Tassel Talk December 2025

2nd Grade Programming

I Know I Can

All seven NCS elementary schools welcomed Denison football players for our annual “I Know I Can” event during the first week of October. These amazing volunteers did a read aloud of the book, I Know I Can, before giving a signed copy of the book to each student.

Students were brimming with curiosity to learn about these young adults – and this process unfolds through an interview of scripted questions. In turn, the teammates do a fantastic job sharing the combination of learning, fun and discipline that it takes to be a successful college student-athlete.

4th Grade Programming

College & Money Savvy Wildcats

4th grade classrooms were as enthusiastic as ever during our 7 weeks teaching College and Money Savvy Wildcats. From beginning to end, this curriculum is a pleasure to share with students. We encourage you to engage with your student about what they learned . . . how long does it take to earn an Associate’s Degree or a High Skills Certificate? Which company did their class choose to invest in: Apple, Nike or Disney?

After seven weeks studying one particular college, learning the 4 money management skills (save, spend, donate and invest) and practicing those all-important college going behaviors (homework, attendance, in-class work and reading) students are certified as “College and Money Savvy.” The final class visit also offers students the chance to draw a picture of themselves graduating from high school, in college or working in their future career.

6th Grade Programming

Kids2College & Campus Tours

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! With the conclusion of our Kids2College program, we celebrated with a field trip through our annual 6th grade campus visits. Nine central Ohio colleges welcomed us back to campus for this annual capstone event. We hope by now your student has shared the excitement of this day with you. Students braved the cold weather as we journeyed between lecture halls, laboratories, performance theaters, and recreation centers in an effort to assist students in realizing the many opportunities that can accompany a college experience.

The most exciting stop and student favorite? The dining hall! Many thanks to our college partners: Capital University, Central Ohio Technical College, Denison University, Kenyon College, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Muskingum University, Ohio Dominican University, Ohio State University Newark, and Otterbein University.

Chat with a NHS Grad

Sylvhr Maltby: Class of 2018

The Ohio State University: Class of 2022

Major: Exercise Science & Education

Tell us about your experience as you kicked off your college career. My college search was fairly low-key. I knew I didn’t want to move away, and I was a pre-med major, so I knew later down the road loans would be part of my future. I was not accepted into OSU Columbus campus (which turned out to be the best thing ever). I decided to start at the OSU Newark campus which turned out to be the perfect small community environment I longed for. The classes were small, the professors were so engaged with students, and it was less than 5 minutes down the road! The transition was actually quite easy for me. Being a local student, I was offered so many scholarship opportunities (be sure to take advantage of all they offer!). Staying home saved me the hassle of moving out and purchasing household supplies and furniture. At OSU Newark I felt comfortable, welcomed, and never in a state of stress or not belonging because the class sizes were small and the professors were always available.

How did you choose your major? I chose to major in Biology first; however, as I finished my 2nd year (COVID era) I realized it wasn’t fulfilling my interests and I changed to Exercise Science & Education. I realized for medical school I wanted to choose something that would support my Sports Medicine interest. Long story short, I chose not to pursue medical school and have opted for Physician Assistant school. This option still fits my passion of working with athletes, and this major supports a growing realm of possibilities.

Tell us about a favorite class or experience you’ve had on campus. I really enjoyed most of my college experience(s) expect for Organic Chemistry – that class is a doozy! I really enjoyed one of my elective classes - Anthropology – a great deal. I had the coolest professor, the most outgoing guy I’d ever met! He spoke so intelligently on all topics and made it super engaging.

What has been your greatest challenge so far related to your education? Although my major and my experience in health care has supported me (knowledge-wise) for jobs it’s pretty hard finding a career that will allow me to use just my Bachelor’s degree. I love my major and enjoyed all aspects of it, but I’ve put myself in a spot where I’m kind of just coasting until I further my degree in PA school or whatever I settle myself into. Sometimes it can feel defeating that others don’t have to do what I’m doing to have a stable and fulfilling career right out the gate. But I believe this is what I’m meant to do, so I don’t regret it at all.

Where do you see yourself in 3-6 years? In 3-6 years I see myself somewhere warm. I’d like to either settle on the coast near water or travel with my job seeing the world. I see myself treating high school or college athletes after I’ve finished my PA degree, watching students thrive doing what they love! In short, I see myself making a difference!

Share a favorite memory from your time at Newark High School. My favorite memories from Newark High School were all the times I spent with friends. I hadn’t considered the perspective that once we graduated everyone would go off to do their own thing. Everyone has their own adult lives now and it’s kind of sad but also such a “we made it” kind of feeling. I miss them all dearly, and I’m so grateful I have many memories of the times we had together in high school.

What message do you feel is most important for high school graduates to hear? College seems intimidating, but if you ask the right questions, you’ll figure it out! Make sure you find a good academic advisor and be prepared to ask all types of questions. It’s okay to change your mind too! You’re in charge of your educational development! I’ve changed my mind more times than I’d like to admit but it’s made me who I am today. A plan is just that, a plan. Life is everything that happens outside of it!