Public Gets Look at All Central Campus Has to Offer

The marine biology department aquariums was one of the many unique programs the public got a look at during the annual Central Campus Open House.

Along with the fragrance of everything blossomy you can almost smell the educational adrenalin this time of year.

Tuesday night a couple of strong whiffs of it were in the air downtown.

Hundreds of DMPS students/Kidstriders toed the starting line for the annual Running of the Kids in connection with the Grand Blue Mile event that begins the Drake Relays every spring. Meanwhile, just up the street the auditorium was filling for the Central Campus Awards Ceremony which was followed by the 4th annual CC Block Party.

“Hurry, hurry, step right up!”

There was no one hollering that old barker’s invitation at Central Campus, but it wouldn’t have sounded out of place at an event that offers something to interest just about everyone. Except that this educational carnival isn’t on tour. It’s a permanent fixture right here in the middle of the district.

Exceptional students representing 32 programs that comprise Iowa’s premier high school career academy were recognized. After all of the name-calling the building was thrown open for tours of each of the programs conducted by student ambassadors and teachers.

The glittering runway was in place for the fashion show later in the week. Energetic mood music thumped while crowds filed in and Central Campus mantras Discover Your Passion and #BestofTheBest were beamed up on the walls. In a nod to the building’s past an old podium from Tech High, circa 1959, was used on the stage for opening remarks by CC Director Dr. Gary McClanahan. “Doctor Mac” is retiring from his post at the helm of a campus that has grown into a nationally renowned educational facility during his tenure and is poised to build on that legacy as he gives way to Assistant Director Aiddy Phomvisay.

The annual Block Party kicked off Monday with the opening of a student art show, and continues Thursday evening with the always-popular Fashion Show.

DMPS is always at the heart of Des Moines and last night it was pumping strong downtown and out across town as we round the last bend of April into May, bound for graduation. Do you feel it?

Photos from the Central Campus Open House