Youngsters explore vocations at Fort Scott college

Youngsters from local and area high schools spent Friday afternoon touring Fort Scott Community College and visiting with school officials during the annual Spring Senior Day.

Unlike the Senior Day on March 2 that focused on the academic programs offered through FSCC, Friday's session provided more than 40 students and their parents with information about occupational programs like transportation, cosmetology, nursing, John Deere and Harley Davidson.

FSCC Director of Public Relations Kathleen Hinrichs said Spring senior days are geared toward students who have somewhat narrowed down their choices for post-secondary education, but just want "one last visit."

The session began with a brief introduction from Dean of Students Steve Armstrong before students broke off to hear faculty presentations about their selected occupational areas.

Faculty and staff discussed course requirements, transferability of credits from other institutions, housing options, student activities and organizations and financial aid possibilities. FSCC advising sponsored a general education presentation before providing visitors with an optional campus tour.

Students appreciated the opportunity to meet with potential instructors, admissions representative Tom Gorman said.

"They also get the opportunity to meet with someone who has been in the workforce," he said.

Admissions Director Mert Barrows said the visit provides the opportunity for seniors and their families to meet with the faculty to learn what the school has to offer.

"We want to make sure they're prepared," Barrows said. "Regardless of whether they come here or not, we hope they want to continue their education."

FSCC has sponsored Spring Senior Days for more than 25 years.

Barrows, a Fort Scott High School graduate, said she attended a Senior Day at FSCC when she was in high school.

Julie Wolfe, a Missouri resident, said she brought her son to look into FSCC's agriculture program. It wasn't the first Senior Day the two had attended, Wolfe said, but she said she was impressed.

"They went way above and beyond in terms of organization and presentation," Wolfe said. "It has definitely swayed our decision."

In November, FSCC hosted their "big" senior day with attendance numbers ranging from 150 to 250 people and performances from the college's dance, cheer and band members.

Established in 1919, FSCC has area campuses in Paola, Pittsburg and Frontenac. Enrollment for the fall of 2010 was 2,057 students.