Edison Community College
Edison Hosts Piqua JHS for Campus Visit Day 

Over the course of two weeks, the entire class of Piqua Jr. High School attended classes at Edison Community College in a program that introduces an awareness of college life to students at an early age. 

This is the third year for the Piqua Jr. High Campus Visit Day program, which brings all eighth grade students to Edison’s campus for a full day of classroom sessions and lunch. 

Prior to the students coming to Edison, a team from the college’s student affairs staff went to the Jr. High School to hold classroom presentations that helped them to prepare for the visit and to learn more about what all college has to offer and the importance of getting a good education. 

Students were able to pick from a variety of classes to attend, ranging from robotics, medical sciences and criminal justice, all taught by Edison faculty and staff members. 

“This is a very high-energy event that we do every year to help give students an early look at what college life will be like,” said Stacey Bean, enrollment manager for Edison. “Students get to engage with Edison faculty and staff and get some hands-on experiences in the classroom.” 

Some students were happy for the opportunity to explore what they hoped would be their future careers. 

“I want to become a science teacher,” said Heather Prater, of Piqua. “Edison is a really good choice for students and coming here at an early age gives us a good head start.” 

Throughout the day, in between the classroom sessions and lunch, students assembled in the Robinson Theater to participate in a talent show, with this year’s winners getting prizes from the campus bookstore. 

“We always look forward to seeing what talents the students and teachers are going to bring every year,” said Chip Hare, director of athletics and student life, who initiated the talent show portion at the fist Campus Visit Day in 2010. “The students from Piqua Jr. High really bring a lot of energy to campus and it’s fun seeing all of their talents on display.” 

Student Shelby Warren was happy for the opportunity to try out college classes for the day.

“The teachers here have all been really nice,” said Warren. “It’s been really entertaining and more hands on than our regular classes. I want to come to Edison.”