Defining Moments--J. Keller

         Of the few defining moments in my life, two come to my mind prominently; my father and mother’s marriage and my adoption into the Keller household. Defining moments often shape who we are, our future, and how we respond to events further on down the road of life.  There are both good and bad moments, producing positive and negative results, but what you do with those results is up to you.  You can either choose to learn from the negative, or allow it to rend you limb from limb.  Positive events almost always produce positive results, but you can allow even those to infect your brain with a sort of mightier-than-thou attitude.  To be blunt, defining moments are our story; let it shape you into who you are meant to be.

                When my parents first met, I was being babysat by my grandmother, but I’m sure their first meeting went great.  They are married after all.  I was a tender three when it happened, and having lived a life with a hard-working mother and father who was never around, knew nothing about a happy normal home.  To be correct, I knew nothing about a happy home; separation among parents is normal.  Although I was young, I remember holding my mother’s hand as she walked, and watching as tears of joy ran down her face.  Up until that point, I had been the only man who had ever consistently been there for her; I didn’t have a choice in the matter, but I would have stayed even if I had.  However now I was able to see what love and sacrifice were really about.  My father took my mother and I in, even with her tattered past and my abandonment from my “sperm donor dad”.  This was love, and sacrifice at its purest.  Something I still haven’t forgotten.

                Secondly came my adoption, and that almost seven years later.  How I would love to tell you of a perfect life, but those aren’t real or true, and frankly quite boring.  My parents fought like any other, I bowed my head to anger often, and hated the air that often clogged our home.  Yet, my parents pushed through, and I believe that it was a small defining moments in itself.  When I was ten my parents approached me with talk of adoption, in fact I was the only member or the then household of five to still have the name Rice.  Keller, I thought, was better because everyone else had it.  My mother hadn’t let the conversation happen until I was ten, as she feared things between her and my soon to be adopted dad may not work out.  Thankfully she was wrong, and today I proudly hold the title Keller.  This moment exuded love, and the tears that ran down my face in genuine bliss after the process had finally been completed couldn’t have been truer.  I knew then that this man, who had married my mother, wouldn’t leave me like my other father.  But instead would stand by my side, and teach my things every man needs to know.

                These seemingly insignificant examples of defining moments changed my life, for the better a thousand times over.  Up until then I had received multiple negative ones, and I still have work to do on my heart from the scars in my past.  However the blessings of those two defining moments have changed my forever.  I am a man because of those two events, because without them, I wouldn’t have a father; without a father, who can learn to be a man?

Defining Moments--C. Humphries

         There are many defining moments that have happened in my life time. Some I remember extremely well and others not so much. These events are not just based on world events but events that have affected my community. Three defining moments for my generation are Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, and the big storm that passed through earlier this year.

            Hurricane Katrina is the name of a big hurricane that passed over the Bahamas and many states on August 23, 2005. I was nine years old when the hurricane happened. I remembered sitting home with my mom watching the news. I didn't know what was happening but I watched anyways. That next morning I watch the 7:00 news to find that major damage was done to many the many places hit. At least 1,833 people died and over $108 billion dollars’ worth of damage was caused.

            Another widely known tragedy is the terrorist attack of 9/11. This happened on September 11, 2001 in New York City. I was in kindergarten and was five years old on that tragic day. Since I was only five at the time I don’t remember much, but I was in school in my teacher, Mrs. Wolf's, room.  A few years ago one of the other kindergarten teachers that taught back then told my class about that day. She said that we all gathered in her room and watched movies while they discussed the situation in the hall. As of now I can tell you more about the day 9/11 because all of the mini episodes they show the week of 9/11 every year.

            The big storm  here in Arkansas earlier this year is also a defining moment. I was seventeen at the time of the storm. It was late at night when it hit Camden. I remember waking up to my house shaking because of the thunder. The lighting didn't help me sleep any better. I finally went back to sleep after it settled down. When I woke up that next morning, I found that the power was out and a tree fell on a house I grew up in. To top it off, prom was that weekend and I had no power to get ready. The school was having prom no matter what. So Camden didn't have power for a while and it almost ruined prom for us.

