Juniors want to visit colleges too

February 11, 2015 at 5:00 a.m.

by Annette Beard

TIMES photograph by Annette Beard Juniors Lorrie Klein (not shown), Alleri Brown and Cody Foltz from Pea Ridge High School made a presentation to Pea Ridge School Board members during the January School Board meeting requesting that juniors be allowed an excused absence for a college visit. Board members approved their request which was recommended by superintendent Rick Neal. The students were commended for their thorough research and presentation.
TIMES photograph by Annette Beard Juniors Lorrie Klein (not shown), Alleri Brown and Cody Foltz from Pea Ridge High School made a presentation to Pea Ridge School Board members during the January School Board meeting requesting that juniors be allowed an excused absence for a college visit. Board members approved their request which was recommended by superintendent Rick Neal. The students were commended for their thorough research and presentation.

Several high school junior students, including Lorrie Klein, Alleri Brown and Cody Foltz, made a video presentation to Pea Ridge School Board members requesting that the school allow for excused absence for juniors to visit college as well as seniors.

Students said they believe that acceptance into college is very competitive and they want to begin their search before their senior year.

"I'm lucky to be in health care program at PRMBA and in GT," Alleri Brown said, referring to the Pea Ridge Manufacturing and Business Academy and the Gifted and Talented program. She said she has visited medical facilities and nursing homes. "College visits are just as important to PRMBA students."

"We're asking for this opportunity," the students told board members.

"I think it's a good idea," Jenny Wood, board member, said. "If we're letting kindergarteners go, we should let them."

Through Bright Futures, kindergarten and elementary-aged students visit a college each year to encourage them to pursue college.

Pea Ridge School Board members approved the request.

General News on 02/11/2015