Elon Academy scholars took part in closing ceremonies Friday evening that included “Presentations of Learning” throughout Alamance building, where families and mentors of 75 high school students could see firsthand the lessons learned over four weeks on campus this summer as part of the academic enrichment and college access program.
Unlike last year, when scholars each created a poster to present as a final project, students this time around were tasked with putting together a multimedia portfolio of photos, videos and text highlighting the information gleaned in class and on field trips.
The scholars were divided into groups of six, with each group assigned a different classroom. Scholars took turns sharing their work with audiences of relatives and friends who visited for the ceremonies.
“We realized that scholars needed more opportunities to speak publicly, to develop these skills,” said professor Deborah Long, director of the Elon Academy. “They’re really nervous, but they’re all really proud. They feel like they’re accomplishing something.”
The presentations were followed by a Whitley Auditorium event featuring photo slide shows, songs and remarks from Elon University faculty and benefactors instrumental to the program.
Speakers included Frank Lyon, a member of the Elon University Board of Trustees and a longtime supporter of the Elon Academy, and School of Education Dean David Cooper. In his remarks, Cooper likened the end of the summer program to a space shuttle returning to earth.
“You will have much to share with those who did not accompany you on your journey,” Cooper said. “But you will need one another – both astronauts such as yourselves, as well as those who stayed on earth while you flew in space – to make the very best of all you have learned.
“Carry the sweet memories of this journey in your backpack. Share them generously, but with humility and respect for the journeys made by your friends and family while you were gone.”
While the program continues this fall on weekends, for the Beta Class, the July 9 activities capped their final summer attending classes at Elon, though they will continue their involvement through college admissions and financial aid workshops.
“I’m going to miss everyone here,” said Georgia Ngaia, a Beta Class member and a rising senior at Williams High School in Burlington. “We’re close, like a family, but I need to move on to expand my family. I’m ready for college.”
Elon University launched the Elon Academy in 2006 to give students from local high schools the opportunity to embrace education, develop leadership skills and engage in various outreach venues.
Modeled after similar programs at Princeton, Furman and Vanderbilt universities, the Academy is a year-round program for students in the Alamance-Burlington School System who have financial need or have no family history of college attendance. It combines three intensive four-week summer residential experiences at Elon with a variety of academic activities throughout the school year.
Its goal is to inspire and empower students to attend four-year colleges or universities, and go on to assume leadership roles in their communities.
Younger scholars are already planning for 2011.
“I’m looking forward to being a leader to all the new kids coming in, like the older scholars were to me,” said Dedric Bowman, a rising sophomore at Cummings High School in Burlington.