Darlene Greene Bowling
Owner/College Planner
Darlene joins Class 101 with an extensive resume in the field of education. Her vast classroom experience includes teaching AP European History, Reading Enrichment, AP English, Humanities, Creative Writing, United States History, and World Civilization. In 2003, she became a library media specialist and retired from that position in 2019. While she was a media specilaist she served as the Academic Team coach for many years and was instrumental in producing several school-wide performing arts productions. It was in her role as a Media Specialist that Darlene, and her colleague and partnering Media Specialist, Elizabeth Tapley, were selected by school administrators to procure renowned, specialized training in ACT Preparation. They in turn spearheaded a school-wide ACT Prep Program that yielded astounding ACT Score increases for their school. From here, she and Ms. Tapley chartered their private business, ACT Prep, wherein they privately tutored many Eastern Kentucky students to achieve their ACT goals. Darlene brings extraordinary credentials to Class 101 as she was awarded the prestigious fellowship as a Mandel Fellow and studied extensively at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. She has traveled extensively both domestic and abroad, including various foreign mission trips. She is very involved in her community as a singer, pianist, and has held the position of Worship Leader/Choir Director at a local church, and continues teaching piano to a select group of students. When Darlene isn’t teaching or working with students, she loves gardening, biking, reading, singing and playing piano, and spending time with her husband Steve, her sons Logan and Brycen, and her daughter-in-law, Taylor.
Elizabeth Cupp Tapley
Owner/College Planner
Elizabeth retired from being a high school educator after 28 years. Mathematics teacher, media specialist, prom sponsor and basketball coach are just a few of the many hats she wore. Her entire career was dedicated to helping high school students prepare for life after graduation. "Joining Class 101 is a perfect fit as it allows me to continue helping students see their college dreams realized." When she is not college planning, she is spending time with her husband, Terry, and their family.Karen Rudder Jones
Essay Expert
With 32 years of experience in education, including teaching high school English, journalism, and oral communication, Karen Jones brings extensive experience to her role as a writing editor with Class 101. In addition, Karen has worked as a private writing consultant for several years. With her background as a Library Media Specialist and Technology Integration Specialist, she understands the challenges students face when crafting standout application essays and academic papers. “I am passionate about guiding students through the writing process and empowering them to articulate their unique strengths and present their best selves to colleges and universities in order to achieve their academic goals.” In her free time, Karen enjoys reading, traveling, camping with her husband, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Melinda Gillum Dalton
College Planner
With a passion for guiding students toward their future, Melinda brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional insight to Class 101. Though not a formally trained educator, Melinda first encountered Class 101 as a parent, using its services to help her own children—Elizabeth, Samuel, and Benjamin—navigate the college planning journey. Melinda is a proud graduate of the University of Kentucky, where she earned both her Bachelor of Arts in English and her Juris Doctor from the J. David Rosenberg College of Law. She currently practices family and juvenile law at her family’s Somerset-based firm, Gillum & Gillum Attorneys. Before officially joining Class 101, Melinda lent her expertise by conducting mock interviews for students seeking competitive scholarships. Her guidance helped students earn prestigious awards such as the Singletary Scholarship at the University of Kentucky and the Lincoln Scholarship at Centre College. Now a valued member of the Class 101 team, Melinda is excited to support students in discovering their strengths, building confidence, and achieving their college and career goals. She is deeply committed to helping the next generation thrive.Leah Tune Clark
College Planner
Leah is a highly accomplished educator dedicated to ensuring individual student success and transition readiness. With nearly 20 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher, she brings a profound understanding of diverse learning needs to the role of College Planner. Leah is a life-long learner herself, holding a Master of Science in Library Media Education and a Master of Arts in Teaching (Learning and Behavior Disorders P-12), in addition to a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Psychology, all earned with Summa Cum Laude honors During her tenure, Leah focused on developing services for students through instructional partnerships. Her core expertise lies in providing essential support so students can successfully access the curriculum. This required her to become knowledgeable of various supplementary aids, services, and technology resources to help students achieve success. Her background is rooted in the belief of fostering a growth mindset for students, which is crucial in enabling them to be successful and transition ready for their post-secondary goals. Leah's commitment to student well-being extends beyond the classroom. She has strong communication and interpersonal abilities and has served in various leadership and advisory capacities, including being the Team Facilitator for the PBIS Committee, a School Data Team Member, and a Family Resource Center Advisory Council Member. These roles showcase her capacity for organizational and analytical skills necessary to guide students through complex planning processes. Leah Clark is poised to make a positive impact by helping every student create a tailored plan for their future success. In her free time, Leah enjoys spending time with her family and friends, playing pickleball, reading, and time outdoors.
