Winter-spring 2024 Newsletter
Now, wait a minute! Who has my money?
I'm paid!!!
The High Achievers enjoyed playing Monopoly as a team-building exercise. They will have to work as a team, a single unit, during regular programming days, field trips, and 2024 Summer Camp.
We are about to get this cash!!!
Time to invest!!!
Who's next!
Partnering with Dr. Whitaker and the Georgia College AAIM Program, the High Achievers were visited by Dr. Michael Clear. The theme was, "I Am My Brother's Keeper". The message was about defining success, being successful, and being in support of family and friends. Mr. Clear brought along neckties and demonstrated various of tying knots. Each participant had a chance to practice the skill - a tie was given to any participant that wanted one. The participants were were well-engaged and requested that Mr. Clear return in the near future.
The High Achievers Program partners with the Georgia College Outdoor Education group for team-building exercises.
Ms. Kadian Leslie, Director of GCSU Office of Grants and Special Projects visited the HAP and addressed the participants regarding her upbringing in her native country of Jamaica. She discussed with the participants her educational experiences and her career choices and aspirations.
Mrs. Semika Roach, of Provision Counseling Center, came and conducted the "True Colors Personality Test" with the participants. Each participant was given a series of questions to answer that pertained to their personality. The test was completed to yield a description of an individual's distinct personality traits. Based on traits, students were able to explain how these traits applied to them and gained the skill of assessing themselves and others in their surroundings to create better communication.
The High Achievers prepare for their podcast or public service announcement (PSA) with Dr. Chad Whittle, GCSU Assoc. Professor of Communication.
The High Achievers enjoy physical health activities at Tree Top Training facility.
The High Achievers practice yoga as a mental health exercise.
The Academic Outreach group and the participants studied chemical reactions (yeast, peroxide, & dish soap) while making "elephant toothpaste".
More podcasting/PSA practice - public speaking at its finest!
The High Achievers Program supports the aspirations of its participants! Checkout Arreon Stephens!
Focused on the project!
Always ready for the camera!
Cool, nice guy!
TALENTED, GIFTED
This picture was drawn freehand, without any type of guide, by Mr. Arreon Stephens. Pictures of him participating in programmatic activities are above. The HAP gives participants a chance to find themselves and discover their hidden talents and gifts. THIS IS AWESOME!!!
Kirsten Schipper, program coordinator, continuing and Professional education
Ms. Schipper visited the High Achievers and addressed the participants regarding her upbringing, high school experiences, and college and career choices and aspirations.
The High Achievers Program is extremely proud of our eight 2024 GCEC graduates and all of their peers!!!
The High Achievers are studying chemical reactions while making "elephant toothpaste".
Dr. Whitaker facilitates the session with the High Achievers about how some failure is necessary for true success.
The High Achievers continue to practice for their podcast/PSA with GCSU's Dr. Whittle!
Mrs. Roach, Provision Counseling Center, LLC, culminated the mental health sessions by having the participants develop a "Mental Health Maintenance Plan" with coping strategies.
The High Achievers complete a S.T.E.A.M. lesson on sound, light, and vibrations with the GCSU Academic Outreach group.
The High Achievers play a friendly game of 5-on-5 and learn basketball shooting basics from Tree Top Training. The HAP promotes physical activity among all participants!
The High Achievers enjoy team-building (and just plain fun) with a jump rope activity facilitated by GCSU Academic Outreach.
The High Achievers attended the inaugural 2024 Call Me M.I.S.T.E.R. Summit on Kennesaw State University campus. The KSU Call Me MISTER (Mentors Instructing Students Towards Effective Role Models) Men of Color Empowerment Summit was a full-day professional development workshop devoted to uplifting and increasing men of color in education. However, the HAP has been working with the CCM Program on GCSU campus; this included ALL of the HAP participants - females and non-African-Americam males. It was a free event that is open to local middle/high school students and freshmen who are interested in majoring in the field of education. Guests also include local community teachers, professors, and the MISTERs from Kennesaw State University, Georgia College and State University, Georgia Southern, and Savannah State University. The featured speaker was Dr. Marcus Broadhead who is the author of Becoming Enough: An Educator’s Journey to Leadership. The goal of the Empowerment Summit is for participants to understand the importance of men of color in K-12 education and the need to make a positive impact in their local communities.
Dr. Whitaker brought in Mr. Anthony Dodson to facilitated an interactive discussion regarding Financial Literacy and Building Credit with the participants. He discussed different financial terms and what they mean in terms easily understood by high school aged kids. He also discussed various ways to build credit - even a specific stages in life. The participants were well-engaged - even more so after hearing about some of Mr. Dodson's personal assets.
The High Achievers enjoy fellowship and a little mental health relaxation at Jalisco's Mexican Grill!
These positive messages were posted around the restaurant. Mr. Kenneth ensured that he read each one to the participants.
The High Achievers were well-engaged in this activity - "Shark Tank". They were divided into teams and had to brainstorm together to develop a new item for marketing and sale. There was everything from weather controllers to voice-activated microwave ovens that produces any item asked for. Each team had to present their idea group and endure questions, doubts, and constructive criticism.
The High Achievers were well-engaged in this team-building activity. They were separated into teams and had to plan a skit that involved various, arbitrary items. This was a very engaging team-building activity.
The High Achievers had fun and were rejuvenated at the 2024 DFCS-PCS Youth Summit at The Classic Center in Athens, GA. GUIDE, Inc. was a collaborator for this summit. GUIDE’s mission is to improve community conditions by utilizing collaborations, promoting positive youth development, delivering specialized training and resources and preventing substance use and abuse.