            So everybody has a tragedy that happens in their life. Some are worse than others and some you may not even remember. Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, and the big storm in Camden are just a few that happened in my generation,

Defining Moment--A. Dunn

         A defining moment is an event that impacts someone’s life. September 11, 2001 is a defining moment for the whole United States, where a birth of a child could be a defining moment for a family. Defining moments could be big or small, it all depends on what matters to a certain person. As for me I have lots of defining moments, but I have a top three. The top three defining moments of my lifetime are finding love, giving birth to my daughter, and graduating high school.

          Finding love is a big defining moment for me. Most people might not thing it would be a defining moment, but for me it is. Finding love has had an impact on my life because it has showed me the best things in life. I could not see myself being alone now that I have someone that truly loves me the way I am.

          Giving birth to my daughter is another defining in my life. Birth is a very common defining moment for some people, but why would not it be? Giving birth to my daughter impacted my life in tremendous ways. I have matured so much since having her. You kind of have to when you a responsible for another human being.

          As I was growing up, I was so ready to graduate. I faced a lot of obstacles along the way, but I did it. Graduating is definitely a defining moment in my life. When I got pregnant during my eleventh grade year people doubted me. I love proving people wrong and showing them I can overcome anything I want.

          Defining moments depends on the person. My defining moments are just the small things that happen in life. The small things can always have a big impact on a person. Another person’s defining moments might be on the national news or in a newspaper, but not mine. I’ll be just fine with the little things in my lifetime. 

Chancellor Paper--N. Boer

There are not very many issues that I have with SAU Tech. I have no issues with the teachers or other staff and I do not have any serious issues with the campus itself. So there is not a drawn out list of things that I would change. There are a few things though. If I were chancellor I would add foreign language classes, have someone fix the Wi-Fi, and improve the selection in the library.

One of the reasons students attend a two year colleges is to complete the basic requirements need for a bachelor degree. SAU Tech offers most of the classes that are important to the first two years of the degree plan. It used to be that foreign language was just a recommendation depending on the degree that one was seeking. Now many degrees call for at least a first year language.  For some degrees the student may need to take several classes in a foreign language. For example, most history majors, depending on the school, need anywhere from six hours (SAU Magnolia) to fourteen hours (Texas A & M). So, those who are starting out at SAU Tech will be behind when it comes to the foreign language requirements for their degree. Six hours is a year behind, and fourteen hours is about two years behind. And if the history student wants to go on to get a master’s degree, they should be proficient in at least one language; proficient knowledge of two languages is needed, if they should choose to go on, further to a PhD.  Not being able to start taking language class now can really put one behind in their studies. If I were Chancellor I would make sure that there were foreign language classes available for the students to take. If it was an issue of cost I would figure out a way to make it possible.

            If I were chancellor I would have someone look into the issues with the Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi in most buildings works well but in some buildings, like the Tech building, the connection is not the greatest and does not always work. This can be inconvenient and causes people to complain. So, if I was Chancellor I would have someone come up with different solutions. Then I would go through the different solutions and decide which would be the best option. Then I would have someone fix the problems.

            Lastly, if I were Chancellor I would look at improving the selection in the library. Now I realize the SAU Tech is a small college and therefore does not need a huge library. The library has excellent online sources and a number and variety of nonfiction. But the fiction in my opinion is lacking some. There is not much to choose from. And while I personally find it cool that some of the books are from the ‘50s many of those books look unappealing. So, if I were Chancellor I would find some funds to buy a few more books both fiction and nonfiction. That way, there are more available options for students to choose from.

If I were chancellor, the most important thing that I would change is the availability of foreign language classes. The other things that I would look in to improving are the Wi-Fi and a few improvements to the selection of books in the library. Other than those issues as of now there is not really anything else that I would change if I was Chancellor.

