By CONNIE NOLEN / Community Columnist

“PHS held its first Fall College and Career Night before in September. Our seniors are in the process of applying for college right now, and we felt like this event was needed,” said PHS senior Counselor Laura Cochran.

In response to that need, the PHS Counseling Center sponsored the first PHS Fall College and Career Fair in September. The event was a huge hit this year, with approximately 300 in attendance. Students and parents visited tables representing approximately 25 college recruiters. College representatives shared materials, information and their expertise. Speakers presented sessions on careers and college-relevant topics including financial aid.

While seniors are currently applying to college, underclassmen and their parents turned out for the event as well.

“We encouraged students to attend with their parents,” said Cochran. “Choosing a college is a huge decision and parents need information to help guide their kids through this process.”

“I picked up information about the colleges I’m interested in and learned more about financial aid,” junior Megan Ryan said.

“After attending the college fair, I decided that I want to apply to the University of North Alabama and UAB,” said Junior Heather Boyle. “The UNA recruiter knew the admissions process very well and talking with her was very informative.”

Certainly seniors are dealing with more pressing issues with college approaching even sooner for them.

“I got to speak one-on-one with people who could answer my 10,000 questions,” said senior Mary Sullivan Benton.

The reality of financing a college education is a motivating factor for seniors.

“The financial aid seminar was helpful and frightening. I discovered a school that originally was not one of my choices at our college fair—and I have already visited this new college I’m considering,” said senior Kennedy Palmer.

“Hopefully, our Fall College and Career Fair will motivate underclassmen to make some plans for their future, as well as help seniors make choices as to what they will do after graduation,” said Cochran. “We hope to make the Fall College and Career Fair an annual event with even more participation next year.”