Owners
Darlene Greene Bowling
Elizabeth Cupp Tapley
Phone
606-658-4580
Address
64 Keavy Road Suite 4, London, KY 40744
College was something I planned to figure out later. What I didn’t realize was how much could be done before senior year. Class 101 helped me get ahead by building my résumé, finding volunteer opportunities, preparing for the ACT, and learning how to evaluate colleges that matched my goals.
One of the biggest challenges was deciding which college was the right fit. With the guidance and support of Class 101, I learned how to confidently evaluate my options and make decisions about my future. Along the way, I was accepted to both Purdue University and Oberlin College, earned scholarships, and gained valuable knowledge about admissions, testing, and financial aid.
Most importantly, Class 101 helped me believe in myself. The personalized support and encouragement gave me confidence in my abilities and prepared me for the next chapter of my life. By senior year, I felt organized, prepared, and ready for what was ahead. I am incredibly grateful for everything Class 101 did to help me reach my goals. I truly feel ready for the next chapter of my life and know I would not be where I am today without Class 101.
Henry W.
Centre College
When I first started the college application process, I felt intimidated by everything that needed to be done. Between the applications, supplemental essays, auditions, and application requirements that varied from school to school, it was hard to know where to begin. Having Class 101 by my side made the entire process much more manageable.
The areas where I benefited the most were ACT preparation and essay review. Not only did I improve my skills through ACT prep, but I also became a stronger writer. As I worked through essay after essay, I gained confidence in my ability to communicate my story effectively. One of the biggest advantages was that many of those essays could later be adapted for scholarship applications, saving time and helping me pursue additional opportunities.
What made the biggest difference was the encouragement and guidance I received along the way. Elizabeth and Darlene helped me navigate every stage of the process—from opportunities like Governor’s School for the Arts to researching schools and completing applications. Their support challenged me to grow academically and personally while preparing me for the transition to college.
Looking back, senior year would have been much more difficult without Class 101. The experience was supportive, motivating, and empowering. More importantly, it gave me the tools, confidence, and preparation I needed to take the next step toward my future. I am incredibly grateful for everything Class 101 did to help me succeed.
BrynLee D.
Lipscomb University
I thought the college application process would be long, overwhelming, and difficult. The essays, applications, and countless deadlines seemed intimidating, but Class 101 guided me through every step—from completing applications to strengthening my essays and preparing for scholarships.
One of my biggest accomplishments was raising my ACT score by eight points, which helped me earn thousands of dollars in merit scholarships. Beyond academics, Class 101 helped me build a resume, explore career opportunities, and gain real-world experience. In fact, after sharing my interest in veterinary medicine, Mrs. Tapley connected me with a local veterinary clinic for a job-shadowing experience. After just two days of shadowing, I was offered a job. More than two years later, I am still working there and will continue throughout college. That opportunity helped confirm my career path and opened doors I never would have found on my own.
What impressed me most was how available and supportive Mrs. Bowling and Mrs. Tapley were. Whenever I had a question or needed help with an essay, they were only a message away. Their encouragement pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, apply for opportunities, and believe in my abilities. Through the process, I gained confidence, earned scholarships, improved my writing skills, and learned that taking risks can truly change your future.
Tanner S.
University of the Cumberlands
