Pikes Peak Prep Students Listen to Talk from
Pikes Peak Community College President

Kinkel Inspires 10th and 11th Graders

August 11 , 2008

President of Pikes Peak Community College, Dr. Tony Kinkel, spoke to the 10th and 11th Grade students of Pikes Peak Prep Friday, August 8, 2008. Kinkel spoke in Room S205 of PPCC’s Downtown Studio Campus where the charter school maintains a classroom. 21CCS’s classroom presence is a first at the Downtown Studio Campus.

The charter school’s 10th and 11th graders, along with some of the school faculty who helped develop the Middle College program, were bussed to PPCC to listen to Kinkel prior to the formal commencement of classes at PPCC, which will be August 18, 2008.

Kinkel infused many stories and personal experiences into his presentation. “He kept all our kids’ attention with laser focus” said Mary Perez, 21CCS’s Director of Middle College and its high school math teacher.

After his speech, Kinkel asked all of the students to stand, raise their right hand, and take an oath to be a PPCC student. Then he provided copies for each student to sign on PPCC letterhead from the Office of the President that will be kept in their permanent student files.

As a surprise, Eddie Hughes, PPCC Multicultural Retention Specialist and retired NBA player, showed up to tell his story.

The event ended with an open Q&A from the students who had prepared questions for Dr. Kinkel. “It was very personal, and hugely inspirational” said Perez. After the speech, Perez and Janet Nace, 21CCS high school English teacher, were approached by many students who were inspired to set new goals for their futures.

Pikes Peak Prep at Colorado Springs is located at 525 E. Costilla Street
Colorado Springs, CO, 80903. To talk with someone at the school about their free Middle College program, please call 719.570.7575.