Memorial Spruce Up Page 2
Yummies For Mummies Page 7
Raytown Sports Page 8
Free complimentary copy May 8, 2015 • Volume 2, No. 29
www.raytowneagle.com • 75¢
RHS Students Will Graduate From College Before High School By Brian Lee Chandler Cunningham, a student of Raytown High School, is one of three students who will receive their Associate of Arts Degree on May 14, 2015, from the Metropolitan Community College Blue River’s Trailblazer Collegiate Academy before they actually graduate from high school five days later on May 19. The program is designed to push highly motivated high school students further academically and expose them to a wider range of advanced level classes, putting them on a fast track toward a college degree. The program is still in its infancy and this year marks its first graduating class. At present, five students are enrolled in the MCC program, three from RHS and two at RSHS. Of those, the three from
Chandler Cunningham in her college graduation robe RHS have completed the program. It is very difficult to qualify for enrollment in the program as students must not just have a 3.00 or higher GPA, bt pass college entrance exams, and prove they can read and write at the
college level. Students like Chandler had to get a teacher’s recommendation and write an essay as well to get selected into the program. Assistant Superintendent of the Raytown School District Dr. Brian Huff relates, “It is a very difficult program. Quite a few students have signed up but have not been able to finish due to difficulty, time-consumption or other extra-curricular activities.” Chandler looks to attend Lincoln University in Jefferson City this fall majoring in Biology Pre-Med/Sports Medicine. Her father, Mark, says, “Chandler is a hard worker and wants to be challenged. She is driven.” Chandler has chosen to pursue physical therapy or medical school if possible because she is fan of sports, everything from baseball, football to badminton
Chandler Cunningham in her high school graduation robe and volleyball. Chandler was also awarded the Curator Scholarship by Lincoln University that pays for 90% of tuition, full room and board, and $500 a semester for books.
Rainy 1day20k Was Successful For The Boy Scouts
Thanks to our community supporters, eight Boy Scout troops, and the Raytown Rotarians, we were able to collect 12,181 items of food for the pantry. All of the scouts worked hard even through the torrential downpour. Although we didn’t quite meet our goal of 20,000 items, we know that 12k on a bad day means an easy 20k on a sunny day. We are all looking forward to meeting that goal at our next drive this October.
Westridge Gardens Rehabilitation & Health Care Center Earns National Recognition Westridge Gardens Rehabilitation & Health Care Center — owned and operated by Tutera Senior Living & Health Care — has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report on its
a program run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that sets and enforces standards for nursing homes. Each year, U.S. News & World Report awards a “Best Nursing Homes” designation to facilities that earned the agency’s highest overall rating of five stars for performance
lies.” Westridge Gardens’ profile on the U.S. News & World Report website now displays a “Best Nursing Homes” badge to rec-
annual “Best Nursing Homes 2015” list. The prestigious recognition marks the community’s third consecutive year to earn a five-star rating for its consistently high standard of quality care. Westridge Gardens is a 120-bed skilled nursing facility located in Raytown, a suburb of Kansas City, Mo. To qualify, Westridge Gardens Rehabilitation & Health Care Center had to earn an overall five-star quality rating from Nursing Home Compare, in three categories: state-conducted health inspections, how much time nurses spend with residents, and the quality of medical care. “This national recognition is a tremendous honor,” said Joe Tutera, CEO of Tutera Group. “It reflects the intensive, daily dedication of the entire staff at Westridge Gardens. They continue to raise the bar in delivering Tutera’s commitment to consistent, quality care that meets the individualized needs of our residents and their fami-
ognize their status as one of America’s best nursing homes. Only 22 percent of all nursing homes in Missouri earned an overall five-star rating. Westridge Gardens’ record of success also includes being recognized locally as the “Business of the Year” by the Raytown Chamber of Commerce in 2013.