Newsletter January, 2022

Happy New Year!

We hope you had a chance to unwind and enjoy family and friends over the holiday break! We are proud of the hard work and determination the students showed as they finished the Fall Semester. Please take a moment and catch up on the highlights and upcoming events!

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American History Students Travel Back in Time

First-year students taking American History were tasked with a research project. They could choose anything from 1700's-present day. Options they could choose included recreating a famous speech, bring in food and tell its' historical significance, draw or paint a picture of a famous event and its' importance, or as an alternative, they could choose to write a research paper.

"Life is divided into three terms-that which was, which is, and which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present, to live better in the future." ~William Wordsworth, English Poet, 1170-1850.

Neil Armstrong became the first person to step on the moon on July 21, 1969.

Hannah Gooding told the story and history of Snickerdoodle cookies and brought in samples for everyone to try.

Lylee Jane Hopkins painted a picture of suitcases with a velveteen rabbit to represent all the Jewish children lost in World War II from the Nazi concentration camps.

Student crossed stitched an image of a Tootsie Roll candy and told how it was used as energy bars for soldiers in World War II

and to plug bullet holes.

Trevor Johnson drew an image of the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads meeting at Promontory Summit in Utah in May of 1869. This transcontinental railroad helped transport people and goods across America.

History of Rock Class Learns How to Be Mix Masters

Mark Churchill, a Lake Michigan College instructor for History of Rock Music brings in some of his own equipment to show students how music recordings were made in the late 50's early 60's. Some students brought in their own instruments to lay down tracks which were then played back at the same time to sound like a real rock group. What a great way to bring learning to life. It is amazing to see how technology has come in the last 60 to 70 years.

Margaret Dugan brought in her guitar to lay down a track. Margaret is from Otsego High School.

Hailey Kloosterman from Otsego High School uses a phone app to drop a track.

Rozalyn Denzel an Otsego High School student learns how to mix tracks.

Geography Students Travel Around the World in 90 minutes

Second-year students in Human Geography class were given a group assignment to choose 2 countries and do a PowerPoint presentation as well as make and present food from each country. Every group had to compare and contrast an underdeveloped and affluent country giving 10 facts about each. Many of the students spoke about the culture, import and export of materials, festivals and holidays, the religion of the region, and popular sports of the country. Presentations lasted around 10 minutes each and when everyone was finished they were treated to a worldly buffet. This is a great way for students to immerse themselves in another culture and broaden their understanding of diversity in the world.

Buffet items included: Chop Suey from China, Malva Pudding from Chad, Deep-fried plantains from Ethiopia, Makawoni au gratin from Haiti, and pasta salad from Italy.

Students get ready to do their presentations on the Netherlands and Haiti.

Geography Instructor Becomes Editor of New College Text Book

One of our very own instructors has reason to celebrate. Jonathon Wessell, LMC Human Geography instructor has become an editor of his very first book: Experiential Learning in Geography, Experience, Evaluation, and Encounters.

His book gives insight into the importance and impact that experiential learning has in geographic education by examining the experience, the methods of evaluation, and the encounters that students have shared about their experiences. It allows the reader to gain insight into what it really takes to prepare and lead students in such experiences both domestically and internationally. Congratulations Mr. Wessell!

Race and Ethnic Relations

Poster Presentation at Allegan County Library

13th year students in Sociology 205: Race and Ethnic Relations, taught by Myrna McNitt, had the unique opportunity to share their research on a chosen topic as part of their curriculum. This was open to the community at the Allegan District Library. Light refreshments were served. These students will be bringing an expanded appreciation and understanding of the challenges of societal issues and will make an impact on the universities they are preparing to attend.

This passionate group of young women studied the negative effects of Social Media. Specifically targeting bullying, unhealthy body standards, and how it is used to spread false information.

These students put an action plan together to address the homelessness in areas such as Kalamazoo. Causes and solutions were identified to move this population into a better future.

Students presented on racial discrimination after visiting the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University. Specifically on how it related to slavery, segregation, civil rights, and the mark it still has on today's society.

Recruiting Class of 2025

Current 10th grade students interested in the Early College Program should contact their counselors as applications will be completed the second week in February to be admitted for Fall 2022. Check out our website for more information, ECAC Website

Destressing from College

Students and faculty participated in a theme dress up week. Students were able to chose what each day would represent. Wednesday was Disney Day in honor of Mr. Wessell's favorite vacation spot.

Dagim DeBoer holds a rabbit to relief some stress after taking a final exam.

Riley Landrigan came down after her exam to help relax. Not sure who relaxed more her or the kitten who fell asleep in her arms. Looks like a win, win situation for both.

Holiday gathering with lots of baked treats! Delinna Romas enjoys herself.

First year students meet with their mentors to have some fun right before finals. Students play a timed game taking turns unrolling ball filled with candy and small gifts.