Gulfport High School prepares students for the future at Rising Stars event

Gulfport High School had its ninth annual Rising Stars as a final gift for seniors before graduation.

The event is designed to give students life skills and prepare them for the workforce.

Multiple sessions were broken up within the school. Upstairs, seniors had the opportunity to get practice and advice from over 40 businesses on applying and interviewing for jobs.

In the gymnasium, juniors learned budgeting by being given hypothetical jobs and salaries. Students were then divided into sections and given scenarios such as buying a house, car, and other resources they would have to decide on in the future. Gulfport Schools Career Pathway Specialist Sandy East said, “That one on one in a safe place where it doesn’t really count for a job or a scholarship or college placement or whatever that may be, helps them to be prepared and maybe the next time they won’t be so nervous. They will realize everybody is human and this is an experience that help them gain confidence.”

The school will continue to have the event every year and officials hope more businesses get involved in the future.