College fair informs seniors with what they need to know
Finding the right college can seem like a steep uphill climb with lots of obstacles blocking your success. The Gary R. Martin Central Kentucky Regional College Fair is looking to change that. The Gary R. Martin Central Kentucky Regional College Fair was created to help students learn about colleges in their area and beyond. Schools that are represented here are mostly in-state schools. However lots of schools out of state, such as Caltech and Vanderbilt, are represented as well. Community colleges and other specialized schools such as BCTC and The College of Technical Education, came to the fair. This event truly gave students an in-depth look at their options and at schools that interest them.
“We have hundreds of colleges [that] send representatives to Heritage Hall [next to Rupp Arena/Hyatt Hotel],” HC Counselor April Cain said.
These colleges gather to enlighten all high school students on possible options and how to get to their schools. Juniors and Seniors learn about colleges that they could be attending in one or two years. Sophomores and younger dip their toes in the water and explore the endless possibilities.
“We really promoted heavily to juniors and seniors,” Cain said, “but we invite anyone.”
HC students who attend might not realize that this event was started over forty years ago. They also may not know that the school they go to now could help them pick their next school.
“This college fair was started by Gary R. Martin [from whom the event was named after] who was a Henry Clay counselor,” Cain said,” He started it in the cafeteria over forty years ago.”
HC Counselor Bonnie Barnes attended the event and watched as students learned about colleges and taking home information and a new perspective.
“Students just walk through,” Barnes said “They ask their questions and get the information they need.”
Barnes hopes that students take a lot home from this experience both physically and mentally. This family-friendly event is very convenient for Lexington students and their parents.
“We do it to educate students and parents about the college admission process,” Barnes said “They can come down and get their questions answered.”
Students who narrow down their choices are now in a better position to find the right school for them. Whether it be a small school or a big school, in-state or out-of state there is a school for every student.
“I am considering going to EKU or Georgetown College,” HC Senior Katie Montgomery said, “I am happy I went [to the fair] and am excited for the future.”