By Jessica Robison

Moapa Valley Progress

MVHS students speak with a representative from UNLV at the College and Career Fair held by the school last week. Photo by Jessica Robison.

Moapa Valley High School’s third annual College and Career Fair was held at the school on Monday evening, November 14. Colleges, universities, and trade organizations from all over the region had representatives in attendance to talk to high school students and answer their questions. Nine booths were arranged in the school gymnasium and students were encouraged to interact with the representatives.

As the 11-12th grade students entered the gym, they were given a card for a $500 scholarship drawing. In order to qualify for the scholarship, they were required to visit at least four booths and listen to the representatives. Then, the representative would stamp their card and, once they had at least four stamps, they could enter the card in the drawing.

School administrators estimated attendance at the event to be between 100 and 200 people. “The turnout was about compatible to last year,” MVHS Principal Grant Hanevold said. “As always, we hope to have more people come next year.”

Each booth gave away free handouts as well as pens, banners, candy, and more. Representatives from Paul Mitchell cosmetology school even provided free hair stylings.

A few of the college representatives even hailed from Moapa Valley. Jonathon Oglesbywas here representing Dixie College and Ashley Potter represented Paul Mitchell.

Unfortunately Brigham Young University and Southern Utah University were unable to attend. “I’m a little disappointed that they didn’t show because those schools are really popular for the kids in this valley,” Hanevold said. “I would have been happier had they made it.”

To end the night, Tracy Cardinal, dean at MVHS, picked a card from the raffle container. Jasmine Hereford’s name was selected to receive the $500 Scholarship. The money will go toward college related expenses once she graduates high school.