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
I knew college applications mattered, but I didn’t realize how much there was to manage. They helped me stay organized and on track, especially with timelines and requirements.Their ACT prep gave me the confidence and tools to improve, and my biggest accomplishment was earning a full-ride scholarship. Throughout the process, I grew more confident in my abilities and what I could achieve.The college timeline was more demanding than I expected, but having Class 101’s guidance made all the difference. I would highly recommend them to any student—they truly help you find the right fit. Class 101 is helpful, fun, and calming. Senior year would have been chaotic without them, and I’m so grateful for their support.
Monique M.
Murray State University
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 began the college application process, I felt overwhelmed by everything that needed to be done—from applications and supplemental essays to auditions and varying requirements for each school. Class 101 made the process much more manageable. I benefited most from ACT prep and essay review, which not only improved my skills but also strengthened my confidence as a writer. Their guidance helped me communicate my story effectively and prepared me for scholarship opportunities as well. Elizabeth and Darlene supported me through every stage of the journey, from exploring programs like Governor’s School for the Arts to researching schools and completing applications. Their encouragement challenged me to grow both academically and personally. Senior year would have been much more difficult without Class 101. Their support gave me the tools, confidence, and preparation I needed for my future, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything they did to help me succeed.
BrynLee D.
Lipscomb University
