Ozarka College Campus News

Ozarka Kids Camp To Kick Off May 28

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:09:31 -0600

The Ozarka Kids Academy of Ozarka College at Melbourne will offer summer care for school-aged students, beginning Tuesday, May 28. The Ozarka Kids Camp will be an 11-week program offering hands-on, organized and engaged learning for students from ages five to nine years old. The curriculum will be designed around age-appropriate ideas, themes and activities including, but not limited to, recycling, physical fitness, health and safety, Arkansas history, Arkansas water and conservation practices, science and art. Care will be offered from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 9. The academy will be closed Thursday, July 4, for Independence Day. Students will be provided breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. Cost will be $80 per week. Space is limited. For more information or to enroll a student for Ozarka Kids Camp, contact Karen Hall at (870) 368-7868.

2013 Commencement Is Tonight

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:42:28 -0600

Ozarka College will celebrate its 2013 Commencement ceremony tonight, May 16, at 7 p.m. in the John E. Miller Education Complex Auditorium on the Melbourne campus. Commencement speaker will be state Rep. Tommy Wren of Melbourne. Rep. Wren is serving his second term in the Arkansas House of Representatives. He represents District 62, which includes Izard County and part of Stone County. During the 89th General Assembly, Rep. Wren is a member of the Revenue and Taxation committee, chair of the Insurance and Commerce committee and a member of the Joint Budget committee. He also has served on the House Education committee, where he was the chair of the Higher Education subcommittee, and the House and Joint committees on Advanced Communications and Information Technology. A graduate of Mountain Home High School, Rep. Wren received a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Arkansas. He is involved with Arkansas Farm Bureau, and he enjoys hunting in his free time. He and his wife, Ann, have three young sons. The Ozarka College General Educational Development (GED) Commencement ceremony will be Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m. in the John E. Miller Education Complex Auditorium. Dr. Dennis Rittle, vice president of academic affairs at Ozarka College, will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Rittle began serving in higher education in 1995 and earned his Ph.D. in organizational leadership with a major in human resource development from the School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship at Regent University. Dr. Rittle has served on the staff of the Kansas Board of Regents, where he aligned technical curriculum for postsecondary institutions across the state of Kansas. He has also served as dean of academic affairs at Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kan., technical education administrator at Butler Community College in Kansas, and program director, instructor and curriculum writer for the Community College of the Air Force. Dr. Rittle and his wife, Christy, have been married for 21 years and have two children, Daniel and Childress. For more information on Commencement ceremonies at Ozarka College, contact (870) 368-7371 and ask for Student Services or Adult Education.

Ozarka College Honors Nursing Grads At Capping And Pinning Ceremony

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:15:20 -0600

Practical Nursing graduates at Ozarka College were honored Tuesday, May 7, at a Capping and Pinning Ceremony on the Melbourne campus. Students recognized at the event were as follows: Ash Flat campus – Amy Abney, Jamie Daub, Jordan Foust, Lacy Garrett, Nathan Hill, Justin Jones, Cheryl Lee, Mary Beth Lee, Scott Martins, Malynda Mead, Brandi Miller, Courtney Moffett, Emily Ragsdale, Madison Sims, Samantha Walls, April Weaver and Jamie Wroten. Melbourne campus – Terrie Calderon, Katrina Coleman, Janice Davis, Amanda Face, Heather Ford, Latasha Goodman, Jessica Holowell, Natasha Hopper, Jessica Martin, Courtney McSpadden, Tabatha Pebler, Mark Penter, Sara Sandy, Kayla Sartin, Megan Savage, Kim Smith, Cheryl Sturdivant and Chelsea Vines. Melbourne campus/nights and weekends – Kara Bradley, Brittnee Donaldson, Jerry Greer, Logan Holladay, Tonya Holt, Jordan Hooper, Hallie Kramer, Marsha Pillers, Carol Mathews, Jeremy O’Hara, Tanya Parker, Tyrone Ragsdell and Nikki Wilson. Mountain View campus – Nancy Bramlett, Robert Burns, Lizabeth Carlo, Rebecca Clark, Rachel Day, Mark Gatewood, Erika Holland, Barbara Koone, Christopher Mathis, Ryan McMahan, Marley Morrison, Rachel Turner, Tiffany Wagler and Kimberly Yoder. Dr. Richard Dawe, Ozarka College president, welcomed guests attending the ceremony. Dr. Dennis Rittle, Ozarka College vice president of academic affairs, offered the invocation. Perfect Attendance Awards went to Janice Davis of Melbourne, Erika Holland of Mountain View, Tiffany Wagler of Mountain View, Jordan Foust of Melbourne, Cheryl Lee of Ash Flat, Mary Beth Lee of Ash Flat, Emily Ragsdale of Melbourne and Scott Martins of Ash Flat. This semester's Florence Nightingale Awards went to Kimberly Yoder of Mountain View, Kimberly Smith of Melbourne, Tonya Holt of Melbourne and Madison Sims of Ash Flat. This award is given to a student in each program who exemplifies the true meaning of nursing with hard work and a true dedication to the profession. Ruby Johnson, Allied Health division chair, and nursing faculty Cheryl Ekenes, Holly Franks, Katie Wilson, Loretta Trammell, Susan Thielmier and Valerie West presented graduates with caps, pins and lamps. Ron Helm, vice president of student services, offered the benediction. For information regarding the Ozarka College nursing programs, contact Dylan Mowery, director of admissions, at dmowery@ozarka.edu. For photos of the ceremony, visit https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151570630203941.1073741839.44360808940&type=1

