Area middle schoolers attend Summer Scholars Academy June 23-27

Sixty-five students attended Missouri State University–West Plains' (MSU-WP) Summer Scholars Academy for middle schoolers June 23–27. Students participated in a variety of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities, including hands-on classes in healthcare, crime scene investigation, art, veterinary technology, engineering, agriculture, computer science, video game production, theater and poetry. They also competed in STEAM-based activities, challenges and games.  At the end of the week, each student received a certificate of completion, a camp T-shirt and a goodie bag. Trevor Cressman, director of MSU-WP's Workforce Development and Community Education office, said he was thrilled with the program's success and enthusiasm of this group of students. "They were engaged, excited and worked hard all week long. We loved seeing them learn and grow," he said. Students came from West Plains, Cabool, Willow Springs, Mountain View, Birch Tree, Thayer, Alton, Koshkonong, Bakersfield and other surrounding areas. The Summer Scholars Academy for high school students took place earlier in June and was held for the first time this year. For more information about the Summer Scholars Academy, visit WP.MissouriState.edu/Workforce, call 417-255-7788 or email TrevorCressman@MissouriState.edu. Some of the Summer Scholars Academy officials pose with the group of middle school student attendees.