Telesis Tigers Take Part In Future Bighorn Program At MCC

By Janet Cruz

They say it’s never too early to think about the future. That’s why 26 fourth graders from Telesis Preparatory Academy got a head start at the Future Bighorns event at Mohave Community College in Lake Havasu City Friday.

Students listened to speeches from Mohave Community College Dean Dr. Maria Ayon and President Stacy Klippenstein, and were later led on a tour by recruitment leader Nadina Sarracho and other team leads to classrooms and activities. Students explored subjects in robotics, nursing and psychology.

MCC President Stacy Klippenstein speaks with Telesis students Friday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

Future Bighorns is an initiative at Mohave Community College in partnership with local elementary schools which exposes elementary-aged children to higher education. Students can explore programs and careers during their campus tour just like high school and prospective students often do.

“We plant seeds so these kids could eventually later in life want to go to college, whether at Mohave Community College, or any university that’s the ultimate goal, ” said Dr. Maria Ayon, Mohave Community College Lake Havasu City Campus Dean of Community Engagement.

Both Telesis Preparatory Academy and Mohave Community College (Lake Havasu Campus) worked together over the summer to create a higher education event for students at Telesis Preparatory Academy. According to Telesis School Counselor Kim Oliveros, the goal was to find a way to get students interested in the thought of college.

“Telesis principal Ms. McGuigan myself, and Dr. Ayon met and came up with an idea and picked an elementary grade,” Oliveros said.

The Telesis Tiger Mascot and Boomer Big Horn also joined in the fun to take photos with the group, and represent their prospective schools.

“This is a wonderful idea. At this age, they are so impressionable,” said Dr. Sandra Breece, Telesis Preparatory Academy Founder and Superintendent.

Mohave Community College Dean Dr. Maria Ayon interacts with Telesis students Friday morning. Jillian Danielson/RiverScene

This is the first time Telesis has participated in a Future Bighorn event and Telesis Administration staff say they will continue to instill the importance of higher education to their students.

“I always value and appreciate when we can partner with a college or university and build better connections for our families and students in our community,” said Ms. Tara McGuigan, Principal at Telesis Preparatory Academy.

The mission of Telesis Preparatory Academy is a K-12 school committed to offering curriculum individually designed and delivered to meet the needs of each student in real preparation for lifelong learning.

For more information on Telesis Preparatory Academy, visit www.telesis-academy.org. For programs at Mohave Community College, visit www.mohave.edu .