Lewis Cass seniors face reality with a day of life lessons

Apr. 29—Reality hit a bit early for Lewis Cass seniors approaching their graduation.

Nearly 100 students, dressed in their best clothing, gathered at the Lewis Cass Polytechnic Academy Friday for a day of life lessons and practice job interviews.

It was all part of "Reality Day," an event planned by business teacher David Richey to jumpstart students' preparedness for the fast approaching real world.

"We are teaching things they are not going to learn in the regular classroom," he said.

There were classes like Finances, Car Repair, Home Repair and Community Involvement.

In Lori Landis' Adulting 101 class, students learned about renting an apartment, damage deposits and turning on their electricity.

In Jim Parsons' Finance class they learned about car contracts, student loans and managing money.

Outside of the school, Kokomo Auto World's Maddie Barton taught the students how to check their tire pressure, how to charge a car battery and other tips car maintenance tips. Across the way local police officers informed another group of students how to properly respond if pulled over by the police.

Each student also sat down for a mock job interview for an internship at Walt Disney World. The interviews were done by members of local organizations and afterwards they gave students feedback about their performance and tips on being a better interviewee.

Luciano Medina said he was nervous heading into his practice interview but was thankful he had the opportunity to experience it before facing the real thing after high school.

"I'm very happy because I get to have the experience that will happen in the future and what we will go through in life," he said. "That's pretty amazing."

In the school's gym, Ivy Tech, the Air Force and the Logansport State Hospital had booths set up and talked to students about possible careers as they waited for their interview or the next class session to begin.

"It's important to be involved in anything that involves our youth and our growing workforce," said Paige Johansen-Schrum, representing the Logansport State Hospital. "We have a lot of different opportunities that require a lot of different educational levels."

Johansen-Schrum recalled a career day at her high school with booths focused on college and careers but it was nothing like what Lewis Cass was giving their seniors. She said the ability for "Reality Day" to ease some anxiety for the upcoming graduates was great.

Summer Chapel was excited to be part of the day. She had just finished her interview and said it offered good insight into what she will experience in the future. She also learned more about organizing cover letters and other documents.

"I feel like all seniors should have this opportunity just to become more accustomed to what they are will be going through in the future," she said. "I think it should be more than just one day, though."

Richey said part of what drove him to bring "Reality Day" to life was a gap he saw in students' education as they left the classroom for the real world.

"If I can just do a little part to get these kids ready," he said. "This is all just to get them ready to be productive members of society. These are just general life skills. That's why we do it—to give them practical interviewing experience but also to get them ready for reality."