Several Seminole State College students recently attended the Broadway production of “Hairspray” at the Oklahoma City Civic Center. The Student Support Services (SSS) and STEM Student Support Services (STEM SSS) Projects sponsored the event. The purpose of the trip was for participants of the programs to have an opportunity to experience a performing arts event that is not typically accessible to them and to be exposed to an enriching cultural performance. Students were also treated to dinner at Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill in Bricktown and a brief stroll down the OKC Riverwalk.

Shannon Bennett, Psychology major from Tecumseh stated, “It gave me a break from school and it was something I don’t normally do. The musical actually gave me a boost of self-confidence.”

Ace Cole, Business major from Holdenville stated “I met someone new and the musical really made me remember just how young integration is.”

Janna Wilson-Byrd, Director of the Projects stated, “This was one of our largest groups to attend a musical. We were so thrilled to take such a large group to an energetic musical that had an incredibly positive message about equity, inclusion, and loving yourself. Sarah Ledford, SSS Advisor led the organization of this event and did an excellent job.”

The Seminole State College SSS Project is 100% federally funded in the amount of $294,725 annually. The Seminole State College STEM SSS Project is 100% federally funded in the amount of $261,888 annually.

SSS and STEM SSS are two federally funded grants that are hosted at SSC. Both Projects serve first-generation, economically disadvantaged, and disabled students. For more information, contact Janna Wilson-Byrd, Director of Projects, at 405-382-9642. The Projects can also be viewed on the SSC website.