 Kaydee Johnson/Collegian photographer
Sarah Hodgkinson, alum, and Laura Morgan, education junior, look on as a horse is being groomed at the Simmons Ranch April 5. The students were visiting with the Leadership team as part a senior project put on by Caylin Larsen, nursing senior. Larsen's project was entitled "A Day at the Ranch." [Click to enlarge]
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A genuine ability to make a difference in community members' lives and reaching out to others while asking for nothing in return. This is what Leadership senior projects demonstrate each year. This year three seniors share their three original projects and the experiences that come with them.
Each senior Leadership student is to create a self-led project that requires the student to have the experience of envisioning, designing, implementing, and evaluating a project that will be a beneficial to society. Ali Schmidt, nursing senior wanted to remind everyone of the extreme sacrifices and dedication veterans gave to our country and to remind people of the many freedoms we are blessed to have that we sometimes forget.
Schmidt satisfied her idea by creating an occasion dedicated to honoring veterans at the Winfield Veteran's home April 4. The project was initiated with the sound of the pledge of allegiance recited by the Winfield color guard. Then Schmidt, two high school students, one college student, and Randy Emerson shared their gratitude for the veterans. Emerson founded a program that gives veterans a free flight to Washington to view the memorial.
After the speeches a video was shown with photographs of veterans in uniform and present photo of the veterans. In the background music played as a solider recited a poem his grandmother gave him which he took to every battle.
"Although there were many tears, I believe they were tears of happiness and gratitude," Schmidt said. Schmidt concluded the occasion by serving ice cream and providing games so the families could mingle.
Afterwards Schmidt was overwhelmed with emotions. She said, "I felt pride in my project and my leadership team, gratitude towards the veterans and the volunteers, happiness, and relief."
Dedication and hard work are no feat to the project. Students spend hours a day for months sorting out the odds and ends.
Caylin Larsen, nursing senior, chose a project called "A Day at the Ranch."
Larsen said, "On the actual day I was a photographer and I really sat back and watched the interaction the kids had and how much they enjoyed the day and learning more about horses."
The aim was to provide a bonding and learning experience for Big Brothers, Big Sisters. Larsen had other college students participate as Bigs for the day. They were Sarah Hodgkinson, 2006 alumni, Cassi Reimer, mathematics and physics sophomore, Laura Morgan, education and history junior, Blake Morgan, biochemistry junior, and Justin Fruck, undecided freshman.
It took place at the Simmons Ranch. Owner Sue Simmons taught the kids to groom, clean and ride the horses. She used the themes patience, persistence, and perseverance to guide the kids through the lessons.
Courtney Bolejack, psychology senior, said, "The Senior Project is one way where everyone gets a chance to test their abilities with something they like or an idea they have. It provides everyone with a 'your moment' type perspective and 'now what do you want to do with it.'
"As a result, there have been some really good events and activities come out of previous senior projects and ones that are still going right here on campus today."
Just shy of one hundred people attended a three hour event. The event was filled with activities for grandparents and their grandchildren March 29.
"I have a passion for elders. And because I enjoy spending time with adolescents
"I essentially built this event up to reach both worlds," said Bolejack.
There was a ventriloquist, toys, door prizes, games, and at the end of the day they were able to take a framed family portrait.
"That was the most special thing about this event to me, was to make the photo for memories," said Bolejack.
Bolejack said the purpose of the senior project was to allow people one big chance to prove that they do have the skills and what it takes to work a community of people together.
All three women believe they were successful and had a great turnout in their events.
To sum up her day Schmidt said, "(It was) an amazing opportunity to serve others and provide them happiness."
Samantha Gillis is a freshman majoring in journalism. You may e-mail her at samantha.gillis@sckans.edu.
2008 Woodie Awards
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