Hamilton Heights Seniors gear up for life after graduation

Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation

While underclassmen tackled the PSAT, the Class of 2026 at Hamilton Heights High School spent Wednesday, Oct. 8 preparing for life beyond the classroom.

Senior Skills Day offered a dynamic lineup of hands-on workshops and expert-led sessions designed to equip students for success, whether they’re planning to enroll in college, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce.

Throughout the morning, seniors rotated through a series of practical and empowering experiences, including:

• A Professionalism Panel featuring insights from industry leaders, college representatives, and military recruiters
• Dressing for Success, a standout workshop by Becks Hybrids where students learned how to tie a tie and distinguish between business casual and professional attire
• Digital Footprint & Online Safety lessons led by Mr. MacLaughlin and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department
• Traffic Stop Preparedness with HHHS School Resource Officer Deputy Kevin Neal
• Financial Responsibility essentials presented by First Merchants Bank
• Interview & LinkedIn Skills workshops facilitated by Invest Hamilton County
• Quick & Nutritious Meal Prep tips for dorm and apartment living

Students also had the opportunity to receive professional headshots, get personalized resume feedback, and explore post-secondary pathways with representatives from Ivy Tech and Indiana University Kokomo.

Senior Addison Mann said she thought all the sessions were very relevant for up-and-coming adults. “Each one provided information that would be helpful for the future, from how to dress for work to how to run a LinkedIn to how to act during a traffic stop.”

Senior Gwendolyn Pritsch added, “I thought it was very helpful to have so many professional resources all in one place. I liked being able to receive advice and tips on basic skills that will be helpful throughout my next stage of life. Everyone who presented cared about their profession and wanted to help the seniors the best they can with their experience, and I thought that made this a really cool opportunity. One major takeaway I will remember is to think carefully about your social media presence because your digital footprint will follow you. It was made abundantly clear that many employers and recruiters will use social media as a gage for your character and you do not want to be held back in the future because of a mistake made years ago. Another takeaway I will remember is to start building connections early. This was advice I heard during the professionalism panel, but the advice stuck with me. I know how important it is to make a good impression on existing professionals so that you have connections for your future, but this reiterated the idea.”

Emily Wheeler of IU Kokomo led the Financial Aid and Scholarship Session. “I enjoyed being a part of this skills day for seniors. The students were engaging and had a lot of good questions. The different rotations you offered the students were very cool! Great group of students. Thanks for having us!”

Hamilton Heights High School teacher Joy Volz moderated the Professionalism Panel. “The presenters did a FANTASTIC job. They were personable, and their responses were anecdotal. The kids were laughing, and I feel like what they had to say resonated with the kids!”

Jessi Cantlon is Hamilton Heights’ K-12 Reaching New Heights Coordinator and Director of School Counseling. “We’re incredibly grateful to our community partners who invested their time and expertise in our students. Senior Skills Day is about more than information – it’s about empowerment, confidence, and readiness for the next chapter.”

Hamilton Heights continues to prioritize real-world learning experiences that prepare students for life after graduation. Senior Skills Day is a shining example of how collaboration between schools and community partners can make a lasting impact.