Olney Central College is excited to add a second Peer Coach. Dorothy Ochate joins Philip Henderson in assisting and reaching out to fellow students. Initiated earlier this year, the Peer Coach Program connects incoming freshmen with current students through OCC text messaging. Peer Coaches can convey information and answer questions from fellow students.

The website Best Accredited Colleges has named Olney Central College’s Associate Accounting Degree among the top in the nation. Best Accredited Colleges provides its guide and school rankings to assist students in making the best college decision. Selections are based on U.S. Department of Education data including accessibility, affordability, quality of education and return on investment. OCC’s Accounting Program was ranked No. 16 on the list.

If you are interested in exploring one or multiple artistic media, local artist Mari Yamato invites you to join the Open Studio Art Class she will be teaching this spring at Olney Central College. “The class provides the studio space for students to explore a specific area they are interested in,” Yamato said. “This is a great class for students who want to work in a specific media that is not offered as another class or if they want to work in mixed media.”

Artist Mari Yamato invites area residents to join her for an oil painting class this spring at Olney Central College. The course is designed for both novice and experienced painters who are interested in enhancing their skills. While instructors typically assign art projects for students, Yamato’s open studio class will give participants a chance to explore their own interests while receiving feedback from a seasoned artist. During the sessions, Yamato will both advise and mentor students, who are encouraged to bring in their own projects to complete.

Local artist Mari Yamato will teach spring ceramics courses at Olney Central College. The classes are project-based and designed for both students and community members who want to learn basic ceramic techniques. During the semester, students will create their own pottery using pinch pot, coil, slab and sculpture techniques. They also will work with the potter’s wheel and will learn how to make bowls, vases, plates and mugs.

Olney Central College’s Cosmetology Program is accepting new students for spring semester classes. Students enrolled in Cosmetology participate in both classroom and clinical experiences. The program focuses on all facets of the industry, including hair shaping, skin care, makeup, permanent waving, shampooing, scalp treatments, hair styling and chemical hair relaxing. Pedicures, manicures, massage and shop management also are covered.

Olney Central College is offering spring Line Dancing Classes starting Jan. 13. While line dancing is most closely associated with country music, Instructor Vickie Smith said her course encompasses much more. “I use a variety of music in the classes including Spanish, some Rock and Roll and some newer pop tunes,” she added.

Join the Olney Central College Men’s Basketball team on Dec 11 for its White Squirrel — White Out Night as the Blue Knights face Lake Land College in a 3 p.m. tipoff. The first 100 fans in attendance will receive a free White Squirrel T-shirt.

The Olney Central College Music Department will present The Many Moods of Christmas choral concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Richland County High School Auditorium. This special evening of holiday music will feature the OCC Concert and Community choirs along with the RCHS Concert Choir.

OLNEY, Ill.