NEW LEXINGTON —On back-to-back days at New Lexington High School, two events were held with the designated purpose of helping students to enter the workforce following graduation. The Transition Fair, held Thursda, April 25, was open to all high school students in Perry County who have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The Career and Job Fair took place the next day on April 26. The Friday event was for all New Lexington students in grades 9 through 12.
Penny Murray is New Lexington’s transition to work coordinator and the person whose idea to do more for graduating students led to these two employment opportunities being offered.
“Both events were a passion I’d had for quite a while, so I started both at the same time,” explained Murray. She was quick to show her appreciation for the high school teachers at New Lexington and their understanding that makes these two days possible.
“The New Lex staff is very supportive of the kids missing academic classes for a day and allowing them to choose what career presentations to attend,” Murray said.
The Transition Fair on Thursday was open to all Perry County students as well as their parents. This year students from Miller High School attended. One of the parents of a Miller High School student voiced his opinion in support of the day.
“This has been a very educational and informative day for the students,” said Mr. Jeremy Alexander. Alexander was especially impressed with the effort made on behalf of students as they prepare to graduate and enter the employment phase of life that lasts much longer than the 12 years of public education.
The Transition Fair has always been held at New Lexington High School, but Murray says this arrangement can easily be modified to meet the needs of Perry County students.
“I have offered to rotate the Transition Fair each year to any Perry County school willing to host it. This is an event that can be beneficial to students and parents countywide,” expressed Murray.
Sixteen presenters attended the Transition Fair at New Lexington. Also attending was Kelsey Shackleford, the Student Services Supervisor for the Muskingum Valley Educational Services Center (MVESC). She thought the Transition Fair at New Lexington was a great idea.
“It’s awesome to bring local schools together for the common good of students,” remarked Shackleford.
The second day to seek possible employment is a much more extensive affair. The school gym had 42 presenters pitching employment possibilities to New Lexington students in grades 9-12 while another group of 16 presenters were conducting classroom presentations with the students. The Friday event is billed as the Career and Job Fair. Another feature of the day included one on one interviews between prospective employers and the seniors.
“Some of the interviews were mock interviews, but some of the presenters were conducting actual interviews to find new employees,” described Murray. “Our senior English teacher, Kelly Wells, does a great job of prepping the students for the interview process,” added Murray.
Outstanding cooperation from the New Lexington staff and tremendous feedback from the presenters combine with the passion that Penny Murray brings to work everyday to create opportunities for New Lexington students and graduating seniors. From the classroom to the Workforce Development Center, New Lexington Schools strive to create a positive outcome for every student once the school bus rides and lunches in the cafeteria are no longer part of their students’ daily lives.
Submitted by New Lexington Schools
Most Popular
Comments / 0