Chancellor paper--B. Scharbor

         In my opinion, a chancellor is pretty much the principal of a college. There aren't disciplinary aspects in college such as detention and in school suspension like there is in grade school, but like a principal, they take care of other problems in the school. From my experience being the school ambassador, I've been able to sit down with our chancellor and explain the problems that are going on in our school. If I had the chance to be chancellor, there are some things I would change such as WiFi here on campus, better prices in the cafeteria, and having more activities to keep our students more active, healthy and in shape.

            I’m in my second half of my first semester here at SAU Tech and the WiFi reception is terrible. From what I've heard, because I don’t live on campus, it’s been a problem for a while. Being chancellor I would have to invest in a totally new WiFi service and make it where it can reach all over campus. In some parts of campus the service isn't good. Also on the weekends when there isn't access to computers, the on campus dorms have no service.  How are students supposed to get homework done? So as chancellor, that would be on my list of top things to fix.

            Another issue I've noticed are the prices for the food in the cafeteria.  I know for myself I can’t afford to buy that expensive of a lunch every day. Even the meal plans aren't very accommodating.  It’s hard for a full time college student to maintain a job during the school year. The little money they do some how come up with can’t go strictly to cafeteria food because of the high prices. The cafeteria is only open for lunch, and they feed not only students but also a lot of the workers in East Camden such as workers from Lockheed Martin and Highland. As chancellor, my idea would be to give a 10-20 percent discount for students only. With as many teachers and workers that come to SAU Tech’s café, there should not be any money lost.

            Along with WiFi and better prices for our cafeteria, staying healthy is a huge problem in our nation and definitely on college campuses.  Obesity and unhealthy habits are starting at a much younger age now. Being a two year college, we don’t have real team sports such as softball, basketball, football and volleyball. Athletic programs at larger schools are a big way for athletes to stay active and healthy. We have flag football and play night Frisbee maybe once or twice a semester but that isn't enough. We also have the activity center with a weight room and basketball court, but I know how hard it is to make myself get up and work out. However, as a chancellor, I would provide a more variety of things that may appeal to the students and make them want to get active. For example, Zumba is a very fun way to stay in shape along with yoga. Those may appeal more to the girls, but if we could have boxing classes or a par core team. One that would be great for boys and girls is a self defense class. Not only does it keep you active and in shape, but in today's world and how high the violence rates are, it could make a lot of more people feel comfortable.

            Being chancellor can’t be an easy job by any means. I’m aware that there are a lot of problems and some fall short as being a priority, but when college is about the students, these are some things I would have on my top list of things to do as a chancellor. With how much school costs, school has to appeal to the students so we can have more people going to college and getting jobs. WiFi, better café prices for students, and more things to stay healthy are some ways to make our school more appealing. 

S. Saeler--Defining Moment

The moment of 9/11

          On September 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 people were killed. Many police officers and firefighters were killed during the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in New York City. I remember being in Mrs. Charlie’s Kindergarten class when it happened. All of the teachers were scared and the students could tell something was going on. My mom came to pick me up from school very quick and took me to my grandma’s house. I wanted to watch cartoons, but all the adults were so focused on watching the same thing happen over and over again. It is like they could not believe what they were seeing. I kept telling them over and over that I wanted to watch Toy Story, and they just kept saying, “Shhh.” I was very mad, but I began to watch what was happening. I kept hearing my grandparents and parents talk about it, but I really did not understand what happened. That night, when my mom was putting me in bed, I asked her what they were watching on T.V. She explained that the World Trade Center had been attacked and that many people had not survived. I remember not being able to sleep that night because I kept thinking they were going to attack our house. I also had no idea what the World Trade Center was, so that made it even scarier. I got in the bed with my mom and she assured me they would not attack our house. I finally got a couple hours of sleep, and then I had to get up again to get ready for school. I had kind of forgotten about it by the time I got to school, and then all the other kids were talking about it. I remember getting scared all over again because they were telling me things their parents had told them. For a couple of weeks I had to sleep with my mom because I was so scared. I remember all I could think about was something happening like that at school or at my home. 

