The Xcel Afterschool Program was honored to recognize six middle school students for their 2025 Summer Adventure. These six students each earned a scholarship to put toward their future college or career. Take a look at this year’s submissions.
2024 READER'S THEATRE
Highlighting the lives of notable Kansans and how their success was rooted on the shoulders of Giants, our middle school students delivered an impeccable performance. Each student challenged themselves by reading from scripts designed to be five years beyond their reading comprehension level, using a collection of ACT vocabulary. We acknowledge how achievement is often made possible by the work and effort of those who came before us.
CREATIVE RESOURCES
Our middle school students joined together during spring break to learn how to navigate resources with an artistic approach. Fostering collaboration and critical thinking, students were given minimal direction and an abundance of art supplies. They honed their skills of discovering, utilizing, and refining their resources while immersed in creativity. Our mentors seized this chance to teach students how to take initiative and advocate for themselves.
LOCAL HISTORY
Our 6th grade students ventured to Topeka, Kansas to delve into the history of our state capitol. They learned about key figures in the Civil Rights Movement such as Anne Clark, Homer Plessy, and Linda Brown. They also had the chance to visit significant sites like Monroe Elementary, the Richie House, and the Capitol Building. Seeing history come alive, Xcel is dedicated to providing students with amazing opportunities to shape their futures.
XCEL ON ICE
Rewarded for their academic accomplishments, Xcel Middle School and High School students took to the ice. Students got to experience the action, up close and personal, with the Wichita Thunder hockey team. We were reminded of the hard work and dedication it takes to achieve your goals.
STEM LAUNCH
Moving learning outside the classroom, our 6th graders took on a STEM project of their own. These students explored science and physics by building a Trebuchet and using a variety of technology including 3D pens, QR codes, and wood burners to personalize their objects to be thrown. Our goal is to help students fall in love with science and all the ways it can be fun.
NEW HEIGHTS
Teaching students to take healthy risks is a huge part of our program. On this adventure, we visited The Wildlife Adventure Park and challenged students to overcome their fears. By taking part in a free fall and zipline course, we are preparing students to venture out of their comfort zone and meet challenges head-on.
LEARNING TO FLY
Madison is pursuing her dream of becoming a pilot. Not only did she attend the Women in Aviation Camp, but she took the leap and joined the Young Eagles. Her dream of aviation started young. “Flying reminds me of when I got to fly with my mom when she was still alive. It was a feeling I hadn't had in nine years - the feeling of happiness and the feeling of being close to her again. It was just so awesome. Like just imagine all the people who can't do the things I did because they don't have enough money or time.”
Future Hopes and Dreams: Automotive Workshop
Our 9th and 10th grade students spent time this spring building model V8 engines to explore the world of automotive. Each student built their own engine and learned how the modern V8 works.
STUDENT TALENT ON DISPLAY
The City celebrated the unveiling of the artwork done by Xcel student Inavion "Navi" on the Future Hopes & Dreams building on March 25 2021. Navi was also presented with a $2,000 scholarship for his work in the graphic design field. Executive Director Shawn Copeland and Director of Special Programs Robert Cunningham spoke at the ceremony, as well as former Salina Mayor Mike Hoppock. The artwork unveiling was a culmination of five years of work for Navi, who initially started the project as a 7th grader.