Discovery Day, a day designed for high school students to learn about Missouri Southern, was held Feb. 10.

The event began with College President Julio León speaking to the potential Southern students. Next, Philip Cross, junior mass communications major, spoke.

After the welcoming speeches and a discussion about admission and financial aid, the students were taken on a tour of the campus. The tour is paced out to last an hour.

“The students will get a better understanding of what we have to offer,” said Mark Lloyd, admission counselor.

Lloyd said the high schools were informed about the event through the mail, College tours, College representatives and the Internet.

Some 40 area high school students attended the event.

“We typically get about that many,” Lloyd said.

After the tour, students were allowed to go to three of four sessions discussing certain aspects of college life. The sessions involved campus living, campus activities, the freshman year and career planning.

Kami Mitchell, senior at Carl Junction High School, said she came to the event to learn more about the campus and its opportunities.

Her friends had other reasons for coming.

“I wanted to come to learn more about the extra curricular activities,” said Tabatha Jacobs, Carl Junction senior. “I like the opportunities they have to go to different countries.”

James Baldwin and Eric Valentine, seniors at Lamar High School, said they planned on going to Southern and wanted to explore the campus more thoroughly.

The student ambassadors who guided the tours also enjoyed the day.

“I love Missouri Southern, and I like to hand down my knowledge to others,” said Mandy Witt, junior accounting and business education major.

She has been an ambassador since her freshman year. Witt said she enjoys giving the tours because she can explain certain aspects to the students that she was not aware of before coming to Southern. Witt said over the years, she has made friends with many students she has led on tours through the campus.

Any student who wants to be a Southern Ambassador may see Cameo Harrington, admissions counselor, in the admissions office.

“We’re always looking for excited people,” Harrington said.

Students may also e-mail her at [email protected], or by calling 625-9364.