Renata Soto, co-founder and executive director of Conexión Américas, will receive the Nelson C. Andrews Distinguished Service Award at the Nashville Public Education Foundation’s 12th annual Public Schools Hall of Fame luncheon on Oct. 17. In addition, three prominent Metro Nashville Public Schools alumni – Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, Jr., Joe Steakley and the Rev. Dr. Becca Stevens – will receive the Distinguished Alumni Award. The event at the Omni Nashville Hotel will feature a performance by GRAMMY award-winning artist Vince Gill and will honor community leaders who demonstrate commitment and service to improving the quality of education in MNPS. …

The full schedule for Marine Week Nashville was released today at a news conference with Mayor Megan Barry at Public Square, adjacent to the Metro Courthouse. The event’s theme of “Community, Country and Corps” will offer more than 80 free, public events across the city Sept. 7–11. The opening ceremony, which is also being held at Public Square, will kick the week off on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 6 p.m., and will feature a musical performance by country music star Darryl Worley and a special presentation and remarks by Barry. Throughout the week, the public will have the opportunity to …

Some of the city’s top civic leaders are joining hands to rally behind a renewed effort to strengthen and improve Nashville’s public schools. A broad cross-section of community leaders, including Mayor Megan Barry and new Director of Schools Dr. Shawn Joseph, are coming together to host the 12th annual Nashville Public Education Foundation (NPEF) Public Schools Hall of Fame on Monday, Oct. 17, at the Omni Nashville Hotel. “We have an extraordinary opportunity before us with new leadership and a renewed community commitment to strengthen and improve our public schools,” Mayor Barry said. “This is a moment the entire city …

It’s back-to-school time across the country, and as kids and young adults are returning to the classroom, many adult students are thinking about going back to school as well. To help busy adults take the leap in 2016, Western Governors University (WGU) – parent university of WGU Tennessee – is offering 100 Back-to-School Scholarships. The scholarships, worth up to $2,000 each, will be awarded to 100 new students who are accepted to WGU by the end of the year. To be considered, prospective students must have previously completed at least 20 college credits, be admitted to WGU, and submit a scholarship …

For the past two months, I have worked as an MP&F intern conducting research, creating social media calendars, writing blog posts and generally learning what it’s like to work in an agency setting. It’s been a great experience that I will always cherish. For those who are curious as to what it’s like to work here, I drafted a blog post about my time at MP&F. 1.) MP&F has a long list of clients, and you will work with a diverse group of them. On my first day as an intern, I was placed on five different client teams in various industries …

Two veterans of the New York City family entertainment circuit – Grammy Award-winning kindie artist Tim Kubart and award-winning maker and vaudevillian Mario the Magician – will bring their music and magic experience to Opry Mills at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 29. Together, Tim and Mario have performed to full houses at iconic venues such as Brooklyn Bowl, the Domain in Austin, the Bell House and beyond. Their tandem performance is pop meets vaudeville, with an emphasis on homegrown, handmade, DIY, imagination-enhancing artistic expression for all ages. “Mario and Tim have captivated families and garnered a dedicated fan base …

Rebel Hill Florist will host its seventh annual blood drive benefiting the American Red Cross on Thursday, July 28. The event will be held at the shop from 1 to 6 p.m. For their generosity, all donors will have the option to receive a dozen red roses or donate them to Bethany Health and Rehabilitation. To help participants beat the summer heat, Maggie Moo’s ice cream truck will be on-site. “For seven years, we have been honored to support the Red Cross’ mission of saving lives through blood donation,” said Anna Page, owner of Rebel Hill Florist. “Our customers are …