One hundred and twenty GEAR UP sophomore and junior students recently visited the OKC Zoo and Botanical Garden in Oklahoma City’s Adventure District in northeast Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Zoo covers over 100 acres of beautiful gardens and animal exhibits. Students enjoyed exploring the indoor and outdoor animal exhibits, which included a variety of habitats, such as Sanctuary Asia, Oklahoma Trails, Cat Forest/Lion Overlook, Butterfly Garden, and the Noble Aquatic Center. Students observed animals in their habitats while learning what it takes to care for each animal. The students were excited to see the animals in their habitat and learn

Thirty-eight Eufaula High School eleventh-grade GEAR UP students recently toured NSU (Northeastern State University) in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Students began the tour with a greeting and presentation from NSU’s presentation speaker  Braydin Ballard and tour guides Ashley Onyemechi and Jaci Nixon, who are all current NSU students. Ballard presented students with an overview of NSU, highlighting information on how to become an NSU Riverhawk. Ballard discussed how NSU has 56 exceptional undergraduate and 25 graduate degree programs to choose from and different scholarship opportunities available. Ballard provided students with information about NSU extracurricular programs and organizations on campus. Ballard talked with

Eighty-nine Eufaula freshman and sophomore GEAR UP students recently participated in a virtual tour of the Will Rogers Memorial Museum located in Claremore, Oklahoma. Museum tour guide discussed that just like many of them, Will Rogers came from a humble beginning in Oklahoma but that he was able to rise to a level of popularity unseen by many from our state. Will Rogers was a radio personality, actor, most sought-after public speaker, and one of the most read newspaper columnists of his time. Another significant fact about his career was that he was an accomplished novelist and lariat rope specialist.

Seventy-one Eufaula freshmen and sophomore GEAR UP students recently participated in a virtual college tour of EOSC (Eastern Oklahoma State College). Recruiter Karen Darby conducted an in-person presentation along with a virtual tour of the EOSC campus. Darby began by discussing some of the benefits of attending a two-year college, such as cost-saving opportunities and being close to home. GEAR UP students received a pamphlet with all the degree programs EOSC offers. Darby then introduced some of the most acclaimed programs offered at EOSC. She talked about the EOSC Nursing program being number one in the state along with having