approx. 7 minute read
In the fast changing climate of needs for students post high school, Solomon USD 393 created Senior 101, to continue to perpetuate educational opportunities which ensure that each student is future-ready, as the motto states, “Learning today, leading tomorrow”. More and more, we are seeing a “need in soft skills for students such as how to file taxes, find an apartment or search for a car and set up insurance” according to Kelly Coup, the Coordinator of Postsecondary Success and Senior 101 teacher. Thus, as students enter their senior year, they are enrolled in the course Senior 101 which has transformed into a comprehensive program integrating real-world learning, career exploration, and individualized support.
Solomon encourages students to choose their path for success, whether that be the non-traditional path by going straight into the work force or preparing themselves for college by taking college courses in high school that serve as dual credit courses. Students begin work on their individualized educational plan (IEP) via Xello as early as fifth grade to better tune their interests. By utilizing the tools in place and through guest speakers, college visits, local company tours and student-led discussions, Coup is strengthening students’ soft skills and future readiness.
During the Fall 2025 semester, Coup invited over 15 guests around the local area to speak with the seniors, providing them a chance to hear directly from someone in their career field of interest or to learn more about applicable life skills. Jaden Gaskins said that, “Brandon Ebert talked about finance and how to track my money, while also teaching me that I can have any amount of money that I want as long as I budget correctly”, when reflecting on a speaker that made an impact on him. Ebert visited from BE Wealth and spoke to the seniors about financial habits. Hunter Garst agreed, saying that “Ebert showed me how simple it could be to make a million dollars.” Another student, Aiden Shepard, felt that the guest speaker, Kyle Becker, with Smart Insurance, “provided great insight into the reality of life and what it takes to own properties, vehicles, etc. The information he talked about such as having full coverage or liability on a vehicle is something that everyone needs to know about.”
With a focus on soft skills and future-ready lessons in the first semester, the second semester will focus on career and college through internships for each senior. Students will complete a two part internship in their field of interest, the first part being January 12th through March 13th and the second part from March 23rd through May 1. This gives students two days per week for fifteen weeks, a chance to shadow someone in their field of interest and allows them to fully grasp the ins and outs of what it is they will be expected to do once they move toward that career. “Students have a basic understanding of where they want to go, but they are still ironing out the details. The internships should help clarify these decisions, either in that they want to continue down that path or perhaps change trajectory because it wasn’t for them” explained Coup.
Our current seniors’ interests vary from fire science, cosmetology, education, nail technician, nursing, real estate and more. Our students answer how their internship will assist them in their career choice.
Mykia Finegan: My internship will consist of fixing used items to make them like new again. I’ll get hands-on experience to learn how things function for mechanical engineering.
Raeann Cordell: My internship will involve shadowing a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade teacher. It will align with my career because I plan to study elementary education.
Aaliyah Riffle: My internship in cosmetology will include, facials, waxes, hair dying, hair cutting, nail design, etc. Since I am going to college for cosmetology, it will teach me what I need to know to be successful in the field.
Aiden Shepard: My internship experience will involve seeing a realtor/broker's day to day while learning the ins and outs of the real estate industry. Additionally, I hope to better understand how rental properties work and how to work with financials. This aligns with my career goals as I plan to be a realtor alongside owning and managing Airbnb's and rental properties.
Payton Ballou: My internship will include a rotation in the ER department and other areas in the hospital. This will benefit my career goals by giving me experience in a work setting and seeing how an ER and other areas function.
As these students embark on their internships in mid January, we are excited to see them apply all of the skills they have learned over their educational journey. Coup is hopeful that, “with an in depth look at their career field, either through research, presentations, or internships, they will gain more confidence.” Briley Rego, who plans on getting a degree in cosmetology is excited for her internship. She notes that she “learns better in hands-on settings than reading from a book or doing book work.”
As Senior 101 expands opportunities for our seniors, Kelly Coup is also working to leverage these opportunities for underclassmen as well. There are plans in place to encourage sophomores to enroll in college courses through Salina Area Technical College, take seventh and eighth graders on college tours, and facilitate zoom meetings with alumni and the fifth and sixth graders. The school is also bringing in College & Career and Health & Wellness guest speakers for the high school, which gives students more insight into the multitude of career opportunities. These students are Learning Today so they can Lead Tomorrow!