TAHLEQUAH, Okla.(AP) – Jay High School senior Chelsea Foreman, says she always planned to go to college after graduation, but attending the Cherokee Nation Foundation Cherokee College Prep Institute camp, gave her more confidence in realizing her dream in furthering her education.
“I always had college in mind, but after attending the camp, I have more confidence. We did a lot of one-on-one training that helped me understand about getting into college and what they're looking for,” Foreman said.
The week of July 15-19, nearly 40 students attended the fourth annual CCPI at the University of Central Oklahoma, located in Edmond, Oklahoma, as part of the Cherokee Nation Foundation's program.
“I really enjoyed the camp. It was a lot of fun as well as learning about schedules, and ACT tests, writing essays, doing research, and learning about computers,” Foreman added.
Foreman said learning how to deal with the ACT tests helped her to have a better understanding of their importance and how to improve her scores.
“The instructor helped us understand the importance of the tests, and where we needed to improve our scores by pointing out the subjects where our scores were weak,” Foreman said.
Foreman says she is seeking a medical degree from Rogers State University, the top choice of three colleges the teenager is considering.
Foreman is excited about her future and gives her mother, Cheryle Foreman, a lot of credit for her success.
Janice Randall, executive director for CNF, says the most valuable resource they have are the students who complete the program and go back to their schools and communities to spread the word.
“We are dedicated to helping as many students as we can to help ensure a brighter future for the Cherokee Nation,” said Randall. “After each camp, we ask the students to act as ambassadors in their communities and help spread the word about our programs. CCPI has such a positive impact on students at a crucial time, but we have to get them here to help them. That’s why our ambassadors are so important."
This year’s students included the following:
Taylor Garrett, Bartlesville High School
Evan Barton, Booker T. Washington High School
Shayla Culloty, Catoosa High School
Anna Fine, Central High School
Tragan Lattimore, Central High School
Kaylee Clyma, Claremore High School
Lauren Chancellor, Claremore High School
Amaris Hall, Claremore Home School
Joshua Hummingbird, Coweta High School
Abbie Poss, Harding Charter School
Cheyanne Wheat, Edison High School
Shelbi Hoskin, Edison High School
Brandon Cobb, Edmond North
Hunter Tolliver, Healdton High School
Sophia Kuchenbacker, Highland Park High School, Dallas, Texas
Chelsea Foreman, Jay High School
Austin Neuhauser, Jenks High School
Moriah Stice, Liberty High School
Jake Rader, Oologah High School
Julia Quinton, Owasso High School
Brooklyn Mossier, Owasso High School
Benly McAdoo, Piedmont High School
Sagely McAdoo, Piedmont High School
Kelby Welsh, Pryor High School
Meleya Belden, Pryor High School
Shelby Wood, Pryor High School
Sunny Bennett, Pryor High School
Jack Aikman, Putman City High School
Auri Sparks, Sallisaw High School
Conner Cochran, Sequoyah High School
Konnor Hall, Siloam Springs High School
Kortney Dry, Tahlequah High School
Trae Hendricks, Tahlequah High School
Cassidy Henderson, Vinita Public Schools
Noah Nickens, Westville High School
CCPI curriculum was developed in cooperation with College Horizons, the U.S. Department of Education and the Princeton Review. The lessons focus on ACT strategies, essay writing, interview skills and time management.
Participating universities included Oklahoma State University, Bacone College, Rogers State University, University of Arkansas, University of Central Oklahoma, University of Pennsylvania and Duke University.
For more information, contact Cherokee Nation Foundation at (918) 207-0950 or Janice