Eighteen students from Snead State Community College set off on an adventure to Berry College in Rome, Ga., as part of a retreat for the 2011-2012 Presidential Scholars. The group departed Aug. 11 as freshmen and sophomores who didn’t know each other very well. They returned Aug. 13 as a team ready to tackle their leadership roles as Presidential Scholars.
“Being named a Presidential Scholar is one of the most prestigious honors for students at Snead State,” said President Dr. Robert Exley. “The Presidential Scholars not only received full tuition scholarships, but they set the standard for educational excellence for all of our students. To enhance their experience at Snead State, we open leadership opportunities for them such as this retreat to Berry College.”
The students participated in Berry College’s outdoor challenge course called BOLD, which incorporates lessons in communication and decision making, leadership formation, team effectiveness, group identity, and conflict resolution.
The BOLD challenge course is an extensive, nationally renowned course that includes a variety of both low and high ROPES experiences. ROPES stands for “reality oriented physical exercise system.” The scholars began the experience on Thursday afternoon with an excellent orientation to both the BOLD program and an introduction to the history of Martha Berry and Berry College. On Friday, the students completed a custom-designed experience beginning with several ground-based low elements and culminating with an extended set of high elements – some as much as 35-40 feet off of the ground. Each participant learns the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, encouragement and persistence.
Charlie Potter, a second year Presidential Scholar, spoke of the value of the experience in that he pushed himself to be more of a leader this year by challenging himself more physically and accepting more responsibility as a leader within the group. The entire group spoke of their desire to make a difference in the lives of others at Snead State Community College this year.
In addition to the retreat, Presidential Scholars will also participate in Snead State-sponsored projects such as providing tutoring services through the new Student Success and Career Center. Brittany Wilborn, Director of Campus Engagement, and Lindsey Beck, College Recruiter, accompanied the scholars and fully participated in the program.
“The experience that, not only students, but I personally gained from participating in this program is life changing. We achieved goals that seemed unimaginable,” said Ms. Wilborn.
Presidential Scholars must have a minimum 23 ACT score and a grade point average of 3.75 to receive the Presidential Honors Scholarship. However, the group of first-time scholars participating this year averages nearly 27 on the ACT and have an average GPA of 4.04.
This year, Snead State has 19 Presidential Scholars, including Cassandra Upton of Boaz, Holly Scott of Boaz, Jordan Shelton of Union Grove, Brianna Pullen of Sardis, Hannah Jimmerson of Boaz, Chelsey Gillilan of Boaz, Phillip Estes of Albertville, Landon Naylor of Sardis, Charlie Potter of Boaz, Brady Keel of Boaz, Ashley Clontz of Albertville, Kelsey Hawkins of Holly Pond, Keelie Wilkes of Collinsville, Elizabeth Shaw of Douglas, Erin Kelley of Arab, Ashley Gilbreath of Boaz, Jade Sanders of Albertville, Jessica Reece of Boaz, and Chera Whitney of Guntersville.
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