Clarion University Hosts Kid's Night

CLARION – Thirty-three kindergarten through second grade students from Clarion Area and Immaculate Conception schools in Clarion were college students for a night during Clarion University’s Spring 2008 “Kids Night.”

“We had a good turnout and the kids enjoyed it,” said Andy Yost. “This is an annual event along with “Kids Come to College” day that is held each year in November. Parents are welcome to stay too.”

Yost, a junior elementary education major, is a son of Carol Muhitch of St. Marys and is a graduate of St. Marys High School. He and 20 volunteers from Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC) and The Association for the Childhood Education International (ACEI)PennAEYC/ACEI helped supervise the activities.

Dr. Brian Maguire, associate professor of education, opened the evening by reading the children a book about constellations. This was followed by a planetarium show in Peirce Planetarium presented by Curtis Foltz, assistant professor of physics. The concluding activity for the children was creating their own constellation project by placing stars on a black background.

PennAEYC's vision is that every child in Pennsylvania has the equal opportunity to be a successful, responsible, and productive member of society as a result of early childhood experiences. A State Affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, PennAEYC is a dynamic organization of almost 4500 members including 13 local Affiliate Chapters offering professional development, advocacy support, networking, leadership, and other opportunities for early childhood professionals.

ACEI’s mission is to promote and support in the global community the optimal education and development of children, from birth through early adolescence, and to influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society.
Dr. LouAnn Bonnett, associate professor of education at Clarion University, is the PennAEYC/ACEI advisor.

The Clarion University students volunteering to help at the event included:
Theresa DiMarco, a senior elementary education/special education major, a daughter of Kathy DiMarco of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Baldwin High School.
Lauren Lew, a sophomore early childhood education major, a son of Bill and Karen Lew of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Baldwin High School.
Ashley Sivak, a sophomore accounting major, a daughter of Denise Sivak of South Park and a graduate of South Park High School.
Bonnie Simpson, a senior speech pathology major, a daughter of Fred Simpson of Houston and a graduate of Chartiers-Houston High School.
Shannon Larkin, a sophomore mass media arts, journalism, and communication studies major, a daughter of Diane Larkin of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Baldwin High School.
Samantha Moon, a junior elementary education major, a daughter of Larry Moon of South Williamsport and a graduate of South Williamsport High School.
Jennifer D. Lewis, a freshman elementary education/special education major, a daughter of Don Lewis of Weedville and a graduate of St. Marys High School.
Jess Koontz, a freshman early childhood education major, a daughter of Dave and Cindy Koontz of Mckees Rocks and a graduate of Montour High School.
Jessica Link, a senior early childhood education major, a daughter of Maureen Link of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Carrick High School.
Stevie Grabb of Pittsburgh, a senior elementary education major and a graduate of Shaler High School.
Heather O’Rouke, a senior early childhood education major, a daughter of Shari O’Rourke of Cecil and a graduate of Canon McMillan High School.
Lauren Volk, a junior elementary education/special education major, a daughter of Lorie Krchelich of Tarentum and a graduate of Highlands High School.
Krista Lichtenberg, a junior elementary education major, a daughter of Dawn Lichtenberg of Glen Rock and a graduate of Dallastown High School.
Nicole Smith, a sophomore early childhood education major, a daughter of Jean Smith of Kersey and a graduate of St. Marys High School.
Carley Kunes of Reynoldsville, a senior early childhood education major and a graduate of DuBois High School.
Stefanie Mitchell, a senior early childhood education major, a daughter of Vicki Myers of Franklin and a graduate of Rocky Grove High School.
Lauren Gault of Natrona Heights, a senior early childhood education major and a graduate of Highlands High School.
Bethany Lauer, a sophomore elementary education/special education major, a daughter of Donna Lauer of Natrona Heights and a graduate of Highlands High School.
Shannon O’Connor, a senior elementary education major, a daughter of Amy O’Connor of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Plum High School.
Corrinne Tettis of St. Marys, a junior elementary education major and a graduate of St. Marys High School.