Defining Moments--L. Yaksic

Ice Storm

   I remember the ice storm that hit Mena, AR December 25, 2000.  I was pretty young at the time but I remember how bad it was at the time.   It was Christmas day and we were supposed to go to Little Rock later that day to celebrate Christmas with my aunt and uncle.  It started icing early that morning and it did not let up until way late that night.  The things that I remember most from that time were no power, falling a lot, and leaving to go to my aunt and uncle’s house.  I learned just how hard it was to make it without the necessities in life.

     The ice storm was horrible and at midnight the power went off. It was an all electric house which meant there was also no heat.   My family and I lived about a mile off of the main highway on a gravel road in the woods.  The town of Mena was about 16 miles from our house.  I remember hearing trees falling every few minutes. The ice on the power lines and the numerous trees falling created the power outage.  It was so cold in the house, my mom covered my brother and I with a lot of blankets but finally my parents decided to go stay with my grandparents who lived across the street.

     The trip to my grandparent’s house was a nightmare!  Luckily my grandparents lived on top of a pretty steep hill. The road was covered with ice.   My brother and I would try to climb the road but every time we would get up some distance, we would both fall and slide right back down the hill.  This happened several times until my dad finally drug us up the hill.   My grandparents luckily had gas heat and a way to cook. I will never forget how hard it was to climb that hill.

     The power was off for 5 days and it was hard living without power. We had to melt icicles to use for washing dishes and for water. My grandparents lived in a small house which made it difficult with so many people in the house.  On the evening of the sixth day, my uncle Craig came all the way from Little Rock and told us, “let’s get out of here.” My grandparents stayed behind but my family left.  The ride there was horrible. I remember seeing cars in ditches and trees laying everywhere across the road. My dad and uncle helped people push their cars back on the road several times. Finally we made it back to my aunt’s house. It was so nice to have power again.

     One thing that I learned is that I am grateful to have power and the basic necessities of life.  I have also learned that ice storms are bad and to always be prepared for one if they forecast them on the news.  The ice storm on 2000 is a childhood memory that I do not think that I will ever forget.

Defining Moment--B. Scharbor

Life is full of unexpected moments. The majority I would love to say are extremely joyous and happy moments. However, life seems to always throw us an unpredictable curve ball. These curve balls, monumental or insignificant to others, are all put in our paths for a higher and bigger reason. Whether we take the good from the bad or let it consume us, these moments define us. These defining moments can effect us as a town, a state or even a nation.
    Back in April, my town of Camden, Arkansas was devastated by an awful tornado. It did not shred the whole town, but my neighborhood was hit the most severe. I remember waking up right after the tornado tore through our neighborhood around 3:00 in the morning. I stayed up the rest of the night until daylight came through and I was able to see all the damage. My brother had a limb come through his ceiling, which caused his bedroom to flood because it was raining so hard. There was another tree that feel right outside my bedroom and barely missed it by a foot. That tree was huge and could have easily hurt me, if not kill me.  I live around a bunch of trees, and it was insane how many trees had fallen. Our neighbors had a tree fall through their home. Luckily no one was hurt. They eventually had to rebuild their house from the ground up because the damage was so bad. There was so many trees down that no one could leave or leave or come into our neighborhood because the roads were covered. I live directly behind the high school, and we found out that the roof of half of our school was torn off, the baseball field's concrete dugouts were destroyed, and out football stadium was extremely damaged. Our whole neighborhood seemed to be in distress.
    It was not long after daylight that great things started to happen. It was a true blessing to see all the people who showed up at my house that morning to check and see if we were okay and to just help with cleaning up all the damage. There was so much work that had to be done and to see other people come and help was so amazing. Since I stayed awake the whole night, I ended up taking a nap and woke up to a yard full of people helping. The American Red Cross even showed up later that afternoon and gave us sandwiches, fruit and water for lunch. We had nowhere else to go eat because the whole entire town was out of electricity, so it was a blessing to have them show up with food after working so hard.

    ​Defining moments appear in all kinds of ways: extraordinary, devastatingly, in a huge community, or just to an individual. The tornado was a big wake up call to me: it brought out the kind in so many people and showed how a town can come together to help each other out. Not only was it a defining moment for myself, but I also know my generation of people will definitely remember this happening to us and how blessed we are. 

