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SEARK OPENS DOOR TO LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

By Wes Clement/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Friday, March 13, 2009 10:56 PM CDT

Juniors and seniors from the county’s high schools visited Southeast Arkansas College Friday to catch a glimpse of what the school has to offer.

Pine Bluff Commercial/Ralph Fitzgerald Quortney Glover (center) surrounded by other Dollarway High School students look on as Glover holds a cronic smokers lung, an actual pigs lung, as respiratory therapist Joan Gauthreaux demonstrates how much air smokers can breath into their damaged lungs Friday morning during 'Fabulous Friday' at SEARK.

The college’s first “Fabulous Friday” allowed students to tour various departments and learn about the academic programs available at SEARK.

“It’s an opportunity for the students to get a snapshot of what SEARK offers and what it’s all about,” said Dr. Kaleybra Morehead, associate vice president of college affairs/institutional advancement.

In one classroom students listened as Marissa Beranek and Melinda Joiner gave an overview of the school’s radiology technology program and shared their experiences of being students at the school.

Across the hall, a group of students were given an overview of the life sciences department.

“It’s been a great experience. It’s interesting to be exposed to all of the different things they offer,” White Hall High School student Lauren Hatcher said.

Students were given an opportunity to register for classes at the event and Simmons First National Bank had a drawing for a $3,000 scholarship, said Carmen Ross, a co-chairman of the event.

The Dollarway High School marching band provided entertainment for nearly 300 high school students at lunch.

“I think it’s been an exceptional success,” said Tenita Shannon-Gragg, co-chairman of Friday’s event. “The students have been very well behaved and the hard work of the faculty and staff is appreciated. We look forward to having another one next year.”

Morehead said while the event was primarily intended for Jefferson County high school juniors and seniors, in the future SEARK will expand the semi-annual event to include schools from the college’s six-county service area.

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