The Department of Corporate and Community Education at Black River Technical College held its Annual Kids’ College, June 11-14. Approximately 120 children entering first through sixth grades attended the event which provided six classes of educational activities each day.
The classes offered and the presenters were: “Arkansas Wildlife” – Brett Ditto, Arkansas Game and Fish; “Bashful Butterflies” and “Beautiful Birds” – Jessica McFadden, BRTC Office of Development; “BRTC=FUN” – Rhonda Foster, BRTC Office of Development; “Building a Birdhouse” – Mike Andrews, Randolph County Cooperative Extension Service; “Communities Celebrate” – Rhonda Stone, Joyce Radcliff and Pat Johnson, Pocahontas Kiwanis; “Electrical Safety” – Nick Manatt, Clay County Electric; “Encouraging Good Decisions” – Tracy Radcliff and Sandra Tweedy, IBERIABANK; “Fire Facts” – Scott Baltz, Denny Moore and Jimmy Shields, Pocahontas Fire Department; “Football Toss” and “Pedal Karts” – Sgt. Charles Winberry, Arkansas National Guard; “Fun with Fabulous Furry & Feathered Friends” – Gail Torok and Netia Olvey, Randolph County Humane Society; “Fun-n-Games” – Roni Farrin, BRTC Community Education; “In the News” – Dalton Sullivan, Star Herald Publishing; “Kids’ Safety” – Amber Richbourg, BRTC Campus Police, K9 Deputy Blake Liscomb and dog Ben, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, and Air Evac team members; “Life-Size Kids” – Anne Simpson, BRTC Library; “Native Americans and the Stars” – Mary Buchman, Lake Charles State Park, and Crystal Watson, Old Davidsonville State Park; “$aving Money” – Maria Kovak and Tasha Lee, BancorpSouth; “Scrapbooking” – Gena Farrin, BRTC Community Education.
In addition to the presenters, numerous individuals from BRTC and the community served as group leaders and assistants throughout the week. They were: Beverly Edington, Dana Clay, Debbie Sorg, Dina Hufstedler, Emily Swink, Emmy Lambert, Garrett Andrews, Helen Shipley, Janet Crabbe, Jean Wilson, Kitt Miller, Krystal Hendon, Matt Hill, Pat Lambert, Pat Reynolds, Renee Davis, Sharon Miller, Sharon Watson, Sharron White, Trevor Etherton, Linda Bowlin, David Bowlin, Kristina Townsend, Mary Kercheval, Diane Rodgers, Amy Hausman, Robert Murray, Taylor Murray, Diane James, Chloe James, Judith Rountree, Tiffany Hausman, Anna Reeves, and Dan Hersey.
A highlight of the week for children and adults alike was getting ice cream courtesy of East Arkansas Broadcasters of Jonesboro, delivered by Brandon Foster from the Polar Roller truck.
According to Patti Blaxton, Director of Corporate and Community Education, Kids’ College is designed to provide children with an opportunity to expand their knowledge and creativity while having fun. “I want to thank the many individuals who gave of their time and talents in working with the students, including Rhonda Swink and Christina Sanderlin in the Corporate and Community Education Department,” said Blaxton. “Because of everyone’s hard work and dedication, Kids’ College was once again a huge success.”