Ozarka College Sets 2013 Commencement

Tue, 14 May 2013 06:47:04 -0600

Ozarka College will celebrate its 2013 Commencement ceremony Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in the John E. Miller Education Complex Auditorium on the Melbourne campus. Commencement speaker will be state Rep. Tommy Wren of Melbourne. Rep. Wren is serving his second term in the Arkansas House of Representatives. He represents District 62, which includes Izard County and part of Stone County. During the 89th General Assembly, Rep. Wren is a member of the Revenue and Taxation committee, chair of the Insurance and Commerce committee and a member of the Joint Budget committee. He also has served on the House Education committee, where he was the chair of the Higher Education subcommittee, and the House and Joint committees on Advanced Communications and Information Technology. A graduate of Mountain Home High School, Rep. Wren received a bachelor's degree from the University of Central Arkansas. He is involved with Arkansas Farm Bureau, and he enjoys hunting in his free time. He and his wife, Ann, have three young sons. The Ozarka College General Educational Development (GED) Commencement ceremony will be Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m. in the John E. Miller Education Complex Auditorium. Dr. Dennis Rittle, vice president of academic affairs at Ozarka College, will be the keynote speaker. Dr. Rittle began serving in higher education in 1995 and earned his Ph.D. in organizational leadership with a major in human resource development from the School of Global Leadership and Entrepreneurship at Regent University. Dr. Rittle has served on the staff of the Kansas Board of Regents, where he aligned technical curriculum for postsecondary institutions across the state of Kansas. He has also served as dean of academic affairs at Brown Mackie College in Salina, Kan., technical education administrator at Butler Community College in Kansas, and program director, instructor and curriculum writer for the Community College of the Air Force. Dr. Rittle and his wife, Christy, have been married for 21 years and have two children, Daniel and Childress. For more information on Commencement ceremonies at Ozarka College, contact (870) 368-7371 and ask for Student Services or Adult Education.

Why Wait For Fall? Enroll In Summer Classes

Sat, 11 May 2013 05:07:35 -0600

Good news! The Ozarka College instructional leadership team has expanded the college's summer I and summer II schedule of classes. Summer begins May 28. The summer II session will start July 1. The college will offer an exciting array of online, hybrid and on-campus classes at its four locations in north-central Arkansas: Ash Flat, Mammoth Spring, Melbourne and Mountain View. Hybrid classes feature a combination of online and on-campus coursework and are a great option for people with busy lives! Check out the class schedule at http://www.ozarka.edu/public_schedule.cfm. There are still seats available in popular courses, including the following: • College Algebra • Biology • Physical Science • English Composition • Accounting • Economics • Business Principles • Human Relations • Business Communications • Computer Information Systems • Introduction to Criminal Justice • Legal/Ethical Aspects of Healthcare Many more classes are available. New students can apply for admission online at www.ozarka.edu or visit any of the Ozarka College locations. Registration for fall classes also is available. The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements. Students may complete specified general education courses anywhere in the public system, as well as many courses in the degree/major that have been pre-identified for transfer. Visit the Arkansas Course Transfer System for more details.

Ozarka College Foundation Fulton County Golf Tournament Is June 1

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:42:25 -0600

The Ozarka College Foundation will host its annual Fulton County Golf Scramble Saturday, June 1, at the Cherokee Village – South Course. Shotgun start is 8 a.m. Liberty Bank of Arkansas and First National Banking Company are presenting sponsors of the tournament, which will benefit the Ozarka College Foundation’s JoKay Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund. Entry fee for the four-person scramble is $200 per team, which includes player entry, range balls, golf-cart fee, a light breakfast, lunch, gift bags and 18 holes of golf. There will be prizes for the longest drive, longest putt, closest to the pin and a putting contest. Tournament organizers include members of the Ozarka College Foundation Board of Directors from Fulton County, including Leah Rouse of Salem, Leta Montgomery of Mammoth Spring, Mayor Jean Pace of Mammoth Spring and Jerry Smith of Mammoth Spring. For registration and sponsorship information, contact James Spurlock, Ozarka College – Mammoth Spring site director, at (870) 625-0411 or jmspurlock@ozarka.edu.

Library Celebrates International Jazz Day

Fri, 03 May 2013 23:36:55 -0600

The Ozarka College Paul Weaver Library celebrated International Jazz Day, April 30, with a series of jazz displays and jazz music in the Administration dining room on the Melbourne campus during the noon hour. International Jazz Day celebrates the historical, cultural and educational contribution of this popular genre of music. For photos, click here.

Ozarka College - Ash Flat Practical Nursing Program Sponsors Health Fair

Fri, 03 May 2013 23:11:49 -0600

Important health screenings and education were the focus of the May 1 Community Health Fair sponsored by the Practical Nursing program at Ozarka College - Ash Flat. White River Medical System community education sponsored free blood-pressure, glucose and body-mass index checks, as well as cholesterol and HbA1c screenings. The Baxter Regional Medical Center Mobile Mammography Unit was on site, providing breast-care information and screenings. For those without breast-care insurance, free screenings were provided through the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Air Evac Lifeteam sponsored an air ambulance demonstration, and Spring River Paramedic Ambulance Service had a unit on display. The Sharp County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health offered information on car-seat safety, smoking cessation and Women, Infants and Children (WIC); the American Red Cross offered disaster-relief information. Participating organizations also included Family Fitness Center, SilverSneakers program and health and fitness information; Shelly Garner, DDS, dental health education; Community Home Health, program information; and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, SNAP-Ed program information. Also, Eaglecrest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, CMC Hospice, MaLinda Coffman, RD, New Beginnings Pregnancy Help Center, Back and Body Works, Horseshoe Health and Medicine, Birch Tree Substance Abuse Centers, Families, Inc., North Arkansas Home Care , Tri-County Medical Supply and Mission of Hope. For each non-perishable food item donated to the Mission of Hope, donors names were placed in a drawing for door prizes. Door-prize sponsors included Family Fitness Center, Fred’s Fish House, Ash Flat Tire and Lube, Mark Chunn, DDS, Calabama Restaurant, Horseshoe Health and Medicine, Shelley Garner, DDS, Sharp Office Supply, AK Salon, Jade’s, First Community Bank, Pizza Hut, Walmart, Subway, Palace Drug Store, Grapevine Gifts and White Oak Station. The Practical Nursing class also sponsored a bake sale with proceeds benefiting the Mission of Hope. For event photos, click here.

Book Buy-Back Period Is May 6-10

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:27:07 -0600

The Ozarka College Bookstore has scheduled the following book buy-back dates: Melbourne: Monday, May 6 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 10 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mammoth Spring: Tuesday, May 7 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ash Flat: Wednesday, May 8 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mountain View: Thursday, May 9 - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, contact Robin Coggins at rcoggins@ozarka.edu.

