YSI makes learning fun:Summer program in its 22nd year

By MARGARET HOBBS / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Emily Scott, from right, Lowe’s employee Hillarie Jones and Katie Blankenship ‘hammer away’ on their bookend project. (Margaret Hobbs photos)

How about a different, fun field trip each day for a week? How about learning how a hospital operates or the ins and outs of the banking industry. Want to travel to area businesses for an inside look and even do some cool crafts? That’s just a few of the fun things available to students participating in Young Scholar’s Institute (YSI).

YSI is in its 22nd year and is very popular with students second grade through ninth. Approximately 400 children participated in the sessions running for two weeks.

Director and coordinator Linda Dunlap has just about perfected the event, having been involved all 22 years and served as director for the past 12 years.

“It’s a great time for the students,” said Dunlap. “They love the trips. I think many parents see it as an opportunity to let their children experience these wonderful places.”

The first week is devoted to traveling to area attractions. This year the group visited the Adventure Science Center, Frist Museum, Bicentennial Mall, Farmers Market in Nashville, Cannonsburg Village, Chattanooga’s Discovery Museum and the Aquarium, just to name a few.

“Swimming was the best for me,” said student Amanda Laxton. “It was also fun painting my birdhouse, I’m going to give mine to my grandmother.”

Second week activities revolved around the theme “The Junior Apprentice,” as students were exposed to different aspects of the business world. The week’s events were topped off with a visit to Chattanooga’s Coolidge Park for a day of fun and games.

Students participating in the activities are invited upon the suggestion of their teachers as a means of enrichment for students who excel in school academically. It also rewards students for their hard work and academic achievement.

Megan Burke attended both weeks of YSI and said, “I liked about everything. I love to make new friends, like Amanda (Laxton). When I came, I didn’t know anybody and I found her! The science museum was great. They had a heart and it was moving. Yes, I’ll be back next year.”