A special College Coffee on June 19 kicked off the first day of classes for the Elon Academy, a special program created by the university for high school students in the Alamance-Burlington School System. Details…
Elon faculty and staff gathered around Fonville Fountain to welcome the inaugural class at an 8 a.m. breakfast. Elon Academy Director Deborah Long said the students had a great introduction to the program Monday, doing a ropes course activity, getting an orientation to Belk Library and campus recreation facilities, and getting an introduction to golf and dance.
“Today we begin the academic program,” Long said. “The first class, taught by psychology professor Mat Gendle, is “The Brain: A User’s Guide,” a biology and psychology course.”
Students also began classes focusing on writing, college planning and personal development, history, forensic science and math, and multimedia and technology applications. They will also work on a community garden, take a pottery class and create music in a recording studio set up in their residence hall.
“I hope to get many things out of the Elon Academy,” said Christian Munoz, a student from Graham High School who is interested in math. “I want to learn how it feels to be in a college.”
Jaron Torain, a student from Eastern Alamance High School, said the Elon Academy is “a good opportunity to prepare for law school.”
Sarah Rawls, a student from Williams High School, said she’s looking forward to getting tutoring help so she can get into college. “I like computers and foreign languages,” she said.
Students gathered on the steps of Alamance Building for a class photo as the Elon Community applauded. They then began a class day that will run through dinner time. Evening activities will include recreation and creative electives along with special activities with student mentors. Wednesdays will include field trips to the North Carolina Zoo, the Elon University School of Law, cultural events and college tours.
Deborah Long, faculty administrative fellow and assistant to the president, serves as director of the Elon Academy. Other administrators include Rich Mihans, assistant director of academic programs; Darris Means, assistant director of student life and leadership development; and Kimberly Johnson, assistant director of college planning.
Faculty include Crista Arangala, Mary Beth Braker, Sharon Cooke, Joyce Davis, Mat Gendle, Kim Pyne, Staci Salz and Rebecca Scott. Mentors are Andrea Attorri, Khara Conlon, Patrick Davis, Breanna Detwiller, Alex King, Kjersti Smedley, Ben Smith and Coral Zayas.