Copland Manor students sample it all at Exploration Day

Reptiles, balloon art, clay pot making, building computers and being a Lake County judge were some of the activities and careers offered to Copeland Manor students in May during a special Exploration Day.

Copeland Manor students dedicated May 14 to learning about careers, crafts, hobbies and sports skills. The day started at 8:45 a.m. with an opening ceremony featuring Superintendent Dr. Guy Schumacher and an African Drumming Circle by the drummers from Pulse Beat Music. The school is located at 801 S. Seventh St. in Libertyville.

During the day, students attended four classes where they were taught anything from fencing to reptile care, to disc golf to building computers, to balloon art to Irish dancing. Students also had the chance to make a piece of pottery, cook cannoli, learn CPR or martial arts, learn yoga or architecture, practice playing the guitar and listen to an author talk about rhyming.

"This unique event offers students the opportunity to participate in novel and interactive presentations," said parent and event coordinator Angela Eads. "More than 30 community members, vendors and skilled parents share a wide variety of careers, hobbies and special interests. Some new presentations this year include field hockey and the secrets of junk food and germs (where a nutritionist uses a black light and science to show to many germs are around)."

Other classes offered by parents and community leaders included a day in the life of Lake County Judge Margaret Marcoullier, jewelry making, sign language, camping basics, Tae Kwon Do, short course tennis, paper making, animal care and rescue (featuring a dog, cat and rabbit), chess, acting and looking at fossils.

The one-hour classes ran from 9:15 to 11:20 a.m. and from 12:20 to 2:25 p.m. The closing ceremony was held at 2:30 p.m.

"Exploration Day encourages students to learn about various interests," said Principal Erik Youngman. "The success of this event takes a community committed to the education of their children."

The parent-run event, the largest of its kind in the district, is an easy sell to students.

"When choosing their classes, students are encouraged to explore a unique interest or to learn about something completely new," Eads said. "This is a fun and empowering opportunity for the kids. Our presenters, then, have the advantage of working with motivated, interested students. These presenters donate generous amounts of time, supplies and expertise. Without them, this event would not be possible."