Defining Moments--N. Boer

A Generation’s Defining Moments

                There are many things that define a generation. Most seem to have a negative impact or are the result of something negative like the increase in security after 9-11. Other examples would be Katrina or the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The list could go on.  I am only going to focus on three of the things that I think define my generation. The events that I think define my generation are: political correctness, the digital age and information age, and all of the issues that college graduates face and future graduate will face.

America has become very concerned with being politically correct. I have heard or read this from a few different sources and I realized how true it is. We are so concerned with everyone’s feelings that we are afraid to say what we mean because someone might be offended by it. This has resulted in most everyone trying to be politically correct. According to Merriam Webster’s online dictionary, politically correct means agreeing to the idea that people should not use language or behavior that could be offensive to a particular group of people. The best example I can think of that represents this is the use of “Happy Holidays” around Christmas time instead of “Merry Christmas.”  It is considered to be more political correct to say “Happy Holidays” rather than “Merry Christmas” because it might offend those who are not Christian. (Which not saying Merry Christmas can just as easily offend Christians, though that seems to be less important these days. It is about what makes everyone else happy and in the process somehow it does not matter if it infringes on the rights of Christians).  There is also the issue that once it starts, where does being politically correct stop? There are some things that I can see the need for but a lot of it is just overkill.  This is one way that my generation can be defined. We are leaving the values that the country was founded on and moving in a direction where everyone will be afraid of saying what they think, feel, or mean because it will be politically incorrect.

My generation is also a generation of the digital and information age. The digital age is an age where we have access to all sorts of technology.  The direct access to technology and the connection to others through the internet has led the information age. We can find thousands of answers to one question on the internet, which is not necessarily a good thing because it makes it almost impossible to tell what is creditable. This defines my generation because we are for the most part glued to the internet. The internet and technology is a part of daily life.

 In my opinion, the most important thing that defines my generation are the issues that college graduates face.  Graduating college students acquire high debt from paying for college and then are faced with the high possibility of not finding gainful employment after graduation. This is a result of the bad economy and the fact that a bachelor’s degree is very common (NPR).  It is no longer rare, so to stand out the next degree level may be need. With more education comes more. This defines my generation because it is coming to the point that it is almost better to not go to college because the student will not have acquired the debt that they are unable to repay. However, even though degrees are common place, they are required if one wants a decent paying job.

 The events and ways of living that can be used to describe a generation are what define that generation. There are so many things that make up and define my generation or any generation. America’s ever increasing sense of trying to be politically correct, the digital and information age, and the issues that graduating college students face all define my generation. All of those moments (though not really specific moments or moments at all) could be used to describe an aspect of my generation.

Work Cited

NPR Staff. “Are Today’s Millennials the ‘Screwed Generation’? “. NPR. NPR. 3 Sept. 2012. Web. 14 Oct. 2014. <http://www.npr.org/2012/09/03/160396937/are-todays-millennials-the-screwed-generation>.

Getting to know you.....

The fall 2014 semester is in full gear, and the Honors students are all amazing me! It is so fun to see the faces of the returning students and to get to know the new Honors students.  I have been amused to see the differences in this years' Honors Seminar and last because of the differences in personality. This is fun!!

We have done a couple of things this year to help everyone get to know each other.  The two groups blended for a pizza lunch recently.  It was the first real opportunity for the new and returning students to meet. I think it was a great time with food, fellowship, and a lot of noise!!

Ask Ronald Nance Jr about the balloon!!  It has a name!

Two of the Jessica's! They are such sweethearts!

Then, we met up for a bowling party on Saturday night.  The students were encouraged to bring their families for an evening of fun!  I really enjoyed getting to know some of the families and time spent with some little ones.  We had chips and cheese dip, meatballs, chocolate chip cookie bars, and mocha brownies (that I still think tasted like coffee).  Just like last year, a few people forgot socks.  But, this year, they just decided not to bowl. I think I should invest in extra socks for the next bowling party!  It was a great opportunity to get to know these students outside the classroom and for the new and returning students to get more familiar with one another!

