Local Youth Visit Notre Dame
Sixteen Jasper County High School (JCHS) students and members of Sisters for a Cause, along with seven adult chaperones, visited the campus of Notre Dame University in Indiana last week.
The three-day campus visit was sponsored by Visions in Action (VIA), a non-profit organization comprised of graduates of Jasper County schools and select professionals with proven leadership skills, strong profiles of achievements and a commitment to improve local students’ academic performance while preparing graduates for success.
VIA has been partnering with Jasper County Charter Schools on programs that seek to close the gap in education between black and white students as evidenced by test scores and graduation rates. It aims to focus on career paths and increase the students knowledge of opportunities beyond high school, said Steve Simmons, a spokesperson for the organization.
He noted that by exposing students to a broader vision of the world through experiences outside of Jasper County (hence the journey to Notre Dame which is also his undergraduate Alma Mater) students are able to see for themselves tier one institutions and build their confidence in seeking admission to such institutions.
The 16 JCHS participants included SaMyah Harris, Demario Thomas, Ansley Hargrove, Malerio Stone, Jaylen Peete, Joshua Manning, Keyshawn Ammons, Kevonta Standifer, Jennifer Callaway, Donecia Matthews, Jenya Norwood, TaKya Thompson, Chloe Byrd, Quiantasia Johnson, Amiyah Cash, and Wesley Nelson.
The group chartered a tour bus and set out for the private Catholic university which was 12 hour drive. As an alumnus of the prestigious university, Mr. Simmons thought it a good first college visit for the students. Once on campus, the group received a tour which included the famous Golden Dome, the Notre Dame Stadium where the Fighting Irish play football, and the library among other places. Following the tour, the group attended a session about admissions to the university, student academic expectations, and were allowed to ask questions. The students also had the opportunity to speak with an admissions counselor during their on campus lunch in the dining hall.
Mr. Simmons was truly impressed with the caliber of the students that attended the trip.
“It’s important to continue to build on this trip and other activities to expose the students to all the opportunities available to them.”
Mr. Simmons would like to thank all of the donors who contributed funds to make the Indiana trip possible especially the parents who participated in the process and fully supported the organization’s endeavor. Persons seeking to aid in future endeavors can make donations to Vision in Action at the Bank of Monticello.
