Ozone Visits John Brown University

Pour Jons Coffee Shop in Siloam Springs, Arkansas saw a new crowd on December 2^nd and 3^rd – Northwest Arkansas high school students. The local hangout, popular among students at John Brown University, allowed high schoolers the opportunity to experience college life at a local Christian university.

Baylea with former CWE Counselor and JBU student Bonnie

Ten students from Northwest Arkansas joined Ozone in a weekend college visit to John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Students arrived on a Sunday evening and met their student ambassadors, several of whom are involved with Camp War Eagle. West Fork senior Baylea Cantrell had the opportunity to stay with her former camp counselor, Bonnie Black. Baylea says that she “loved being able to see and hang out with my counselor from camp, Bonnie! I love her and being at JBU opened my eyes to other options that I didn’t know exist.” After meeting their ambassadors, students were treated to a catered dinner in Walker Student Center and met admissions counselors. The evening consisted of talking with students and getting an overall feel for the campus, followed by the Gathering. The Gathering is a campus-wide student-led worship service in the Cathedral. Students experienced a worship service and heard a sermon from a JBU student. The next day was full of visiting classes, talking to professors, eating in the “caf” and for some, doing homework at Pour Jons. Junior Brett Nelson recounted, “I really enjoyed going to the coffee shop and hanging out with my host, as I was able to learn more about the benefits of college. The people are great!”  The classroom experience also proved highly beneficial to the students’ experience. Har-ber High School student Sydney Mick says, “I’m really thankful that I was able to interact in the classroom and have a hands on experience in a college setting.”

Ozone offers high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to visit several colleges and universities throughout the area. Through experiencing a sample of higher level education with others in Ozone, students are motivated to pursue a degree and experience the growth that college offers. Students who weren't certain how they'd be able to attend college have had questions answered and restored hope in furthering their education. Numerous Ozone students have gone on to attend college and thrive in that atmosphere. And who knows, maybe next year we’ll see former Ozone students sitting at Pour Jons welcoming in new students.