By Andy Lothschutz
Each October for the past four years Vicksburg High School’s counseling department has hosted College and Career Readiness Week for all students. The aim is to prepare students for the next chapter of their educational process after they graduate. It is an opportunity to discuss college and careers with professionals in a variety of ways, according to Diana Alger, high school guidance counselor.
The week started off with “Staff Bio” day. Staff members wrote about their own personal experiences in working toward becoming professionals. Their responses were posted outside of their classrooms. The logos of each school from which the staff members have received degrees were also posted outside of their door. Throughout the day students were asked to answer questions about faculty, based on the responses that were posted. Every time that a student participated the student’s name was entered in a drawing to win prizes.
Each hour, multiple students were called down to the counseling office to claim prizes from colleges all over the state.
On Tuesday, students were encouraged to wear their college gear. Any student who was dressed in something that has a college represented on it was allowed to enter their name in the drawing again.
On Wednesday, 44 senior students took a college tour of Western Michigan University and were able to see in person what a major college campus looks like. They received an admissions presentation, took a tour of campus and they were able to eat lunch in the college cafeteria. It was also “Application Day” where any student who brought in an application of any kind was able to enter their name into the drawing.
On Thursday, 40 students participated in an Interview and resume competition where business professionals from the Education for Employment office came to the high school and conducted individual interviews with any interested student. The top students from the first round were then selected to do a second round interview with the entire panel. Finally a winner was chosen and that student won a $100 cash prize courtesy of the business department. A separate $100 prize was given to the student with the best resume. It was also “Dress like what you want to be when you grow up day.” Students wore a variety of uniforms and business apparel.
The week wrapped up on Friday with “Hat Day”. Students who wore a hat and donated $1 were able to put their name in the drawing again and at the end of the day all of the money that was raised by the staff and students was given away to one lucky winner as a scholarship.