Ozarka College Sets GED Test Schedule For May

Thu, 02 May 2013 01:03:13 -0600

The GED® Test will be given at Ozarka College in Melbourne on May 13 and 22 at 8:30 a.m. in Room 516 of the Wyth Duke Adult Education Center. The test will also be given at the following locations in May: Ozarka College - Ash Flat, 9 a.m., May 6 and 13 Fulton County Courthouse Courtroom - Salem, 9 a.m., May 7 Ozarka College - Mammoth Spring, 9 a.m., May 7 and 14 Ozarka College - Mountain View, 9 a.m., May 9 and 21 City Hall - Calico Rock, 9 a.m., May 30 Participants must present an Arkansas photo ID, a Social Security Card, and proof of passing Practice Test scores dated within the last year. There is no cost to take the GED® Test. However, those who plan to take the test at any of these locations must register by calling Ozarka College at (870) 368-7371 or 1-800-821-4335 before the day of the test. Because of increased demographic information needed, it may be necessary to allow two days for the testing.

Ozarka College Community Health Fair Is Wednesday, May 1, At Ash Flat

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:49:26 -0600

Practical Nursing students at the Ash Flat campus prepare for the Community Health Fair. Ozarka College will host a Community Health Fair on Wednesday, May 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ash Flat campus, 64 College Drive. The health fair is a service project of the college's practical nursing program. Admission is free and open to the public. White River Medical System community education will sponsor free blood-pressure, glucose and body-mass checks; cholesterol and HbA1c screenings will be available for $15. Cholesterol and HbA1c screenings will begin at 7:30 a.m., and participants are asked to fast after midnight before the screenings. The Baxter Regional Medical Center Mobile Mammography Unit will provide breast-care information and screenings. For those without breast-care insurance, free screenings will be provided through the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Air Evac Lifeteam will sponsor an air ambulance demonstration, and Spring River Paramedic Ambulance Service will have a unit on display. The Sharp County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health will offer information on car-seat safety, smoking cessation and Women, Infants and Children (WIC); the American Red Cross will offer disaster-relief information. Participating organizations also include Family Fitness Center, SilverSneakers program and health and fitness information; Shelly Garner, DDS, dental health education; Community Home Health, program information; and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, SNAP-Ed program information. Also, Eaglecrest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, CMC Hospice, MaLinda Coffman, RD, New Beginnings Pregnancy Help Center, Back and Body Works, Horseshoe Health and Medicine, Birch Tree Substance Abuse Centers, Families, Inc., North Arkansas Home Care , Tri-County Medical Supply and Mission of Hope. For each non-perishable food item donated to the Mission of Hope, donors will have their names placed in a drawing for door prizes. Door-prize sponsors include Family Fitness Center, Fred’s Fish House, Ash Flat Tire and Lube, Mark Chunn, DDS, Calabama Restaurant, Horseshoe Health and Medicine, Shelley Garner, DDS, Sharp Office Supply, AK Salon, Jade’s, First Community Bank, Pizza Hut, Walmart, Subway, Palace Drug Store, Grapevine Gifts and White Oak Station. There also will be a bake sale with proceeds benefiting the Mission of Hope. Concessions will be available. For more information, contact Molly Carpenter, Ozarka College – Ash Flat site director, or Cheryl Ekenes, RN, instructor of nursing, at (870) 994-7273.

Library Features Jazz Displays, Music On Tuesday, April 30

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:25:22 -0600

International Jazz Day, April 30, celebrates the historical, cultural and educational contribution of this popular genre of music. The Paul Weaver Library at Ozarka College – Melbourne recognizes Jazz Day every year by showing displays of famous jazz musicians and by playing jazz music in the Administration dining room on the Melbourne campus during the noon hour. The jazz displays will be available all day for those that come and go, but the music will only be available during the noon hour.

Art Show Opens Tuesday, April 30, At Ash Flat Campus

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:12:55 -0600

Art students currently enrolled at Ozarka College – Ash Flat will present up to 70 pieces of original artwork at their annual end-of-semester showcase. This event is free and open to the public. The art may be viewed in the main building of the campus Tuesday, April 30, starting at noon through Thursday, May 2, ending at noon. For more information, contact Ash Flat Director Molly Carpenter at (870) 994-7273 or by email at mcarpenter@ozarka.edu.

Students Attend Smart Scheduling Workshop At Mountain View

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:40:44 -0600

Kay Adkins, student success advising specialist at Ozarka College, works with a student during the workshop. Ten students from Ozarka College – Mountain View attended “Smart Scheduling,” a Student Success Center workshop that explained how to plan with the end in mind. Kay Adkins, student success advising specialist, presented the workshop to Courtney Kurpiel's College Success class; it was open to all students. Topics included committing to a program, running and reading a degree audit, plotting a course to completion, selecting and registering for classes and planning now for the next level. Students were encouraged to use worksheets to plot out their paths to completion and to plan a schedule for the fall semester to present to their advisors.

Friends Of The Paul Weaver Library Hosts Tour D'Art

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 16:13:41 -0600

The Friends of the Paul Weaver Library at Ozarka College had its second annual Literary Reading and Art Extravaganza: Tour D’Art on Thursday, April 18, in the Ozarka College John E. Miller Education Complex. Artwork was displayed in the building’s main lobby and included a wide variety of two- and three-dimensional works from artists all across the area. Participants included artists from Ozarka College’s art class and instructor Sue Coon, other Ozarka faculty members, Melbourne High School students and instructor Connie Robinson, Calico Rock High School students and instructor Rebecca Payne, the Brockwell Senior Center, plus Friends of the Library members and other local artists. Displayed works included paintings, sculptures, ceramics, handmade jewelry, Native American stone art and painted gourds. The evening began at 6 p.m. with literature readings in the John E. Miller Auditorium, featuring readings of original works by Ozarka College students and Friends of the Library members. Musical entertainment was provided throughout the event by the Shamanic Drum Circle led by Margeah Bey, a Friends of the Library member who has performed in and led drum circles for more than 10 years. Refreshments were provided by Friends members Bill and Chicko Johnson and the Ozarka College Culinary Arts department. “We were delighted to see the increase in attendance over last year. As the event grows, I’m sure the attendance will grow, too,” Library Director Mary Ellen Hawkins said. “We have so many talented people in the area, and it was a pleasure to highlight their work. We appreciate the participation from the Brockwell Senior Center and community, as well as the high schools and the college community.” The Friends of the Paul Weaver Library hosts this yearly event to promote literature and the arts in Izard County and surrounding areas. The Friends group is committed to advancing art appreciation for its educational and cultural benefits, which include improvement in math, reading and critical thinking skills, plus a strengthening of self-confidence and cultural awareness. For more information about next year’s Tour D’Art, or about the Friends of the Paul Weaver Library, contact Mary Ellen Hawkins at (870) 368-2054. For more photos of Tour D'Art, visit our Facebook page here.

