By Damien Pearson
The University Times Staff
LIMESTONE – Enthusiasm sparked through the Loring Job Corps Center (LJCC) community center parking lot as the sky dimmed down to a darkened array of celestial wonder.
At approximately 3:30 pm on April 8, 2024, the students at LJCC viewed the solar eclipse during its few minutes of totality. Classes ended at 2:30 p.m. so students could meet at the Community Center for their solar eclipse event. Moon pies and Sun chips were available to enjoy while staff and students mingled. Their chatter and laughter echoed past the parking lot as they waited for totality.
Daniel Matley, a student in the Computer Networking/Cisco IT Essentials trade, said, “It was absolutely spectacular to see,” about the eclipse. Matley is a local student from the Presque Isle area, and was glad to experience the eclipse without having to go far.
“It was definitely good for the economy, with all the people flying in to see the eclipse,” he stated. “If I’m living in the area where an eclipse is coming through, it’s worth it, but traveling for it would be excessive. But if that’s the sort of thing you enjoy traveling for, it would be worth it.”
Kaleb Lee, a student from the automotive trade, also enjoyed the event but said that he wished that “it was longer.”
“Everything was pitch black, but it was cool anyway,” he added.
Student Xavier McCray anticipated the total solar eclipse. Because of events beyond his control, he said he missed the “once in a lifetime event.”
“I was traveling back to the center on the bus for nine hours today and I’m so mad I missed it,” he said.
Whether students witnessed or missed the total eclipse, the celestial alignment has left a memorable impact at Loring Job Corps Center.
