By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

Chilton County High School seniors focused on preparing for life after high school during senior-led conferences on April 10.

To begin the session, each student read his or her essay reflecting on what they had learned while at CCHS. Then, a school administrator asked interview questions about their future goals, what advice they would give a freshman, what they might change if they had high school to do over, if they were a leader or a follower and if they felt ready to be out on their own.

Some students talked about their plans to join the military. Some talked about the college they want to attend. Others planned to go straight into the workforce.

Assistant Principal Jason Deason encouraged students to elaborate rather than just giving one-sentence answers.

“This is all to make you better,” Deason said.

He said he “genuinely enjoyed” hearing students reflect on their time at the school.

Several parents also attended to watch their student’s conference.

During the interview, student Jay Hunter said he would tell freshmen to study hard and really focus on getting a good ACT score.

Hunter said he had been nervous about the interview, but saw the process as being a good preparation for the future.

Hunter plans to join the military and work in the medical field.

“I was kind of nervous and scared, and then going into it, it wasn’t bad at all,” student Madison Minor said.

She said she did find the process helpful for future interviews.

Minor plans to attend college, major in biology and become a marine biologist.

Deason said one of the goals of the conferences was to have students think about what they will need to do to have the career they want.

Student William Huett said writing the essay was stressful.

Assistant Principal Rosalyn Dixon said she was glad to see students take the essay seriously.

“For them to recognize that there have been some positive changes that have benefitted them, it just reassures you that it is serving a better purpose for these students,” Dixon said.

Principal Ron Pinson said this was the first year holding the conferences.

“We are trying to develop kids’ people skills, personal skills to be able to get in front of people and talk and communicate and get them to reflect at the same time … I’ve been pleased with the process,” Pinson said.

Pinson and Deason were happy that about half of the students’ parents were able to attend.

Seniors will continue their preparation for life after graduation with Senior Blitz on May 3 and 4. During this event, seniors will participate in mock interviews with community members. The school is looking for more community members to participate. Those interested in helping conduct the mock interviews should email Deason at jbdeason@chilton.k12.al.us.