Education Magazine

Excellence In Education Lincoln Daily News January 25, 2023 Page 39 Mount Pulaski High School students gain understanding of post-graduation opportunities from Graduate Panel discussions By Linda Smith MPHS Instructional Coach In coordination with Miss Melanie Hinson, Guidance Counselor, and Mrs. Jamie Selinger, English teacher, eight recent graduates from Mount Pulaski High School formed an optional, informal panel discussion presented to current junior and senior high students. The purpose was to provide MPHS students a chance to discuss post-graduate plans with young adult alumni. Students asked questions such as, “How do I finish high school strong?”, “Is college as expensive as everyone says it is?”, and “What happens if the major or the school I choose is not a good fit for me? How do I handle this?” Providing an opportunity for past-graduates to help give guidance to current students as they enter their final semester(s) was valuable as they talked about how to select classes, when to schedule them, and how to get to know class professors. Included in the panel were representatives from the Marine Corps as well as ROTC. Having a well-rounded panel consisting of military, junior college, four-year college, and work-bound individuals created scenarios in which all in attendance were able to relate. The experience proved to be valuable as the current students were able to gain earnest, timely, honest answers from their peers. The graduates were more than forthcoming in their responses, and several stayed after to continue fruitful discussions. A sincere thanks to Miss Hinson and Mrs. Selinger as well as to the graduates for organizing the discussion.