Zeke Rangel studies Native American pottery in the Luther Bean Museum.
Ortega Middle School eighth grade students participated in Adams State University Exploration Day, on May 25.
Curtis
Garcia, visiting professor of Teacher Education, organized the event, with
assistance from Elaine Wenta, administrative assistant for Teacher Education. Eighty
middle school students divided into groups and participated in activities across
campus.
The idea for the event came after Garcia
was asked to serve as the keynote speaker for the 8th grade continuation
ceremony, which was held the previous night, May 24, at OMS.
"Given that the next day was the
last day of school for the eighth graders, we wanted to provide them with an
experience that would encourage them to think about their futures," Garcia
said. He coordinated with OMS Principal Denise Cordova to arrange the day and Tu
Casa, who provided additional activities for the students in the afternoon.
Departments
throughout the Adams State campus hosted the students, including the Luther
Bean Museum. Dr. Nick Saenz, assistant professor of history, introduced the
students on how to fully experience a museum and interpret the collection.
"I
think that this event was a great opportunity for students to engage with local
heritage," Saenz said. While in the museum, the students discussed the J. Noel
Tucker mural tied to the naming of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, reflected
the uses and design of Native American pottery, learned a little about
blacksmiths and their relationship to farming and ranching, and examined
several works of art by artists William Moyers and Stephen Quiller.
"The event was a success," Garcia added. He hopes to
host the event annually and invite eighth graders from around the valley.
