Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Turtle enthusiast Isaac Tyson presented a selection of his turtle collection to the Head Start-Enrichment Arts Class Thursday.
Tyson first started presenting turtles when he was in the second grade. Now 16 and a home-schooled junior, Tyson has 18 different kinds of turtles and has given presentations to various organizations like Lincoln Elementary, Warsaw Parks Department, Camp Mollenhour, Department of Natural Resources Camp and others.
He calls his enterprise, "Tons Of Turtles."
His interest in the reptiles began when his mother bought him one as a pet when he was about 5 years old, he told the Head Start class.
His presentations are strictly on a volunteer basis to educate people about wildlife and their environment.
The five turtles he showed Thursday included an African Spur Tortoise, an Eastern Box Turtle, a Red Ear Slider, a Painted Turtle and a Stink Pot Turtle.
As part of his presentation to the Head Start children, Tyson had the kids compete in "turtle races" and answered their questions.
The Enrichment Arts Class is an extension of Head Start preschool, all-day, all-year program. It is designed to inspire the children's curiosity in the world around them through music, art, dance and science. The children have the opportunity to go on many field trips and have guests, such as Tyson, share their talents and stimulate their interests.
Head Start's philosophy is to develop a positive self-esteem, good health, development of literacy skills and an enthusiasm for learning, while encouraging academic life skills. The program invites learning through exploration and discovery. These experiences encourage the skills necessary to build ethic pride and develop social and intellectual skills.
If anyone has a talent and items of interest to share, call Maureen Caputo at 267-2451, Ext. 339.
Head Start and the Enrichment Arts Class is administered by Cardinal Center.
