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Check FAQAbout Michael
Michael Eckels was born in 1976 in Middlebury Vermont as the youngest of five children. His parents are both math teachers. He grew up heavily immersed in cross-country skiing, a sport he enjoys to this day. Michael received a B.A. in English from the University of Vermont, with additional intensive studies at London’s University of Westminster. After college he served as a Peace Corps volunteer English teacher in far eastern Russia outside of Vladivostok. From literature and languages he moved to news and documentary photography at The Moscow Times and Agence France-Presse. With the progression of digital video technology into still cameras, Michael began to expand his horizons into cinema. He received an M.F.A. in directing/screenwriting for film and television from NYU Tisch Schools of the Arts. Michael maintains a broad range of visual and textual interests. Cinema, photography, poetry, essay, new media journalism, conceptual and documentary. He currently resides in New York with his wife and their two boys.
English
Russian
Portfolio
Decatur teacher Meyer selected for IMPACT Arkansas fellowship program
Daniel Meyer, a teacher at Decatur High School, was selected as a member of Cohort 7 of the IMPACT Arkansas Fellowship program, funded by the Walton Foundation and part of the University of Arkansas College of Education and Health Professions. Meyer, who teaches civics, social studies, and history, and is also a successful soccer coach, will pursue a master's degree in education leadership while committing to stay at Decatur for an additional four years. The program is designed for educators in low socioeconomic schools, and Meyer expressed his dedication to the Decatur community and his excitement for the leadership opportunity.
Decatur students learn about aviation, military history from local museum
Decatur High School students visited the Arkansas Air and Military Museum on March 31, where they explored aviation and military history through a two-hour tour led by museum director Laci Shuffield. The museum, which originated in 1986, features exhibits on aviation pioneer Raymond J. Ellis and WWI flying ace Field Kindley, among others. Students saw various aircraft, military vehicles, and artifacts, including a Lockheed C-130 Hercules and a Willys Jeep restored by D.K. Bredehoeft. The museum is a result of a merger between the original aviation museum and the Ozark Military Museum.
Disc golf comes to Decatur High School
Decatur High School introduced disc golf to its physical fitness program under the guidance of Coach Dayton Shaw. Students learned to throw Frisbee discs and will soon have a nine-hole course around the school. The sport's history traces back to the Frisbie Pie Company and Yale University students in the 1940s. Decatur's Veterans Park and Old Town Park in Gravette offer local courses, with the school district recently purchasing a complete nine-hole Frisbee golf course.
Renovation in full swing at Decatur High School
Phase one of the Decatur High School renovation project is nearing completion, and phase two has begun, focusing on the renovation of the main high school campus. The project started in late April and includes updating administrative offices, restrooms, classrooms, and the home economics room. The renovation is on schedule, with the goal of completing the east-west hallway and merging the old cafeteria with the main campus. The project is expected to be complete in early 2022, and a series of articles will document the progress over the summer.
Decatur teachers shown appreciation
During the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers in the Decatur School District, along with those in Gravette, Gentry, and other districts, transitioned to remote learning to continue educating students. National Teachers Appreciation Week, organized by the National Parent-Teacher Association since 1984, was celebrated from May 3-7 to honor teachers for their efforts. Superintendent Steve Watkins commended the teachers for their resilience and dedication throughout the challenging year.
Decatur High holds 2021 prom in style
Decatur High School's junior class held their 2021 prom at the American Legion Hall in Siloam Springs on May 7, after the 2020 prom was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The semi-formal event featured karaoke, dancing to popular songs like 'Cha Cha Slide' and 'Macarena', and the crowning of Victor Gonzales and Dora Hernandez as prom king and queen. The event included door prizes donated by local merchants and was organized by Shara Coffelt, Becky Chase, and Lindsey Krueger.
Siloam Springs eludes Decatur to earn win
The Siloam Springs Panthers defeated the Decatur Bulldog soccer team 6-0 at Panther Stadium on March 8. Ronny Ramirez and Jason Flores were among the Panthers who scored, while Decatur's efforts to catch up were thwarted by the Panthers' defense, leaving the Bulldogs scoreless.
Storm damages Decatur church
A severe storm with winds over 70 mph hit Northwest Arkansas on Nov. 14, causing damage to trees and structures, including a Hispanic Community Catholic church in Decatur, which had its roof blown off. The Decatur Fire Department responded promptly to the initial report of a lightning strike, only to find the damage was caused by wind. Despite downed power lines and debris, no injuries were reported during a service held at the church at the time of the storm.
Rally in support of Muslim rights in NYC.
Feature story about Ukrainian political and social youth activists in NYC.
Why High-Income People Go Bankrupt: 5 Wealth Killers
Despite high incomes, individuals can still face bankruptcy due to factors that are not directly related to wealth accumulation. The paradox lies in the fact that a high income does not guarantee the growth of wealth.
Tigers Make Smokescreen Backfire On Gravette
Prairie Grove High School defeated Gravette High School 42-0 in a high school football game, with Jacob Watson scoring an 87-yard kickoff return touchdown. Prairie Grove's defense was strong, and their offense delivered multiple big plays, including an 88-yard touchdown by Garrett Heltemes and a 93-yard run by Cade Grant. Gravette struggled offensively and defensively, failing to score despite reaching Prairie Grove's territory. The win improved Prairie Grove's record to 3-2 overall and 2-0 in conference play, while Gravette fell to 0-5, 0-2 in 4A-1.
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