This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Kent State President Kicks Off College Readiness Week in Stow

Dr. Lester Lefton was keynote speaker for first-ever event at Stow-Munroe Falls High School.

President Lester Lefton and his entourage of university cheerleaders, marching band members and Flash the mascot kicked off the first-ever college readiness week at last Monday.

According to the January edition of the Maroon and Gold Gazette, “Discover U Week (Destination: College)” is a school-wide endeavor created by high school staff members to encourage and inform students of the possibilities for educational experiences and opportunities beyond high school.

Throughout last week the high school hosted a series of events designed to encourage continued learning after graduation and build career awareness.

Find out what's happening in Stowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In addition to contests and “Spirit Days,” there were guest speakers in the Library-Media Center during lunch periods throughout the week. Various successful community members shared their career and education success stories with students.

Lefton was invited to serve as the event’s keynote speaker by Stow-Munroe Falls science teacher Mark Treen, who earned his undergraduate degree at Kent State and was a cheerleader there.

Find out what's happening in Stowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Emily Vincent, director of media relations at Kent State, said Lefton shared advice on college readiness with about 2,000 students in two sessions, one of freshmen and sophomores and another of juniors and seniors.

“His message was, ‘Your investment in good grades now will pay off not only in getting admitted to college, but also in getting scholarships,’” Vincent said. “He also reminded them that they have world-class university located practically in their own back yard.”

Jacquie Mazziotta, school district spokesperson, said Lefton also strongly encouraged students to read – a lot.

“He challenged the 9th and 10th to read 30 books this summer. He said reading would translate to better grades, which would help them with college scholarships,” Mazziotta said. “He also told students to take the hardest classes they could while in high school and get good grades. Those grades will translate into cash in the form of scholarships.”

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Stow