L’Anse Creuse offers community education programs

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Education is not just lectures in a classroom. It is paddling through a swimming pool, taking the first steps onto a wrestling mat, hearing a symphony that moves your soul and, above all, education is a lifelong pursuit.

In an effort to keep up with the educational needs of all its area residents, L’Anse Creuse Public Schools offers community education programs all year round.

“Our community education program is a way for the district to get out into the community and provide services for seniors, for kids, for anybody that’s looking to be involved in something,” said Major Mickens, director of the community education program.

The primary idea behind L’Anse Creuse’s community education program is to provide a unified recreation program across the district.

“Because we cover so much of an area, we don’t have a specific rec center or something that would provide services like this for the community,” Mickens said. “Us having the nice facilities and great people here and great people willing to work for us, we’re able to provide that service.”

Community education programs typically fall into four age categories: elementary school, middle school, adults and seniors. Programs are varied at each age group with elementary students offered a mix of music and sports classes. Middle schoolers can take part in district-wide cheer and wrestling programs. Adults have a variety of fitness and music courses, while group trips to places like the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Hilberry Theater and even mystery dinners are aimed at adults and seniors.

While courses may come and go, L’Anse Creuse Community Education runs throughout the year.

“We don’t stop,” said Debbie Verkest, L’Anse Creuse’s community education secretary. “When schools are closed, we run summer programs.”

For more information about L’Anse Creuse Community Education visit lc-ps.org/programs/community-education.