Published May 22, 2025
The Dodge City Community College faculty, staff, and students joined Bright Beginnings on Thursday, May 22, to help celebrate the preschool’s last day of school with a hands-on field day that introduced young learners to roping and early STEM concepts. Pictured above, from left to right, are Jacob Perkey, Head Rodeo Coach; Colton Valenta, Assistant Rodeo Coach; Jackson Guoan, sophomore, Tawas City, Mich.; and Jack Lindsay, freshman, Guymon, Okla.
Photos by Alba Gutierrez-Ortiz
On Thursday, May 22, the Dodge City Community College (DC3) faculty and staff helped celebrate Bright Beginnings’ last day of school, by participating in a special field day designed to give young learners a fun, hands-on experience.
Jacob Perkey, Head Rodeo Coach, and Colton Valenta, Assistant Rodeo Coach, along with rodeo students Jackson Guoan, sophomore, Tawas City, Mich., and Jack Lindsay, freshman, Guymon, Okla., set up a roping station where preschoolers practiced roping steer dummies under the guidance of the rodeo members.
In addition, Stephanie Gruver, Professor of Mathematics, and Kyung-Shin Suh, Associate Professor of Chemistry, helped lead additional interactive learning stations, supporting the children as they explored early STEM concepts through age-appropriate games and demonstrations.
As the children rotated through various activities in small groups, they learned coordination skills, while developing social confidence in a supportive environment, and gained an introduction to rodeo in an approachable, educational setting.
Bright Beginnings, an early childhood education program in Dodge City, frequently hosts community-based activities to broaden students’ experiences. The participation of DC3 faculty, staff and students reflects the college’s commitment to community outreach, youth engagement, and the promotion of both academic and Western heritage through education.
By Alba Gutierrez-OrtizDC3 Marketing and Media Specialist
Stephanie Gruver (right), Professor of Mathematics, and Kyung-Shin Suh (left), Associate Professor of Chemistry, helped lead an interactive STEM station during Bright Beginnings’ end-of-year field day on Thursday, May 22.