College Enters Arkansas Folk Festival Parade

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:45:07 -0600

Ozarka College – Mountain View students, faculty and staff created a float for the recent 51st annual Arkansas Folk Festival parade in Mountain View. “Rafting the Rivers” was the theme of the Ozarka College entry, which depicted members of a pioneer family traveling downriver on a flat log raft to their new home in the Arkansas wilderness. “Such means of travel cleverly took advantage of river currents and provided settlers with timber with which to build their new homes,” John Van Orman said. “Nowadays, descendants of such settlers float our rivers for recreation while the courage, optimism and vision of these adventurous spirits live on in our community.” The Ozarka College entry won 6th place and $50 for the college’s Student Government Association. Fore more photos, visit the Ozarka College Facebook page here.

Ozarka College Hosts Stone County Youth Leadership Graduation

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:09:02 -0600

Nineteen students graduated from the 2012-2013 Stone County Youth Leadership program April 16 in the Kenneth and Janice Sutton Lecture Hall at Ozarka College – Mountain View. During the ceremony, Sarah Werb received a $250 scholarship from Centennial Bank of Mountain View and Alex Caldwell received a $250 scholarship from the Ozarka College Foundation. Other graduates included Luke Ward, Jessica Rhoades, Summer Waddles, Destiny Butler, Caitlin Crawford, Jamy Kingrey, Brittany Jones, Jasmine Jason, Shelayna Shelton, Zachery Stroud, Brady Shipman, Bryn Young, Alex Caldwell, Kylee Croney, Hanna Brooks, Alectra Brown and Meranda McDonald. The mission of the Stone County Youth Leadership program is to identify, motivate and train potential young leaders, enabling them to take an active role in their community. This will result in strong leaders who have hope for the future and the tools to influence a positive and progressive community. The programs offered include “Team Building,” “Community Involvement,” “Focus on Finance,” “Developing Leadership Confidence and Competence,” “Your Ticket to the Good Life,” “Focus on Leadership in Government,” “Our Past and Our Future” and a graduation activity. Stone County Youth Leadership board members expressed appreciation to the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Mountain View Area Chamber of Commerce, Mountain View and Stone County, Arkansas, Mountain View School District, Ozark Folk Center, Ozarka College, Stone County Cooperative Extension Service and Susan Kemp, as well as to contributing sponsors Centennial Bank of Mountain View, First Service Bank, First Baptist Church, Nana’s Place, Ozarka College Foundation Board of Directors, Stone County Community Resource Council and State Farm Insurance.

Community Health Fair Is May 1 At Ash Flat Campus

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 18:03:32 -0600

Ozarka College will host a Community Health Fair on Wednesday, May 1, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ash Flat campus, 64 College Drive. The health fair is a service project of the college's practical nursing program. Admission is free and open to the public. White River Medical System community education will sponsor free blood-pressure, glucose and body-mass checks; cholesterol and HbA1c screenings will be available for $15. Cholesterol and HbA1c screenings will begin at 7:30 a.m., and participants are asked to fast after midnight before the screenings. The Baxter Regional Medical Center Mobile Mammography Unit will provide breast-care information and screenings. For those without breast-care insurance, free screenings will be provided through the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Air Evac Lifeteam will sponsor an air ambulance demonstration, and Spring River Paramedic Ambulance Service will have a unit on display. The Sharp County Health Unit of the Arkansas Department of Health will offer information on car-seat safety, smoking cessation and Women, Infants and Children (WIC); the American Red Cross will offer disaster-relief information. Participating organizations also include Family Fitness Center, SilverSneakers program and health and fitness information; Shelly Garner, DDS, dental health education; Community Home Health, program information; and the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, SNAP-Ed program information. Also, Eaglecrest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, CMC Hospice, MaLinda Coffman, RD, New Beginnings Pregnancy Help Center, Back and Body Works, Horseshoe Health and Medicine, Birch Tree Substance Abuse Centers, Families, Inc., North Arkansas Home Care , Tri-County Medical Supply and Mission of Hope. For each non-perishable food item donated to the Mission of Hope, donors will have their names placed in a drawing for door prizes. Door-prize sponsors include Family Fitness Center, Fred’s Fish House, Ash Flat Tire and Lube, Mark Chunn, DDS, Calabama Restaurant, Horseshoe Health and Medicine, Shelley Garner, DDS, Sharp Office Supply, AK Salon, Jade’s, First Community Bank, Pizza Hut, Walmart, Subway, Palace Drug Store, Grapevine Gifts and White Oak Station. There also will be a bake sale with proceeds benefiting the Mission of Hope. Concessions will be available. For more information, contact Molly Carpenter, Ozarka College – Ash Flat site director, or Cheryl Elknes, RN, instructor of nursing, at (870) 994-7273.

