OWL OBSERVER
Issue 12
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OWL OBSERVER
February, 2021 Expanding Opportunities
The Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth
EDITION 12
The Academy is excited to announce the launching of our very own Podcast developed by the students! Episode 1 features Ra’Shaan Sylvester, Zachary Law, and Quin Glass (pictured above). The students offer a whimsical and fresh perspective on what the Academy is, it’s role at Kennesaw State University, and how it’s influenced the students' lives. We have been so proud of the way that they are driving the weekly meetings, marketing, and content creation. This opportunity allows the students to talk about what matters to them, learn technical skills, and obtain internship hours. The first episode launches Friday, February 19, 2021. You can listen on the Academy website as well as other podcast platforms including Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, etc. Stay tuned! Greetings, It is hard to believe that February is here. The vaccine for COVID seems to be more abundant and hopefully will help things return to normal. Soon we will be sending out invitations to those selected to participate in our ALCD program for next year. Also, we will be working on scheduling classes for next term. We are still waiting to hear more from the university about graduation. If we can have a ceremony, our students, staff, and others' safety will be paramount. We have been busy on the
academic front. As we work with each student, please remember that it is essential that they produce their own work. We are striving hard to foster a sense of autonomy and can use your help. This academic year continues to be one for the books in terms of extenuating factors. Still, we have been exceptionally pleased with how our students have stepped up to follow safety guidelines and follow our suggestions. Here is to a great rest of the term. Neil
Academy Announcements Movie Day – Fri. Feb. 12th Student Center (Leadership Room) 3 pm to 5 pm 2021 IPSE Advocacy Day – (Virtual) – Feb. 16th 10 am to 3 pm. Rise Against Hunger – March 5th KSU Coronavirus Information and Updates: https://coronavirus.kennesaw.ed u/ Sign-up on our website for the following https://wellstarcollege.kennesaw .edu/academy/ 2021 – 2022 Application Workshops – Mondays @ 11 am Virtual Open House – Thursday’s @ 3pm AILSG Campus Tours – Friday’s @ 1pm
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Students of the Month
Welcome to Crystal Bohannon! My name is Crystal Bohannon, and I am the newest Life Skills Educator at the Academy. I recently graduated from the Human Services program here at KSU (Hooty hoo!) which is how I learned about the Academy through two semesters of internship experience. My intention was always to find a career working with children, but my goals soon shifted once I found the Academy and began working with a new population. I’ve enjoyed watching the students' progress through the programs here, and I am so excited that I get to be a part of it. In my free time, I enjoy visiting my three nieces and snuggling my dog, Sadie. I love to read, work out, and hopefully will get back to traveling again soon!
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Academy Night Out at Bowlero Before the holiday break, we were able to celebrate with a fun bowling night at Bowlero on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. About 25 students and staff were able to join us in the fun with pizza, drinks, friends, and bowling. We appreciate everyone who made it out and hope to do more social events as conditions allow.
Valentines for Seniors Service learning is one of the many values like to emphasize with our students. Recently, one of our girl’s groups made Valentines that will go to local Senior Adults in the area. Thanks to Cobb County Library and Nicole Lehner for the kits! We are so excited to give back to our community.
Super Bowl Fun The Academy recently held a Super Bowl party as part of our social program. Students had to sign up for the viewing event due to room capacity which was in the Student Center Loft Lounge. They enjoyed pizza delivery, drinks, snacks, and of course football as part of the night’s festivities. Thanks to all who participated!
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Welcome to our Human Services Interns
Mahlia Gullatte
We are very fortunate to have some great interns from the KSU Department of Social Work and Human Services this semester. They will be working with our staff to provide additional support and guidance for students. Please welcome them and look for their participation in all aspects of the program for spring semester.
My name is Mahlia Gullatte, I am 20 years old and I am a junior at Kennesaw State University in the Human Services program This is my first-year interning at the KSU Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth and I absolutely adore all the academy students! I plan on graduating in the Spring of 2022. I have two dogs and in my free time, I like to work out and spend time with my family and two dogs, Hunter, and Lola. I'm super excited to be a part of the KSU Academy family!
Taisha Jean-Charles My name is Taisha Jean-Charles. I am a senior at Kennesaw State University. This is my first year as an intern at the Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth. If all things go as planned, I hope to graduate in spring 22 with my BS in human service. After that, I plan on attending graduate school to get my MSW
Lindsey Craven My name is Lindsey Craven, and I am a senior at KSU. I am a Human Services major, and I will be graduating in Spring 2021 with my concentration in Social Engagement and Advocacy. I am from Cartersville, Georgia, I am the middle child of six kids, and I love cats! Some things that I love to do are cooking, jogging, gaming, playing with my cat, and spending time with family and friends. I am loving my internship here at the Academy for Inclusive Learning and Social Growth, and I look forward to what this final semester has in store.
Our Peer Mentors Are the Best! We are so fortunate to have a great group of peer mentors. They are such an important part of our program with the supports they provide our students in and out of the classroom. Their dedication to the students in the AILSG program, while maintaining their own course loads, is truly inspiring. Thank you for all that you do to support the mission of the Academy.
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nduchac@kennesaw.edu nswiersk@kennesaw.edu
cscragg@kennesaw.edu
ssever@kennesaw.edu
jjames48@kennesaw.edu
Crystal Bohannon Life Skills Educator
cbohann4@kennesaw.edu
swyatt22@kennesaw.edu
jsorenso@kennesaw.edu skent12@kennesaw.edu
GVRA Information We are not a part of the GVRA organization and do not have information related to the release of funds or processing of benefits. We suggest reaching out to your local office for more information. Atlanta: 404-206-6000 Norcross: 770-729 -5400 Athens: 706-354-3900 Marietta: 770-528-3435 Augusta: 706-650-5600
College Park: 770-909-2838 Canton: 770-720-3570 Douglasville: 770-489-3018 Tucker: 770-414-2602 Americas (Columbus): 706-649-7400