The Lawrence school district has scheduled two upcoming meetings for discussions regarding standards-based grading.

The events, “Grading for Learning,” are set for 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Southwest Middle School, 2511 Inverness; and Nov. 30 at Liberty Memorial Central Middle School, 1400 Mass.

Organizers say the same format will be used and the same information will be shared at both events.

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Pictured, from left to right, are Stuart Wakeman, of the Lawrence Free State FFA; Maggie Turek, marketing manager and Darrell Sickels, engineering manager, of Hobart Welding Products; and Anita Schneider, of National FFA Alumni and representing Briggs and Stratton Corporation Foundation Inc.

A graduate of Free State High School made the Final Four in Indianapolis.

Stuart Wakeman, who graduated in May, was named as a finalist in the Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance – Entrepreneurship Proficiency award program in July 2011, earning him a spot among four finalists at the 84th National FFA Convention conducted Oct.19-22 in Indianapolis.

Wakeman didn’t win, but he did receive a $500 scholarship for the work he’d accomplished in high school. Proficiency awards are given to FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience.

He’s certainly been a busy member of Free State’s FFA chapter.

From the award announcement: Wakeman “grew up in a family that collects and restores antique tractors. It was only a matter a time until he too became interested. He initially set the goal of being able to fix, replace, restore and reassemble a tractor.

“Once this was mastered, he began restoring on his own. His first antique tractor was a 1964 Farmall 806 Diesel, which won him Reserve Overall Champion at the Kansas State Fair. During his senior year, he restored a 1954 Case SC.

“Wakeman’s parents are Rich and Mary and his FFA advisor is Laura Priest.”

FFA is the organization formerly known as Future Farmers of America.