Kentucky Wesleyan College recently welcomed 20 rising high school seniors from across the state to the College’s inaugural Scholar’s Academy, a one-week residential program where they had the opportunity to experience college life while honing their leadership skills. The on-campus event was made possible through a generous gift from Canteen Service Company, with additional funding provided by the Marilyn and William Young Charitable Foundation. Participants attended classes, stayed in residence halls and socialized with one another, along with networking and learning from community leaders.
Sarah Dearth from Muhlenberg County High School attended because she knew Wesleyan’s solid academic reputation. “I learned many skills I can apply to my life now,” says Dearth, “and these skills will be helpful for college life and my career. President (Barton) Darrell talked to us about the business aspects of leadership. He was awesome and took the time to speak with each of us individually.”
She says one of the highlights of the week was having dinner with community leader Jack Wells and Assistant Professor of English Joey Connelly, who both talked about the redevelopment of downtown Owensboro. “They were interesting, and it meant a lot to us to hear from successful people personally,” says Sarah. “I also enjoyed a scavenger hunt around campus, which involved learning to communicate and plan as a group.” Participants also learned to debate and argue with others in a respectful manner.
Associate Director of Admissions Matthew Ruark ’07 says it was rewarding to bring 20 young people together who were strangers and lead them as they learned more about themselves and their relationships with others. “Our purpose was to introduce them to the value of the liberal arts experience and to the value of community,” remarks Ruark. “We explored beliefs, values and biases and watched the students connect as they came to understand their strengths and differences. By the end of the week, they had become a family and each participant had found their place of belonging in the community. It was very satisfying to see them grow as the week evolved.”
Associate Dean of Student Services Rebecca McQueen says students were understandably timid at the first meeting, but bonded well within a day or two. “It was fun to see them come together as they experienced college life,” she says. “They debated difficult issues and learned to listen and compromise.” Through one forum, students heard first-hand from three successful women who make a difference in their communities. Participants included Marilyn Valerio, a retired college educator from Omaha, Neb., Shartez McHenry, an officer with the Owensboro Police Department, and Tish Correa-Osborne, chief executive officer of Girls Inc.
The week also included presentations, group exercises, social events and homework assignments, but no tests.
Plans are underway for the second Scholars’ Academy in the summer of 2017. Applications will be accepted in the spring. For more information, contact Matthew Ruark at [email protected] 270-852-3125 or Rebecca McQueen at [email protected] 270-852-3289.
