Phenomenal finish for North’s golf titlist

Columbus North state golf champion Ava Bunker had a remarkable season, and as The Republic’s Ted Schultz reported, she capped it off last weekend by tying the course record for the best 36-hole score since the girl’s tourney moved to Prairie View in Carmel eight years ago.

Not bad for a freshman.

So rare is Bunker’s ability to avoid bunkers that she is only the second freshman in the 50-year history of the state girls golf tournament to win it. Bunker’s talent is clear, as is her relentless pursuit of her best game.

“With my confidence and everything, I definitely wanted to (win state),” Bunker told Schultz after earning the title. “I’m happy that I did, and I knew that I could win if I worked hard enough.”

We salute Ava Bunker on her accomplishments, as well as North coach Scott Seavers, who also coached Holly Anderson to the state title in 2016.

Golfers who can only dream of shooting 3-under-par — as Bunker did in her first round last weekend — may feel free to be astonished by this local phenom.

Celebrating our diversity of celebrations

Fiesta Latina, a local celebration of the culture, food, music, art and spirit of Latin America, unfolded on the streets of Columbus last weekend under ideal conditions.

Underlying the delectable spicy cuisine, the harmonious strains of mariachi players and other offerings that enchanted thousands of visitors was a greater purpose. The event benefited Su Casa’s mission to “serve its Latino community, so that all Latinos feel welcome and safe, with equal access to opportunities that encourage a sense of pride and belonging.”

This weekend, the Ethnic Expo is taking place in the heart of Columbus. The event surrounding City Hall this year celebrates our African American community. In a festival atmosphere, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about local African American history and culture and enjoy some great food and entertainment.

These cherished events further Columbus’ reputation as a place that is intentional about being open and welcome to all, and a town that truly enjoys a great street party. Learn more about ethnicexpo at ethnicexpo.org, and learn more about Fiesta Latina at sucasaindiana.org/fiesta-latina.

Moravec dedication heralds a new era

Thursday’s dedication of the $32 million Moravec Hall marked a new era for Ivy Tech’s Columbus campus, but it also marked the dedication and determination of local movers and shakers to bring it about.

Few were more instrumental than its namesake, local businessman and philanthropist Tony Moravec, who long has championed the local campus and served the community college system as a trustee. While students have been getting used to the new building, the official dedication was an opportunity to celebrate a new chapter for the local school.

As The Republic’s Mark Webber reported, among those joining Moravec and Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann for the dedication was Ivy Tech trustee Jesse Brand, who “said he can remember when Ivy Tech acquired the old Armory building at Seventh and Franklin streets in late 1968” for a local campus.

“This is a world away from that,” Brand said. “Having a college campus in our community that offers such an obtainable opportunity for higher education is such a boon for our residents. It means you do not need to leave Columbus to earn a degree and start your career.”

Indeed. And better yet, the local campus now can boast a state-of-the-art facility that will be adaptable for generations to come.