Tuesday, March 19, really was a day of discovery for Haywood High School students. Thanks to the thoughtful planning of Vice Principal Michelle Tillman, freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors all had special activities planned to help them discover the possibilities of the future, and it was a great success.

There were more 200 seniors who took part in a College Fair at First United Methodist Church in the youth room and another group of seniors toured Southwest Community College in Memphis. One-hundred-seventy-six sophomores participated in tours of the Jackson State Community College, Union University and University of Memphis, Lambuth Campus. All juniors took the ACT, which is required by the state and for college entrance, and the freshman class learned from several breakout sessions on a variety of topics.

The freshman started in the gym with a session on peer pressure.  Then the class was divided into groups for the smaller sessions, including presentations about careers in the medical field by Dr. Darrick Cloudin and a lawyer or accountant, presented by local attorney Michael Banks and Haywood County Administrator of Elections Angie Smothers. Mrs. Smothers also talked about the importance of registering to vote at the age of 18.

School Health Coordinator Cindy Smith did a session on bullying, HHS Resource Officer Peeples did a session on Conflict Resolution and several other officers talked about driving, safety and other issues. The afternoon speaker, Lucas Hurd of Knoxville, presented a program on drugs, alcohol and sex.

“It was a great day,” said Vice Principal Michelle Tillman. “I have had comments from students and teachers about how much they enjoyed the activities and were excited about what they learned. We will definitely have a ‘Discover Day’ next year.”

“This (day) is just one example of how Haywood County Schools is stepping up to help our youth realize the possibilities that await them after high school graduation,” Superintendent of Schools Teresa Russell said.