Keyonte doesn't look too happy with his score!

Someone said something that was funny to the Sanders' girls....wonder what in the world was so funny!?

Honors' sisters, Jessica and Christina, brought Jessica's husband and sweet baby girl, Aubree!  

Taylor and Anna took turns with Addison so that Anna could bowl!  Tag team at it's best!

 

Jaxxon wanted to bowl with Jessica and Mikey too!  

And we have to keep that sweet little guy happy :)

More pics of future SAU Tech Honors students! 

After several months of planning, the Honors study lounge is now open for business! And the students have been using it!  I went to take pictures and found 3 students in it! It includes a computer, seating area, and snack center (complete with a Keurig)!  I'm so thankful for the generosity of Mr. Gunnels to provide this space!

The students named the tree "Fred the Ficus"

We are going to have a great year!  Plans are already being made for our next activity, so stay tuned!

Time flies....

Time certainly flies when you are having fun, and the summer seems to already be winding down after a LOT of fun.  We have had the first round of Student Orientation and Registration (SOAR) and have another series scheduled for next week.  There is an excellent group of new students entering the Honors Program for fall 2014.  I am so excited to see how the new year shapes up!  And, of course, we have the priceless returning students from last year who are ready to mentor those new freshmen.  Changes on the SAU Tech campus are taking place with the opening of the new Student Center and Gym along with the completion of construction on the new campus apartments.  Various offices on campus are moving to new locations over the summer.  We are excited about the changes on our campus!

There are a couple of fundraisers coming up to be aware of.  The Bookstore donated an iPad Mini for us to use for a fundraiser.  So, we will be selling tickets for a chance to win the iPad.  Tickets are $1 each or $10 for 15 entries.  Tickets are available by contacting Honors students or in Jenny Sanders' office.  We will draw for the winner at Student Appreciation Day on August 27. The more tickets we sell, the more opportunities we will have for some fun activities this year!  Another fundraiser coming up (pending approval) is a repeat of the Yankee Candle Fundraiser.  The fall catalog will have the fall/winter scents and will make great Christmas gifts.  More info to come....

Plans are in the works for a ceremony to kick off the year and a trip to Altitude in Little Rock shortly after school starts.  We will also make a schedule for regular meetings to share information and socialize as a group.  Keep an eye out for details!

Hopefully, you students are enjoying some time for fun this summer (even those of you taking summer classes).  The fall semester will be here before you know it!

End of 2013-14 Academic Year

Wow! The inaugural year of the SAU Tech Honors Program is over.  Yes, the students felt like guinea pigs at times as we experimented and tried new things since they were the first group.  Some lessons were learned on the part of the staff, and more importantly, some lessons were learned by the students this year.  On one of the last days of final exams, a group gathered in my office.  I was so encouraged to hear them sharing what they have learned (although some of the lessons were learned the hard way) and to hear their plans for the future. They truly are an amazing group of talented young people!

Academically, we had several successes with strong GPA's at the end of the first year.  A few are taking summer classes to redeem themselves.  After those summer classes, I expect to see significant improvements. I have witnessed such personal growth this year.  One student found himself in a life threatening situation in a car accident with some other students.  Rather than continuing to follow a path that was leading to problems, he used that experience to refocus and as a "wake-up call."  A student gave birth during the spring, and another is raising her son.  They have learned to balance family, work, and academics. Friendships were formed, and relationships changed. Deep personal struggles were revealed.  And through it all, these students grew and matured in ways that amaze me.

The Honors students are very involved in plans for this next year.  That larger lounge/study room that we dreamed for almost a year ago will come to fruition this summer.  The students have helped select items to make it a comfortable, functional space, and we will work to have it ready for the fall.  They have made suggestions for the beginning of the year kick-off party to help bond with the incoming freshmen.  The students have also brainstormed ways to mentor the incoming freshmen.  During SOAR (Student Orientation And Registration), Honors students will be present to visit with potential Honors Program students.  Fundraising efforts continue, and I look forward to more creative minds coming together to plan ways to maintain this program and it's activities.  Funding for higher education is being cut this year, so it is more important than ever for us to raise funds to support our activities and enhance the learning experiences.

