SKYLER
PORRAS
Virtual reality leads
to real-world results
If Skylar Porras has his way, the future of education will reside in a virtual reality where students from around the world converge in a
magical hands-on learning experience.
Porras, an Academic Studies major, is something more than just a dreamer whose idea of
education leaves the boundaries of the tangible.
The sophomore student at Lamar State College
Port Arthur now has the backing to make his
dreams come true. He was recently awarded the
Dean’s Scholarship at Ringling College of Art
and Design in Sarasota, Florida, the preeminent
school on graphic electronic design. The scholarship is $10,000 a year for four years.
H
“This is an incredible opportunity,” Porras
said. “It’s a dream come true. I had always
hoped I could pursue a career in education, but
I wanted to do something new, something
inventive.”
Porras, a 2010 graduate of Port Neches-Groves
High School, will pursue a Computer Animation degree at Ringling College. His purpose is
to learn how to create true-to-life representations of objects that can then be used to train
students through a virtual reality classroom.
“The future of computer technology is limitless. There have been advancements in the field
of virtual reality that already make it a viable
educational solution,” Porras said. “I’m hoping
to take that to the next level.”
LSCPA broke ground on its newest construction project, the Seahawk Landing Student Housing facility, on Wednesday, April 6, 2016. Dr. Betty Reynard, President of Lamar State College Port Arthur, joined several dignitaries in a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site of the housing facility, located on Lakeshore
Drive. Pictured, from left, are LSCPA Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Gary Stretcher, President and CEO of Itex Inc. Chris Akbari, Texas House Rep.
Dade Phelan, Texas State University System Chancellor Dr. Brian McCall, TSUS Regent David Montagne, Dr. Reynard, Port Arthur EDC Board Member Richard
Wycoff, and Port Arthur Mayor Bobbie Prince.
SEAHAWK LANDING
Photo courtesy
Focus Pocus, Port Arthur
Porras submitted a portfolio of his artwork
along with letters of recommendation. When the
news came of his scholarship, he was ecstatic.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said.
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