NW-SCC hosts workshop to prepare students

PHIL CAMPBELL -- Susan Hargett said that many high school students don't realize what opportunities they have missed sometimes until it's too late.

As coordinator of the Franklin County Community Education program, Hargett wants to make sure parents and students learn how to prepare for high school and beyond.

Northwest-Shoals Community College's Phil Campbell educational talent search and the chamber of commerce hosted a workshop Tuesday for eighth-grade students across the county.

"Students have to sign a four-year plan at the end of the eighth grade," Hargett said. "Many of them don't understand what all they need to do to prepare for the future."

The information explosion provided the students with an opportunity to learn how to prepare resumes and applications, how to dress for interviews and what they need to do to receive scholarships.

Several area businesses and community groups set up booths to inform students about potential career opportunities.

"Some of these students will be working for some of these companies one day," said chamber of commerce director Lisa Stockton. "This gives them an opportunity to learn about some of these things firsthand."

One of the sessions demonstrated how computers are a vital part of today's work force and how that will only grow even more.

"Computers are important in all careers today," Hargett said. "They got to learn the pros and cons about myspace and facebook and Internet security."

The cosmetology department at the college hosted one of the most popular booths at the event.

"All the kids, even the boys, like cosmetology," said Jean Hardwick, with the Northwest-Shoals educational talent search program. "It's something they can call see being done hands-on."

Former University of North Alabama All-American and new Colbert County head football coach Cody Gross also spoke to the students about what it takes to achieve their goals and dreams.

"There are a lot of little things that make a big difference," Gross told the students as he talked about his childhood and what led to a successful football career.

Hargett said she hoped the students were able to take away several valuable lessons that they can use with their parents to make sure that they are ready for high school.

"They have to start preparing now for what they will be doing for the rest of their lives," she said. "We want to make sure that they have a foundation in the eighth and ninth grades that will help them from now on."

Jonathan Willis can be reached at 332-0140 or jonathan.willis@timesdaily.com.