Cougar Hi-Lites

Join and NO Regrets

Tuesday, January 25, 2011 By Elizabeth Pruneda

Only a few have taken this wonderful opportunity, and many are clueless it’s out there. It includes money and education, what more could you want? You want trips across the nation and meet new friends? Wait no longer! Upward Bound is here in our school, and only a few have joined. There is always room for more, especially underclassmen. The main focus of this program is to help after school with tutoring and preparing you for college. “It helps you really think about what’s next after high school,” said senior Gretchen Splattstoesser, a 4 year participant. A 2 year member and junior, Benji Capetillo recommends for all to join because, “You take educational trips, meet new people, and have a good experience. You might think it’s a drag, but it really isn’t because of all the new people you meet.” The Upward Bound academic program is funded by Washington State University, and is similar to the Trio Upward Bound program. The Upward Bound program provides fully paid trips, where time is split on fun activities and shopping. Trips include in and out of state college visits, Seattle, Washington D.C., Spokane, Leavenworth, etc. When asked about her trips to the east coast senior, and member for three years, Stacee Villarreal said, “Trips can be beyond expectations! You get exposed to different things, and definitely have culture shock. It made me want to go to school there, but it’s heartbreaking because I can’t.” In the program, they meet up every Tuesday during lunch with their advisor, Jesus Enriquez. In these meetings they get to discuss where they go with the upperclassmen as the leaders. They also meet up as a whole every month in Moses Lake with students from Moses Lake and Soap Lake, under head advisor Janice Koreis. With the program, you also have the opportunity to take all college prep tests like the SAT and ACT. Splattstoesser said, “There are lots of meetings and they may seem repetitive, but it’s worth it because it makes sure you succeed and reach your full potential.” Getting paid $40 for all the hard work you have to put in is a nice bonus. In addition, the program also offers summer programs that are made to what you specifically want to do. In these summer programs you have the chance to get a feel of how college life can be, with activities and not just a tour, but an opportunity to explore the campus on your own. Jesus Madrigales, a senior and a 4 year participant, said “Over the years they have paid a lot towards prep courses, tests, admission, books, and trips around the area. During the summer we get to participate in classes, then hang out, and be in different dorms to get a taste of the different kind of dorms on campus, plus you get to meet new people. Join and have no regrets.”