Ash Flat Campus To Host Student Art Show

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:11:40 -0600

Trio Students Experience Leadership Conference

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:08:31 -0600

Sixteen students, along with several staff members and guests, recently participated in a leadership workshop at Ozarka College. The workshop, “Growing Leaders in Our Community,” was directed by the Ozarka College TRiO Student Support Services program and featured Ryan Eller from Paradigm Shift (myparadigmshift.org). Eller’s program, “We are the Music Makers and Dreamers of Dreams,” guided students through exercises to define personal goals and values and to put those goals and values into action. The remainder of the program, conducted by Ozarka’s TRiO staff, explored the student’s individual strengths. Staff members shared their personal strengths based on the Strengths Quest evaluation and helped students recognize a variety of ways personal strengths can be applied to school, career and leadership. The costs of the speaker and lunch from Words and Afterwords were covered by local donors. “We were very happy to form some partnerships with community businesses that are interested in the development of future leaders,” said TRiO Director Deltha Shell. Event sponsors included Renee Clay-Circle, Modern Woodmen and Rebel Station. Ozarka College’s TRiO Student Support Services program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal TRiO Programs. The 2012-2013 funded award is $278,421. All activities and services offered to the students in Student Support Services are made possible through these grant funds.* * Announcement made in accordance with Public Law 105-78, Sec. 508.

The Search Is On For Academic All-Star

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:05:17 -0600

The Arkansas Association of Two Year Colleges (AATYC) is once again offering the Academic All-Star scholarship program to students of two-year colleges in the state. One student from each college will receive the recognition, which includes a $500 scholarship for the spring 2014 semester to attend Ozarka College. Traditionally, students who are named Academic All-Stars also receive scholarship offers from four-year colleges and universities in Arkansas. The purpose of the Academic All-Star program is to recognize the scholarly and service achievements of Arkansas' two-year college students. Each Academic All-Star will be recognized at the AATYC All-Star Awards Brunch on Tuesday, Oct. 15, in Hot Springs. To be eligible for consideration, a student must be an Arkansas resident, be currently enrolled at Ozarka College and expect to be enrolled at Ozarka College through at least spring 2014, have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours in pursuit of an associate degree by June 1, 2013, have the intent to graduate from Ozarka College with an associate degree by summer 2014, and have a cumulative grade point average of 3.25 in all credit coursework completed at Ozarka College. The deadline to apply is May 20. For more information, contact Ron Helm, Vice President of Student Services, at 870-368-2027 or by email at rhelm@ozarka.edu. Application packets are available here.

Ozarka Students Shine In State Skillsusa Competition

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 18:11:01 -0600

Students from the Ozarka College Culinary Arts program recently completed the Arkansas SkillsUSA competition in Hot Springs, where they were able to put their culinary knowledge to work and bring home eight out of the nine medals available. The Culinary Arts students who brought home gold medals are now eligible to compete in the SkillsUSA National Competition at Kansas City in June. SkillsUSA is a national partnership of students, teachers and industry partners working toward the future success of America’s workforce. There are more than 300,000 members nationwide, and roughly 1,600 of those members competed in Hot Springs this year. Ozarka College medalists include the following: Gold medals: Cole Case in Culinary Arts; Amber Seilhymer in Commercial Baking; Adam Askew in Restaurant Service. Silver medals: Samantha Torres in Culinary Arts; Whitney Medlock in Commercial Baking; Justin Repech in Restaurant Service. Bronze medals: Austin Horne in Commercial Baking; Mika Alexander in Restaurant Service. Ozarka College SkillsUSA advisers are Miriam Newsome and Eric Smith, both instructors of Culinary Arts. For more information about the Ozarka College Culinary Arts program, contact Kathryn Langston at (870) 368-2083 or by email at klangston@ozarka.edu.

"customer Service" Seminar Is Today

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:33:01 -0600

The Institutional Professional Development Committee of Ozarka College will offer “Customer Service,” a presentation by Jason Lawrence, vice president of administration at Ozarka College, on Friday, April 19, from 1-2 p.m. in the John E. Miller Education Complex Lecture Hall on the Melbourne campus. The seminar is available to Ozarka College students, employees and the general public at no charge. During his presentation, Lawrence will discuss the importance of customer service in both the public and private sector. He will offer practical suggestions that participants can use to enhance the quality of service at their organizations. Lawrence has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arkansas State University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. He began working as vice president of administration at Ozarka College in January. In his role at the college, he is responsible for overseeing the bookstore, cafeteria, physical plant, grounds, safety and all non-academic functions at all locations. Previously, he worked in medical device sales at Johnson and Johnson. He also has served as the director of student resources at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville and as a faculty member and distance learning specialist at Ozarka College.

Friends Of The Paul Weaver Library To Host Tour D'Art

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:01:44 -0600

Friends of the Paul Weaver Library at Ozarka College will present the second annual literary reading and art extravaganza, Tour D’Art, on Thursday, April 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the John E. Miller Education Complex Lobby and Auditorium. Events will begin in the auditorium with literary readings that will feature original and published works read by Ozarka College students, faculty, staff and Friends of the Paul Weaver Library. The art exhibit will take place in the lobby and will include works from Melbourne, Izard County Consolidated and Calico Rock high school art students and their instructors. Also featured will be works from Brockwell Senior Center participants and community members, as well as Ozarka College students, faculty, staff and friends. Art works will include paintings, sculptures, drawings and other art forms. Refreshments will be provided by the Ozarka College Culinary Arts Department. Entertainment will consist of shamanic drumming by Friends’ member Margeah Bey, also known as Riversong. Joining her will be Mike Diaz and Joanne Andrews. The event is open to the public and admission is free. For more information, contact Friends of the Paul Weaver Library President Erica Sommer at (870) 670-5122, Paul Weaver Library Director Mary Ellen Hawkins at (870) 368-2054 or mhawkins@ozarka.edu or Dan Lindsey at (870) 368-2055 or dlindsey@ozarka.edu. The Friends of the Paul Weaver Library is a group of area volunteers and library staff who work together to promote the Paul Weaver Library and Ozarka College. The group hosts cultural events such as the Tour D’Art to build awareness of the college and its opportunities, as well as to highlight the creativity of area students and others. Friends of the Paul Weaver Library also has a fund-raising book sale once a year on the Ozarka College campus. Anyone who would like to join the Friends of the Paul Weaver Library or who would like more information about the group can contact Erica Sommer or Mary Ellen Hawkins.

