By WESLIE STRATTON
Moapa Valley Progress
Moapa Valley High School seniors participated in an annual college night on Thursday, Nov. 20. The event was intended to introduce students to new and different continued education possibilities. Representatives from various colleges gathered in the school cafeteria and were available from 6:30-8 p.m. to answer questions and enlighten students on the positive aspects of each option.
Participating schools included the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, University of Nevada, Nevada State College, Utah State University, Dixie State University, Weber State University, University of Nevada, Las Vegas and more.
Aside from strictly academic options, various military organizations including the Navy and Army were present to provide information regarding scholarships and various aspects of military life.
MVHS senior Riley Brown is one student who has chosen the military as the next step, post-graduation. Brown hopes to study mechanical engineering and has decided to join the Navy because of the scholarship offered, travel opportunities and because he enjoys the discipline that military life provides.
MVHS Dean of Students, Stephanie Cannon, said that many students decide on what school to attend based on family traditions, choosing to go where their parents went.
“This is exposure,” she said, regarding the event. “It sparks interest for kids who don’t have that model.”
High on the priority list, for many students who were up in the air on exactly which school to attend, were scholarship opportunities. Such was the case for Spencer Baker who said he is considering Utah State Eastern as a viable option because of transferable credits.
Student Body President Ethan Sealy said that his required criteria in picking a school is that it be far away from home. He hopes to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, BYU or BYU Hawaii.
Like Sealy, Natalie Adams hopes to move away from home as well. Looking to study interior design, Adams is considering options in Utah. Specifically she has her eye on Utah State University because she likes the appearance of the campus. She is looking forward to college social life.
Prizes were given away throughout the event as incentive for students to attend and be inspired to continue their education. Many students, along with parents, attended to browse the selection of prospective colleges and enjoy refreshments along with their classmates.
