Superintendent of Perry Township Schools
Classroom success is important, but in Perry Township we also pride ourselves on equipping our students to achieve their dreams after high school, as well. When every student graduates we believe that they should be empowered to pursue college, a trade or even the armed services. We want them to leave high school feeling confident in their new journeys.
Our guidance department plays an important role to ensure that students gain the academic, social and emotional fortitude needed to live a productive life beyond the classroom.
Southport High School recently hosted a career fair that exposed students to more than 100 businesses and the military. Exposure to a variety of industries and professionals is vital to teaching students that they have options. They may discover occupations that they had never considered or decide to pursue opportunities at companies they never knew existed. Exposure helps them to think outside their neighborhoods and beyond what is familiar. Exposure helps them to grow.
The workforce is a diverse place, and the organizations represented at the career fair represented that diversity. Students talked to professionals from plumbing and collision repair companies.
Students who are curious about serving our country talked with military recruiters who described the immense responsibility required.
Some students chatted with salon owners looking for stylists.
The animal-loving crowd received guidance from representatives from the Indianapolis Zoo.
Universities were also well represented and described programs in areas that students may not have knowledge about, such as philanthropy, which is crucial expertise for many companies and nonprofits.
Students received a well-rounded snapshot of what opportunities await. It was joyous to watch our kids ask thoughtful questions.
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Perry Meridian High School hosted a unique concert April 12 to teach seniors about financial literacy. The performance, sponsored by the financial services firm Raymond James, featured the Gooding band, dubbed by “The Wall Street Journal” as the “Coolest Financial Adviser in America.”
The performance was followed by the band’s personal story of struggle to overcome poor money management as members followed their dreams to become recording artists. They emphasized ways students can take control of their money so that they will have control over their lives. It was an important discussion on avoiding the pitfalls of credit cards and thinking about long-term planning. The ability to manage finances effectively is a skill with lasting benefits.
Our schools will continue to look for unique strategies for preparing our students for life after high school. We strive to equip them with the knowledge and skills to be successful in the world, so they may return to our communities and make positive contributions.