Ozarka College Seeks Academic All-Star

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 15:59:21 -0600

Fafsa Support Days

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:57:33 -0600

Ozarka College Student Services will host Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Support Days during the month of April at all locations. The free service will offer students assistance from Financial Aid staff members in completing their 2013-14 FAFSA forms. The FAFSA form is used by the college to determine a student's complete financial aid package, which can include grants, scholarships, work-study and federal loan assistance. Students should bring their 2012 Federal Income Tax Return (if filed), W-2 forms and FAFSA pin number. Dependent students also should bring their parents' 2012 Federal Income Tax Return and W-2s. The events will help students get a jump start on completing the FAFSA for the upcoming year. FAFSA Support Days are set for April 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 1-4 p.m.in the testing computer lab in the Administration building at Ozarka College – Melbourne, room AF101 at Ozarka College – Ash Flat and room 106 at Ozarka College – Mountain View. The Financial Aid team will be at Ozarka College – Mammoth Spring on Thursday, April 11, from 1-4 p.m. For more information, contact the Ozarka College Financial Aid office at finaid@ozarka.edu or (870) 368-2009.

Mountain View To Host Ozarka, April And The Arts

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:55:22 -0600

The Arts and Humanities programs at Ozarka College – Mountain View invite the community to a day-long celebration of the spring season on Thursday, April 11, at the Mountain View campus. Ozarka, April and the Arts will feature the visual, literary and performance artistry of students, staff and community members. The event will open with an art exhibit from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Student Commons and Lecture Hall. The exhibit will highlight representative works by Ozarka College students and staff, the Arkansas Craft School and Mountain View High School art classes. At 12:30 p.m., the Ozarka Women’s Forum will present The Arts in America Today, a wide-ranging discussion of the arts in contemporary America and the contribution of women in the arts. Everyone is encouraged to join what promises to be a lively discussion featuring gifted female artists from the region. The event will wrap up at 6 p.m. with Mountain Sounds, which will feature students, staff and community members offering a unique blend of musical styles from American and international cultures. This event will be located in the Amphitheatre. Admission to all events is free. For additional information, contact Gin Brown at gbrown@ozarka.edu, Cheri McKee-McSwain at cmcswain@ozarka.edu, Rodney Williams at rwilliams@ozarka.edu or call (870) 269-5600.

Culinary Arts Program Accepts Applications

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:51:57 -0600

The Ozarka College Culinary Arts program is currently accepting applications. Students interested in admission to the program need to enroll at Ozarka College and meet with program advisors. Those who are accepted into the program will be notified and scheduled for classes. To enroll, students should apply for admission to Ozarka College either online at www.ozarka.edu or by completing a paper application available at any of the four campuses in Melbourne, Ash Flat, Mammoth Spring or Mountain View. Culinary Arts should be marked as the desired degree plan. The Culinary Arts program is located on the Ozarka College – Melbourne campus and is an Associate of Applied Science degree program that provides foundation and specialized study in the culinary field through academic, laboratory and field experiences. The degree focus is designed to meet current and future needs for training food service managers to assume leadership roles in the industry. For more information, please contact Kathryn Langston at (870) 368-2083 or at klangston@ozarka.edu.

Automotive Service Technology Program Accepts Applications

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:43:20 -0600

The Ozarka College Automotive Service Technology program is currently accepting applications. Students interested in the program should enroll at Ozarka College and meet with program advisors. Those who are accepted into the program will be notified and scheduled for classes.To enroll, students should apply for admission to Ozarka College either online at www.ozarka.edu or by completing a paper application available at any of the four campuses in Melbourne, Ash Flat, Mammoth Spring or Mountain View. Automotive Service Technology should be marked as the desired degree plan. The Automotive Service Technology program is an Associate of Applied Science degree program located on the Ozarka College – Melbourne campus. The program is designed to provide students with marketable skills in automotive service occupations. Students also learn the importance of customer service and workplace relationships, along with new technologies within the industry and the safety procedures necessary to perform the job. For more information, please contact Kathryn Langston at (870) 368-2083 or at klangston@ozarka.edu.

Ozarka College Hosts "inspired To Get Hired"

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:39:03 -0600

Fifty-two Ozarka College students, as well as several faculty, staff and guests, recently participated in "Inspired to Get Hired," the 2013 Employability Skills Conference at Ozarka College. The conference, which was sponsored by the Ozarka College Career Pathways program and Student Success Center, featured Dr. Jan McCormick, founder and CEO of FullCircle Career Service, and Charlotte Strickland, educational seminar coordinator at the University of Central Arkansas. Dr. McCormick's opening session was entitled, "The Top Ten Things Employers Wish You Knew." She explained how important it is to make a positive impression in a short amount of time. Students were encouraged to look through the eyes of the employer and ask three fundamental questions: Can they do the job? Will they do the job? Are they a good fit for the company? The day continued with alternating breakout sessions featuring Dr. McCormick and Charlotte Strickland, founder of Strickly Speaking and education seminar coordinator for the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. Dr. McCormick's breakout session was entitled, "Resume and Beyond: Your Personal Branding Toolkit" / "Pitch and Presentation: You are Your Business Card." This informative session took students through the steps of creating a stand-out resume and cover letter and advised them how to appreciate and promote the uniqueness of what they have to offer potential employers. Four basic types were identified and explored, with particular focus on each type's motivating factors, strengths and weaknesses. Strickland urged students to appreciate their style, accept and appreciate other styles, and try to develop the best features of other styles. During lunch, students were treated to a fashion show featuring Ozarka College students and employees entitled "What Not to Wear for an Interview." The crowd learned a number of tips and suggestions for dressing for success, while all joined in some good-natured laughter at the examples of interviewees who wouldn't get hired because of their attire. Rick Ramsey, system analyst in Ozarka College's Information Systems Department, officiated as announcer for the fashion show. Strickland's closing keynote session, "Eight Keys to Success," highlighted the eight key steps to success: vision, being teachable, attitude, willingness to assume responsibility, treating people well, involvement, knowing who you are and perseverance. Strickland shared fun and engaging examples of each step. She concluded by asking students to consider these steps and ask themselves what they need to start doing, stop doing and continue doing to be successful. The Ozarka College Student Success Center is dedicated to helping all students achieve their academic and career goals. Its mission is to provide every student with the support and assistance they need to set goals based on their personal interests, skills and abilities and to attain them. Services include tutoring at all college locations, workshops, career counseling and r`sum` assistance. The Ozarka College Career Pathways program is designed to assist eligible students in overcoming barriers in their pursuit of higher education and employment training. Qualified applicants may be eligible for assistance with tuition, fees, books, child care, rising fuel costs, counseling and other services.

