The second annual Mulerider Kids College (MKC) ended at noon Thursday with a packed house at Southern Arkansas University’s Grand Hall as nearly a hundred more participants than the inaugural MKC wrapped up four days of learning and fun.
A total of 250 children from grades 1-6 traversed SAU’s campus to experience a total of 23 unique classes. Parents, family and friends enjoyed watching a slideshow of photographs at the closing ceremony and a highlight film from the week, which included student interviews.
“I like my teacher when we grill because that’s my favorite activity is to grill. I’ve never grilled in my whole life, ever,” said Kyler Wheeler about the Kids Can Grill Too class.
MKC organizer Jana Walker, who the students nicknamed Kids College Principal, announced at the ceremony that the dates for the 2017 Mulerider Kids College will be June 26-29 and that registration will open sometime in March.
“I want to come back (next year) because it’s really fun and I like it here. The teachers are nice, other than regular school,” Conner Ludwig said in the video, which created a wave of laughter from the crowd.
Dr. Donna Allen, SAU vice president for student affairs, gave credit to Walker and many others for making this special week on SAU’s campus possible. Walmart was the primary sponsor for the second year in a row, donating $15,000 for this camp. When 51 student scholarship applications were submitted, the Albemarle Foundation stepped up and offered $750. Also, four individuals gave funds to support MKC scholarships.
“We toured the Mulerider Kids College with representatives from Walmart and Albemarle and witnessed the creativity, ingenuity and enthusiasm of our Kids College students. It was really outstanding and we are proud of all of them,” said Allen at the ceremony.
More than 200 photos are posted at www.SAUmag.edu/MKCpics. Stay up to date on MKC at their Facebook page – www.facebook.com/MuleriderKidsCollege.
