Mentors were on hand to greet 26 rising high schools sophomores and their families Sunday, June 17 as the Elon Academy, an enrichment program for academically talented students, began with orientation sessions and an opening ceremony in Whitley Auditorium. Details...
Modeled after similar programs at Princeton, Furman and Vanderbilt universities, the Elon Academy will include academic programs in math, English, social studies, science and technology. 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.
The program will combine three intensive four-week summer residential experiences at Elon with a variety of academic activities throughout the school year. The goal is to inspire and empower students to attend four-year colleges or universities, and go on to assume leadership roles in their communities.
During the opening ceremony, Robyn Hadley, executive director of the What’s After High School Initiative with the Alamance-Burlington School System, delivered the keynote address, titled “How Can I Know…Unless I am Guided?” Hadley told the class that they will be both students and teachers in the Elon Academy, bringing with them unique qualities from their own families, schools and neighborhoods.
“That diversity is an asset, not a liability, and do not believe anyone who tells you differently,” Hadley said. “This process of knowing, of gaining knowledge, takes guidance, prodding, perseverance and extraordinary sacrifice to be successful….Learning and teaching is a step-by-step process that takes a lifetime.”
Deborah Long, director of the Elon Academy, welcomed the students and said they were chosen for the program because of their determination to make their dreams a reality.
“You are not only academically talented—your gifts go well beyond that— you have dreams,” Long said. “You are determined to make the world a better place and you have a desire to use your talents to serve others. Dreams, determination, desire. This is why you are sitting here today.”
Several mentors led an honor ceremony, where students signed a Call to Honor book, pledging to uphold the university’s academic values and standards. Each student was presented with a gold coin, symbolizing the strength of the academic community and the importance of its values. Mentors gave a brief presentation on Elon’s four core values—integrity, respect, responsibility and civility.
Earlier Sunday afternoon, Brittney Burnette and her family unpacked and straightened bed linens in her room in Smith residence hall, where students will live. The Williams High School student said she is excited about being a member of the first Elon Academy class.
“I’m looking forward to the experience,” said Brittney. “I think it’s going to be very helpful for me, especially learning about how to plan out my high school courses so I’ll have the best chance to earn scholarships.”
Brittney’s grandmother, Lena Burnette, is a teacher at Western Alamance High School. “I know what it takes for students to succeed,” Lena Burnette said. “(The academy) will help show them a path to their future.”
Darian Jackson, who attends Western Alamance, hopes to meet new people and develop his leadership and communication skills through the academy. His mother, Dian, believes the experience will expand her son’s ability to think critically.
“It’s a great opportunity for him and all the students,” Dian Jackson said. “It will stretch them and challenge them.”
Darris Means, assistant director of student life and leadership development, said the reality of the academy’s opening has made months of preparation worthwhile.
“It’s a great feeling to get everyone here, set up and ready to go,” said Means. “I hope they begin to develop their skills, build on their strengths and learn new things.”
Students will participate in a ropes course challenge session at Cedar Rock Park from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, June 18. That afternoon, students will visit Belk Library and other campus locations for orientation sessions.
Formal classes begin Tuesday, June 19 with a special opening breakfast from 8 to 8:45 a.m., at Fonville Fountain. The summer program concludes July 13.