Rome - Dozens of first and second graders from the Floyd County School System were taken on a field trip to Ghana today by way of Shorter College. Thanks to a special partnership between Shorter and Floyd County Schools designed to broaden cultural understanding among elementary school students, the college hosted "Ghana Day" on Oct. 20 for Floyd's gifted elementary resource classes.

Students were exposed to the art, literature, music, culture and geography of Ghana through several learning stations set up around the campus. The stations allowed young learners to create Ghanaian masks, listen to Ghanaian literature and learn songs native to Ghana. The music station, organized by Elizabeth Robbins, Shorter's chorus director and director of music education, also allowed students to play Ghanaian instruments.

Founded in 1873, Shorter College is a Christian college committed to excellence in education. Since 2003, U.S. News & World Report has ranked Shorter among the South's best baccalaureate colleges. The college offers bachelor's degrees in 48 major areas, master's level and undergraduate degree programs for working adults, online courses, and a vibrant intercollegiate athletic program.

Shorter will transition to university status June 1, 2010. For more information, visit www.shorter.edu .