Students learned more about the military as a post-graduation pathway through a panel held at Poughkeepsie High School’s library.
The May 4 panel spanned a wide range of military branches, with speakers who have been in the Air Force, Marines, the Army and the Army National Guard. Around 30 members of the Air Force Junior ROTC, juniors and seniors, attended.
“It provided students with meaningful exposure to the military,” said College Readiness and Workforce Education Counselor Kelly Semexant, who organized the panel. “Each speaker shared honest insight about their experiences, career paths and the opportunities and challenges that come with military service.”
Students were highly engaged throughout the panel and asked thoughtful, inquisitive questions about enlistment, career options, education benefits and life in the military. One senior set up a meeting with the Air Force recruiter on the panel to enlist later that afternoon, and several other students shared they are considering the military as an option either after high school graduation or after college.
“It was clear they were genuinely interested in learning more and thinking critically about this pathway,” Semexant said. “Having a range of branches represented made a big impact and helped students see the different directions available within military service.”