Thumbs up: To Anderson University student Carrie Thomas on being awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. Thomas, a language arts education and international education senior from Plainfield, learned of the award last week. Described by dean of the School of Education, Dr. Diana Rioss, as an outstanding student leader at AU, Thomas will teach English as a foreign language in Slovakia. She will also conduct independent reserach on language teaching and the education system of Slovakia.

Thumb up: To Dave Eckstein and his novel “mule” business philosophy that has served him well. Eckstein’s House of Awards celebrates 45 years in business this year. Eckstein built his business on hard work, a concentration on the future and good customer service.

Thumbs up: To Dunkin’ Donuts and area law enforcement personnel who joined together in a unique fundraiser, “Cop on a Rooftop,” last week for Special Olympics. Officers from Anderson Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Department and the Anderson University Police Department convened at Anderson’s two Dunkin’ Donut locations to collect money to help Special Olympians travel to their events.

Thumbs up: To all of the students honored last week during the 20th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Commission scholarship awards luncheon. The Commission has awarded over $162,000 to 58 high academic achieving minority students since May 1990. Recognition was also given to the five top GPA African-American students in ninth, 10th and 11th grades from each high school as well as sponsors who have supported the effort over the years.

Thumbs up: To the Anderson Public Library for being one of 10 libraries in 10 states to receive a $5,000 grant as part of the American Library Association’s Libraries, Literacy and Gaming Initiative. The funds will be used to develop and implement gaming and literacy programs for youths 10 to 18 years old.

Thumbs up: To Dawson Vosburg, 14, who used the knowledge he gained from reading a writing guide to produce his first novel, “Double Life.” The science fiction novel tells the tale of Josiah Jones, whose imagination comes to life after finding a pair of sunglasses. The eighth-grader attends Liberty Christian School.