Deltha Shell Represents Ozarka College In Inaugural Group Of Aacc John E. Roueche Future Leaders Institute

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:13:47 -0600

Deltha Shell, Ozarka College's Director of TRiO Student Support Services, participated in the American Association of Community Colleges John E. Roueche Future Leaders Institute (Roueche-FLI) hosted by GateWay Community College on Feb. 17-22 in Phoenix, Ariz. The week-long institute is an innovative leadership seminar designed for mid-level community college administrators who are ready to move into a higher level of leadership. These individuals typically have the title of dean, associate dean or director and are responsible for multiple employees on their campus. Roueche-FLI is named in honor of Dr. John E. Roueche, a nationally recognized authority in community college education. Dr. Roueche has played an important role in shaping community college leadership over the last 40 years and has written 35 books and more than 150 chapters and articles. He has spoken to more than 1,300 community colleges and universities since 1970 and has accumulated honors and awards that are too numerous to name. Sessions included a panel discussion with Drs. John Roueche, Terry O'Banion, Jerry Sue Thornton and Walter Bumphus, as well as sessions focused on fundraising, communication, technology and leadership.

Ozarka College Sets Registration Dates For Summer And Fall

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 15:01:47 -0600

Summer and fall registration for returning students at Ozarka College will begin at 8 a.m. on April 8, and registration for new students will begin at 8 a.m. on April 15. Beginning April 2, students are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with their assigned advisors to plan their schedules. Summer I courses begin May 28, and the summer II session begins July 1. Fall courses begin Aug. 19. New student orientation is required for all degree-seeking new and transfer students who are enrolling in at least six credit hours for the fall semester. Students who are required to attend an orientation session but fail to attend orientation will be removed from fall courses. High school students enrolled concurrently are not required to attend an orientation session. Orientation will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the following dates: Aug. 5 - Mountain View Aug. 6 - Ash Flat Aug. 7 - Mammoth Spring Aug. 8 - Melbourne Aug.16 - Melbourne Anyone planning to enroll as a new student at Ozarka College must take the ACT or Compass placement assessments. These assessments are required for placement in English, reading and mathematics. The Compass assessment is given by appointment. To schedule an appointment please call (870) 368-2049 in Izard County, (870) 625-0411 in Fulton County, (870) 269-5600 in Stone County, (870) 994-7273 in Sharp County or toll free at 1-800-821-4335. A photo ID is required to take the assessment. The summer and fall course schedules will be available online beginning April 1 at https://otc.ozarka.edu/public_schedule.cfm or at any Ozarka College location. To request a printed copy of the schedule, please call Admissions at (870) 368-7371 or toll free at 1-800-821-4335.

Ozarka College Foundation Hosts Ladies' Luncheon And Spring Fashion Show

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 15:04:02 -0600

Ozarka College at Mountain View was all abloom Saturday, March 9, as more than 100 area women attended the first Ladies' Luncheon and Spring Fashion Show hosted by the Ozarka College Foundation. Event hosts included members of the Ozarka College Foundation Board of Directors from Stone County, including Susan Kemp, Pam Setser, Jane Shipman and Donna Sullivan, all of Mountain View. Gin Brown, Ozarka College at Mountain View site director, assisted by her staff and the college's Advancement Department assistant Chantel Jelks, transformed the student center atrium into a field of daffodils, with brightly colored place settings and ferns from Brown's personal collection. Setser delighted the guests with dulcimer music as they arrived and during lunch. Ozarka College Culinary Arts students served a savory spring quiche, which was complemented by a beautiful tossed salad and three delicious varieties of cheesecake for dessert. Attendees also competed for more than 75 silent auction items donated by area merchants. A live auction featured three cheesecakes prepared by the Culinary Arts students. Kemp served as emcee for the fashion show, which included spring looks and accessories from Aunt Minnie's Yellow House, Embroidery Inspiration, Fashion Savvy, Fringe Salon, Liz's Place, Marty's Gifts, Mitchell's Park Street Pharmacy, My Outlet Mall, Nana's Place, Nancy's Antiques, Stone County Medical Center Auxiliary Gift Shop, The House of Vintage and Wallace Woodwork. Several women from the community modeled in the show. "Gin and the foundation board members from Mountain View did an excellent job with the event," said Suellen Davidson, director of advancement at Ozarka College. "We hope this will become an annual fundraiser at our Mountain View campus." Proceeds from the event benefited the Kenneth and Janice Sutton Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is awarded to a qualifying Stone County resident attending Ozarka College. More photos are available on the Ozarka College Facebook Page.

Ozarka College Accepts Applications For Fall 2013 LPN Program

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 09:35:39 -0600

Ozarka College is accepting applications for the fall 2013 Licensed Practical Nursing program through April 1. The program is currently available at Melbourne, Ash Flat and Mountain View. To enroll, students should visit www.ozarka.edu and complete the online application for admission and select Licensed Practical Nursing as the program of study. To be eligible for the LPN program, students must be currently enrolled in the four pre-requisite courses or have previously completed the pre-requisite courses. The classes required include English Composition I, Math for Nurses, Basic Human Nutrition, and Body Structure and Function or Anatomy and Physiology I and II. Students must also take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and Wonderlic exam offered at Ozarka College in April on the Melbourne campus. Students may sign up for testing with the Admissions Office through April 1. The Wonderlic will be offered at 8 a.m. in the Lecture Hall, followed by TEAS at 8:30 a.m. in the computer lab of the John E. Miller Education Complex on April 5, 12 and 19. To prepare for the TEAS, students may purchase study guides at all Ozarka College Bookstores or they may check out one of the limited number available in the Ozarka College Library. Along with the admission application and scores from the TEAS and Wonderlic exam, students should also submit letters of work experience to the Admissions Office by April 1. For more information about the LPN programs offered at Ozarka College, please contact Admissions at 870-368-2024 or the Nursing Department at 870-368-2077.

