Each year, hundreds of school-aged riders attend the HITS Winter Show Circuits in Thermal (formerly Indio), Calif., and Ocala, Fla., opting for life at the show grounds instead of at the school grounds. For many, this can mean extended periods of time away from school right in the middle of the academic year. It's for this reason that HITS offers on-site educational facilities at both circuits to help make it easier for students of all ages to stay current with their curriculum without sacrificing their passion and commitment to show jumping.
"We started the HITS Education Station in Ocala over 15 years ago, and right away it was clear that this was a valuable and welcomed service for our young riders," said Tom Struzzieri, president and CEO of HITS, Inc. "This will be our third year offering the school on the West Coast and that program has also really taken off. We have exceptional program leaders at both locations, which is attributable to the growth in enrollment we've seen through the years."
Director Patricia Struzzieri holds a master's degree in education and has spent the last 27 years of her educational career as the administrator of a private school and camp in New York. Furthermore, all of the teachers are experienced and certified in their subject areas.
"It's our goal to provide a strong academic arena," said Ms. Struzzieri. "It's a great social environment, too. Children come from all over the country to Ocala with one common interest, and they can interact with each other in an educational environment in addition to the show scene."
Educational services will be available beginning Jan. 21, 2008, with convenient school hours on Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The schedule allows students to study in the morning and ride in the afternoon.
Deadline for applications is Jan. 9, 2008. For more information or to register online visit www.HitsShows.com.