College Fair connects students with future possibilities

Poughkeepsie High School students had the chance to speak with representatives of nearly 80 different colleges and branches of service on Tuesday when the school hosted its 34th annual college fair.

The students went from table to table locating schools that fit their interests to both learn more about the institutions and to demonstrate interest in the school, which admissions staff considers upon application.

The students work with Kelly Semexant, the school's college readiness and workforce education counselor, in advance of the fair -- both directly and indirectly using resources posted on her Google Classroom, to target schools. At the fair, Semexant and staff issues each student a list of sample questions to start conversations with the college representatives, and Semexant is available to direct students to tables that suit their interests.

As has been the case in recent years, Semexant prioritized booking Spanish-speaking representatives, with about 10 in attendance and focused in one area of the gym. Two staff members were also on hand to translate.Throughout the school year, Semexant provides assistance to students' post-graduate needs through organizing college campus trips and hosting representatives at the school; posting valuable resources for college and scholarship applications on her Google Classroom; hosting alumni informational sessions; organizing FAFSA and financial education nights; and hosting weekly Senior Wednesdays in the library for helping students with their college and scholarship application needs. The first Senior Wednesday was today.