VALDOSTA — Area students and parents came out to Lowndes High School Tuesday to get a head start on college during the 2006 Valdosta PROBE College Fair.
Hosted for the first time at Lowndes High, more than 250 students from area schools and six surrounding counties attended the fair, speaking with college representatives from throughout the South.
“We normally have this fair at Valdosta State University, but we’ve been very pleased to host it here this year,” said Erica Cooper, LHS guidance counselor. “I believe it was beneficial to the students because they’re already familiar with the school and more comfortable in this environment, so much so, that several students have even come on their own tonight, without their parents.”
Representatives from nearly 61 colleges and universities in Georgia, Florida and Alabama shared information with students about various degree programs, campus life, and scholarships.
Standing near a table set up by her alma mater, VSU, Linda Sermons looked over pamphlets with her daughter, Stephanie.
“I want my daughter to go to VSU. I went, and I have kids who have gone, and it’s home. Stephanie, well, she wants to go anywhere but home, but wherever she wants to go, I’ll support her,” said Sermons.
“These type of events are great for kids and parents because so often children have a tendency to listen to others sometimes before they listen to their parents, even if they’re echoing what we as parents have already said.”
Mother Beckie Baker was thankful to have many of her questions answered as she helps her son, Matthew, prepare for college next year.
“We were able to get a lot of information and exposure to many schools. Here, you’re able to have your questions answered first hand, rather than by brochure or computer, and that’s refreshing,” said Baker.
Beyond the traditional universities, representatives from technical institutes, Christian, military and minority colleges spoke to students about the many options available following graduation.
“It is important for us to be represented at these events because we’ve taken a look at how many African American are attending college, and going into college prep classes in high school and even further, we’re studying the drop out rate among African American males,” said Savannah State College representative Ryan Tomblin.
“We must start introducing students to higher education as early as middle school and present more positive images to them. Having exposure to people who have gone on to college, and who are successful, produces better results in the end.”
Several younger students also had an opportunity to peak into college life as they walked with older siblings, while several eighth-graders, were also able to speak with representatives and gain some insight on what high school courses would best benefit their future aspirations.
The college fair committee, comprised of counselors from several area schools, is planning to hold another college fair in the spring to further help students prepare for education beyond high school.
“We want to do another fair in the spring specifically for financial aid with more breakout sessions for the students and parents. It has been great having the schools work together to make this happen because it allows us to pool our resources, and it unites the students,” said Cooper.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Tino Johnson, left, a recruiter from the University of Georgia, shares information about his school with Beverly Langdale, center, her daughter, Courtney Sayre and niece, Whitney Sandlin, Tuesday night at the Lowndes High School College Fair.
Discussion
College bound: Fair gives LHS students a look at more than 60 schools
- Local News
-
-
Lake Park in Limbo
LAKE PARK — Lake Park citizens will have to wait several months before being able to attend another City Council meeting following Tuesday’s resignation of two council members.
Deb Cox, Lowndes County elections supervisor, said Georgia state law dictates that another special election cannot be held until July 31. -
Colo. court says fugitive sibling has plea deal
WALSENBURG, Colo. — One of the three Dougherty siblings accused in a multi-state crime spree, including a Valdosta bank robbery, has reached a plea deal with prosecutors, a spokesman for the Colorado court system said Wednesday.
-
Airport Authority tours True Flight Aerospace Plant
VALDOSTA — The Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority toured the True Flight Aerospace Plant after their meeting Wednesday morning. True Flight President and CEO, Kevin Lancaster, lead the tour through the facility which is located in the largest hanger at the Valdosta Regional Airport. -
Lake Park: Council members resign
Immediately following the Citizens to be Heard portion of the regular Lake Park council meeting Tuesday night, council members Eric Schindler and Paul Mulkey tendered their resignations.
-
Valwood goes global
Valwood School has hosted several international guests for the past several weeks.
-
City cuts ribbon on new home
With a snip of some over-sized wooden scissors, the City of Valdosta took another step in eliminating substandard housing.
-
Berrien clinic director loses job
Speaking to The Valdosta Daily Times about the possible discontinuation of the Berrien Elementary School MED Clinic led to the program’s executive director losing her job Monday morning.
-
From the CIA to man about town
Meet Jack Pruden, former member of the Central Intelligence Agency.
-
Berrien school medical facility faces an uncertain future
A state-of-the-art medical facility that was introduced in Berrien County public schools in 2010 might be ending soon.
-
New TV listings section debuts in print edition
In Sunday editions of The Valdosta Daily Times, keep an eye out for the updated TV listings section.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Lake Park in Limbo
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