Ozarka College Sets 2013 Commencement

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 08:45:45 -0600

The 2013 Ozarka College Commencement will take place on Thursday, May 16, at 7 p.m. in the John E. Miller Education Complex Auditorium at Ozarka College - Melbourne. Any student who graduated in December 2012, or who will be graduating with a degree or certificate in May 2013, must complete the online intent to graduate form by March 22. Students may find the online form under the Courses tab in myOzarka, then by clicking on the Intent to Graduate link on the right hand side of the screen. Students who are registered in coursework to complete their degree this summer may walk in the graduation ceremony; however, diplomas will not be issued until all graduation requirements have been met. Cum Laude and Magna Cum Laude honors are only awarded for associate degrees. For those students planning to walk in graduation, practice will be held in the John E. Miller Auditorium from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14. Graduates will meet in the Lecture Hall at 6 p.m. on the night of commencement. Caps and gowns will be provided free of charge to those who plan to walk and may be picked up May 10 or May 13-16 at the Ozarka College Bookstore. Honor cords will be distributed in the lecture hall before the ceremony graduation night. Students who participate in Phi Theta Kappa may purchase PTK regalia at www.ptk.org. A photographer will be available in the Conference Room of the John E. Miller Education Complex prior to graduation from 5-6:30 p.m. as well as after the ceremony. Students who do not participate in the graduation ceremony may pick up their diploma on the Melbourne campus, May 20-24 or may request to have it sent to the college's Ash Flat, Mammoth Spring or Mountain View locations to be picked up there. All diplomas not picked up by May 24 on the Melbourne campus, or sent to another location, will be mailed on Tuesday, May 28. Students are asked to verify their mailing address in myOzarka. For further information regarding the Ozarka College 2013 Commencement ceremony, please contact the Registrar at 870-368-2028.

Ozarka College Foundation To Host Annual Spring Gala

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 14:58:50 -0600

"Framing the Future" is the theme of the 2013 Ozarka College Foundation Spring Gala on Thursday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m. in the lobby of the John E. Miller Education Complex at Ozarka College, 218 College Drive, Melbourne. The event, which will be hosted by the Ozarka College Foundation Board of Directors, will include dinner prepared by the award-winning Culinary Arts Department, as well as a live and silent auction with all proceeds going toward a new Student Services Center. "At Ozarka College, we are dedicated to making a positive impact in north-central Arkansas," said Dr. Richard Dawe, president. "The theme of this year's gala is fitting because your support of the Ozarka College Foundation is helping to change lives and to create a framework for the future for our students, our campuses and our communities." Businesses or individuals that would like additional information about how to sponsor a corporate table or to purchase individual tickets can contact the Advancement Office at 870-368-2059 or 870-368-2060. Members of the Ozarka College Foundation Board of Directors also will have tickets available for purchase. Foundation directors include Garry Lawrence, chair, Highland; Diane Zook, vice chair, Melbourne; Leah Rouse, secretary/treasurer, Salem; Mark Herrington, Melbourne; Susan Kemp, Mountain View; Beth McEntire-Bess, Ash Flat; and Bobby Gray Miller, Melbourne. Also, Leta Montgomery, Mammoth Spring; Connie Moser, Calico Rock; Sandy Murphy, Ash Flat; Nancy Orr, Ash Flat; Mayor Jean Pace, Mammoth Spring; Pam Setser, Mountain View; Jane Shipman, Mountain View; Jerry Smith, Mammoth Spring; Donna Sullivan, Mountain View; and Mike Watson, Highland.

Ozarka College Foundation Ladies' Luncheon Set For March 9

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:43:36 -0600

The Ozarka College Foundation Ladies' Luncheon is set for March 9. The event consists of a lunch, provided by Ozarka College Culinary Arts, a fashion show and silent auction. The Ladies' Luncheon will be held on March 9 from 11:00am until 1:00pm at the Ozarka College - Mountain View Student Center. Tickets are $20 and available from Ozarka College - Mountain View and Centennial Bank branches in Mountain View. Proceeds from the event benefit the Kenneth and Janice Sutton Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to a qualifying Stone County resident attending Ozarka College.

Ozarka Culinary Student Wins Bronze At Nationals

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:40:40 -0600

Ozarka College had three culinary arts students competing at the national level SkillsUSA Conference in Kansas City June 23-27. One of its culinary arts students brought home a bronze medal from the competition. Kathryn Tebbetts of Bryant won third place in the post-secondary Food and Beverage Service competition against 17 other students from across the United States. After winning Gold medals in their divisions at the Arkansas Association of SkillsUSA Leadership and Skills Conference, which was held in Hot Springs in April, three Ozarka College culinary arts students competed at the 44th Annual National SkillsUSA Championships in Kansas City from June 23-27. This was Kathryn's first time to compete in SkillsUSA. William "Joey" Stender of Ash Flat also competed for the first time in the post-secondary culinary arts competition and finished in the top twenty. Kim Brown of Glenwood competed in the Commercial Baking category and finished in the top twenty. Ozarka College’s Culinary Arts instructors, Linda Taylor and Mimi Newsome, accompanied the students to the competition in Kansas City. Taylor expresses her enthusiasm for the students’ accomplishments. “Just making it to the national competition is a success in itself. We had our first gold medal back in 2005 at that level, which was exciting for that second year student. Now with a first year student winning the bronze at nationals, reflects on the quality of our students and the hard work and effort they put into their training and education.” The SkillsUSA Championships is the showcase for the best career and technical students in the nation. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. The philosophy of the Championships is to reward students for excellence, to involve industry in directly evaluating student performance and to keep training relevant to employers' needsThis year, there were over 6,000 contestants in 91 separate events during the competitions, with more than 16,000 people drawn to the competition. Categories include health occupations; leadership development; occupationally-related; official demonstration; and trade, industrial and technical which includes the culinary arts contests. For further information of Ozarka’s Culinary Arts Program, the first of its kind in the State of Arkansas, contact Ozarka at 870-368-7371, toll free 1-800-821-4335, or visit the website at www.ozarka.edu.top picture: Bronze Medalist, Kathryn Tebbetts pictured with Randy Prather, Arkansas Director for Skills USA.bottom picture: left to right: Kim Brown, Kathryn Tebbetts, and Joey Stender.