Yucaipa's Crafton Hills College hosts High School Visitation Day

Additionally, students learned about receiving financial assistance and about qualifying for the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) program.

The high school students enthusiastically attended the workshops of their choice.

One example was the child development education workshop, which was filled to capacity with standing room only. Professor JoAnn Jones and Child Development Center Director Cammy Purper cheerfully answered numerous questions and provided literature and expertise on the programs.

Madeline Simmons, a 17-year-old senior from Beaumont High School, was pleased with the information she received at the workshop.

"I really enjoyed the presenters; nice and super helpful," said Simmons. "I think they can really help me in the future when I attend here. I'm already enrolled online and hope to get my A.A. (Associate of Arts) in Child Development."

Derek McHenry, a 17-year-old from Yucaipa High School, attended the biology and respiratory care workshops. He seemed swayed and even inspired to attend CHC in the fall.

"I want to become a respiratory therapist," McHenry said. "I have Cystic Fibrosis, so I have a very close connection with this field. I'm always interested in human biology."

Seventeen-year-old Ashley Borg of Yucaipa High School was also interested in attending CHC.

"There are a lot of different classes here," said Borg, who is interested in majoring in business. "There are so many choices. This is the college I'm going to attend."

Borg added that her brother is attending CHC, and her mom worked at the college.

Her friend, Jo Jo Ranney, 18, was also interested in taking classes at CHC. She enjoyed how the teachers were so relaxed and had a sense of humor.

"They made it easy for you to talk to them," Ranney said.

Miguel Viera, 18, from Yucaipa High School, liked the positive atmosphere at the college.

"When I asked questions, I got the answers that I needed," Viera said. "There was great information. Going to college here would be a great idea for me."

Briana Quincy, 17, from Beaumont High School, described the event as "very helpful."

"I learned about financial aid, the classes, and got information on my major, sociology," Quincy said. "I like it here. It's really homey and there are not too many people."

Dylan Lopez, 17, from Redlands East Valley High School, liked the opening seminar.

"They explained the college well and what it had to offer," he said.

Lopez also enjoyed a humorous performance by CHC theatre students called "The Big Boy Dance."

"That was pretty funny," he said about the "big, bad" dancers in their pink ballet tutus.

CHC Associated Students Vice President Moises Valencia led two campus tours.

"The kids were great - they asked many questions and that's good," said Valencia. "We talked about student involvement and clubs here at Crafton. Being a CHC, student I felt really privileged to show off our school. It's cool."

CHC Dean of Student Services Kirsten S. Colvey expressed her gratitude for the successful High School Senior Day.

"This is really a coordinated effort," Colvey said. "It's a campus-wide effort. I'd like to thank Instructional Deans Donna Ferracone, Judith Ashton, and Lauren Thurman as well as those from Student Services.

Director of Student Life Ericka Paddock coordinated the student tours. Director of Facilities and Maintenance Mike Strong was also a big help. A big kudos to Administrative Secretary Kathy Wilson, and Counselor Arnie Kosmatka, Assessment Test Coordinator Frances Southerland, and the entire counseling office staff."

"This is probably the smoothest running High School Visitation Day, due largely to many school and staff volunteers," said CHC Counselor Dr. Arnold Kosmatka, who announced his retirement this year after working at the college for 31 years.

"Dean of Student Services Kirsten Colvey is largely responsible for the coordination this year. We hope to continue to host this event. If funding is available next year for busing, we can easily host 1,000-1,200 students."