As one of about 150 area students to participate last week in Hattiesburg High School’s inaugural Special Needs Transition fair, HHS senior Darius Gardner had the opportunity to experience job skills, learn about introducing himself to other people and get information regarding colleges and jobs in the fast food industry.
“I’m ready to get my first job so I can work towards my dream,” Gardner said. You have to work for what you want and be focused on what you want to do in life.
“I’m doing this to make my momma proud and keep her happy. I’m thankful for my family and friends and teachers.”
The fair, which was held at the high school campus, featured students from HHS, N.R. Burger Middle School and Oak Grove High School.
Approximately 25 vendors – including universities, community colleges, independent living organizations and employers – were on hand to help prepare students with disabilities for the transition out of high school after graduation.
“I think this was something they’d wanted to do for a long time in the district,” said Samantha Papp, transition specialist for the Hattiesburg Public School District. “So this year we decided to try to do it for the first time, to really be sure that students and family members get together in the same room, as far as who can provide this support to students, who can get them involved in recreational activities.
“We did some fitness demonstrations about how to live a healthy lifestyle. We really wanted to get everyone in the same room so that students and parents could see all their options for them when they leave high school.”
With two or three representatives from each organization on hand to talk to students, attendees were able to visit approximately 60 professionals to learn more about the offered topics.
“I think it was an excellent turnout – next year, we want to have more, and I think we will,” Papp said. “But this year, it was an incredible turnout. It was more than we initially expected.”
Given the students’ reaction to the activities, Papp considered the event a success and is looking forward to making the transition fair an annual activity.
“I think (the students) had a lot of fun,” she said. “They got to do different activities throughout the day, so they could do an interview for Popeye’s and then go play a game where they choose which outfit is professional attire.
“They got to get information, and got to interact with a lot of different stuff. I haven’t really got a chance to sit down and talk with my students yet, but I know that the students were laughing and having fun. They got little door prizes from each vendor, and they loved getting highlighters and markers in the little goody bags as they were leaving.
“I’m excited to get back in the classroom and see what they thought.”
