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Young AmeriTowne On the Road served 226 students last week in our inaugural visit to Colorado Springs! Â The program was held at the Discover Goodwill building for a week beginning on March 6. Â I sat down with Towne Director Chris O’Reilly to hear his highlights from the trip. Â Here’s what he had to say:
Question: How was your trip to Colorado Springs?
Answer: We had a great week in Colorado Springs! Â One thing I love about the On the Road program is taking the program to schools and markets that have never been able to participate before.
Question: What was the reaction of local schools to having this program “in their backyard?”
Answer: Teachers like Andrea Rodriguez, who teaches fourth grade at Stetson Elementary were thrilled. Â She said, “We have traditionally participated in Young AmeriTowne in Denver, but we couldn’t get buses this year. Â I’m so glad that we were able to participate–there’s no other curriculum that teaches life skills!”
Question: Is there a moment that was particularly memorable?
Colorado Spring Mayor John Suthers swears in the Young AmeriTowne Mayor from Rogers Elementary School in Colorado Springs.
Answer: One thing that comes to mind was when the Mayor of Colorado Springs, John Suthers, swore in the Mayor of Young AmeriTowne! Â He was able to stop by and meet students from Rogers Elementary School on our first day there.
Question: Are you planning to go back, and if so, when?
Answer:Â Yes! We hope to bring AmeriTowne On the Road to Colorado Springs again in winter, 2020.
Question: Can new schools participate? Â What should they do to find out more information?
Answer: Â We would love to have new schools participate. Â In fact, we hope to be in Colorado Springs for an extra week or two, depending on demand, next year. Â Please reach out to me via phone or email: 303-320-3214 or coreilly@yacenter.org.
After a short break, AmeriTowne On the Road is headed to Aurora at the beginning of April. Â Be sure to check our blog for more stories about this next visit!
