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Interactive learning Wide Horizons members Ava McGee and Haley Jayne engage with elementary students at Portoff Hall on Apr. 28, 2026. The seniors led a discussion on animal habitats and “living conditions” as part of an educational outreach program at CiCo Park.
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Shared experiences Seniors Ava McGee and Haley Jayne connect with elementary students by discussing personal pets during a Wide Horizons presentation at Portoff Hall on Apr. 28. 2026. The MHS club uses relatable stories to engage younger children before diving into more complex lessons on animal biology.
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Diving in Senior Ava McGee quizzes elementary students on aquatic wildlife during a Wide Horizons club presentation at Portoff Hall on Apr. 28, 2026. The MHS seniors visited the CiCo Park location to lead interactive lessons on animal habitats and identification.
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Aquatic education Seniors Ava McGee and Haley Jayne lead a lesson on aquatic life for elementary students at Portoff Hall on April 28. As part of the Wide Horizons club, Manhattan High School seniors travel to local venues to share their knowledge of biology and conservation with younger learners.
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Animal acting Seniors Ava McGee and Haley Jayne lead a game of animal-themed charades with elementary students at Portoff Hall on April 28, 2026. The activity was part of a Wide Horizons club visit to CiCo Park, where Manhattan High School students used interactive games to teach younger children about wildlife.
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Hands on learning At Portoff Hall in CiCo Park, senior Ava McGee introduces elementary students to a chinchilla on Apr. 28, 2026. The visit was part of a Wide Horizons club initiative to provide local youth with interactive lessons on different animal species.
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Animal encounters Senior Ava McGee introduces a chinchilla to a group of elementary students at Portoff Hall in CiCo Park on Apr. 28, 2026. As part of a Wide Horizons club presentation, McGee taught the younger students about the unique adaptations and care requirements of the fluffy rodents.
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Fluffy lesson Manhattan High School senior Ava McGee, a member of the Wide Horizons club, explains a chinchilla’s defense mechanis, shedding fur when frightened to elementary students at Portoff Hall on Apr. 28, 2026.
Wide Horizons
April 28, 2026
About the Contributor
Virginia Flickinger, Photo Editor
Story by Janie Hilgers
Senior Virgina Flickinger has been on The Mentor staff for three years now.
Flickinger is the Photo Editor, she organizes the cameras and handles anything with photo archives.
In her free time Flickinger enjoys playing video games, reading and writing.
Flickinger is actively participating of the marching band; she plays the trumpet.
“Ever since I watched my brother in the high school marching band I fell in love with the music and uniforms. I plan on marching at KU,” Flickinger said.
Flickinger plans on majoring in Pharmacy and minoring in Journalism.
“I’m excited to get out and go to college. Lawrence is not that far away but it will be a big breath of fresh air. My independence is something I’m excited to gain,” Flickinger said.