This first year was not without struggles.  But, it was also filled with successes and growth.  I never dreamed on day one of Honors Seminar that this group of students would change my life the way they have, but they will continue to change lives in the future!

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Most of the Honors students are enrolled in an Honors Art Appreciation course during the spring 2014 semester.  So, we took a trip to visit the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville.  The original art pieces, sculpture, pottery, architecture, and landscaping were breathtaking. Seeing works by Andy Warhol, Georgia O'Keefe, Norman Rockwell, and other famous artists made art come to life.  Learning about art in the classroom is one thing, but the students were "Wow'd!!" by the original works.  As we walked through the museum, the excitement on their faces and in their voices was priceless!  Each of us had a favorite thing about the museum.

This was one of Keyonte's favorites (but we quickly found out that he had a lot of favorites)!

And this is another of Keyonte's favorites!

Tiffany says this one is "beautiful!"

The picture doesn't do this justice.  It was done with charcoals, and the details were astonishing. 

Some of the pieces aere huge!!  NaCenya was admiring this one, and you can see the size of the painting compared to her.  We were amazed at the ability to do a scene justice on such a large scale. 

I love the lantern painting.  The colors in the lanterns were so vivid that it looked like there was a light in it!

Made of buttons, lace, etc.

There were scale models of different buildings.  The one to the left was of a college student center from the 1950s.

.....and a little modern art.....yes, some of us thought we could even make this kind of art!!

This is actually 3-dimensional.  It was really cool in person!

Yes!  That's a giant ear coming out of the wall!

Coca Cola by Andy Warhol

Dolly Parton by Andy Warhol

Rosie the Riveter by Norman Rockwell

A giant horse....sticks or bronze??

The students all had commented that some of the pieces looked like things we could create.  As we got to a display case in the hall, I made a comment about the "paper bag" and how it doesn't take much to make it into an art museum.  Then I realized it was pottery!  Oops!







There are several trails on the museum grounds.  Some of the trails have art pieces on them; others are just beautifully landscaped. One trail had large picture frames on stands.  We couldn't turn down the photo op!

Stanley is being a deep thinker!

The grass on the lawn trail was immaculate.  It looked like it would be so soft to just lay down in.  So, Tiffany and Keyonte decided to try it.  I still think it looks fun!

sitting on Chaise Gabion

There were some areas of the trails that were off limits due to "unstable ground."  But we found some places to explore too!  I'm not sure if sitting on the sculptures is allowed or not!

Shore Lunch by Dan Ostermiller

Shore Lunch by Dan Ostermiller

Keyonte, Tiffany, and Stanley standing on a rock bridge

Jessica and NaCenya

Lowell's Ocean by Mark di Suvero

Stanley read to us about art while we cooled off after walking the trails!

The museum building itself was a piece of art.  The architecture is incredible!! It blends in to the surroundings while still standing alone and attracting attention.

Just before leaving on the trip, Beverly Ellis (advisor at SAU Tech) received an envelope from a child from out of state.  The child's class was doing an activity using Flat Stanley.  She was more than excited to take Flat Stanley on some adventures.  He went to Crystal Bridges with the Honors students!

What good is a trip without good food?  Most of us (students, Mrs. Sanders, Mr. and Mrs. Scott) had dinner together at Chili's, and we all ate lunch at Dixie Cafe on the way home.  We discovered that Tiffany likes hotter "hot wings" than NaCenya and that Keyonte and Stanley drink more mango tea than Mrs. Scott.

As a chaperone, I can't think of a better group of young people to go on a trip with.  Keyonte, Tiffany, Stanley, Jessica, and NaCenya each brought their own unique personality on this trip.  We made some great memories, established some new nicknames (like me being "Mom" to the whole group), learned about art and about each other, and had a great time.  I feel so blessed to have these "kids" in my life!  I can't wait for the next trip!!

For more info on the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, go to www.crystalbridges.org. I highly recommend the museum....and admission is FREE!