The Ivy Center For Education Field Studies Trip Shows the Beauty of Arkansas

The Ivy Center for Education, Inc., took 46 participants on the second Field Studies trip to experience the beauty of Arkansas. There were 37 outstanding students and 9 chaperons. Students and chaperons visited Heifer Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas, The Clinton Library and The Museum of Discovery both located in Little Rock. The goal of the trip was to impress upon our students that Arkansas is a great place to live. Students on the trip represented schools throughout Jefferson County. The nine (9) chaperons consisted of members of the Ivy Center Board & Advisory Board, members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Delta Omega Omega Chapter and a supportive parent. Mattie P. Collins, president of the Ivy Center for Education stated, “Our students were great! They were courteous, respectful and of course displayed their intellect by asking intelligent questions.” Mrs. Patricia Berry, Executive Director of the Ivy Center stated, “I was so impressed with the students character, because they were complimented everywhere we went.” While at Heifer Ranch students enjoyed the tour guides who all live at the ranch. The guides shared their vision of ending world hunger and poverty. They also shared the history of why Dan West founded Heifer International. One of the highlights was seeing Camels in Arkansas!! Students and chaperons had a great "cardio exercise walking the nature trail." Students were able to visit the Global Village where they viewed and entered the following: Zambia House and Chicken Coup (Central Africa), Thailand House, a Yurt, which is a portable house traditionally used in Central Asia, and the slums. Students were allowed to pet Camels, Sheep, Rabbits, Turkeys, Chickens, etc. For more information please visit Heifer.org Students also had a great time at the Clinton Library. The tour guide gave students and chaperons a fun and exciting tour. He told the students about President Clinton wanting them to get a good education so that will they be prepared for a successful future. He also told the students that President Clinton would love to meet them because they displayed excellent discipline, respect and wonderful questions. Students were highlighted by sitting at the table where Clinton's Cabinet sat. The retired educators on the trip were happy when the guide gave the students a quick American History lesson on the Little Rock Nine and why it was a key event that shaped Integration of the schools in Arkansas and the nation. For more information, visit www.lcentralhigh.net The Museum of Discovery was very interesting. Students had fun watching a "mad scientist" carryout his fun scientific experiments. During several experiments, Ivy Center students were invited to participate. After the show, students and chaperones visited galleries tinkering around and soaking up scientific knowledge. There were so many fun things to do and learn at the museum. For more information, museumofdiscovery.org The day ended by treating the students to supper at McDonalds on Broadway. Many thanks to Mr. Joseph Hollis (driver) and Little Rock Tours Bus Company for a safe and enjoyable trip. The Educational Field Studies Trip was made possible by grants from the Pine Bluff Area Community Foundation, The Foundation for The Mid South and a generous donation from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the Delta Omega Omega Chapter.