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By FOSS FARRAR
Traveler Staff Writer
reporter@arkcity.net

A new tuition scholarship program at Cowley College for local high school students who keep an above-average grade point average and maintain a good attendance record was announced Monday night at an orientation for next year's freshman class at Arkansas City High School.

About 100 eighth-graders and their parents attended the "explore night" at the local high school. They toured several classrooms and commons areas where teachers of elective subjects presented information on their classes.

Dean of Students Angela Harding welcomed the incoming freshmen and announced the new scholarship program. It will be sponsored jointly by the high school and Cowley College.

The chance for high schoolers to earn a Cowley College scholarship is an expansion of the ongoing work ethic program, Harding said. It aims at instilling "soft employee skills" in students who will be future employees in the workplace. Soft skills including getting to work and being on time.

"It does matter if you're on time to classes and that you attend regularly," Harding said. "If they do this, chances are higher that they will do well in the workplace."

Program details such as the exact grade point average and attendance requirements are still being worked out between the high school and college. But next year will be the first year that high school freshmen can join the work ethic program, she said.

Besides earning the two-year, tuition-free scholarships, students who complete the program will be eligible for work-study positions at the college, said Sue Saia, vice president of student affairs.

"I was so excited (about the new program). I thought it was important to reward those soft skills," Saia said after her presentation. "Students who complete the program will be better workers and help develop better businesses in the workplace."

Students attending last night's event asked few questions at the classrooms they visited. Several said they weren't nervous about moving to the high school from middle school next fall.

Christi Lungren attended the orientation with her daughter, Sadie.

"This is my second (daughter) through (the orientation)," Christi Lungren said. "I think this is an awesome opportunity for students to get acquainted with what they'll have in high school."

The students were divided into several groups for the tour. They rotated from room to room where teachers introduced the subjects they teach including art, physical education and business.

"Our classes are hands-on," business teacher Carolyn Burroughs told the students. "Last year we had projects where we gave away two scholarships and a laptop. Another advantage to our classes is there's no test, no homework."

Burroughs also plugged the work ethic program and encouraged the students to join clubs.

"Ms. Harding said to get involved; I agree," she said. "That makes your time here go a lot quicker and more enjoyable."

Science teacher David Stinemetze introduced advanced placement classes to students.

"They are academically challenging," Stinemetze said. "They are at or just slightly below college level."

Stinemetze said students who take advanced placement classes may earn college credit and "A" grades in some universities. Others would recognize their completion of advanced placement courses by putting them in higher level college classes.

All advanced placement classes nationwide are taught from the same outline and the tests are standardized. Thus, they are recognized by many universities and colleges, he said.

Above: Business teacher Carolyn Burroughs addresses parents of eighth-graders at an orientation in Arkansas City on Monday night. More photos on page seven.