August 25, 2006

 
LIVINGSTON, Ala.—Fifty-nine high school students from Greene, Marengo and Sumter counties participated in The University of West Alabama’s Upward Bound Program, attending the Summer Scholars Session at UWA June 1 through July 8. The summer residential component is designed to closely simulate the college experience, giving students an opportunity to attend classes taught by college professors, live in the UWA residence halls, study in a collegiate library, eat in the campus cafeteria and enjoy a wide array of extracurricular activities.

Underclassmen who completed the tenth and eleventh grades last year took a full slate of non-credit enrichment classes including English, advanced math, trigonometry, biology, chemistry, computer science, Spanish, literary analysis and career exploration. Upperclassmen who recently graduated from high school are known as Bridge Students, and they earned their first 6 hours of college credit enrolled in Sociology 100 and Speech 100 along with other UWA college students. In addition to attending classes, all students also attended a mandatory daily study hall. Once the academic day was done, students enjoyed evening activities typical of college offerings. Debates, basketball games, bingo for books, guest speakers, choir rehearsal, dance practice, a Greek step show, a student talent show and pageant, a pool party, movie night, a dance, cultural activities and various workshops are just a sampling of the non-stop extracurricular opportunities that took place over the course of the summer.

The final week of the summer session each year is reserved for UB’s College to Career Seminar. Campus visits to three Tuscaloosa colleges, the University of Alabama, Stillman College, and Shelton State Community College, began the week’s activities, which culminated in a two-day career fair. Speakers for the final two days represented a wide range of career options, and students learned about the speakers’ college background and day-to-day responsibilities in their given field.

The Upward Bound Summer Scholars Awards Night Ceremony marked the official end of the 2006 Summer Session. Upward Bound staff, faculty, friends and family gathered in Bibb Graves Auditorium to honor the Upward Bound Summer Scholars with certificates of achievement, academic awards and trophies.

Upward Bound Director Vicki P. Spruiell, counselor Stephanie T. Hyche, academic coordinator Mitzi F. Gates, tutor coordinator Natashia Hutchins and secretary Liza Lard congratulate the Summer Scholars of 2006 on their achievements. The Upward Bound Residence Hall Staff, UWA undergraduate and graduate students Eric Hines, Cheulekene Mita, Taiwo Togun, Jason Branch, Rickie Sallie, Kimberly Morris, Melissa Johnson and Patrick Johnson add their congratulations and best wishes to this fine group of Upward Bound students.