to education established the foundation for continued improvement of the education of blind and visually impaired children at the school. 

            Ruschival graduated from KSB in 1965 and won the wrestling state championship in his weight class that same year. He went on to receive a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Murray State University before working for the Kentucky Talking Book Library for 13 years. Then in 1987, Ruschival returned to KSB as the program manager of the Kentucky Instructional Materials Resource Center (KIMRC). He remained in that role until he retired in 2004. 

            But he never really left KSB. Ruschival is present at all school events and programs. He consistently helps secure funding for campus enhancements or student activities. He’s active in the alumni association, served on the school’s advisory board, many campus committees and volunteers with the Braillewriter Repair Group. 

            “Adam has been a loyal and dedicated servant of his alma mater throughout his life,” said Paula Penrod, KIMRC program coordinator, who nominated Ruschival for the award. “He’s always eager to share his memories as a KSB student and his vast knowledge of KSB’s rich history.” 

            Ruschival’s support for the blind and visually impaired isn’t limited to KSB; he has advocated for safe pedestrian travel and access to services in the Clifton area surrounding the school. Ruschival has also been a strong voice for the blind and visually impaired people across the state by working with the American Council of the Blind, American and Kentucky Library associations, Kentucky Office of the Blind State Rehabilitation Council, Bluegrass Council of  

the Blind, Kentucky Association for the Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired and the Downtown Lions Club. 

            Ruschival isn’t the first in his family to receive the Langan Award. His wife, Carla, received the award in 2014 and his father, Adam Ruschival, Sr., received the award in 1996. 

            During the celebration, KSB also announced the winners of the Countdown to 175 Statewide Essay Contest. The winners are:

            Elementary: Topic, What I like about KSB. 

·         1st place: Macy Spigelmire, 4th grade, KSB

·         2nd place: Nick Runyon, 5th grade, KSB 

·         3rd Place: Naomi Williams, 5th grade, Heartland Elementary (Hardin County) 

            Middle/high school: Topic: History of a person whom a KSB building or room is named for, or for whom a campus tree was planted. 

·         1st place: Jacob Hack, 11th grade, KSB

·         2nd place: Joshua Rister, 10th grade, Lewis County High School 

·         3rd place: Abigail Cassidy, 11th grade, Greenup County High School 

            Adult: Topic: How my experience at KSB has influenced my life.

·         1st place: Brian “Mo” Mullins, KSB alumnus, class of 2002, and current teacher 

·         2nd place: Crystal Johnson, KSB paraprofessional 

·         3rd place: Deanna Scoggins, KSB alumnus, class of 1969


Respectfully,
Nickie Pearl
502-489-4457
njp at twc.com