Ready, Set, Graduate!

During the week of April 22nd, Paris High School Seniors participated in a week-long event - Ready, Set, Graduate -Senior Academy, geared at preparing them to enter the world after graduation.

The first part of the week included choosing a career, followed by classes on banking, budgeting, credit, resume writing, job interviews, and taxes. After learning these skills, they put their knowledge into action in a real life simulation called the "mall of life." Based on the budget they had put together and the career they chose, they visited each booth to purchase a car, rent or buy a home, purchase utilities, phone service and insurance, budget for clothing and personal items as well. They then compared their projected budget to their actual expenses after making their purchase decisions.

At the end of the day, the students visited with representatives from local businesses, presented their resume to a business they were interested in and then sat down for a five minute interview if they were called back. Representatives provided constructive feedback to the students on their professionalism, dress, resumes and interview skills.

The goal of the project was to help the students gain awareness of real life situations so they can become better employees and citizens after the completion of the academy. The event was organized by Charla Hammonds from the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension with the help of PHS staff.

Check out photos from the event at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/y2aaoftn