Molly Lyon, Gouthami Dikkala, Jonathan Kelly and Daniel Kelly observe the carcass of a copperhead Monday as group leader Stacy Skidmore (center) holds it up with a tree branch.

Wednesday, July 18, 2001

Molly Lyon, Gouthami Dikkala, Jonathan Kelly and Daniel Kelly observe the carcass of a copperhead Monday as group leader Stacy Skidmore (center) holds it up with a tree branch. At left, Shyler Brown of Flatwoods, Ky., sketches and observes the copperhead. The youngsters, who were visiting the Lake Vesuvius area of Wayne National Forest, were part of "Great Explorations," a class within Ohio University Southern Campus’ Academy of Excellence this year. The nature class spent their field trip day observing nature and searching for things such as earthworms, snails and leaves. Ms. Skidmore said. Students from all over Lawrence County and the Tri-State converged on the campus this month for the annual Academy of Excellence that puts college-led courses, and some summer fun, in the hands of young generations.