Describing Frederick's Bomber YELL, Youth Engaged in Leadership and Learning, critical thinking/mentoring program neither adequately reflects what occurs nor the excitement with which it is delivered and absorbed.Background
In August of 2016, when Roxanne Hill became a
consultant for Vernon College, she began volunteering more with the community and
began working with Lance Bohannon, who already had launched the Big Topics critical thinking mentoring. In 2017 Hill proposed the idea of Bomber YELL.
"The first Bomber YELL program was held last summer with 11 participants. The idea was an inspiration from most notably from the work of John W. Gardner and the work from the Gardner Center, Stanford CA. The curriculum in the handbook is in-depth in areas of soft skills but lacked in areas of values, morals and ethics," said Hill. This is the piece upon which Bohannon and Hill collaborate symbiotically and synergistically.
"The first Bomber YELL program was held last summer with 11 participants. The idea was an inspiration from most notably from the work of John W. Gardner and the work from the Gardner Center, Stanford CA. The curriculum in the handbook is in-depth in areas of soft skills but lacked in areas of values, morals and ethics," said Hill. This is the piece upon which Bohannon and Hill collaborate symbiotically and synergistically.
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| Lance Bohannon and Roxanne Hill, Bomber YELL co-founders and mentors. |
Session, 07/16/18
According to Bohannon, "Our approach this summer in incorporating the kids' request to study mythology is to examine the mythological allusions commonly used in our speech as part of the fabric that makes English so extraordinarily powerful and nuanced."
Both Bohannon and Hill, "one firecracker mom," prepare extensively before the meetings, which begin in Bohannon's home. To pull history and culture together for this session, Bohannon had prepared a timeline for discussion.
An avid reader, Bohannon has a liberal arts undergraduate degree and an MBA, which combine with world travel to produce his love of learning and business acumen. Hill's depth of education and technology as well as her experiences allow her to create and apply innovative teaching techniques and youth opportunities. Hill is also a perfect complement for Bohannon.
According to Bohannon, "Our approach this summer in incorporating the kids' request to study mythology is to examine the mythological allusions commonly used in our speech as part of the fabric that makes English so extraordinarily powerful and nuanced."
Both Bohannon and Hill, "one firecracker mom," prepare extensively before the meetings, which begin in Bohannon's home. To pull history and culture together for this session, Bohannon had prepared a timeline for discussion.
An avid reader, Bohannon has a liberal arts undergraduate degree and an MBA, which combine with world travel to produce his love of learning and business acumen. Hill's depth of education and technology as well as her experiences allow her to create and apply innovative teaching techniques and youth opportunities. Hill is also a perfect complement for Bohannon.
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| Timeline |
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| Having studied Chinese while in the military, Bohannon shares a lesson about Chinese characters and an appreciation of English. The characters represented "mad octopus," the image for black. |
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| At each session, mentees receive points for participation which ranges from answers and comments to questions. Eventually, points can translate into scholarship money. |
Participants voluntarily dedicate the remaining three weeks of summer and once a week during the school year to learn, grow, think and serve.
Hill stated rules and the location of the restroom.
No doubt a key question for past, present and future thinking: "Does it serve a social or intellectual purpose?"
Both Bohannon and Hill are quick to seize teachable moments, e.g., on manners. Even if the discussion seems to veer from the topic, the change is welcomed, discussed and brought back to the plan. All questions and comments are positive.
At the end, Hill guided the wrap-up and let the youths discuss.
Learning and discussion were from 10 a.m. to noon. Lunch was provided, and Bomber YELL participants then proceeded to the high school gym where they performed community service of painting the metal railing. As leaders in school, these young people will share their pride in what they have done at school and in the community.
Hill stated rules and the location of the restroom.
- Do not interrupt.
- Raise hand before speaking; be recognized.
No doubt a key question for past, present and future thinking: "Does it serve a social or intellectual purpose?"
Both Bohannon and Hill are quick to seize teachable moments, e.g., on manners. Even if the discussion seems to veer from the topic, the change is welcomed, discussed and brought back to the plan. All questions and comments are positive.
At the end, Hill guided the wrap-up and let the youths discuss.
Learning and discussion were from 10 a.m. to noon. Lunch was provided, and Bomber YELL participants then proceeded to the high school gym where they performed community service of painting the metal railing. As leaders in school, these young people will share their pride in what they have done at school and in the community.
Bomber YELL Community Service
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| Doug Ade, Morningstar Construction owner and civic leader, instructs the Bomber YELL mentees on painting technique. |
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| Roxanne Hill, M.Ed. |
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| Cindy Ade teaches etiquette to Frederick critical thinkers. |
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Bomber YELL Summer 2018
(L-R) Kynlea C., Sydney M., Rebecca B., Amery N., Ellie A., Quinn J., Rachel S., Lily Marie F., Orlando M., Brinlee H., Easi R., Raegan H.
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Visiting the Robotics Lab
The Bombers robotics program, led by Dr. Robert L. Woods, Distinguished Teaching Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering at the University of Texas Arlington, has exploded in interest and learning.
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| Tom Hensley, robotics instructor, and Lance Bohannon in the highly organized robotics lab. |
Hensley, a retired military air traffic controller, is a key part of Frederick Public Schools' forward momentum. The military instills much leadership, mission-orientation and discipline in its people, and Hensley brings these gifts to his teaching.
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| 3-D printer |
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| Bomber Robotics' bulletin board, i.e., pride & motivation |
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| Work bench & tools |
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| Regulation competition area improves performance. |
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| Computers |
Gift from the 2018 Bomber YELL mentees to Beverly-- a t-shirt!
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| Back of shirt with names of 2018 Bomber YELL theme and mentees' names--priceless |
For more about Rotary, alumni and other community/school funding:
http://okmentor.blogspot.com/2018/09/when-small-town-grasps-its-future.html
More about Roxanne Hill
As of July 2018, Hill serves as
a consultant for Vernon College. Her duties include working with faculty in
regards to course quality and rigor as well as consulting on instructional
technologies. In a nut shell, she analyzes course(s) and program(s)
along with the faculty and assists them with instructional design of their
courses and/or provide training and "onboarding" of educational
technologies deemed beneficial and feasible for attaining course/program
outcomes.
She also serves as the Canvas
learning management system (LMS) administrator for Vernon College. Having her as a leader and servant in Frederick's critical thinking initiatives and community is essential.
Cheers for Frederick's Bomber YELL!
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