Summer 2020 Highlights

Summer 2020 would have marked the 14th Elon Academy residential summer program, but it was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Elon Academy hosted individual cohorts of scholars on campus for two single-day sessions. The goal was to engage students in the college-planning curriculum that is associated with our regular live-in summer enrichment program.

“I think it’s more important than ever for us to gather this year, especially as students are learning remotely,” said John Pickett, Elon Academy assistant director of scholar support. “I’m really happy that we’re still able to partner with the families and provide that support.”

Upon their arrival on campus in July, Omicron Scholars (rising 10th graders) went through screening procedures, including a questionnaire and temperature check, to ensure the safety of all attendees. Following check-in, they gathered inside LaRose Student Commons for a welcome and introduction event – the group’s first opportunity to get to know their fellow cohort members and the staff they’ll be in close contact with over the next seven years.

Typically, the academy’s summer programming brings students to live on campus for four weeks as they take college planning classes and college-level courses taught by Elon faculty. This summer’s two-day program centered on self-reflection, as students took part in activities focused on their values and goals. Students also engaged in a number of academic programs and performed team-building exercises meant to strengthen relationships between cohort members.

“I really didn’t expect this year to be able to do something because of the current pandemic, but since we’re able to come together and learn things about each other it’s been very interesting and very fun,” said Daniel Espinosa, a rising sophomore at River Mill Academy in Graham.

During their summer session, Xi Scholars (rising 11th graders) built on their previous college-planning course work by learning about private schools and out-of-state schools. They also started work on their scholarship list and completed a Clifton Strengths assessment. Princess King, Elon Academy’s assistant director of college success, partnered with the Elon University Student Professional Development Center to help students understand their results, particularly as it related to career consideration.

Nu Scholars (rising 12th graders) dove into the college application process, including the refinement of their college lists. They learned about the difference between early action, early decision and rolling decision. They dug into the details about different types of colleges and transfer programs. They learned about the FAFSA and the Common App. They worked on college essays, and many used the Elon University Writing Center as a resource to improve their writing.